Constructed
in the 15th century by Raja Kumbha the fort is located 64km north of
Udaipur. Like Chittorgarh it is one of the significant citadels of
Udaipur. Kumbhalgarh fort is famous for the birth of the legendary
Rajput King Maharana Pratap of Mewar. The strong and thick walls of the
fort are stretched at about 36km in length. It was very difficult to
conquer this fort due the hostile topography of the region and its self
contained phenomenon which could last a long siege. The Kumbhalgarh fort
is surrounded by the Aravali mountain ranges which give it a picturesque
and breathtaking backdrop. Interestingly within the fort there is another fort called Kartargarh fort and comprises a Palace built by Maharana Fateh Singh. It was in the 19th century that Maharana Fateh Singh got the fort renovated. Numerous Palaces and Temples built by the Mauryas adorn the fort complex but the most beautiful Palace worth mentioning is Badal Mahal or the Palace of Clouds. The Kartargarh Fort has about 365 temples and shrines. The most imposing of the temples in the fort is the one dedicated to Lord Shiva with a huge Shiva lingam.
The Kumbhalgarh fort has been a witness to many a intrigues and invasions and has several times granted refuge to the rulers of Mewar. The fort is believed to have fell just once to the combined armies of Amber and the Mughals for paucity of drinking water. The grandiose fort standing erect on the land of Udaipur is a visual treat for those in love with architecture par excellence. The Kumbhalgarh fort now falls within the vicinity of the much famous Kumbhalgarh wildlife sanctuary which is famous for its avian population and leopards and deers.