If you love colors, music, and history, the Kumbhalgarh Festival 2025 is something you shouldn’t miss. Every year, this grand festival turns the stunning Kumbhalgarh Fort into a stage full of cultural magic. From folk dances to soulful music and traditional art, this festival captures the real spirit of Rajasthan’s royal heritage.
Organised by the Rajasthan Tourism Department, this three-day event celebrates the legacy of Maharana Kumbha, who built this magnificent fort in the 15th century. The Kumbhalgarh Festival beautifully combines history, art, and entertainment, making it one of Rajasthan’s most awaited winter festivals.
Kumbhalgarh Festival 2025 Dates, Venue, and Timing
The Kumbhalgarh Festival 2025 will be held from December 1 to December 3, 2025, at the world-famous Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajsamand district, Rajasthan. The fort, known for its 36 kilometre long wall (the second longest in the world), provides a perfect royal backdrop for this cultural celebration.
Each day of the festival is packed with music, dance, exhibitions, and light shows. Daytime activities start around 10 AM, while the main cultural performances and light shows begin after sunset. Visitors can also enjoy food stalls, craft markets, and live folk competitions throughout the day.
If you’re travelling from Udaipur, the venue is only 84 km away, which makes it easy for a short weekend trip. With its cool weather, scenic views, and vibrant atmosphere, December is the best time to experience the beauty of Rajasthan’s cultural charm at its peak.
History and Significance of Kumbhalgarh Festival
The Kumbhalgarh Festival is not just a festival; it’s a love letter to Rajasthan’s rich past. It’s a tribute to Maharana Kumbha, the great Rajput king who built the magnificent Kumbhalgarh Fort in the 15th century. He was not only a brave warrior but also an ardent patron of art, literature and music.
To honour his legacy, the Rajasthan Tourism Department started this festival to showcase the best of Rajasthani culture. Today it’s one of the most popular festivals in Rajasthan and attracts visitors from India and abroad.
The fort itself is steeped in history — it was a refuge for kings and even sheltered young Maharana Pratap. Today its grand walls, historic gates and stunning architecture creates a royal ambiance that matches the festival’s cultural vibe. By combining the old with the new, the Kumbhalgarh Festival connects Rajasthan’s glorious past to its present.
Major Highlights and Events of Kumbhalgarh Festival 2025
At the Kumbhalgarh Festival 2025, every day is packed with excitement, energy, and enjoyment. From bright folk dance to soulful musical nights, all of these programs present aspects of Rajasthani art traditions.
Folk Dances and Music
The nights are filled with performances of Ghoomar, Kalbeliya, Bhavai, and Chari Dance. The local artists’ rhythmic beats of dhol, combined with the graceful movements of dancing, have a way of whisking visitors into the holiday spirit.
Light and Sound Show
When the sun goes down, the fort comes alive with a beautiful light and sound show telling the brave stories of the rulers of Mewar. As the walls glow, it is made all the more enjoyable by the dramatic telling – making it an unforgettable memory. Don’t miss the upcoming Mewar Festival Udaipur 2026.
Handicraft Bazaar and Workshops
In the daytime you can browse the art and craft bazaar with the handicrafts, textiles and jewelry made by local craftspeople. There are also workshops provided on art forms and cultural competitions like turban tying, folk singing and mehendi design to allow visitors to participate and feel part of the festivities.
Grand Finale Night
An impressive fireworks show and live performances will unfold under the stars to close out the festival. Each visitor is left in awe by the sight of the illuminated fort contrasted against the night sky – the perfect ending to a regal festival.
How to Reach Kumbhalgarh Fort
Reaching Kumbhalgarh Fort is very easy and the journey itself is a beautiful experience through the Aravalli hills of Rajasthan. The fort is located in Rajsamand district, 84 km from Udaipur. Whether you travel by road, rail or air — there are many options.
By Road
Kumbhalgarh is well connected by road. You can easily hire a private cab or tempo traveller from Udaipur, Nathdwara or Rajsamand. The drive takes about 2 hours and is very scenic. Rajasthan Tourism also runs special buses during the festival season.
By Train
The nearest railway stations are Udaipur City (84 km) and Falna (80 km). From there you can hire a taxi or local bus to reach the fort.
By Air
If you are flying in, the nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur which has regular flights from Delhi, Jaipur and Mumbai. From the airport you can book a taxi directly to Kumbhalgarh.
Tip: If you are traveling in a group, book your vehicle in advance as the transport options get full very quickly during the festival week.
Where to Stay During Kumbhalgarh Festival 2025
Finding the right place to stay near Kumbhalgarh is not difficult! You may find all budgets available from budget stays to royal heritage resorts. For the luxury seekers, Udaipur is the best base – it is close enough for a day trip and has plenty of premium hotel options.
Top Places to Stay Near Kumbhalgarh
- The Aodhi Hotel, Kumbhalgarh – A heritage hotel in the forest, offering a regal experience.
- Club Mahindra Kumbhalgarh – Highly recommended for families with great amenities and views.
- Shahpura Kumbhalgarh – The best option for luxury travel and living in built comfort and class.
- Budget Options – Most of the options available are in Kelwara village, which has a variety of guesthouses and eco-stays for a slower experience with real local flavor.
All these hotels fill up quickly during the Kumbhalgarh Festival, so book your room in advance. It is nice to stay close to the fort so that you can enjoy the late-night shows and the festival without the added stress of driving home.
Suggested 3-Day Itinerary for Kumbhalgarh Festival 2025
If you’re planning to go to the Kumbhalgarh Festival 2025 then here is a simple 3-day itinerary to help you make the most of your trip. This itinerary covers the best of the festival plus several local sightseeing experiences.
Day 1 – Arrival and Opening Ceremony
Reach Kumbhalgarh or Udaipur in the morning. Check in to your hotel and rest for a bit. In the afternoon go to Kumbhalgarh Fort for the festival’s inaugural ceremony. You will see local artists performing folk dances like Ghoomar and Kalbeliya and a traditional music concert. End the day by visiting the local craft stalls around the fort and having some Rajasthani snacks.
Day 2 – Cultural Exploration and Light Show
Start your day with a heritage walk around the fort. This guided tour will help you discover hidden corners, ancient temples and the history behind this magnificent structure. Later shop at the art and craft bazaar for souvenirs like hand embroidered bags, silver jewellery and miniature paintings.
As the sun sets don’t miss the light and sound show – it’s the best part of the festival. The illuminated walls and storytelling will create a magical atmosphere.
Day 3 – Workshops, Farewell Show, and Fireworks
On the last day participate in interactive workshops like turban tying or folk dance lessons. It’s a great way to connect with the local culture. In the evening enjoy the grand finale with top folk artists and a stunning fireworks display. Click those moments because the fort glowing in the night sky is just unbelievable.
Pro tip: To maximize your time spent to visit, include nearby attractions such as, Ranakpur Jain Temple, Haldighati, or City Palace in Udaipur to complete your trip to Rajasthan.
Travel Tips for Kumbhalgarh Festival Visitors
To help ensure you have a memorable and seamless festival trip, consider this quick travel tips:
- Book early: During the festival week hotels and cabs book up quickly and it will be harder to find later.
- Pack smart: Rajasthan gets chilly in December evenings – bring a light jacket or shawl.
- Wear comfortable shoes: You will walk a lot while inside the Fort and around the festival site.
- Carry cash: Some local shops and local stalls may not take online payment.
- Arrive early: The evening shows are going to have a crowd so arrive 30–45 minutes before the shows start.
- Stay hydrated: Even though it is winter, walking up hill in the fort gets very tiring.
- Respect local customs: Always ask if you can photograph performers or villagers before you photograph them.
With these simple tips your Kumbhalgarh Festival 2025 trip will be easy, comfortable and full of beautiful memories.
Why You Should Attend Kumbhalgarh Festival 2025
The Kumbhalgarh Festival 2025 is not just an event — it’s an experience that connects you to the soul of Rajasthan. You’ll see centuries old traditions come alive through music, dance and art in one of India’s most magnificent forts.
If you love photography, culture or heritage, this festival has it all — vibrant performances, local food and crafts from rural Rajasthan. Every evening the fort glows with golden lights and folk artists perform with unmatched energy. It’s a sight that will leave you awestruck.
Plus Kumbhalgarh is near Udaipur, Ranakpur and Mount Abu so you can explore more of Rajasthan during your trip. The winter weather in December is perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, a photographer or a family looking for a winter getaway, this festival will give you memories to last a lifetime.
Plan Your Kumbhalgarh Festival Trip with Rajasthan Places
If you want to experience the royal Rajasthan, Kumbhalgarh Festival 2025 is the best place to start. At Rajasthan Places, we offer customized festival packages, guided tours and local stays so that you can enjoy every moment hassle free.
Whether you want a quick weekend getaway from Udaipur or a full fledged cultural tour of Rajasthan’s heritage cities, we can make it happen.
Book your Kumbhalgarh Festival 2025 tour with Rajasthan Places today and enter a world of royal traditions, vibrant art and memories to cherish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Kumbhalgarh Festival 2025 will take place from December 1 to December 3, 2025, at Kumbhalgarh Fort in Rajsamand, Rajasthan.
Entry to the festival is free. However, visitors need to pay a small fee to enter Kumbhalgarh Fort (around ₹20 for Indians and ₹200 for foreign tourists).
Yes, the festival is family-friendly with food stalls, cultural activities, and safe spaces for all age groups.
Kumbhalgarh is around 84 km from Udaipur, and it takes roughly 2 hours by car.
The main highlights include folk dance performances, craft markets, cultural competitions, and the mesmerizing light and sound show in the evening.
Carry a jacket, comfortable shoes, a camera, some cash, and a water bottle. The weather is pleasant during the day but cold at night.
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