Kumbhalgarh Fort

Regarded as the 2nd most significant fort of Rajasthan after Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh Fort was constructed in the 15th century by Raja Kumbha. Just 64 km north of Udaipur, the fort once served as among the significant citadels of Udaipur. Today, it's highly popular since the birthplace of the legendary Rajput king, Maharana Pratap of Mewar. This fort is unconquerable due the hostile topography of the region and its self-contained phenomenon, that could last a lengthy siege. It's surrounded by the splendid Aravali mountain ranges, giving it a distinctive picturesque and breathtaking backdrop. Constructed on the topmost ridge about 1,914 meters above sea level, the fort is strategically encircled by 13 elevated mountain peaks.

The strong and thick walls with this magnificent fort stretch to an amount of 36 km, thereby placing it in international records. Following the "Great Wall of China '", Kumbhalgarh Fort is the 2nd longest wall in the world. The splendid complex of the fort comprises of various palaces, temples, and gardens, giving it a far more breathtaking look. The extremely secured fort boasts of seven massive gates, seven ramparts folded with each other with designed walls strengthened by curved bastions and huge watch towers. The strong structure and solid foundation of the fort are unbeatable till date. It's thought that the hefty walls of the fort are broad enough to stand eight horses side by side. Over 360 temples are housed within the complex of the fort. Among these numerous temples, the Shiva Temple may be worth visiting because huge Shivalinga (Phallic form).

The Badal Mahal, or the Palace of Clouds, situated on the top of fort can also be equally famous. This beautiful palace is accredited to function as the birthplace of the truly amazing warrior, Maharana Pratap. The stunning rooms of the palace are noted for their lovely color mix of green, turquoise, and white, presenting a brilliant contrast to the earthy colors of the fort. This palace often gives the feeling of wandering on the planet of clouds, which gave it the name, "Palace of Clouds ".Out of this palace, it's possible to enjoy fantastic panoramic vistas of the city below. In the late 19th century, this fort was renovated by Rana Fateh Singh. The Kumbhalgarh Fort is a huge witness to numerous invasions and historical battles, and has even granted refuge to the rulers of Mewar on several occasions. It's believed that unconquerable fort fell one time to the combined armies of Amber and Mughals for paucity of drinking water. For those who are thinking about architecture, this grandiose fort, sitting on the land of Udaipur, supplies a perfect visual treat. The fort falls within the vicinity of the famous Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, which will be treasured for the avian population, leopards, and deer.