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Kumbhalgarh Festival

Every December, Kumbhalgarh Fort in the Aravalli hills becomes a stage for three days of Rajasthani folk music, dance, theatre and craft stalls. The festival honours Rana Kumbha, the 15th-century Mewar ruler who built the fort and was a keen patron of the arts. With the fort lit up behind the performers and mild winter weather, it is one of the more relaxed ways to see Rajasthan's living culture.

Kumbhalgarh fort udaipur- -2
Month
December
Duration
Three days
Location
Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajsamand district
Nearest airport
Udaipur

When it happens

The festival is held over three days in December, usually early in the month. Exact dates are fixed each year by the state tourism department, so confirm them before booking. Winter days are sunny and comfortable, though nights at the fort can be cool.

How it is celebrated

Daytime is for the craft market, where artisans from across the region sell jewellery, textiles, traditional clothes and handicrafts, and you can watch many of them at work. After sunset the programme moves to the stage, with folk dances, music and theatre, and performers often pull the audience in to join. There are usually games and small competitions for visitors as well.

About Kumbhalgarh Fort

The fort stands in Rajsamand district and is part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its outer wall runs for about 36 km over the hills and is often described as one of the longest continuous walls in the world. Inside are dozens of temples and the Badal Mahal, the palace at the top, which has sweeping views over the Aravallis.

Tips for your visit

A few things help the day go smoothly:

How to reach

Udaipur, roughly 85 km away, is the usual base and has the nearest airport and a major railway station. From there it is a scenic drive through the hills by taxi. We can arrange a car and a stay that fits your Rajasthan itinerary.

Where to experience it

Kumbhalgarh FortKumbhalgarh Wildlife SanctuaryBadal Mahal

Plan it with us

Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We will build the route, book the car, driver and hotels, and send you a clear quote.

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