​The Great Wall of India: 5 interesting facts about Kumbhalgarh Fort​

Nestled in the western Aravali range, the Kumbalgarh Fort is one of the greatest architectural feats in the world and has a long history that most people are not aware of. Here are 5 interesting facts to know about the Kumbhalgarh Fort:

The Kumbalgarh Fort is famous for having the second-longest wall in the world, after the Great Wall of China. Its wall is about 36 kilometres long and wide enough for eight horses to walk side-by-side in some spots. This huge length has earned it the nickname the Great Wall of India.

This amazing wall was built to protect the fort from enemies as well as the cold winds that travelled downwards from the Aravalli hills. The fort shows the advanced engineering knowledge of its time and offers breathtaking views of the nature around it.

This old fort holds a special place in people's hearts as it's the birthplace of the great Maharana Pratap, a legendary warrior of Rajasthan. Born in 1540, Maharana Pratap was known for his courage and determination. His childhood within Kumbalgarh likely shaped his strong character and dedication that persisted throughout his life.

Kumbalgarh Fort was built on top of a high hill in the Aravalli hills, making it very hard for attackers to reach it and capture the fort. Its elevated position gave it a natural defence and allowed its residents to spot approaching enemies from far away.

The fort also has seven guarded entrances and many watchtowers, further strengthening its defences. The fort was only defeated once in its centuries-long history after its water supply was poisoned.

Its walls still remain unbeatable and stand as a testament to the engineering wonder that it was. Kumbalgarh Fort’s great height also makes it the perfect sightseeing spot to witness the beauty of the Aravalli hills.

There are over 360 Hindu and Jain temples in the large Kumbalgarh Fort complex. The temples are decorated with fine carvings and beautiful architecture, displaying work from the various periods through which the fort has stood.

Visiting these temples offers insight into the spiritual life of the fort's citizens and the religious practices that existed here. The Kumbalgarh Fort is a place where spirituality and history meet, making it one of the most important sites in India for people with all types of interests.

Kumbalgarh Fort was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. The fort is part of the Group of Hill Forts of Rajasthan, which together show unique Rajput military hill architecture.

As a World Heritage Site, the fort is now preserved and protected for future generations to enjoy. This special designation highlights the fort's strategic importance in world history and architecture, whose legacy is well-preserved for academic study and public admiration, establishing it as a global cultural icon.