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Anand Mahindra's Travel Tip: Why You Should See These Rajasthan Forts

The business tycoon recently shared a post highlighting two of Rajasthan's less-travelled yet majestic forts: Chittorgarh Fort and Kumbhalgarh Fort.

Anand Mahindra's Travel Tip: Why You Should See These Rajasthan Forts
Photo Credit: X/@anandmahindra

Drop whatever you are doing and head to Anand Mahindra's X (formerly Twitter) handle. The business tycoon recently shared a post highlighting two of Rajasthan's less-travelled yet majestic forts: Chittorgarh Fort and Kumbhalgarh Fort. Accompanying a picture of the historic sites, the chairman of the Mahindra Group wrote, "I visited the Chittorgarh Fort when I was 10, on a family holiday. Have never been back. But I should."

He also shared their "approximate global ranking," noting, "1. Chittorgarh Fort, India approx. 700 acres (2.8 sq. km) 2. Kumbhalgarh Fort, India approx. 1,100 acres (4.5 sq. km), walls 36 km long 3. Nanjing City Wall, China."

Also Read: Travel To Rajasthan In Just Rs 20,000: How To Make It Happen

Anand Mahindra further emphasised the importance of recognising these fort cities, writing, "Chittorgarh and Kumbhalgarh are fort cities, not boundary walls. They enclosed self-sufficient communities and were built to withstand sieges, not to demarcate empires. And yet, they rarely appear on the 'must-visit' lists for global travellers. They're not even on the extended Rajasthan 'Golden Circuit': Jaipur - Jodhpur - Jaisalmer - Udaipur."

Inspired by Anand Mahindra's post, here is why you might want to visit Chittorgarh Fort and Kumbhalgarh Fort, along with practical travel details.

Also Read: 4 Luxury Trains In India That Let You Travel Like Royalty

Chittorgarh Fort

A living testament to Rajasthan's history, architecture, and tales of bravery, Chittorgarh Fort dominates the landscape from its hilltop perch. The fort reflects stories of valour, romance, and resilience and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Palaces, temples, and monuments within the fort showcase the glory of Rajput heritage.

What To See:

  • Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower): Built to commemorate victory in battle, this towering structure is a highlight.
  • Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame): Celebrating Jain heritage, this tower offers intricate carvings and historical insight.
  • Rana Kumbha's Palace: The palace of the legendary ruler displays the fort's royal grandeur.

How To Get There:

  • By Bus: Chittorgarh is a two-hour ride from Udaipur and about five hours from Jaipur.
  • By Train: Direct trains connect Udaipur and Ajmer. Travellers from Jaipur or Delhi may need multiple train connections. Check schedules on IRCTC.
  • By Car: Hiring a driver is convenient for day trips. Most hotels can help arrange transport at reasonable rates.

Opening Hours And Best Time To Visit:

The fort is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. The ideal time to visit is between October and March when the weather is cooler. Summers can be scorching, so pack a hat, sunscreen, and water if visiting between April and June.

Also Read: 7 Breathtaking Forts in Rajasthan That Will Leave You Speechless

Kumbhalgarh Fort:

Kumbhalgarh Fort, built in the 15th century, is located in Rajasthan's Rajsamand district within the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. Its walls stretch 36 kilometres, making it the second-longest continuous wall in the world after China's Great Wall, earning it the nickname "Great Wall of India."

What To See:

  • Palaces: Three main palaces include Kumbha Palace, Jhalia ka Malia, where Maharana Pratap was born, and Badal Mahal at the top.
  • Temples: More than 360 temples, mostly Jain, are clustered near the main gate.
  • Canon House: A building showcasing old cannons adds to the historical experience.
  • Sunset Views: The fort is particularly photogenic during sunset, with dramatic lighting across the walls and surrounding landscape.
  • History enthusiasts can enjoy a 45-minute sound and light show in Hindi, starting around 6 to 7.30 PM depending on the season.

How To Get There:

  • By Air: Udaipur Airport is the closest, about 85 kilometres away, with flights from Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai.
  • By Train: Falna Railway Station is 84 kilometres from the fort.
  • By Road: Kumbhalgarh is 48 km from Rajsamand, 105 km from Udaipur, 157 km from Bhilwara, and 345 km from Jaipur. State buses and private vehicles provide convenient access.

Why Visit These Forts?

Chittorgarh and Kumbhalgarh Forts are more than historical monuments; they represent self-sufficient fort cities that have withstood centuries of conflicts. Whether you are a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or seeking a unique getaway, these forts offer a glimpse into Rajasthan's royal past, away from the usual tourist trail.

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