Tag: Gulab bagh

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Places to Visit

Gulab Bagh – A Go To Place

In the heart of Gulab Bagh, beauty blossoms and tranquility reigns

Udaipur is famous for its hotels and views, but the other scene which is being captured is that of gardens. Gulab Bagh comes in the light as it involves intricate details of how the garden is managed. The Sajjan Niwas garden or the Gulab Bagh with an area of 100 acres is perhaps the biggest and best garden in India. Apart from the trees, flowerbeds and a zoo, the garden also has a museum to boast of. The museum, originally known as Victoria Hall Museum, was well known for its collection of antiques and curios. It has now been shifted to Karan Vilas Mahal within the City Palace complex. There is also a public library attached to the garden, which has large volumes and illustrated manuscripts on Indology, Archaeology, and History. The museum, the library and a reading room are all located inside the Victoria Hall. In the month of Shravan (Jul/Aug) a fair is held here on every Monday. It’s the most frequently visited and famous garden of Udaipur. Local multitude often comes here for an evening walk as it provides the best atmosphere for health advantage. During the dawn we often find people doing yoga and various exercises. This largest garden of Udaipur is the best place to see the combination of natural beauty spread all over.

Gulab Bagh also has zoo which have animals and by this there are other facilities which are provided to the animals. There are major perspectives which helps in enabling the perspectives of how the environment and the garden is managed. Udaipur has stabilized the natural beauty of Gulab Bagh.

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Places to Visit

“Haunted” Places In And Around Udaipur

The other beauty of Udaipur

It is widely believed that violent deaths leave everlasting imprints on the places they occurred. Violence is a crime that never leaves its spectators in peace, imagine what it does upon whom it was inflicted. Places that have the most scenic beauty in the day, manage to look scariest at night. Or maybe it’s how people perceive beauty. It’s really the difference in judgment that makes someone haunted or just a soul desperate for help. Judge for yourselves as you read about the “haunted” places in Udaipur.

Udaipur is at peak of the list that holds the names of the world’s most beautiful cities. It’s not just beautiful, it’s ridden with rumors about horrors of the dark. When the black ink splashes across the sky and the moon has circled to its throne, the night lets out a fierce breath, as a representation of what frightens mere mortals.  

Sajjangarh Fort (The monsoon palace)

Forts have a way of becoming absorptive as they live for centuries. They start to drink all that happens inside their walls, as is called its history. The underground level of the fort is said to be one of the haunted places of Udaipur. Now, it’s kept locked after complaints arising from an unknown presence that people felt while exploring the stories of this palace. How ironic, as this palace was constructed for the sole purpose of rejoicing in nature.

Chittorgarh Fort

This particular fort has screams of women flowing through its walls. The heat still arises from that depression in the floor where 700 women jumped in the protection of their honor. Folks believe that Devi Padmini still roams within these halls. It truly has the most terrifying story of women fighting for their honor. Be careful as you go in, you might get the realization of the force of nature.

Gulab Bagh

The thing that is in abundance here is breathable air. You might need it more, as you walk in these gardens at night thinking about its history of painful exorcisms. It’s said that some of the worshipping places nearby Gulab Bagh performed exorcisms on possessed people. As the entity is forced out of a human, it looked for another living flesh to take over. Wander here at night, if the mind has been too quiet a while.

gulab bagh, udaipur

Chandani Village

23 km away from Udaipur, Chandani Village echoes with the pains of a woman who roams around crying when the earth has circled away from the warmth of the sun. The villagers have often warned people to stay away as this woman is too difficult to understand. This village has a river flowing through it and the scenery is exceedingly magical. Visit, if you miss the beauty of the wilderness.

Source: bcmtouring

Bedla Mata Temple

According to the locals and local tales, it’s a belief that when you enter the miraculous cave where the Goddess is said to draw away evil spirits, you will be asked not to look back. If you do, all the spirits left there might cling to you. Follow the rules if you must. The temptation will prove to be unwise. Visit if you are not too tempted.

Source: worldorg

Natni ka Chabutra

There was a woman who was challenged by Maharana Jawan Singh. She was told that if she walked on the rope tied from one end of the lake to another, the King would grant her half of his kingdom. She was gifted at walking on ropes. As she was about to be victorious, the King ordered to cut the rope from his end. She fell and succumbed to death in the lake, but not before placing a curse on the royalty. It’s often said that, when a human dies with revenge in their heart, they never leave. It’s believed that the rope-walking woman still lingers in the lake that drowned her. 

NH 79 Ajmer

The legend is, this highway from Udaipur has witnessed such cruelty, that it’s made home to a spirit of a woman crying for help while carrying her dead child. According to the lore, the woman was running from the villagers who had decided to throw her child into the bounds of marriage. She was against it and ran towards the open road. Both she and her child died after meeting with an accident that night. 

Source: shutterstock

A few roads that locals believe are haunted – Rani Road and the road adjacent to the Badi Lake – are both said to be lodgings to strange presences. From midnight until the arrival of dawn, vehicles stop mysteriously for a minute or two before starting up again. 

Lakes are indeed deeper than they look. Udaipur is rich in its history and even richer in its hauntings. The pretty town that believes that its ghosts are wailing. Do visit Udaipur if you haven’t yet. 

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News

Herbal Garden to be built in Gulab Bagh, and other important updates

gulab bagh photo

The cultural committee of Municipal Corporation, Udaipur decided on Thursday that a herbal garden will be built in Gulab Bagh. Medicinal plants from around the world will be planted in this garden which will be developed after consulting the experts. The committee meeting was led by Mayor Govind Singh Tank, Deputy Mayor Paras Singhvi, and Chairman Mahesh Trivedi.

The committee decided that on all the national festivals viz. Republic Day (celebrated on 26th January) and Independence Day (celebrated on 15th August), tricolor flag will be hoisted in parks of Udaipur, including Gulab Bagh, as these parks are an indigenous part of the city.

Another important decision given by the cultural committee was that all the dividers of the city will be decorated by planting beautiful and colorful flowers. This was decided because it was regularly seen that dividers are used by people to dry their clothes on the roadside

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“पैंथर जोड़ा हमारे घरों तक पहुँचा या हमनें उनका घर छीन लिया?” – सच क्या है?

Panther in Udaipur
Panther in Gulab bagh

पिछले कई दिनों से लोकल मीडिया, आबादी क्षेत्र में पैंथर के आ जाने की खबर लगातार छाप रहे हैं। स्थानीय अख़बारों से लिए आकड़ें बताते हैं कि साल 2019 में अबतक, पैंथर के आबादी क्षेत्र में आने और उनके द्वारा शिकार करने की लगभग सात से आठ घटनाएँ सामने आ चुकी हैं। सभी घटनाएँ शहर के आसपास के गाँवों की थी, इसलिए ये लाइमलाइट में नहीं आ सकी। इन सभी घटनाओं में जान-माल का नुकसान ग्रामीणों का हुआ, इसलिए ये घटनाएँ चर्चा का विषय नहीं रही।Panther in gulab bagh

तीन दिन पहले शहर के स्मार्टफोंस पर एक विडियो वायरल हुआ जिसमें एक पैंथर को माछला मगरा की पहाड़ियों पर घुमते देखा गया और बिजली की गति से गली-गली यह बात पहुँच गई कि “पैंथर आया हुआ है दूध-तलाई मत जाना।”, “करनी माता साइड पैंथर दिखा, उधर मत जाना।”

दो दिन पहले गुलाब-बाग़ के चौकीदार ने एक पैंथर जोड़े को गुलाब-बाग़ में देखने का दावा किया। सभी के होश उड़ गए। क्यों उड़े होश? कौन है पैंथर के शहर में इतने अन्दर तक आ जाने, के पीछे का ज़िम्मेदार? मेरा तो यह कहना है कि पैंथर में दिमाग होना चाहिए कि वह गुलाब बाग़ कैसे आ धमका? उसके जैसों को तो यहाँ पिजरों में रखा जाता था। अब इतनी हिम्मत की गुलाब-बाग़ में वह खुले में घूमे? उसे पता होना चाहिए कि यह इंसानों का इलाका है, यहाँ उसकी कोई जगह नहीं है।

Panther in gulab bagh
Courtesy: toi

यह सब आपको वकालतनामा तो नहीं लग रहा न! अगर नहीं लग रहा है तो आप ग़लत हैं। लेकिन यह कोई कोर्ट-रूम ड्रामा नहीं है। उस छोटे से कमरे के बाहर का ड्रामा है, जहाँ इन्सान और जानवर एक ऐसे कोंफ्लिक्ट में फंस चुके हैं जिसका अब कोई अंत दिखलाई नहीं पड़ता।

सारे साँप ज़हरीले नहीं होते ठीक वैसे ही सभी इंसान भी गिरे हुए नहीं होते। लेकिन साँप होना बदनाम होना है चाहे वह ज़हरीला हो या न हो और यही बात अब इंसानों पर भी लागू होती है। दोनों को यदि एक ही कहावत में पिरोया जाए तो “एक मछली पूरे तालाब को गन्दा करती है ” कहावत एकदम सटीक बैठेगी।

Panther in gulab bagh
Courtesy: Manhotel

कुछ दिनों पहले परसाद में एक बच्ची को मार डालने वाले पैंथर को मार दिया गया। बच्ची का मरना वाकई एक दुखद घटना थी लेकिन उस पैंथर को मार देना कहाँ तक सही था? क्या ‘प्रशासन’ जो कि अपने आप में बेहद भारी-भरकम शब्द है, पहले सचेत नहीं हुआ? वन-विभाग की क्या ज़िम्मेदारी बनती थी? क्या उनके पास और विकल्प मौजूद नहीं थे?

मुझे कोई उम्मीद नहीं है कि इन प्रश्नों के उत्तर मुझे मिल ही जायेंगे और यदि मिल भी जाते हैं तब भी एक इंसान होने के खातिर इतनी समझ तो है कि उस पैंथर को मार गिराने का काम, कोई बहादुरी का काम नहीं माना जाएगा।

हम विकास और स्मार्ट बनने की दौड़ में अंधे हो चले हैं। सिक्स लेन, अहमदाबाद ब्रॉडगेज़, होटल, अपार्टमेंट्स सभी अरावली की छाती को चीरकर बनाए जा रहे हैं। इस दौरान लाखों पेड़ इस तरह से काटे गए जैसे किसी युद्द में भयंकर नरसंहार हुआ हो। उनके कटने से वहाँ की ज़मीने लाल नहीं हुई लेकिन उसका असर अब दीखने लगा है। गर्मी का हद से ज़्यादा बढ़ना, बारिश की कमी, जंगली जानवरों का आबादी क्षेत्रों में आना, इसके उदाहरण हैं।

Aravalli Destroyed
Courtesy: Down to Earth

मैं अमेज़न के जंगलों की बात नहीं करूँगा और न ही मैं अपने आप को इस लायक मानता हूँ। मैं अपना ही घर नहीं संभाल पा रहा तो दूसरों के घरों की चीज़ें क्या सही करूँगा! सभी उदाहरण यहीं के हैं। इसी अरावली के, जो हमें मानसून आते ही आकर्षित करने लग जाती है और हम उसपर कुदाल चलाने पहुँच जाते हैं।

हम अधिकारियों-अफसरों की बात नहीं करें तो बेहतर है। वे क्या समझेंगे! उन्हें तो AC के रिमोट मिले हुए हैं, कारें मिली हुई हैं और बंगलों में उनके निवास हैं। मैं, मेरे जैसे लोगों से बात कर रहा हूँ। जिनके मन में शहर और शहर की प्राकृतिक धरोहर के लिए प्यार तो है पर वे इसे कहीं दिल में दबाए बैठे हैं।

Aravalli Destroyed
Courtesy: Down to Earth

मैं आपको बता दूँ, जिस समय मैं यह आर्टिकल लिख रहा हूँ, मेरे एक-एक शब्द पर एक-एक पेड़ कट रहा होगा और उसकी चीख़ तक नहीं निकलेगी। हो सकता है, इस आर्टिकल के अंत तक यहीं आसपास एक और पैंथर को त्रेन्क्युलाइज़ कर, मार दिया जाए और फिर जश्न की तैयारियां शुरू कर दें। लेकिन उस पैंथर का कराहना, इन पेड़ों को काटती, ज़मीनों को चीरती मशीनों की चिन्गाड़ में दब जाए।

यह भी हो सकता है कि आने वाले समय में इन बेज़ुबानों की आवाज़ बनने वालों पर भी कुदाल चला दी जाए। लेकिन हक़ीकत की दहाड़ दूर तक जाने वाली है। वह आज नहीं निकलेगी लेकिन आने वाले कल में, अगली पीढ़ी के कानों में ज़रूर गूंजेगी और तब वे हमें दुत्कारेंगे और कहेंगे, “हमारे पूर्वज बहुत दोयम दर्जे के थे यार।”

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Places to Visit

137 साल पुराना गुलाब बाग़, जहाँ शहर के बड़े-बुज़ुर्ग आज भी अपना बचपन तलाशते हैं।

gulab bagh, udaipur
Photo courtesy: vineet19850

सुबह के 5:00 बजे होंगे। शहर के उपनगरीय क्षेत्रों के घरों में बजते अलार्म, सुबह की गहरी-मीठी नींद में सोते लोगों के हाथों से बंद कर दिए जा रहे थे। कुछ इक्के-दुक्कों को छोड़ दिया जाए तो हिरन-मगरी अभी भी सो ही रहा था। लेकिन यहाँ से 5 किलोमीटर दूर शहर के बीचों-बीच क़रीब 100 एकड़ में फैला लगभग 137 वर्ष बूढ़ा बाग़ अपने अन्दर लगे बड़े-बड़े पेड़ों में से एक अलग ही ज़िन्दगी को झाँक रहा था, जो उदयपुर शहर के बाहर बसी जिंदगियों से बहुत अलग थी। मैं वहाँ 15 मिनिट में पहुँच गया। घड़ी में 5:15 बज रहे होंगे लेकिन मैं तब भी लेट था।

gulab bagh, udaipur
Photo courtesy: vineet19850

वहाँ आए एक-आध लोगों से बात करने पर पता चला कि उनकी सुबह तो कब की हो चुकी है। कोई अकेला गुलाब बाग़ के चक्कर लगा रहा था, कोई किसी अपने का हाथ पकड़ क़दमों की ताल को बांधे हुए था, तो कोई ग्रुप में बैठे अपने स्कूल/कॉलेज के दिनों को याद कर गुलाब बाग़ में अपने बचपन को तलाश रहा था।

gulab bagh, udaipur
Photo courtesy: jeenaj

अगर आपको असली उदयपुर देखना है तो यहाँ आइए। मुझे पूरी उम्मीद है यहाँ दिखने वाले दृश्यों को आप शायद ही कभी भुला पाएंगे। इन बूढ़े पेड़ों और लुप्त होते गुलाबों, जिनकी वजह से इसका नाम गुलाब बाग़ पड़ा था, उदयपुर की पहचान बचाने की पूरी कोशिश कर रहा है। आम और जामुनों के पेड़ों के नीचें लगी बेंचों पर बुज़ुर्ग अपनी महफ़िल जमाते हुए नज़र आ जाते हैं, इन्टरनेट की दुनिया से बिलकुल एक अलग दुनिया की बातें करते। वह दुनिया जिसे हम यंग्सटर्स कभी की भुला चुकें है।

gulab bagh, udaipur
Photo courtesy: divyesh jain

हालाँकि कुछ नयी जिंदगियां यहाँ नज़र ज़रूर आती हैं लेकिन वो भी दौड़ती हुई, बस। हम सभी दौड़ रहे हैं, न जाने किस चीज़ की तलाश में? अगर कोई रुकता भी तो बस हाफ़ने भर के लिए और एक सांस भर फिर से दौड़ पड़ता है।

गुलाब बाग़ वहीँ रहे, ऐसी उम्मीद करता हूँ। वहाँ चलती महफ़िलें कभी लुप्त ना हो, जैसे गुलाब बाग़ से गुलाब लुप्त हो चुकें है। अब वो सिर्फ् एक बाग़ बनता जा रहा है।gulab bagh, udaipur

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Places to Visit

Know About Navlakha Mahal In Gulab Bagh

Know About Navlakha Mahal In Gulab Bagh
Know About Navlakha Mahal In Gulab Bagh

We all are aware of Sajja Niwas Garden or Gulab Bagh. But do you know that there is a museum inside a Mahal known as Navlakha Mahal in Gulab Bagh? Let us have an insight of what Navlakha Mahal is.

About Navlakha Mahal

Navlakha Mahal is situated in the heart of Gulab Bagh, which was established in the 19th century. This is a place of pilgrimage for Arya Samaj followers. Maharishi Dayanand, a remarkable sage, and reformer who brought Vedic learning to India, was a profound scholar of Vedas and scriptures and a perfect Yogi. Maharishi Dayanand came to Udaipur on August 10th, 1882. He visited the City of Lakes on the request of Maharana Sajjan Singh, the 72nd ruler of the Mewar Kingdom. The Navlakha Mahal was once the royal guest house of the Maharana.

Know About Navlakha Mahal In Gulab Bagh
Source: tripadvisor

Maharishi remained in the city for almost six and a half months and stayed in Navlakha Mahal. In this holy Navlakha Mahal, Maharishi Dayanand accomplished the writing of his greatest manuscript, Satyarth Prakash. This Satyarth Prakash was his protocol for human life. He wrote it for the welfare of mankind and also for conveying divine knowledge to the people.

Know About Navlakha Mahal In Gulab Bagh
Source: Rajasthan Tourism

Inside Navlakha Mahal Museum

Forgotten for years, this palace was in a decaying state when Shrimad Dayanand Satyarth Prakash Nyas (trust) began renovating it.

Know About Navlakha Mahal In Gulab Bagh
Source: Rajasthan Tourism

Musical fountains have been installed in the inner chowk of the palace, that dance to the tunes of hymns in his praise. Here, once Maharishi spoke on spiritual and religious topics daily to the people of the city and to the Maharaja.

Know About Navlakha Mahal In Gulab Bagh
Source: The Arya Samaj

There is also a yajnashala where yajnas, including mass yajnas accompanied by the chanting of Vedic hymns and vedkathas, are performed every day in the morning and evening.

The 1st floor of the palace contains a picture gallery where 67 oil paintings portray Maharishi’s life, from birth to his spiritual enlightenment.Know About Navlakha Mahal In Gulab Bagh

A 14-angled and 14-story ‘Satyarth Prakash Stambh’ or tower is also installed at the writing chamber of Swami Dayanand Saraswati.

A hall in one side of the courtyard houses a Vedic library and reading room. All 23 translations of Satyarth Prakash–including Sanskrit, French, German, Swahili, Arabic, and Chinese are available inside it. Revolving glass cases display Satyarth Prakash and the important Vedic texts.

Know About Navlakha Mahal In Gulab Bagh
Source: The Arya Samaj

The Shrimad Dayanand Satyarth Prakash trust also operates a ‘Ved Prachar’ vehicle to spread Vedic knowledge among the people. The vehicle is equipped with a multimedia projector, books and other materials used for promoting the preaching of Maharishi Dayanand.

Timing: 10 am to 6 pm

Location of the Navlakha Mahal

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Top Places for Pre-Wedding Shoots in Udaipur

Pre Wedding Locations in Udaipur

“Marriage Shots does not have to be perfect; they have to be wonderful.” And, when it comes to Udaipur, every place has got a picturesque and photogenic touch to enlighten the beauty of love and romance. Couples across India, foreign countries, and from Udaipur as well look up for the diverse places to have Pre-Wedding Shoots. Even many ideal photographers suggest Lake City as the first choice to have the Pre-Wedding Shoots because of its regal presence and glamour architectures.

So, here we have found some of the destination spots that are classified as per suitability of the going to be married to define their love story with uniqueness in their captures.

Hotel Destinations

pre-wedding hotel destinations

Udaipur is known for the destination weddings, and some of the hotels have been in the top charts of destination wedding planners as well photographers to have pre-wedding shoots. Here we have some hotels that serve the best occupancy, property, and heritage for the couples to capture their moments of love.

–    Chunda Palace

Surmounted with the lavish interiors and fail architecture exteriors, this hotel is choices of many couples for the pre-wedding shoots. And, if you look at the prices of property for this purpose its 60,000 per day.

–    Hotel Fateh Garh

Royal with the contemporary touch this property is at Sisarma side of Udaipur. Fateh Garh serves with the exotic views and aura that are not just beautiful but worth to click. Relevance to prices per day charge for the property concerning pre-wedding shoot is 31,000 + Tax applicable.

–    Radisson Blu Udaipur Palace Resorts & Spa

Carrying the lake view with supreme architecture, Radisson properties never fail to astound the guests because of its hospitality and surrounding. If you are looking for Lakeside location, it can cost you around 50,000 INR including tax for per day shoot.

–    The Royal Retreat Resort & Spa

Regal frame in every detail of this resort which is definitely a retreat for the couple going to tie the knot soon. Ideal location to have a pre-wed shoot with the tentative charge of Rs.35, 000 per day to have a well spent admire of every corner of it.

–    The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur

With the captivating view of the valley, lake, and Udaipur skyline this location has all things that one can desire for. And, if you admire luxury so far then, 1 Lakh rupees is not a big deal to spend on your pre-wedding shoot.

–    Shouryagarh Resort & Spa

A getaway for every couple to experience luxury-soaked in tradition. Filled with grandeur architecture and rich history in every corner of the resort, you can have a pre-wedding shoot at a nominal price of Rs.25,000 at this place.

 

 

Natural Views

natural_places_wedding_shots

Love for Mother Nature and being at the places that define Lake City even better are the lakes and gardens with opulent views

–    Fateh Sagar

One of the beautiful tourist spot and of course the best place to have the clicks either casually or for the exclusive shots. Fateh Sagar is the heartthrob place for all the youngsters and carries the beauty of its locations namely Moti Magri, Rajeev Gandhi Park, and Rani Road where couples can shoot up the pre-wedding shots in natural lake views.

–    Sajjangarh

Popularly known as Monsoon Palace, this hilltop palatial residence has been the top priority for the pre-wedding shoots because of its grand architecture that reminds of a fairy-tale castle of historical times.

–    Lake Badi

Popularly known as Badi Ki Paal, the lake here is abundant to have the picture perfect views when it comes to having shots indulged in the delicacy of romance.

–    Jagdish Temple Streets

Divine place, filled with the crowd and surrounded by traditional stuff all over the ways. Jagdish Mandir streets accentuate the fascinating view to have the pre-wedding shots completely into the natural markets that are being considered as one of the points nowadays.

–    Ghats of Udaipur

Astonishing and solitary, Ghats of Udaipur namely Gangaur Ghat, Ambrai Ghat, and Lal Ghat are one of the best places to have pre-wedding shots in Morning and Evening time.

–    Doodh Talai

Pichola Pal, Gardens, and Ropeway at the location of Dudh Talai makes it one of the finest place to have the shots for the couples who are going to get married soon.

–    Gulab Bagh

Full of lush greenery and clean roads within the area. Gulab Bagh is not just a morning spot for fitness persons or evening relaxing zone for families but its lot more than that to catch up for pre-wed shoots.

 

 

Around Udaipur

pre-wed-shoot-around-udaipur

In the outskirts of Udaipur also there are many places where people can choose to have their pre-wedding shoots with the alluring views to define their love story in a unique way.

–    Chittorgarh

Easily reachable by road, one of the fascinating place to explore in the municipality of Rajasthan that represents the family history of warrior caste pride, spirit, and Romance. That’s why couples can grace it in one of the destinations for a pre-wed shoot.

–    Jaisamand

This place has got its charm in its second largest artificial lake and of course an Island resort which is a must visit. So, for the couples, it has got all the views that you can just imagine to have in your pre-wedding captures.

–    Eklingji Nagda Village

A getaway to divine place and to have the magnificent captures in the nearby areas like Sastra Bahu Temple, Lake Bagela and Nagda are some of the spots to form a natural romantic view in shots.

–    Kumbhalgarh

One of the renowned places in the outer zones of Udaipur that has got a beautiful fort with splendid greenery and also the best of resorts to look around for royal rocking view. So, what more a couple can desire to have a pre-wedding shoot.

–    Ranakpur

A village nearby Udaipur that is more of a location choice nowadays for pre-wedding shoots because of its luxurious resorts and a symbolic natural arena that have scenic views to capture romantic moments of couples in the frame of memories.

 

Picture Courtesy: CandidTales and Preach Weddings

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Places to Visit

Gulab Bagh and Zoo – An Engrossing Domicile of Relishment

Nestled in the fertile valley of Udaipur, beneath the banks of lush Lake of Pichhola stands the shinning, the enchanting pleasure park baptism as Gulab Bagh. It is spread over 100 acres of land at an elevation of 593 meters and having coordinates 24°34′17″N 73°41′34″E. It brings a sense of history and an aura of class which this masterpiece engulfs within itself. As the name suggests it also brings that fragrance and feathery touch of a rose leaf to those who truly appreciates its beauty. Though portraying the scenic imagination of then ruler Maharana Sajjan Singh Ji, it also preserves a sense of history within its cold frames. Gulab Bagh not only represents the traditions of Udaipur but of whole India, an act which can be justified as it is being the fourth oldest zoos in Indian subcontinent.

gulab-bagh-udaipur

Gulab Bagh In Its Earlier Years :

Gulab Bagh is one of the most famous and the biggest of all gardens of Udaipur. The garden was built by the then Maharaja of Udaipur Maharana Sajjan Singh ji in the year 1878 and hence precisely  known as Sajjan Niwas Garden but due to  the avaiability of numerous varieties of roses, this garden is also known as Gulab Bagh or Rose Garden. The garden consists of a wide variety of flora such as Lotus Pond, and many prominent trees that included many species of mangoes, guava, grapes, lemon, berry, mulbury, rayan, pomegranate, bananas, sapota, tamarind, bullock’s heart , lichi, arjun trees, wood apple, karonda, campher, citron, jamun, pummelo, meetha neem, kargi lime, ficus species, anola, jack fruit, dhanverjia, grandi flora, jasmin, dawood etc. After making the garden prominent amongst the locals, T.H. Story imported variety of flora from various regions of India, their enchanting beauty can be only witnessed here with natural quaintness. Not only this, he also imported from other British colonies, resulting in huge and wide variety of trees and shrubs for the garden. In 1882, a name plate was placed on all the trees which included a Hindi name of the tree, English name of the tree and the botanical name. The boundary of the garden was constructed in the year 1885-86 and the garden was divided into 45 parts according to different flowers, trees, zoo complex and so on.

 

gulab-baghPhoto Courtesy : IndiaTourismPortal.com

Gulab Bagh also encompasses a museum, originally known as Victoria Hall Museum, laid by Maharana Sajjan Singh on 2nd November 1890. The inauguration was done by Lord Lansdown. Mr. Gauri Shankar Ojha was the first curator of this museum in the year 1890. This museum proved to be encampment of flimsy collection which comprised of things and many stone manuscripts dating from 3rd Centaury B.C. to 17thCentaury A.D. A library was constructed in the premises of the garden by Maharana Fateh Singh which is now known as Saraswati Bhawan Library. This public library has large volumes and illustrated manuscripts on history, archaeology, Ideology. The museum, reading room and the library are inside the Victoria Hall. The library is replete with Queen Victoria’s displaced statue.

The enclosure has a two way entrance for its visitors and the main gate was exclusively made in the eye of Maharana, on the top of it is the sign of Raj Gharana and a lion on either side of it depicts the paradigm of Mewar culture. As entered one can have leisure walk in the tree lined landscape to relax amid the greenery. The location of Gulab Bagh Zoo is unique in the sense of its proximity to the main city and other tourist places as well as the natural environment of dense vegetation of the garden. The garden consists of large ponds covered with lilies and several varieties of trees that provide ample shade to the visitors .The well trimmed shrubs in the shape of animals and the cemented portray of animals ads an enhancement to the garden and urges the passer-by to have snap with them. Municipality has introduced various fun rides for the children and even adults. To enjoy the cherishment of this beautiful scenery there is a famous mini train for kids to have a ride all across the garden.

The Zoo :

The garden also comprises of a small yet pleasant zoo, showcasing a number of animals. The zoo initially was used as an entertainment for the royal people as organized fights between wild boars, Lions, and Tigers. After independence many animals were shifted to this zoo. The Gulab Bagh zoo is now threatened by plans of the Forest Department to shift it to the biological park being built in Sajjangarh and to convert the zoo into an aviary. The team of Gulab Bagh zoo manages the zoo with tenacious dedication and provides them a temporary home in Gulab Bagh thus it is well maintained and protected. CCTV cameras are also installed inside the zoo to keep a keen eye on the activities of the animals.  This small zoo has an array of wildlife including tigers, leopards, Chinkara, gazelle, birds, and many others and has welcomed a variety of new animals including a female leopard and various species of birds. Entry fee to visit the zoo is Rs.5 and camera fee is Rs.15. This is an intact place to visit providing knowledge, fun and pleasure.

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Places to Visit

Let’s turn the City of Lakes into City of Gardens this Weekend – Weekend Hangout

Nehru Garden - By Ashwin jain
Nehru Garden - By Ashwin jain

Monsoon has already knocked our city; these soft breezes brushing our hairs, tiny rain drops that falls on our body and touches our soul; seems like everything around is tinted in green and blue. So what else, other than Lakes, could be a better option to hangout in this super awesome weather?? Well actually there can be one more happening weekend plan to celebrate this monsoon and get closer to nature.

Udaipur is the city of lakes; but it’s the City of Gardens too, with many picturesque lush green gardens ready to cast their spell on you with dew drops on leaves, soft wet grass and cool and pleasant air. These gardens, grown more charming in monsoon breeze and dampness, can be an excellent hangout option with family and friends. You will be amazed to find so many choices; in fact options even more than Lakes. You can choose any one out of many as per your choice or plan a whole day out exploring these green retreats.

Nehru Garden - By Ashwin jain
Nehru Garden – By Ashwin jain

Nehru Garden :-

Situated amidst Fatehsagar Lake, this island garden is truly an eye candy with its fountains and flower gardens. Though these fountains won’t soothe you by splashing water (for which I really thank our sleeping government officials), but with Fatehsagar all around it, you won’t be missing those splashes. Even the boat ride to the garden can be enjoyed when the only rides we enjoy now-a-days are bike or car ride on dusty roads.

 

Rajiv gandhi park - Gaurav bohra
Rajiv gandhi park – Gaurav bohra

Rajiv Gandhi Garden :-

This newly developed garden, located on Rani Road, is emerging as a new hot-spot in the city, particularly for couples in weekdays and families on weekends. Its different theme, the children park and the exotic views of city which it serves makes it a favorite weekend option for city dwellers.

 

Maharana pratap statue @ Moti Magri - Mujtaba R.G.
Maharana pratap statue @ Moti Magri – Mujtaba R.G.

Moti Magri :-

With a statue of brave Maharana Pratap riding his beloved horse Chetak, this age old garden overlooks Fatehsagar Lake. It has many gardens built in the memory of Maharana Pratap and other brave warriors of Mewar.

 

Sahelion ki Badi :-

Built with a different concept of providing a place where royal ladies can relax and rejoice, this garden is famous for its greenery, marble architecture and fountains. Its fountains (mind you, if they are working properly) are sure to drench you without rain. While in the garden, you will feel as if you are in a fairy-land and your feet won’t leave its lanes and lawns.

 

Gulab Bagh - Yash Sharma
Gulab Bagh – Yash Sharma

Gulab Bagh :-

Spread over an area of 100 acres, Gulab Bagh or Sajjan Niwas Garden is the biggest of all gardens in Udaipur. It has a zoo, a museum and a public library along with many beautiful gardens, the greenery of which is well maintained by the authority. It is ever blooming with people of various ages even on weekdays, especially in the morning and evening hours.

 

Doodh Talai - By Deepankshi Chittora
Doodh Talai – By Deepankshi Chittora

Doodh Talai :-

DT offers many gardens and places to hangout like Deen Dayal Upadhya Park, Manikya Lal Verma Park, Ropeway to Karni Mata, Pichola, Jungle Safari and many more.

Adding to the list of the gardens, there are many more like Sanjay Gandhi Garden, Nehru Bal Udhyan, Sukhadia Memorial Park and Sukhadia Circle.

So what are you waiting for Udaipies?? Just pack your picnic bags, put on a bright and colorful tees, take an umbrella or a raincoat, start your vehicle and off you go for a rocking and happening weekend…!! Oooppss!! Turn back, turn back; you forgot your camera that will capture the best smiles of the day…. 🙂

 

Happy Weekend and Happy Monsoon…!! 🙂