I am always attracted to road trips in a country like India, especially wild and adventurous ones. That happened to us when we decided to visit Jodhpur from Udaipur. We hired a private car; obviously, it comes with a driver. It was surprisingly cheap. We paid only 3500 rupees (US$ 52.00) for the entire trip from our Udaipur Hotel to Krishna Prakash Heritage Haveli in Jodhpur, which was about 205 miles (328 km). In addition to a few stops on our way, one at the UNESCO World Heritage site Kumbhalgarh Fort, another at Ranakpur Jain Temple, and more. The air-conditioned car was comfortable, and the driver was very friendly and could speak good English. Since he makes frequent trips with tourists on the same route, he knows all possible places of interest. It took us a little longer than usual since we made frequent stops.
The road trip itself was exciting. We passed through some beautiful countryside, small villages, and towns on our way into the Aravali mountain range. The landscape looked very dry, almost desert-like, but the temperature was not that hot in January. Looking at our camera gear Mr. Tara our driver, knew precisely what our interest was, so he made a couple of great picturesque places for the photoshoot. Without him, we would have missed such beautiful places that we didn’t even know existed.
Finally, after about 2.5 hours of driving and covering only 65 miles (103 km) of the zigzag roadway, we made it to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Kumbhalgarh Fort, right before noon.
Summary of Our Road Trip
- Jaiwana Haveli, Udaipur to Kumbhalgarh Fort 65 miles, took us about 2.5 hours
- Kumbhalgarh Fort to Ranakpur Jain Temple, 31 miles (50 km), took us about an hour
- Ranakpur Jain Temple to Jodhpur, Krishna Prakash Haveli, 108 miles (172 km), took us about 3.5 hours
Do you know the Rajasthani people are the native inhabitants of Rajasthan (“the land of kings” ) and are called Rajputs!
First Stop – Kumbhalgarh Fort
Kumbhalgarh Fort is a Mewar fortress in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan and is located within a day trip distance of 102 km from Udaipur. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and definitely worth visiting. Rana Kumbha built the fort in the 15th century.
This area is, without a doubt, one of the hotter regions of India, so the best season to visit would be monsoon or winter. We were there in early January (winter), it was Sunny, but the temperature was mild and comfortable to climb a stiff slope up to the top of the hill. But make no mistake, it was not an easy task. Though surrounded by barren rocky mountains, the breeze was excellent, but I could imagine how hot it could get in summer.
The Kumbhalgarh Fort is a marvel in itself because it has the second-largest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China. It is 36 Km long and has more than 300 temples in its vicinity.
We saw a few hotels and resorts in the area, like ours. If you are not planning to stay overnight, then all you need is about 2-3 hours max to see the majority of the fort, and you can hire a guide to walk you through the history behind all the attractions inside. There is a Hindu temple, and many monkeys are around the rooftop. The Panoramic view from the top of the fort was picture-perfect. I met people there who were making a day trip from Udaipur or Jodhpur, and a few like us were making a stopover trip between Udaipur to Jodhpur or vice versa.
Lunch at Amari Valley Restaurant
It was 1 pm, traveling from Kumbhalgarh Fort to Ranakpur Jain Temple. We were hungry like a hippo due to the stiff climb to the top of the fort. Our driver recommended a roadside restaurant called Amari Valley Restaurant, surrounded by a spectacular view of a lush green valley and farmland along a beautiful stream.
We crossed a hanging bridge over a stream to get to the restaurant. The restaurant has farmland where they grow their vegetables. The owner told us most of the vegetables served are from their backyard or the farmland next to the restaurant. They use a waterwheel for irrigating the gardens and the farmland.
Despite their rural location, the restaurant was clean with a good atmosphere, great food, and services. While waiting for our food in an open but shaded dining space, we could enjoy the picturesque view. Out of curiosity, we also tried the lunch buffet as they were reasonably priced, and the food looked delicious. The chicken curry was delicious. I would bet those were wild chickens from one I saw roaming around the restaurant. Nothing to lose; give it a try if you pass by this way.
Next Stop Ranakpur Jain Temple
After lunch, we started heading towards Ranakpur Jain Temple, not so far away distance-wise, but we had to drive through up and downhill narrow winding roads crossing from one mountain to the other. That slowed us down, so it took about an hour to get to the temple, only 31 miles (about 50 km) from Kumbhalgarh Fort.
This temple is constructed of light-colored marble and comprises a basement covering an area of 48000 sq feet. There were many domes, halls, and pillars with craft. Ranakpur Jain Temple is counted among the five important pilgrimage sites of the Jains and is devoted to the Jain Deity Lord Adinathji, the first ‘Tirthankara’ of the Jains. According to legends, this historic temple was built by Mewar Ruler Rana Khumba and a Jain businessman named Seth Dharna Sah in the 15th century. The temple complex is located in an isolated valley on the western side of the Aravalli mountain Range. Therefore, the architecture of the Jain Temples of Ranakpur is admirable.
Arrival at Jodhpur
We arrived at Jodhpur late afternoon, and our accommodation was on the 18th. Century authentic heritage Haveli, located in the heart of jodhpur’s ancient walled city. We had to go through the iconic gate of Jodhpur, right next to the Sadar market and the famous clock tower in the old town. So we had a lot to see and do right after we checked in to our haveli.
Where to stay in Kumbhalgarh, India
Mahua Bagh Resort Kumbhalgarh
Mahua Bagh Resort Kumbhalgarh has a restaurant, bar, shared lounge, and garden. In addition, the resort features an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and evening entertainment. Kumbalgarh Fort is 4.4 miles from the resort, while Ranakpur is 3.7 miles away. The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport, 71 miles from Mahua Bagh Resort Kumbhalgarh.
Kumbhalgarh Safari Camp, Kumbhalgarh
Offering an outdoor pool and a spa and wellness center, Kumbhalgarh Safari Camp is located in Kumbhalgarh. The Kumbhalgarh Fort is 1.9 mi away. The Ranakpur Jain Temple is 25 mi away, while the historic town of Udaipur is 53 mi. This resort is 5 mi from Falna Bus Station, 31 mi from Falna Railway Station, and 53 mi from Maharana Pratap Airport.
My Opinion and Last Word
Have you been to Kumbhalgarh, India? Any cool tips to share?
loved being in Kumbhalgarh, India, and want to go back again. I hope my story has motivated you to visit India.
Please leave a comment below! I’d love to hear from you to improve my knowledge.
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