Kumbhalgarh Fort

Nicknamed the Great Wall of India, the walls of Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajasthan are the second-longest in the world after the Great Wall of China. This massive citadel was constructed during the fifteenth century under the direction of Rana Kumbha, the then ruler of the kingdom of Mewar. While it took well over a decade to complete, the fort served as an important refuge for Mewali rulers during times of war, most notably Prince Udai who was smuggled into the fort as an infant in 1535. He went on to found Udaipur City.
The isolated fort, perched on a forested hilltop 3,600 feet (1,200 meters) above sea level, has a feeling of remoteness that appeals to off-the-beaten-path travelers. The impressive walls, at points wide enough for seven horses to ride abreast, stretch for 22 miles (36 kilometers) and can be circumnavigated by travelers with a couple days to spare.

Practical Info

While you’re in the area, plant to visit the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary as well.