How to Reach Kumbhalgarh – Complete Travel Guide
Learn how to reach Kumbhalgarh by train, bus, car, or flight with detailed travel tips, routes, and local transport advice for a smooth journey.
Kumbhalgarh is a historic fort located in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan, India. It is famous for its massive walls and scenic surroundings in the Aravalli hills. Many travelers visit Kumbhalgarh to explore its heritage and natural beauty.
This guide explains the best ways to reach Kumbhalgarh from major cities and nearby towns. You will learn about train, bus, car, and flight options, along with practical travel tips to plan your trip confidently.
Getting from Major Cities to Kumbhalgarh – Main Options
Train
Train travel is a popular choice for those coming from cities like Udaipur or Ahmedabad. While Kumbhalgarh does not have its own railway station, nearby stations connect you to the fort via road transport.
The nearest major railway station is Falna, about 65 km from Kumbhalgarh, well connected to cities like Udaipur, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur with regular trains.
From Falna station, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Kumbhalgarh, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
Train fares to Falna vary by class, typically ranging from ₹150 to ₹800 for sleeper and AC classes, making it an economical option for long-distance travelers.
Trains can be crowded during festival seasons like Diwali and Holi, so booking tickets in advance via IRCTC is recommended to avoid last-minute hassles.
Monsoon season may cause occasional delays on this route, so check train status before departure, especially from July to September.
Bus
Buses are a convenient and affordable way to reach Kumbhalgarh from nearby cities like Udaipur and Rajsamand. Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) operates frequent services.
Direct buses to Kumbhalgarh are available from Udaipur’s main bus depot, with journey times of about 2.5 to 3 hours covering roughly 85 km.
Bus fares range from ₹100 to ₹250 depending on the type of service, such as ordinary, deluxe, or Volvo coaches.
Buses run frequently throughout the day, but early morning and late evening services are less crowded and more comfortable for travelers.
During peak tourist seasons and weekends, buses can get full quickly, so booking tickets online or at the depot a day in advance is advisable.
Road conditions on NH76 and connecting routes are generally good, but monsoon rains may cause occasional slowdowns near hilly stretches.
Car / Self-Drive
Driving to Kumbhalgarh offers flexibility and comfort, especially if you want to explore nearby attractions or travel in a group. The roads are scenic and well-maintained.
Kumbhalgarh is approximately 85 km from Udaipur via NH76 and SH38, with a driving time of around 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic.
Self-drive cars or taxis can be hired from Udaipur, Rajsamand, or even Ahmedabad, with daily rental rates typically ranging from ₹1500 to ₹3500 depending on vehicle type.
The route passes through toll plazas near Rajsamand, so keep some cash handy for toll payments during your drive.
Rest stops with food and refreshments are available along NH76, including dhabas and small restaurants offering local Rajasthani cuisine.
Driving during early morning hours is recommended to avoid traffic and enjoy cooler temperatures, especially in summer months.
Flight
The nearest airport to Kumbhalgarh is Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur, which connects to major Indian cities. Flights are suitable for travelers coming from distant locations.
Udaipur airport is about 90 km from Kumbhalgarh, and the road journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours by taxi or rented car.
Regular flights operate from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad to Udaipur, with fares ranging widely depending on the season and airline.
Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs like Ola and Uber are available at Udaipur airport for the onward journey to Kumbhalgarh.
Booking flights well in advance during peak tourist seasons like winter and festival times ensures better prices and seat availability.
Flight schedules can be affected by fog in winter months (December-January), so check for delays before planning your trip.
Step-by-Step Travel Plan
This step-by-step plan helps first-time travelers reach Kumbhalgarh smoothly, covering key actions and useful Indian travel tips.
Book your train or flight tickets early via IRCTC or airline websites to secure your preferred travel dates and avoid last-minute price hikes.
If arriving by train, plan your arrival at Falna station during daylight hours for easier taxi availability and safer road travel to Kumbhalgarh.
Reserve a taxi or pre-book a cab from Falna or Udaipur to Kumbhalgarh using local operators or apps like Ola to avoid haggling and ensure reliable service.
Carry some cash in small denominations for tolls, local transport, and food stops, as digital payments may not be accepted everywhere en route.
Pack light but include essentials like water bottles, snacks, and a raincoat or umbrella during monsoon season to stay comfortable on the journey.
Use Google Maps or offline navigation apps to track your route and communicate your location to family or friends for added safety.
Practical Travel Tips
Always keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded trains and buses, as pickpocketing can occur in busy Indian travel hubs.
Drink only bottled or filtered water during your trip to avoid stomach issues common among travelers in rural areas.
Book bus tickets at official RSRTC counters or trusted online portals to avoid scams and ensure confirmed seats.
Use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs rather than unmetered local taxis to get fair pricing and avoid disputes.
Carry a small first-aid kit and any personal medicines, as pharmacies may not be readily available in remote areas near Kumbhalgarh.
Be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially during monsoon and winter, by checking forecasts and dressing accordingly.
Best Time & Travel Conditions
The best time to visit Kumbhalgarh is during the cooler months from October to March when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing. Summers can be very hot, and monsoon rains may affect travel.
Travel conditions vary seasonally, so planning your trip outside heavy rains and extreme heat ensures a comfortable journey and enjoyable visit.
Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Holi when roads and trains are crowded, and accommodation prices rise sharply.
Monsoon season (July to September) can cause slippery roads and occasional landslides in hilly areas near Kumbhalgarh, so exercise caution.
Winter mornings (December-January) may have dense fog on highways, causing slower travel and occasional delays, especially near Udaipur.
Depart early in the morning to avoid city traffic and reach Kumbhalgarh with ample daylight for sightseeing and check-in.
Arrival at Kumbhalgarh & What to Expect
When you arrive at Kumbhalgarh, you will find limited public transport options, so pre-arranging a taxi or using local auto-rickshaws is advisable for last-mile connectivity. The fort area has parking facilities for private vehicles.
Accommodation options are available near the fort and in nearby villages, ranging from budget guesthouses to heritage hotels. Most travelers prefer staying in nearby towns like Rajsamand or Udaipur for more facilities and then visiting Kumbhalgarh as a day trip.
Conclusion
Traveling to Kumbhalgarh is best done by combining train or flight to nearby hubs like Falna or Udaipur, followed by a comfortable road journey. Self-drive or taxi options provide flexibility, while buses offer budget-friendly travel for those on a tight schedule.
Planning ahead by booking tickets early, checking weather conditions, and arranging local transport will help you enjoy a smooth and memorable trip to this historic fort. With the right preparation, you can confidently explore Kumbhalgarh’s rich heritage and stunning landscapes.