Delhi to Kumbhalgarh Road Trip
Highlights:
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Bhangarh Fort
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Jaipur
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Chittorgarh Fort
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Kumbhalgarh Fort
Rajasthan - Truly, the Land of Kings
What would it feel like to drive on a beautiful highway just to be greeted by 3 magnificent forts of all times? Delhi is blessed with such neighbouring cities that hold India's pride. So no need to spend time on planning and hit on the roads in your upcoming long weekend.
Day 1
Mark your first destination on Google maps with 'Bhangarh Fort' or popularly known as the most haunted fort in India. Don't get frightened by this thought because ghosts only pounce on the hungry! Haha! Jokes apart, road to Bhangarh Fort is an amazing drive, however it becomes a little bumpy once you are closer. But before that, the highway has amazing dhabas fit for your appetite.
Take a break at the famous Rao Dhaba just near Manesar and start your day with a delicious breakfast.
Pic Credits: Revv
After a heavy breakfast which should also suffice for lunch, continue your journey for Bhangarh. In about 4-5 hours you will reach Bhangarh Fort.
Slide across to see some views
Note that entry to the fort is restricted after sunset, so make sure you visit in the daylight.
Head on to Jaipur which is just about 80km, for your night stay. There are many hotels that can be booked through different portals.
Day 2
"Padhaaro Mhaare Des" - A traditional Marwari greeting that means "Welcome to my town". Jaipur is the most visited tourist place in India and you will find this special greeting almost everywhere. There are just too many things to see in Jaipur that cannot be done in a day.
Since our road trip is about Forts, today is reserved for Nahargarh Fort, Jaipur
Interestingly, the Nahargarh Fort never saw any attacks but has witnessed some important moments in history like Treaty with the Marathas and Indian Sepoy Mutiny of 1857
After visiting the fort, have lunch and get back on the road. This time we are heading to Chittorgarh. Take the Bhilwara route as it has better roads. It will take about 6-7 hours to reach Chittorgarh. Take rest in your hotel and be ready for another fort adventure for Day 3.
Day 3
Words cannot describe the magnanimity of this fort. The largest fort in India and also UNESCO World Heritage site, the fort of Chittorgarh is said to be built by Chittrangada Maurya. However, it is more popularly known by the ruler of Mewar, Rana Ratan Singh.
Pic Credits: Trip Savvy
The fort has seen many wars and bloodshed in its history. It is also a witness to the self immolation or 'jauhar' committed by the queen and other women when the fort was being taken over by the Sultante forces. If you are into history, you can immediately feel the strength and defence this fort must have given to the then kingdoms.
Enjoy the beauty of the fort, take photos and try to see as much as possible. Try to leave Chittorgarh by evening to reach Kumbhalgarh. The road will take abut 4 hours to drive. If you have time, you can stay in the Chittorgarh town and leave early morning.l
Day 4
This is the last leg of the journey of Forts. We now arrive at the Kumbalgarh Fort. You may have known the name but do you knoww that it has the Second Longest Wall in the world (36km), just after the Great Wall of China. Of course there is no comparison between the two.
Pic Credits: Klook
Needless to say that this fort is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built by Rana Kumbha in the 15th century, it has its own rich history. The earliest version of this fort is believed to be built in the 6th century by King Samprati of Maura age. This fort, like the previous one was also attacked by the Khilji, after which it gained significance among the rulers. It was taken over by Akbar's men and then regained by Maharana Pratap. Eventually it fell in the hands of the British.
Enjoy the amazing view of the fort when it is briefly lit during the night. The Lakhola Tank, Hindu Temple and the Jain temple are some prominent structures in the fort.
With this we come to an end of our Journey of Forts. But the trip is not yet over. There is a lot of road trip still left.
Day 5
We now head back to Delhi which is a good 10-11 hours from Kumbhalgarh. If you wish to drive continuously, then fine but in case you have some time, then take a stop at Ajmer. Kumbhalgarh to Ajmer is around 4 hours by road which leaves you with sufficient time for the day to visit Ajmer Sharif and Dhai Din ka Jhopra.
Pic Credits: CurlyTales
Ajmer Sharif is a Sufi Shrine of the saint Moinuddin Chishti, who was a spiritual leader. He was born in Iran and is said to have travelled to India to escape from the Mongol invasions. Illtutmish, the then ruler of Delhi accepted him and he later moved to Ajmer where he became a religious and spiritual teacher.
Dhai Din ka Jhopra is the oldest mosque and oldest surviving monument in Ajmer. It was built during the time of Qutub-aid-din-Aibak in 1213 CE. It is an example of Indo-Islamic architecture since it also features Hindu and Jain style of architecture.
With this, this long weekend road trip from Delhi comes to an end. Ajmer to Delhi is about 5 hours. Stop in between and try some amazing food of the Highway Dhabas.