Kumbhalgarh Fort is the second most important fort of Rajasthan after Chittorgarh. Located at a distance of 64 kms from Udaipur in Rajasmand district, Kumbhalgarh Fort is easily accessible from the city of Udaipur. This unconquerable fortress is secured under the kind protection of the Aravali ranges. Kumbhalgarh Fort was built by Maharana Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. The fort derived its name from the same factor.

Encircled by thirteen elevated mountain peaks, the fort is constructed on the top most ridges around 1,914 meters above sea level. The fortifications of the fort extend to the length of 36 kilometers and this fact has made this fort to be in the international records. It is stated to be the second longest wall in the world, the first being ''the Great Wall of China''. The huge complex of the Fort has numerous palaces, temples and gardens making it more magnificent.

On your way to Kumbhalgarh fort, a few kilometers before, you will find yourself on a zigzag road going through deep ravines and thick forests. This way would take you to the Arait Pol, where you can trace the watch-tower and then Hulla Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ram Pol, Bhairava Pol, Paghra Pol, Top-khana Pol and Nimboo Pol will come across your track.

The impregnable Fort boasts of seven massive gates, seven ramparts folded with one another with designed walls toughened by curved bastions and huge watch towers. The strong structure and solid foundation of the Fort made it unbeatable till date. The hefty walls of the fort are broad enough to stand eight horses side by side. There are not less than 360 temples inside the complex of the Fort. Amongst all of them, Shiva Temple is worth visiting that comprises a huge Shivalinga (Phallic form).

The Fort is also known for its famous palace that resides on the top of structure. This beautiful palace is known as 'Badal Mahal' or the Palace of Cloud. It is also accredited to be the birth place of great warrior Maharana Pratap. This palace has beautiful rooms with lovely color combination of green, turquoise and white presenting a bright contrast to the earthy colors of the Fort. This place gives the appearance of being wandering in the world of clouds. Cloud Palace also offers a fantastic panoramic vista of the down town.

In the late 19th century, Rana Fateh Singh once again took the initiative to rebuild this remarkable palace. In the times of dissension, the fort also offered refuge to the rulers of Mewar. Even, the baby king Udai Singh was kept here safe during the time of battles. The large complex of the Fort offers ancient remnants to explore and one can spend a pleasurable evening while strolling through the ravines of Kumbhalgarh Fort.

Shopping At Kumbhalgarh
Kumbhalgarh is nothing but a small village, which is situated next to Udaipur. Shopping at Kumbhalgarh is not something that you could call a pleasing experience nor is Kumbhalgarh some shopping destination where you can claim to shop till you drop. There is rarely anyone who really shops at all at Kumbhalgarh. Rather than shopping it is more of a place where people come to relax and admire the beauty of the nature. Whatever people may say, but returning back home from a tour without buying anything for yourself or any souvenirs for the near and dear ones is practically impossible.

Incase of that, it is advisable to shop at Udaipur, which is the nearest city to Kumbhalgarh and is only of the most important tourist destinations at Rajasthan. The city of Udaipur is famous or renowned for its handicrafts and their miniature paintings in the Mughal or the Rajput style. The paintings that are drawn generally feature long necks, large eyes that are almond shaped and long fingers, all of which are made with the use of subdued colours. The miniature paintings are available on different materials such as silk, paper, marble and ivory. They usually make great souvenirs. Make it a point of picking up a few of them either for yourself or your relatives

Other things, which are worth buying at Udaipur, are its silver jewellery; puppets, pottery and its stone carved items. Also the handmade papers, marble and wooden carved doors and the brassware's and precious- semiprecious stones are a must watch.

In Udaipur, the main shopping areas are situated around the Jagdish Temple and along the Lake Palace road. Many other places that you can check out for shopping are Bapu Bazaar, Chetak Circle, City market and Hathipole.

Incase of that, it is advisable to shop at Udaipur, which is the nearest city to Kumbhalgarh and is only of the most important tourist destinations at Rajasthan. The city of Udaipur is famous or renowned for its handicrafts and their miniature paintings in the Mughal or the Rajput style. The paintings that are drawn generally feature long necks, large eyes that are almond shaped and long fingers, all of which are made with the use of subdued colours. The miniature paintings are available on different materials such as silk, paper, marble and ivory. They usually make great souvenirs. Make it a point of picking up a few of them either for yourself or your relatives

Other things, which are worth buying at Udaipur, are its silver jewellery; puppets, pottery and its stone carved items. Also the handmade papers, marble and wooden carved doors and the brassware's and precious- semiprecious stones are a must watch.

In Udaipur, the main shopping areas are situated around the Jagdish Temple and along the Lake Palace road. Many other places that you can check out for shopping are Bapu Bazaar, Chetak Circle, City market and Hathipole.

The several shopping joints that are available at Udaipur make up for the lack of shops at Kumbhalgarh.

By Air
Nearest airport Udaipur (84 kilometers), and Jodhpur (102 kilometers). Follow the directions 'By Road' after reaching Udaipur/Jodhpur.

By Rail
Phalna is the nearest junction through which trains from Mumbai. Ahmedabad, Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Ajmer pass. I recommend coming to Udaipur or Jodhpur first and then drive a 4 wheeler or 2 wheeler from these cities to Kumbhalgarh fort.

By Road
Many Rajasthan Roadways passenger and deluxe buses pass through Kumbhalgarh from Ajmer, Pushkar, Udaipur, and Jodhpur. If you are driving yourself, following directions may come handy: