Rajasthan's
Mewar region encompasses dramatic hills, shimmering
lakes, deep valleys and much more. It is a
Land rich in royal heritage, with romantic
water palaces, historic hilltop forts and
beautiful gardens. Explore the beautiful region
with its rich cultural heritage, visit its
numerous picturesque villages and you will
discover that the charm of Mewar is undoubtedly
unique.
Udaipur
the enchanting city is dominated by its lakes,
its marble palaces, and its beautiful gardens.
The founder, Maharana Udai Singh, was overcome
by the misfortunes that his old capital of
Chittaurgarh had to face. Weary of the repeated
attacks that he had to face, Udai Singh sought
the help of a holy man and asked him to suggest
a safe place for his new capital.
Udai
Singh was advised to shift his capital to
the banks of Lake Pichola. The holy man assured
him that his new capital would never be conquered.
The city of Udaipur was thus founded and grew
around the lakes.
|
|
The city Palace is the focal point of the city and
has several areas of interest like the Suraj Gokhada,
Badi Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Bhim vilas, Chini Chitrashal,
Mor Chowk, the Zenana Mahal, Fateh Prakash and Darbar
Hall. Located close to the City Palace is the Jagdish
temple with its imposing sculpted figures and heavily
ornamented interiors. The abundance of water in Udaipur
made it possible for the town planners to design some
well laid out gardens. There were the spots where
the Maharanis would come to enjoy the natural surroundings
amidst the beautiful flowers and fountains. The 18th
century Sahelion Ki Bari, or the garden of Maidens
,is a popular tourist spot with its fountains and
delicately carved kiosks and elephants in marble.
|
|
Udaipur has other attractions like the Gulab Bagh,
Doodh Talai, Jag Mandir, Magri, Bharatiya Lok Kala
Mandal, Ahad the Sajjangarh Palace. As you move around
this beautiful city there is lot that catches the
eye, its as if the city has been laid out with the
tourist in mind. Thankfully, with a growing awareness
towards conservation, numerous heritage sites have
been preserved. The Ahar village and Museum are of
great archaeological importance. A little further
away from the city are the Shri Eklingji Temple complex
which houses 108
|
Saheliyon-Ki-Baodi
|
|
temples. Nagda where the temples of Saas-Bahu, or
Shastrabahu and Adbhutji are worth seeing. More temples
can be found at Rajsamand and Kankroli, located 60
Km from Udaipur. Nathdwara is a renowned centre of
pilgrimage for the devotees of Krishna and Vishnu
alike. Its is a town devoted totally to the Shrinathji
Temple and all activities in this little town revlove
around the famous temple of Shrinathji.
|
Let yourself be carried away by the religious atomosphere
as you wander around the small market with tiny shops
selling portraits of Shrinathji, beads, silver and
mementoes and other related items. While you're there
don't forget to try the special prasad or temple offerings
and sweets that are popular with the devotees.If any
one fort of Rajasthan had to be singled out for its
|
Eklingji
Temple
|
glorious history and its stories of heroism then it
would be the fort of Chittaurgarh. Countless tales
of this rugged fort and the battles fought here by
its legendary heroes fill the pages of history books.
Equally well known were the Maharani's of Chittaur.
As you explore the fort and its various palaces and
temples do look out for Rani Padmini's palace. The
beauty of Padmini attracted the Sultan of Delhi, Allauddin
Khilji so much that he set out to attack the fort
and win her in battle. A fierce battle was fought,
7000 warriors lost their lives but the Sultan could
not get Padmini. The Maharani, with her entire entourage,
committed Jauhar. It is one of Chittaurgarh's most
enduring stories and one that is told and re-told
countless times.
|
Chittaurgarh
Fort
|
Travel to the west of chittaurgarh to reach the second
most important bastion of Mewar-Kumbhalgarh. Covering
an area of 12 sq. Km this formidable fort fell only
once to the army of Akbar and that too becasue the
water supply was contaminated by the enemy forces.
Even today, it is one of the most inaccessible forts
of Rajasthan and reached with great difficulty. It
served as a refuge to the rulers of Mewar in times
of strife and contained within its ramparts alomst
an entire township . Some
|
areas of interest are the palaces and temples and water
storage tanks. It is at a height of 1100 metres and if you
walk along the ramparts you can get some excellent views
of the countryside. Today most of the surrounding area has
been turned into farmland but in the olden days these were
the grounds on which many a battle was fought. The fort
is also significant for being the birthplace of Maharana
Pratap. This region is famous for its marble, miniature
paintings, Kundan and meenakari work and clay and wooden
products. The colourful mud panels of Molela available in
Udaipur.
|