@ The Eye of Mewar

 

@ Kumbhalgarh

(January 2026 - Kumbhal Fortress / Kumbhalgarh, Rajasamand District, Rajasthan)

Like happy maids accompanying a shy bride, the distant Aravallis offered a teasing glimpse at first. With each passing minute, they appeared much larger and more visible. It was my first time in Rajasthan, and I’m about to set my eyes on Kumbhal Fortress / Kumbhalgarh, the Eye of Mewar…   @ Ram Pol, Kumbhalgarh I sped through the dusty, long winding road from Udaipur, in a car, on an unusually hot January Day smitten by the vibrant yet turbulent past of Mewar; a mix of medieval history and popular myth. My cab driver Dileep asked if Chittorgarh was in my itinerary, and on my reply that it wasn’t, quipped with a smile - “गढ़ तो बस चित्तौढग़ढ़ बाकी सब गढ़ैया”   @ Ganesh Temple, Kumbhalgarh It was nearly afternoon when the destination arrived, almost a 70 Kms sojourn. Dal Bhati Churam Kumbhal Fortress / Kumbhalgarh is a Hill Fort abutting the Aravalli ranges in Rajasamand District of Rajasthan. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as a part of the Six (6) Hill Forts of Rajasthan. It is the second most impressive fortress in Mewar region, and perhaps the most impregnable fortress in India. Commissioned by Maharaja Kumbhakarna Singh / Rana Kumbha, Sisodia Rana of Mewar, in 15th Century CE, the fort is known as 'Eye of Mewar' and is well noted for its 36 kms long Fort Wall / Fortification that is the longest in India and second longest in Asia / World, earning the well deserved moniker "Great Wall of India".  There are around 300 Jaina and 60 Hindu Temples within the Fortress, and Maharana Pratap of Mewar was born here. It is a worth visiting surreal Fortress that satisfies the lust of every thrill seeker and history lover. The view from the Fortress overlooking the extensive Great Wall of India, the Aravalli ranges and the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary offered an exhilarating experience. @ Kumbhalgarh   On my return, I had the pleasure of savouring the iconic dish of Rajasthan, the Sumptuous Dal Bati Churma, which made me satisfied and sleepy. The iconic fortress gave way to the rusty and idyllic pass of Haldighati, the site of the namesake battle (18 June 1576 CE) fought between the numerically superior and materially prosperous Mughal Empire (led by  Raja Man Singh) and the fiercely Independent Mewar Kingdom (led by the famous Maharaja Maharana Pratap), regarded as Rajasthan's Thermopylae.     @ Aravallis

(To be Continued..) 

         

@ The Eye of Mewar.
Maheeth Veluvali,
16 Saladi Jamindar Street, Palakollu,.
27th of February, 2026.