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Kumbhalgarh Fort
The current Indian culture and heritage is largely due to foreign invasion and immigration. This gave birth to different artistic styles and added to the existing architectural designs. Historically forts are out come of incursions and self-defense. Kumbhalgarh Fort at Udaipur stands as a symbolism to the royal keepers of humanity and self respect.
HISTORY UNFOLDED
God created earth and man made earthly delights to savor, marvel and pass on the heritage to generations next.
Kumbhalgarh is positioned in the midst of Aravali ranges in Mewar. It majestically stands as an invincible structure floating among clouds. It was built in the reign of Rana Kumbha during the 15th century.
The fort is a close competitor to its famous counterpart at Chittorgarh in terms of design and structure. The fort has an edge over others for being the birthplace of Mewar's legendary King Maharana Partap. Just 85 kms from Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh Fort is fortified with 33 kms of walls, over 25 feet thick, the second longest continuous wall in the world, which has often been compared with The Great Wall of China.
A FORT WITH A VIEW
The fort is snuggled over 6,233 feet above sea level and has the advantage of having a splendid birds view of the surroundings. The ceaseless flow of winds silently kisses the pillars and arch and carries within itself the stories of the legends of Kumbhalgarh.
It served the rulers of Mewar as a refuge in times of conflicts. The fort also gets its endorsement for serving as refuge to the baby king Udai of Mewar. Several massive armies had to lay their weapons under this massive and tough fort but unluckily the fort once turned out to be aggressive to its own people. Once when the combined army of Mughal and Amber attacked the fort the hideout became their deathbed, as there was a shortage of water. Due to its topography the fort has always remained un-conquered and strategically advantageous.
ROYAL EXPERIENCE
The fort is self-sufficient and boasts of almost everything to withstand a long siege. The eastern corner of the fort brandishes the regal sanitarium. It contains four squatties arranged in a semi circle so that the maharani can perform her morning cleansing. The most interesting feature of the restroom is its 100 feet aperture, which decanted the excrements straight into the mouth of the pigs.
ARCHITECTURAL EQUATION
A very interesting fact about the fort is that it encompasses another fort in its complex. Named Kartargarh, the inner fort has a palace built by Maharana Fateh Singh after he had pulled down the old palace built by Rana Kumbha. There are 365 temples and shrines in the Kartargarh fort. The wall’s thickness stretches to some 36 kms and is wide enough to take eight horses abreast. Maharana Fateh Singh renovated the fort in the 19th century. The fort enhances its enclosements and deep mystery with interesting ruins.
For a spiritual dip, stationed is the 15th century created Ranakpur Jain Temple. It portrays a fine example of the temple architecture and Charbhujaji. The Rajsamand Lake built in 1660 by Rana Raj Singh offers a spectacular view of the sunset with beautiful 'torans' or arches and chhatris adorning the embankment.
An intoxicating experience is showcased within Badal Mahal at Kumbhalgarh fort. Rana Fateh Singh built it in the late 19th century and the array of bastions reaching high up in sky gives it an enigmatic look. Its altitude gives the impression of being at zenith and touching the gates of heaven.
THE WILD AND THE WONDERFUL
It proudly flaunts a sanctuary, which is famous for it's wildlife. Spread over an area of 560 sq km lies the Kumbhalgarh sanctuary. It has the nature rejoicing within itself in full symmetry. It includes wolf, leopard, jackal, rare chowsinghas, nilgai, sloth bears, wild boar, sambar and a variety of birds. The sanctuary is one of the few parks that offer people the pleasure to cover the perimeter on horseback. The chirping of birds and grazing of animals in its own environment adds to the magnetism of the fort.
THE INHERITANCE OF THE GOLDEN PAST
The grandiose Kumbhalgarh Fort is considered as one of the best heritage hotels in Rajasthan. Over looking the Kumbhalgarh valley, the Hotel Kumbhalgarh Fort, it braces the age-old Indian phenomenon of hospitality coupled with modernity. Its renovation was planned in accordance to keep its originality alive.Tourist here can witness an unparallel illumination of mind and body.
Give your family and yourself the melody of beauty and an experience abound of surprises.
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