Extending for more than 36 kilometers, the Kumbhalgarh wall that surrounds the ancient fort of Kumbhalgarh must surely be one of India’s best-kept secrets.
Bearing a startling resemblance to the Great Wall of China, the Kumbhalgarh wall is a mystifying construction, protecting the ramparts of a fort with more than 300 temples.
The second-longest fort wall in the world, it deserves its rather spectacular title of the Great Wall of India.
The Kumbhalgarh fortress is situated in Rajsamand in Rajasthan, around 64 km from Udaipur, a tourist magnet in the state.
It’s a Mewar fort, estimated to have been built sometime around the 15th century by Maharaja Kumbha.
From here, you can see the mighty Aravalli range, and if you look closely enough, the spreading dunes of the Thar desert.
The wall served a dual purpose – not only did it protect against marauders, it also formed a thick defense between the Mewars and the Marwars.
The majority of the temples here are Jain temples, with around 80 Hindu temples.
It’s believed that the width of the wall would allow for at least 8 horses to move through.
The Kumbhalgarh fort looks especially spectacular at sunset.
Stay for a while after the sun sets and watch the sound and light show.
It may not evoke the grandeur of the past, but it can surely take you there.
Periodic “heritage walks” are conducted here, especially after the fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013.
You can combine a visit to the Kumbhalgarh fort with a visit to the nearby Kumbhalgarh wildlife sanctuary.
The Ranakpur Jain temple could also be visited on the way.
While the remoteness of the place, and its offbeat nature can be a balm for the jaded traveler to Rajasthan, we advise travelers to take a guide and take extra care in navigating sections of the fort.
After all, this fort was designed to protect, and it might still do its job well.
Make sure you wear good, sturdy hiking or walking shoes, and carry sufficient water.
Start early, so that you can cover most of the major parts of the Great Wall of India before it becomes too hot or later in the day to watch the sunset.
And if you do take plenty of photos, do share with us!
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