The Kumbhalgarh sanctuary is spread over an area of 578 sq.
kms and is located at an altitude ranging from 500 to 1300
meters. The sanctuary is a mere 65 kms. from Udaipur.
The Kumbhalgarh sanctuary has a bewildering array of wildlife
species like leopards, hyena, sloth bear, wolf, jackal, jungle
cat, hare, nilgai and the four horned antelope all of which
makes Kumbhalgarh any wildlife enthusiasts dream come true.
Apart from the rich variety of wildlife species, Kumbhalgarh
sanctuary is also a mecca for bird-watchers with numerous
avian species that are residents of the sanctuary. The usually
reticent jungle fowls are easily spotted along with white
breasted kingfisher, parakeets, golden oriole, varieties of
pigeons, bulbul, red owls to name just a few of the avian
species that can be found in the haunting wilderness of the
Kumbhalgarh sanctuary.
The sanctuary's natural beauty is further heightened by a
magnificent fort - the Kumbhalgarh fort located at a height
of 1087 meter on the hilly terrains of the Aravalli range.
This invincible fort was built by Rana Kumbha in 1458 and
happens to be the second oldest fort of Rajasthan after Chittor
fort.
The fort is associated with the memory of Dhatri Panna and
her supreme sacrifice wherein she gave away her own son to
the enemy or attackers in her bid to save her master's son.
There are several palaces or "Mahals" inside the
fort but they are out of bound to visitors.
The Megh Durbar and The Durbar Hall are however accessible.
Just below the fort, there is the 2nd century Jain temple,
which is in a dilapidated condition. Nearby is the Kali temple.
Besides, there are temples dedicated to Kumbha Swamy, Nilkantha
and Mahadeva.
From the roof, one is assured of breath taking views of the
Kumbalgarh sanctuary. During the scorching summer months from
March to June, wild inmates of the sanctuary like antilopes,
panthers, bears and wolves come to the adjoining lake to drink
water and makes for a pretty sight.
The Kumbhalgarh sanctuary is increasingly gaining in popularity
particularly because of its proximity to the city of Udaipur.
Most tourists who come to Udaipur try to cover Kumbhalgarh
which provides them with welcome relief from the scorching
desert heat of Udaipur.
In short Kumbhalgarh is nature and history entwined in Rajasthan
India.
India Rajasthan Tours offers online booking
for Rajasthan Wildlife Tours. For more information or to book
a tour, please enter your query in the form below.
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