Badal Mahal, Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan
Badal Mahal (Palace of clouds) is located on top of the highest hill inside Kumbhalgarh fort. Now vehicle goes to the top of the hill. We took the road besides the Kalpa briksh (tree) and drove slowing to reach the top of the hill. It was raining then. Due to Prakash’s acquaintance with the security guard I was able to see Badal Mahal and we climbed to the terrace. From the terrace one could see the green cover on the hills of Mewar region on one side and the dry plain lands of Marwar on the other side below the hills. And could you believe that I saw mist kissing the hills and covering the valley of Marwar below. Yes, this was in Rajasthan in the month of July!
Badal Mahal located at a height of 3468 feet gives an amazing view of the surrounding. The two storied building has two sections the Mardana mahal (male section) and Zannana mahal (female section) of the then royal family. It was built by Rana Fateh Singh in the 19th century. As of now the Rajasthan state forest department manages Badal mahal.