THE KUMBALGARH FORT AND JEEP JUNGLE SAFARI
Duration: 3 Hours
Cost: Rs 5,000/ per person (minimum 2 people) + 18% Government tax
Visit the imposing Kumbalgarh Fort and then take a jeep safari through the jungles of Kumbalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary where you will spot some of the endangered species like wolf, sloth bear, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, sambhar and nilgai, as well as an amazing variety of migratory birds.
Rising 3,600 feet (1,098 meters) high above sea level and with fortification stretching 36km (22 miles) long, the Kumbhalgarh Fort in the western Indian state of Rajasthan is the ‘Great Wall of India’ and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Said to be the second largest wall in the world, the fort which was built in the is majestic and historic. Within its fortification walls lie numerous palaces, wildlife and ancient temples that are equally as magnificent.
Nestled in the Rajasmand district of Rajasthan, the Kumbhalgarh Fort sits majestically at the base of the rugged Aravalli ranges amidst the cluster of 13 hill peaks of the ranges. The fort is characterized by seven huge gates, step-wells, nearly 360 Jain and Hindu ancient temples from different periods of history, around 700 cannon bunkers, massive watch-towers, rare and thriving wildlife, dense forest and mesmerizing views of the Aravalli Range. The front walls of the fort are 15 meters wide.
Created in the 15th century and later enlarged in the 19th century, the Kumbhalgarh Fort was established by Rana Kumbha, the ruler of the Mewar kingdom of western India, and was among the 32 forts built during his period of rule. This fort was built to protect the kingdom from its enemies, and legend has it that this fort was never conquered. Also, it was the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, a legendary king of Mewar.
This massive structure is historically, architecturally, culturally and artistically rich, and depicts the story of a civilization that thrived centuries ago.
Source: The Culture Trip