kumbhalgarh - haldighati , nimboo pol ,city of forts

Cradled in the cluster of thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravalli ranges, the formidable medieval citadel-Kumbhalgarh stands a wary sentinel to the past glory. Rising from a prominent ridge,1914 meters high from the seaq level, the fort was built in 15th century A.D. by Maharana Kumbha(1419-63 A.D.)and the principal fortification after Chittorgarh, lying 90 km north-west of Udaipur.

The massive fort,encompassed by a 36 km long wall, has seven majestic gates and seven ramparts, one within the other. Rounded bastions and soaring watch towers strengthen the crenallated walls of the fort making it an impregnable structure. Fascinating chambers are built on the western side of the last gate-the 'Nimboo Pol'.According to history, the infant Udai Singh was smuggled from Bundi and hidden in these chambers by his Uncles who desired the throne. Udai Singh ascended the throne of Mewar with Kumbhalgarh as his residence and later established Udaipur-the beautiful lake city.