Kumbalgarh Fort

The majestic fort of Kumbalgarh, situated at a distance of eighty four kilometers to the north of the 'City of Lakes', is perhaps one of the most spectacular sites that adorns the history laden landscape of Udaipur. A testimony to the ingenuity of the legendary Maha rana Kumbha, it draws as much accolades as the formidable fortress of Chittorgarh. It was constructed between the years 1445 and 1458 and is said to have been raised on the ruins of Samrapati's palace, a Jain king who lived in the 2nd Century B.C. In fact, the remnants of a Jain shrine found in the spectacular fortress indicates at such state of affairs.

The mammoth fort, situated at a height of 1100 meters, snakes through a the hills of Aravali, stretching up to a distance of twelve kilometers. It is fortified by a towering bulwark of thirty six kilometers. Crenellations, observations towers, citadels abound the fort. You can troop to this inviolable piece of architecture by opting for a drive, from Kelwara, through the seven magnificent 'pols' or entrances. The last of these entry points called the 'Nimboo Pol', has the legends of history associated with it. The fort went through a complete overhaul during the reign of King Fateh Singh in the nineteenth century.

You can also make a dash for the numerous( about three hundred and sixty) elegant mansions, dilapidated shrines, 'baoris', and verdant parks that dots the length and breadth of this breathtaking beauty. Head towards the 'Badal Mahal' and catch a spellbinding panoramic view of the surroundings.