Kumbhalgarh Fort Recognized as World’s Second Longest Continuous Wall By UNESCO

UNESCO survey has recognized the Kumbhalgarh Fort as the second longest continuous intact wall in the world after the Great Wall of China. This fort is located in Rajsamand district of the Rajasthan and it one of the medieval architecture marvel which showcases the Rajput engineering, military strategy and cultural heritage.

Kumbhalgarh Fort: A Symbol of Rajput Strength

Kumbhalgarh Fort stands as one of the greatest examples of the Rajput military architecture. It is located around 84 km from Udaipur, deep within the Aravalli Hills and this fort was strategically designed for the defense and resilience.

It was built by Rana Kumbha, who was the powerful ruler of Mewar and he ruled between 1443 and 1458 AD.

Chief architect of the fort was Mandan, who was a renowned architect of medieval India.

Due to its strong defensive planning and difficult terrain, this fort was considered nearly impossible to conquer.

The Great Wall of India and Engineering Marvel of India

The most iconic feature of the Kumbhalgarh Fort is its gigantic defensive wall, which is compared to the China’s Great Wall.

Key facts about the wall

• Length: Approximately 36 km
• Width: Around 15 to 25 feet
• Legend: Said to be wide enough for eight horses to ride together
• Security Features: Bastions, defensive watch points and the arrow slits
• Fortified Entry: It is protected by the seven massive gates

The wall runs through the mountains, forests and valleys and making it as India’s one of the most remarkable engineering feats.

UNESCO World Heritage Status

Kumbhalgarh Fort already enjoys the international recognition as part of UNESCO’s Hill Forts of Rajasthan, which declared a World Heritage Site in 2013.

The Hill Forts group includes the sites like,

• Chittorgarh Fort
• Ranthambore Fort
• Gagron Fort
• Amber Fort
• Jaisalmer Fort
• Kumbhalgarh Fort

This recognition acknowledges the architectural excellence and the cultural significance of the Rajasthan’s hill fort tradition.

Major Attractions Inside Kumbhalgarh Fort

Kumbhalgarh is much more than just a military fortification which is functioned as the self-sustained fortified city.

Ancient Temples

The fort complex houses more than 360 ancient temples which includes the,

• Around 300 Jain temples
• Multiple Hindu temples
• The famous Nilkanth Mahadev Temple

Badal Mahal

It is located at the highest point of the fort, Badal Mahal (Palace of Clouds) offers the breathtaking panoramic views.

On a clear days, visitors can reportedly see the parts of the Thar Desert and making the one of best scenic destination in fort,

Birthplace of Maharana Pratap

This fort is historically important because it is the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, who was India’s one of the most celebrated Rajput warriors known for his resistance against the Mughal rule.