Udaipur Diaries - IV

Kumbhalgarh Fort

one of the most humongous, imposing and huge fort complex i've ever seen...where do i begin...it was one of the most auspicious day in Hindu calendar - Maha Shivratri - the day of Lord Shiva...and i had my eyes set on visiting Kumbhalgarh, 86 kms from Udaipur. An enquiry, two days before, at Roadways Information Center had equipped me with the information that bus to Kumbhalgarh was at 8.15 in the morning. well that meant an alarm of 5.30 in the morning. it was still dark and i was up on my feet heading for my sadhana on breezy terrace.
Done with my sadhana and morning rituals, I was all set for the day ahead. To go to Kumbhalgarh, one has to take roadways bus till Kelwara and from there a 6 km cab ride up to the citadel.

Reaching Fort :

After a three and half hours of bus ride, where one comes face-to-face with the countryside of Rajasthan, i reached Kelwara. Longing for that first sight of the Fort, I searched for the taxi stand. After teaming up with two other travellers, we were on our way up the hill to reach the fort. Three kms down the ride and we had our first sighting of the magnanimous Fort, which has stood like faithful custodian safe-gaurding the history of Rajputs for hundreds of years.

First Glimpse

Standing tall against the blue backdrop of sunny sky, the fort was a shining example of the rich cultural heritage left by the great Rajputana Rulers. The Fort not only the symbol of unrelentless, strong will of the Rajput's fight against the Mughal onslaught but also the grand vision they had for their kingdom.

Fort Complex:

The fort is surrounded by 36 km long boundary which can be called as India's Chinese Wall. Built as the protection wall, it also has gates to enter the Fort complex. As you make entry through one the main entrance gates, Vijay Pol (pol - gate), you come across colossal out wall of the Fort built along with massive circular bastions. The sight is over-whelming and the enormity of the rotund bastions just engulfs you.

Gigantic rotund Bastions of the Outer wall.
One can also see the part of 36 km long periphery wall at the bottom of the photograph.

History:
Attributed to Rana Kumbha, this fort was built between 1443-1458 AD under supervision of famous architect Mandan. It is believed that the fort was built over the remains of earlier structure associated to Jaina Prince Samprati of the second century B.C. The palatial complex at the top of the Fort is approached through Aaret Pol, Nimboo Pol, Paghra Pol. The complex also have ancient Jain and Hindu Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu, Jain Tirthankars and other miniatur shrines.
Other important buildings inside the complex are birth place of Maharana Pratap, Ruins of Kumbha palace, Badal Palace, Royal Chhatris, and water reservoirs. Badal Mahal is one of the most important and attractive building built by Rana Fateh Singh.

Pictorial tour of Fort Complex:

Palatial bastion rising into blue sky

Top view of the bastion wall , temples and shrines inside the Fort Complex

Beautifully carved chamber of Hawa Mahal

View of chinese wall from the Fort

Chamunda Maa Temple near the Kumbha Palace

Complex view from Kumbha palace

View from Kumbha palace

Ruins of Kumbha Palace

Courtyard of Kumbha Palace

Backside view of Hawa Mahal

Picturesque Palatial Complex

Guardians of the Fort

Return Journey:

Though physically demanding, as one has to climb up and down to go through various building complexes, the one and half hour spent trekking and meandering, through the complex, was worth every moment spent inside the fort. As I walked back to taxi, I turned my head back for one last glimpse of the gentle giant -  KUMBHALGARH.

As we reached the taxi stand at foothills, the fort was nowhere in sight but what was were the memories firmly etched in mind for the lifetime.

After a sumptous luncheon at near hotel, I was on my way back to Udaipur. It was one of most fulfilling and satisfying experience of my trip.