Welcoming around 10 million visitors each year, China’s most popular tourist attraction, the Great Wall of China, is not much of an unknown architectural wonder to people around the world. For those looking for a far more relaxed, yet equally astounding Great Wall attraction, you might be surprised to find out there is one available in China’s neighboring country of India.
The Great Wall of India, also known as Kumbhalgarh, is the second longest wall in the world extending to over 36 kilometers. The Kumbhalgarh was built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha, ruler of Ragasthan’s south-central state Mewar at the time. The wall was built to separate the Mewar region from the Marwar region, acting as a place of refuge for the rulers of Mewar in times of danger.
The Kumbhalgarh is 4.5m thick in some areas and has seven fortified gates. The wall climbs up steep hills to lead you to a beautiful palace fort. Upon reaching the fort, visitors are rewarded with a breathtaking view of Rajasthan’s mountainous terrain. There are also over 360 temples within its boundary walls and a wildlife sanctuary full of wolves, leopards, hyenas and jackals surrounding it.
Despite its size and history, the Great Wall of India remains as one of the unknown architectural wonders of the world. For this reason, visitors are advised to look out for ancient defense mechanisms and traps – although most have been disabled – while strolling through this area.
