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Kumbhalgarh,
Rajasthan, India,
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Cradled in the cluster of
thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravali ranges, the formidable medieval
citadel- Kumbhalgarh stands a wary sentinel to the past glory. Rising from
a prominent ridge, 1914 metres high from the sea level, the fort was built
in 15th century AD by Maharana Kumbha (1419-63 AD) and is the principal
fortification after Chittaurgarh, lying 90 km north-west of Udaipur.
The massive fort, encompassed by a 36 km long wall, has seven majestic
gates and seven ramparts, one within the other. Rounded bastions and
soaring watch towers strengthen the crenellated walls of the fort making
it an impregnable structure Fascinating chambers are built on the western
side of the last gate- the ‘Nimboo Pole’. According to history, the infant
Udai Singh was smuggled from Bundi and hidden in these chambers by his
faithful maid Panna Dai to save him from the murderous intentions of his
Uncles who desired the throne. Udai Singh ascended the throne of Mewar
with Kumbhalgarh as his residence and later established Udaipur-the
beautiful lake city. Within the fort are many magnificent palaces and an
array of ruined temples.
The most picturesque of the
palace is the ‘Badal Mahal’ or the palace of the cloud. The palace has got
its name for being the highest of all the structures. It offers a superb
bird’s eye view of the countryside surrounding the fort as well as of
other ruins within the fort. The ancient ruins of the temples within the
fort date back to the Mauryan period built during the reign of the
grandson of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka who belonged to the Jai community.
Most of the ruins in Kumbhalgarh are of the Jain temples of various
periods.
As one moves to the east ,Kali Temple and the Mamadev Kund with royal
chhatris can be seen. Another noteworthy temple, a little further,
enshrines a fine black marble lingam. The mandap or the hall of the temple
has beautiful pillars, finely fluted and having a tapering shape.
Kumbhalgarh Fort
This most-remarkable of forts
stretches across 36 kms of the Aravali Mountains and is 1100 m high from
the sea level. It was never conquered, for reasons which become apparent
the instant you set eyes on it. The fort is just 60 kms away from Udaipur.
The massive perimeter wall is an astounding 36 kms. Surrounded by thirteen
mountain peaks, guarded by seven great gates and seven ramparts,
strengthened by rounded bastions and immense watchtowers, this mountain
fortress has witnessed many battles. The winding road leads through deep
ravines and thick forests to Arait Pol with its watch-tower, Hulla Pol,
Hanuman Pol, Ram Pol, Bhairava Pol, Paghra Pol, Top-khana Pol and Nimboo
Pol.
On top of the fort is the Badal Mahal Palace, It encloses beautiful rooms
with pleasant colour schemes of green, turquoise and white, which provides
a fascinating contrast to the raw, earthy and grim fortress. The palace
was rebuilt by Rana Fateh Singh in the late 19th century. The legendary
Maharana Pratap was born here.
Haldighati
The scene of the famous battle
off 1576 AD fought between Rana Pratap-the heroic son of Udai Singh and
the massive forces of the mughal Emperor Akbar. A beautiful Chhatri with
white marble cloumns, dedicated to Rana Pratap stands here.
Kumbhalgarh
Wildlife Sanctuary
The 586 sq. km. Sanctuary
supporting a rich variety of wildlife like the panther, sloth bear, wild
boar, four horned antelope and scientifically bred crocodiles in the lake,
are the major attractions. The sanctuary is also noted for flamingoes,
cormorants, spoonbills and egrets usually seen in winter.
Ranakpur
Temples
These beautiful jain temples
are a fine example of the temple architecture. Kankroli-Rajsamand are
known for their scenic beauty.
On the way to Kumbhalgarh lies a magnificent dam - the Rajsamand Lake. The
royal lake, built in 1660 by Rana Raj Singh. From here one can have a
spectacular view of the sunset with beautiful ‘ torans’ or arches and
chhatris adorning the embankment. The lake has a Rest House of the
Irrigation Department on the embankment below. The Rest House has a
beautifully laid out garden interspersed with exuqisite sculptures
excavated from the ruins nearby.
The town of Kankroli nearby with a marvelous temple and a pretty palace on
the hill top offers a scenic experience.
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