Kumbalgarh is located in the wilderness 84km north of Udaipur. It is the second longest fortifying wall in the world after the Great Wall of China. It was built in the 15th Century by Rana Khumba who strategically built here because of the inaccessible location inside the Aravalli range of hills.
The Fort was difficult to conquer and the rulers of Mewar always sought sanctuary here in times of trouble. The thick fortification wall is 36km long and took a period of 14 years to complete. The wall was wide enough to allow 8 horses abreast to patrol the top of it. Kumbhalgarh is the place where prince Udai was smuggled to in 1535. This happened when Chittaur was under siege. Prince Udai later became the successor to the throne and founder of the Udaipur City. The renowned Maharana Pratap, who fought against the army led by Akbar in the battle of Haldighati in the year 1576, was also born at Kumbhalgarh.
Today The fort complex has many interesting ruins and a visit here is most rewarding. It is well worth a hike to the top to see the amazing view. The top of the Palace extends tens of kilometers into the Aravalli Range.It was built during the 15th century, and enlarged through the 1800s. Today it is accessible to the general public as a museum.The fort is spectacularly lit for a few minutes each evening.