Since childhood we have read about Haldighati, majorly in context with the Battle of Haldighati (Fought on 18 June 1576). In all the textbooks and every journal we read, it was all just about the bloodshed. In this article, I am going to focus on the merrier and rosy side of Haldighati.
Now, for all those who are missing out on what and where is Haldighati, here a quick brief. Haldighati is a mountain pass in the Aravali Range which connects Rajsamand, Udaipur and Pali districts. The name ‘Haldighati’ has originated from the turmeric colored soil of the hills of the area. Turmeric is haldi in Hindi, which has an orangey-ochre color.
Haldighati is known for its cultivation of roses!
Source: Natural Perfume Home Haldighati
The place is one of the biggest exporters of rose products in India. Haldighati has one of the finest varieties of roses; the Chaitri Roses. These roses are a breed of pink rose, bloom in plenty in the month of March-April (a period of approx one month) in a year.
The name of Chaitri Rose is derived from the Hindu month Chaitra, which falls in April, hence the name.
Chaitri Roses cultivated in this region form the world’s finest perfumes as well as Gulkand (Rose Jam), Gulab Jal (rose water), and several other products, including a special medicine for diabetes.
Source: patrika.com
The major production of rose products is done around Badshahi Bagh. This place is well known for its cultivation of roses, especially the Chaitri Roses. The farming of these roses is done at very large scale in Haldighati. The ‘Gulkand’ (Rose petals Jam) made from the rose at Badshahi Bagh has great medicinal value and tastes good too. It is primarily used in ‘Pan’ and other eatables. It has proven therapeutic benefits and has a cooler efficacy which helps in summers from getting relief from the searing sun of Rajasthan.
Source: haldighatiroseproducts.com
While Rose water is also known for its health and beauty benefits, it is also Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, contains high amounts of vitamin C, natural oils found in roses help lock moisture into the skin, has a pleasant natural fragrance, helps in relaxing and toning the skin. Many medicines are also prepared from roses which are exported worldwide.
Aren’t you amazed? Such a small pretty looking flower can do so much!
How to Reach Haldighati?
Haldighati is about 40 km from Udaipur and lies on the route between Udaipur-Eklingji.
Let us know in the comments below if you have ever been to these farms of roses at Haldighati or bought any rose product!!!
It’s tough to be a non-vegan when you can’t find good places to eat out. We know the plight and hence have listed some good places to enjoy and relish the best tastes of non-veg cuisine in Udaipur. Keep your stomach ready as you might feel the need to rush to these places ASAP!
Tribute
Non Veg Platter
The restaurant is a ‘tribute’ to the legendary horse of Maharana Pratap, Chetak. The place is a mark of respect to the magnificent culture & history of Rajasthan. Sumptuous Non-Veg cuisines and a breathtaking view make this a place like no other. The Non-Veg Platter is a must if you happen to dine at Tribute. Accompany it with a glass of your favorite wine and you will surely feel heaven on earth.
Address: 89/B, Behind Monika Complex, Near Ambamata Temple, Rang Sagar, Udaipur,
Kabab Mistri
Source: JaiSingh Garh
Kebab Mistri is the Restaurant at JaiSingh Garh. If you have some serious non-veg cravings, this place is a must visit for you! The juicy pieces of chicken will fill up your tummy like anything! Full of spices and grilled to perfection, the tender mutton portions with Peshawari naan is a must try; something you are surely gonna love. In a nutshell, the entire cuisine is lip smacking!
Address: 3, Haridas Ji Ki Mahri, Malla Talai, Fateh Sagar OR 23, Toran Bawri, Udiapole Road, City Centre
Al-Rehmaniya
Source: directmap.in
The joint is a well-known name in Udaipur for serving some hot non-vegetarian dishes. Roasted chicken, is one must-eat-dish of the place and can be taken for starters. Mutton masala is one delectable dish and can fill up your main course. You’re surely going to love the fried chicken, the portion being big enough for four people.
Address:Imli Ghat, Chandpole Road, Udaipur
Parkview
Source: Justdial
Since 1968, Parkview is perhaps the oldest restaurant which has been satisfying the taste buds of people having non-veg. It is a quite famous one when it comes to having a non-vegetarian cuisine. And I am sure you will also love the smell of those authentic spices.
Address: Opposite Town Hall, Bapu Bazar Rd, Udaipur
Raghu Mahal
Source: Raghu Mahal
Flames is the restaurant at Raghu Mahal, which is again known for its luscious non-veg cuisine. The tandoori chicken and fish tikka are to die for! If you wish to merge some good cocktails with food, you can go to their bar, Angara Bar.
Lal Bagh is Udaipur’s first restaurant focusing on organic ingredients. Their unusual cooking styles bring out flavors in the cuisine which makes it succulent. A lot of people love the food at Lal Bagh, and you’re gonna love it too!
Address: 65, M.G. College, Near Daulat Chambers, Sardarpura, Udaipur
Ambrai Restaurant
Source: blog.sagmart.com
Ambrai serves excellent non-veg delicacies to the guests. Amet Haveli (Restaurant Ambrai) is one great spot to dine in that Rajwadi sophistication and enjoying the luscious food.
Zaika is a takeaway and is running fluently for years. For the people who do not believe in eating amongst other people, takeaways are the best option. Everything is amazing here and a lot of people already crave for their servings. Zaiqa surely lives up to its name.
The huge variety of Nonvegetarian food will firstly just confuse you whether what to eat and what to miss, but at the end of the day, you will just be like ‘mmm’. And make sure you prepare your appetite well because you cannot leave the place without overeating. From chicken, fish, mutton, eggs, and kababs to laal maas you can find everything here. It is a takeaway restaurant so that you can have as much as you want and eat it leisurely at your home.
Address: Near, R Decor, Celebration Mall Road, RK Circle, Bhuwana
Bal Bal To
Source:Venuezz
It is one of those underrated and less known places of Udaipur. You might think that the ambiance will not suit you by looking at it from the outside but once you enter the place you will find that it is a perfect place for you for even a family gathering. The place is not much fancy and doesn’t have any exclusive décor but once you taste the food here, I bet you won’t regret coming here at all. It has both veg and non-veg food available here.
Address: Opposite Royal Raj Vilas, Shobhagpura Circle, Pulla Bhuwana, Shobhagpura
Mann Chicken Centre
Mann Chicken Centre is a very popular name amongst the citizens of Udaipur. It is founded by Mannpreet Singh which justifies its name. The place brought a drastic change in the city in terms of taste, quantity, and quality of non-veg food. The main attraction of the place is mutton and fish.
Address: Shop No 12, 13, Udaipur-Rajasthan – 313001, Under Seva Ashram Pulia
Biryani House
Source: udaipurtimes
The mere name of biryani is enough to get all the juices in our mouth, isn’t it? Well, Biryani house is one such place where you can satisfy your cravings for biryani. And not only Nonveg but veg biryanis are available too. There is a number of biryanis available at the place such as Hyderabadi biryani, chicken biryani, mutton biryani, Veg Biryani, Paneer makhani biryani, etc. Apart from biryani, you can enjoy other non-veg recipes too.
Address: Opposite Apaji Petrol Pump, Chetak Circle
Daawat restaurant
Situated amidst the city, this restaurant is a treat for all the non-veg lovers. It doesn’t fancy any décor or something but when it comes to food, it will be absolutely worth it. Home delivery is also available at the place.
Address: Khawaja Complex, Near Lok Kala Mandal, Madhuban
Mumal Chicken corner
This is another non-veg attraction popular in the city. Earlier it was situated near townhall and now it has been shifted to near Gulab Bagh. It is a takeaway restaurant so make sure you do not go there expecting a proper sitting arrangement. However, the taste of all the delicious delicacies will just excite your mouth like anything.
Yes, you read it right! The Jurassic Park is in the Celebration Mall. Not the movie but the creatures! But what are these creatures doing in the Mall? Confused, aren’t you?
Well, the mall has turned 6 years old in July 2017 and to mark the occasion of completing six successful years in Udaipur, the Celebration Mall has placed huge elements for enticing and entertaining the spectators.
These elements are Animals from the bygone era, Dinosaurs. These majestic animals are placed on the ground floor for everyone to watch and look at.
From children to adults, all are mesmerized by these huge animals as they can move and produce sound. People can take photos and selfies with these creatures which look like the one we saw in the movie Jurassic Park.
It is a thing of amazement for the Udaipurites as this is the first time in Udaipur that any such thing is being displayed. The theme started on 1st July 2017 which shall run the entire month until 31st July 2017.
Excited about it? Visit the Celebration Mall to witness them live!
Share your Photographs with us on info@udaipurblog.com
As Monsoon is progressing bit by bit, the rain deficit June in Udaipur has turned to its positive side. The hot season is coming to its closing stages with some rain showers recently, the Monsoon is what everyone is waiting for.
Udaipur is at its best in the Monsoon Season. A lot of people flock to the city of lakes to watch the seamless beauty of the city. The whole of Udaipur, when gets drenched, make the city look very beautiful during this season.
Udaipur showcases stimulating hues as the monsoon fills up several lakes of this city. Voted as the most romantic city in India, many things in the city are a must-visit or must-do during the Monsoon Season.
Have a look at Your Ultimate Guide to Monsoons in Udaipur. So whether you’re a localite or a tourist, this shall serve you to the best. Thank us later!
Places to Hangout in Udaipur in Monsoon- To see that Ultimate Beauty of the City:
Pipliya Ji
Clouds Descend On The Hills At Pipliya Ji
Located in the countryside of Udaipur, Pipaliya is a small village roughly 20-25 km from the central city. This is one of the most beautiful locations to view in Udaipur, green valleys and lush hillocks on which clouds descend looks like a dream. It is one of the best places when it comes to Rainy Season.
One can easily reach the place, located some 6-7 km from Ubeshwar Ji Temple.
Monsoon Palace- Sajjangarh
Located at a distance of about 5kms from the central city, Monsoon Palace was once the favorite destination of the royal family during the rainy season. The palace is located on a hill and looks like castles from some grand fairy-tale. One can also visit the adjoining Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary if you wish to enjoy Nature at its best.
The way is also very enticing as blind turns give you those chills with an awe-inspiring view of the hills.
Ubeshwar Ji
Ubeshwar Ji is a Shiva temple. It is located about 15km away from Udaipur city and is a residence to the people from Bhil tribes and Rajputs. As it is said that the path traveled to reach a destination is more beautiful than the destination itself, the same is the case with Ubeshwar. Located on a great height, the way is super exciting leading to green mountains and the sound of the wind with the misty atmosphere during rains.
Keleshwar Ji
Keleshwar is yet another Shiva Temple. It is located 30KM away from Udaipur city. People from Bhil tribes reside in this area. Keleshwar Waterfalls are around 10km from Ubeshwar Ji. The road is exciting if you take a bike ride. The serpentine road turns encompassed by lush green valley is like a dream.
Rayta
This place is also known for its serpentine road, fully surrounded by mountains, valleys and small green hillocks give a magnificent view of the scenery. It defines the countryside beauty of the city of Lakes. Rayta has some of the most scenic views one can imagine in Udaipur. The place is located so high that it gives a panoramic view of the back side of Udaipur- a must visit during the Monsoon season.
Apart from these locations, enlisted below are some places which can also be your destination during rains:
Ambrai Ghat
Nandeshwar Ji
Madaar Lake
Badi Lake
T.D Dam
Chandni Village
Jhameshwar Ji
Sisarma
Ganesh tekri
Kundeshwar Mahadev Ji
Kavita Village
What to relish in Udaipur in Monsoons?
Corncob (भुट्टा)
This is the most relished thing when it comes to snacking around at Fateh Sagar. You will find some stalls and vendors selling sweet corn and corn cobs roasted on coal which gives a superb flavor and fragrance to the corn.
Pakode (पकोड़े)
When we talk about rains, Pakode and Chai is a must. It is somewhat a staple in the monsoon season. ‘Aloo-Pyaaz ke Pakode’ with green chutney is what we crave for.
Bread-Bada
There are various small and big outlets which give unmatched bread-Bada or Bread-Pakoda in Udaipur, and seriously they are a must try.
CHAI
Well, for people who are chai-holic like me, tea is an inseparable part of the life. Chai can be called as the National Drink of India. Call it whatever, but Chai has the most significance during rains. When clubbed with Samosas it becomes an undeniable combo!
Best Places to Spend your evenings in Monsoon in Udaipur
A walk at FS
The acronym FS is known to every localite of Udaipur. It stands for Fateh Sagar. The place is the hub of the crowd gathering in the evenings, especially rainy evenings. Taking a walk near the huge lake feels like a dream. A boat ride on Lake Fateh Sagar is indeed a must-do activity in the city if you are looking for some fun in the city.
If you happen to be in the city around the monsoon, voila! -your definition of beauty might change. A slight hint of soft wind is always blowing with drizzle falling on your face; trust me you can never forget the place once you’ve been here.
Boating in Lake Pichola or Fatehsagar
Udaipur is known as the City of Lakes, boating is an inseparable element then. The two major lakes, Pichola and Fateh Sagar, offer boating and if you are a lover of the water, you must try boating.
The boating in Pichola will cost you from INR 150 to 250
The boating in Fathesagar starts from INR 150 to 350 as it offers speedboats too
Udaipur is indeed a beautiful place, attracting a lot of people around the monsoons. Hope, now you are equipped with the do’s in Udaipur in monsoon. Have a great time!
As Dharohar” means “Heritage”, the Dharohar show is an exclusive display of Rajasthan’s exquisite heritage and folk dance forms which are quite famous pan-India and have gained international recognition too. Tourists from various cities of India as well as from overseas come down to Rajasthan to sway with the mesmerizing dance forms accompanying vernacular vocals and music.
The show is held in Bagore Ki Haveli, which is situated at Gangaur Ghat, is a 17th-century private mansion of Rajput royals and is now turned into a museum. The Dharohar show, in collaboration with West Zone Cultural Center (WZCC), is held every evening from 7 pm to 8 pm at Neem Chowk in Bagore ki Haveli. The show is running seamlessly every day since the last 17 years.
The show starts with artists singing folk songs of Rajasthan, which are indeed quite touching. Then the following listed dance forms are performed by skilled artists. Let us have an overview of the dance forms illustrated by the performers.
Chari Dance
The show starts with the Charri dance. Chari dance is one of the most popular folk dances in Northern Rajasthan, performed by women of Gujjar community of Kishangarh. This dance depicts the art of collecting water in a chari (earthen pot) by these women in their daily routine.
Dressed traditionally in colorful Rajasthani dresses, Gujjar Women perform the Chari dance on the beats of Rajasthani instruments like dhol, dholak, nagada etc which becomes one of the reasons for the attraction towards this dance. The dancers carry brass pots that are fire lit and dance keeping them on their heads.
Gawri Dance
Next, to the Chari dance, Gawri was performed. Gawari dance of southern Rajasthan is a tribal dance of the famous Bhil tribe. They move from places to places to perform this dance which is in a form of a drama. The dance shows a dynamic fight between the Goddess Amba and Devil Bhiamwal. The entire troupe dances around a central spot consecrated to the deity Amba.
Ghumar Dance
Often performed exclusively for ladies gathering, Ghumar is particularly a women’s dance. It was initially developed by the Bhil tribal community of Rajasthan but later adopted by various others as well. Known for its enthusiastic and traditional touch; Ghumar has not only built its name in India but also has gained international recognition and applaud.
This spectacular folk dance has derived its name from ‘ghoomna’ which means circling. Fascination starts when colors of the flowing ‘ghaghara’ (the long skirts) worn by the women dancers start to flow. Filled with oodles of grace, the skirt flair sways while the women twirl in circles, their faces covered with a ‘Ghoonghat’ or veil.
Terah Taal Dance
Terah Taal is a dance form which is performed by skilled artists; these are the Kamada Tribes who are traditional snake charmers. This intricate dance form comprises of tying thirteen little brass discs known as “Manjeeras” to various parts of their bodies and play Terah Taal or thirteen rhythms. They strike these manjeeras in 13 different styles with the ones they hold in their hands. This creates a soothing rhythm.
It is also performed religiously by devotees of Baba Ramdev temple at Runecha. Terah Taal is one of the most complex as well as the eye-pleasing folk dance of Rajasthan. Often swords in the mouths and pot on the heads are also balanced to create more magnificence in the dance form.
Kathputli Dance
Source: dharoharfolkdance.com
Bright colored beautiful clothes, sharp features, squeaking voices and quirky moves on the nimble fingers of the puppeteer is what a “Kathputli” is. A wooden structure derives its name from two different words of Hindi- ‘Kath’ meaning wood and ‘Putli’ meaning doll caters a large audience who love to see them dance.
Kathputli dance is one of the major attractions of the Rajasthani culture. It’s believed that “Putli Bhats” discovered this art form to entertain people in exchange for cash. The Maharajas of Rajasthan are known to have a great affinity towards this dance form and hence it flourished in those times.
Generally, three Kathputli are used in the show with a story line for the performance. Embellished with jewelry and other accessories, these puppets are attached to strings.
Bhavai Dance
The male musician playing the background music and beautifully adorned Bhavai artist dancing on melodious beats is a usual sight of this dance form at the Darohar Show. Ear-pleasing Rajasthani folk songs are sung adding to the beauty of this dance. Many instruments like pakhwaja, dholak, jhanjhar, sarangi, and harmonium are also played which gives the performance the added charisma.
This dance represents the enjoyment of Rajasthani women when she gets water in a desert after walking so long keeping so many vessels on her head. Artist also dances on the sharp edge of a metal plate and broken glasses.
The charges for the Dharohar show are as follows:
For Indians Rs. 90 per head
For Foreigner Rs. 150 per head
Per child Rs. 45
Any Camera Rs. 150
These eclectic dance forms in addition to the grandeur of the Rajasthan makes the Dharohar show a must watch. Rajasthan has different hues of its culture, a fascinating facet of which is its energetic and graceful dance forms. Various communities and their versatile dance forms depicting romance, valor, masculinity as well as sophistication leave the onlooker mesmerized.
At the Dharohar show, every dance form is a unique blend of a specific tribe or religion and is different with respect to its structure, style, and art form that can be seen in their costumes, pattern of dancing, makeup, jewelry and musical instruments. The Rajasthani vibrancy and splendid grandeur is an adjunct to some of the most priceless folk dance forms.
Late in 2000, Mr. Deepak Dixit (Founder of Dharohar) decided to bring the many facets of Rajasthani culture under one roof in order to revive and promote our rich heritage and art. This idea and the support of the director of West Zone Cultural Centre, Dr. Vishwas Mehta (IAS) was instrumental in the birth of “Dharohar”. (Source: dharoharfolkdance.com)
Jaisamand Lake is a comprehensive bounty which lures the beholder to measure the depth of the nature. It is an acquaintance of water which recesses the amiable, placid intrusion into an unmatched experience of paradise. It is also known as Dhebar Lake. The lake was built by Maharana Jai Singh in 1685 utilizing the waters of Gomti River and is the second largest artificial lake of the world, after Aswan dam in Egypt, extending over an area of thirty-six square kilometers. Nine miles in breadth, 102 feet deep and having a circumference of 30 miles. This Marble Dam is 300 Meters long and is a part of the “Heritage Monuments of India“. It is situated on Banswara road, 48 km away from Udaipur at the coordinates 24°16′N 74°00′E.
During the reign of Maharana Jai Singh the lake was constructed to fulfill the great need for water for cultivation in Mewar’s southeastern corner, and it was named after him. The work of this dam was started during his regime but was completed in later years.
It consists of eleven islands some of which are inhabitant by the tribe of Bhil Minas. Two bigger islands are known as Babaka Magara and a smaller one is called Piari. Marble staircases lead into the water, and along the shoreline are several marble chhatris. When the lake was inaugurated on June 2, 1691. Maharana Jai Singh distributed the equivalent of his weight in gold to the people of the adjoining regions as per the chivalry of the medieval period. The northern end of the lake has a palace with a courtyard while its southern end has a pavilion of 12 pillars. The lake also boasts of six interesting cenotaphs carved from marble on its embankment. Rana Jai Singh’s palaces, Hawa Mahal and Ruthi Rani ka Mahal, are set in the foothills overlooking Jaisamand. The summer palaces of the Queens of Udaipur surround Jaisamand Lake on all sides. On the embankment, there are six beautiful chattaris built at intervals and a temple of Narmadeshwar Mahadev. In front of these chhatris ,stands a beautifully carved elephant on a pedestal, with its trunk upwards.
Jaisamand Lake is a main water supply for the city of Udaipur. The gross basin area up to the Jaisamand dam site is 1787 km2. Droughts are a normal feature of the basin and extreme events have become more frequent in recent decades.These lead to an excessive use of lakes and reservoirs. And in 1999, officials statistics shows the augmented use of the dead storage and the reserved water which were to be used only in cases of dire emergency. These same estimates confirm that, in the next few year, even the dead storage will be completely exhausted. In the monsoon of 2006 excessive rains and subsequent overflow of small perennial waters in the catchment caused movement of advance size yearlings into the lake Jaisamand. To water many cities a project of pipeline installation from Jaisamand is made.
Kingdom for Wilderness Unplugged
The surrounding area which is at its most lush in October, soon after the monsoon, is now a wildlife sanctuary which was built in 1957, sprawling over sixty-four square kilometers and is rich in fauna with counts of over 300 bird species.. Attracted by the expanse of water of Jaisamand lake, a host of small birds, local and migratory, habitate the sanctuary. The four-horned antelope, chinkara, chital, wild boar, samhar deer, spotted deer, gazelle and panther are also found here. The sanctuary has also enabled the endangered Indian wolf to breed. The forests used to be a favorite hunting ground for the former rulers of Mewar,
A drive from Udaipur to Jaisamand provides an enchanting view of tall trees on both sides of the window road. A tourist bungalow, a forest rest home and a Baba island resort provide accommodation to the enthusiastic wildlife watchers. This epstile is from seat of Nature. The tourists can even enjoy the beauty of the lake by motorboats. A thirty minute boat ride allows one to see chug across the pristine waters of the Jaisamand Lake. On the top of the two nearby hillocks are the two old palaces constructed by Maharana Jai Singh, which provide an excellent view of the lake.
Dudh Talai is a dainty lake in Udaipur studded with enhancements of human pleasures. The lake beautifies the south-east part of Lake Pichola and has an affable view from the twinkling places like City Palace, Jag Mandir etc. The small inlet of this lake, contributes its water to the larger lake Pichola. This place is unique with the presence of conspicuous view of Shiv Niwas Palace on its southern side and is adorned by two parks which adds grace its shore. M.L Verma Garden and Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park are showcase of modern architecture and allows one to stroll along its beauty. It is located at the coordinates: 24°34’8″N 73°41’9″E
Manikya Lal Verma Garden :
The Manikya Lal Verma Garden or the Rock Garden, on a hillock near Dudh Talai is the best place to catch a spectacular landscape and is carved out of a rugged rock at an attractive eminence. There are curved stones inducted in the bottom of the garden and the small stream of water goes across through it. It was constructed in year 1995 by Nagar Parhisad (Municipal Council) Udaipur. The blue and white paint is unfortunate but adoption and use as ‘public open space’ is probably the best way of managing India’s brilliant heritage of stepwells. A peep from here gives a panoramic view of sediments of nature. The grandeur of this garden lies in its wall maintained smallness. The scene of dusk, which appears shuddering through the ripplets of the gloomy lake Pichola is astonishing. There are steps constructed to reach to the garden, as well as a separate road for vehicles.
Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Park :
At the same elevation of Maanikya Lala Varma Park there is another garden called Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Park. It was developed by Urban Improvement Trust (UIT) Udaipur. The lake is horizoned by masterpiece like Pichola Lake on west and the beautiful City Palace in the north and the rocky M L V Garden in east. These places together make a chain of ‘must visit’ tourist attraction of the city. It also has Rajasthan’s first “Musical Fountain” manufactured by “Yagnik Mechanical Engineering Works”. In this colored milieu fountains dance according to the tunes of music. On the other hand it is a sunset point, from where the sun sets in the lap of lake Pichola reflecting crepuscular light.
The Ropeway :
A ropeway to Karni Mata temple was constructed between tourist spot Deen Dayal Park, on the top of hill near lake Pichola and the Machhala Hill. Inside the temple there is a white stone idol of the goddess Karni Mata. It was built by the businessman Kailash Khandelwal in collaboration with UIT. It is a delightful ride of 500 meters over a fixed grip mono cable and is the first ropeway of Rajasthan. It is not just a 4 minute ride but a joyful adventure, the altitude bounded with scenery and the people bouncing in the air is so experiencing that one can just fall in short of words. It gives a breath-taking view of the city including Lake Pichola, magnificent City Palace complex, Sajjangarh Fort and many more, from its cabin. Being the major attraction the ropeway system has also developed the ease to visit the temple and other historical sites at Machhala Hill. The ticket costs Rs.69/- per adult.
To add more attractions for tourists, boat rides and camel rides are also introduced near the Dhudh Talai pond, by Udaipur Municipal Corporation.
Being a famous relaxing spot of the city it offers a serene and scenic environment with beautiful lake side drive and one can spend a very intimate quality time here.
The memories of men are frail … therefore stands a fortress as thread .. to hang history from then till now…
Built on a hilltop, Kumbhalgarh is a Mewar fortress located on the banks of Banas River cradled in the Aravalli Hill in Rajsamand district of Rajasthan state in western India. It is the second very most important citadel in Mewar region after Chittorgarh. The palace is known as the silent hill station of Rajasthan standing majestically on the high ridge with elevation of 1100metres (3600feet) above sea level. The longitudinal and latitudinal distance of the fort is 25.1475° N, 73.5831° E.
It was built by Rana Kumbha during the course of 15th century. In Kumbha’s time the kingdom of Mewar extended from Ranthambore to Gwalior, including vast tracts of present-day Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Kumbhalgarh was once the seat of Prince Samprati, who was the Jain descendants of the erstwhile Mauryan Dynasty, who ruled here in the 2nd century defining the boundaries between Mewar and Marwar. Rana took around 15 years to built this fort. The sentimental significance of the fort also accounts as the birth place of Maharana Pratap who was a great king and warrior of Mewar. The fort was built to serve a refuge for Mewar rulers in times of strife.
In 1443, when the king started the construction and eventually the structure crumbled to ruins by the sunset .But then a spiritual preceptor addressed the king to offer human voluntarily sacrifice in order to ensure that the battle walls being constructed by Rana would be strong enough to withhold the siege. The king sent out word, but no one volunteered. One day a soldier from the commandment volunteered and been ritually decapitated. Today the main gate of the fortress, Hanuman Pol contains a shrine and a temple named as Vedi temple to perpetuate the great sacrifice. Because of its hostile topography the fort remained inaccessible to the mighty Mughal even after combining the armies of emperor Akbar of Delhi , Raja Mansingh of Amber and Raja Udai Singh of Marwar.
The invincible fort is the most formidable in the state of Rajasthan.
The frontal serpentine 36km long and 15 feet thick wall with soaring towers is the most impressive. The wall is claimed to be the second longest continuous wall after Great Wall of China. The wall is not in straight pattern but have many steep ascends and descends throughout its length covering mountain cliffs and valleys. According to the legends, it is believed that eight horses could run on this wall side by side. The wall also serves as an epitome of architectural excellence and exquisite art of Rajput era because the walls are still unblemished and intact inspite of being 700 years old.
The impregnable fort is protected by 13 mountain peaks of Aravalli range, seven huge imposing gates just like the sentinels and 7 steel gray ramparts being folded within another with the walls empowered by arched bastions and colossal watch towers.
The top of the fort offers a spectacular panoramic picturesque of sand dunes of Aravalli range and overlooks the approaches from Ajmer and Marwar.
The fort can be accessed by any of the seven gates which are named as Aret Pole, Hanuman Pole, Ram Pole, Vijay Pole, Nimboo Pole and Bhairon Pole.
At the top of the cliff Badal Mahal, also known as the palace of the clouds is situated. The two-storied structure is divided into two interconnected distinct portions namely the Zanana (quarter for females), and the Mardana Mahal (quarter for men) decorated with pastel colored murals of 19th century. The color scheme of the rooms is a contrast to the grim and earthy fortress. The Zanana Mahal is composed of stone jalis which facilitated the queens to see the court proceedings and other events in privacy. All the chambers are provided with ingenious air conditioning system which draw cool air into the rooms and ventile them from the bottom.
The fortress consists of 360 temples within the fort out of which 300 of them are ancient jain temples and rest are hindu temples.some of them are Ganesh Temple, Vedi Temple, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Parshvanath Temple, Bawan Devi Temple, Golerao Group of Temples, Mamadeo Temple, Pitalia Dev Temple.
The Neelkanth temple is situated near the base of the plains containing a six feet high sculpture of Lord Shiva. The rana offered regular prayers to the deity in this temple and was decapitated by his own son in this temple while offering prayers.
The thick woody forests encompass the vibrant and rich foliage along with a rich variety of fauna. The fort is encircled by Kumbhalgarh wildlife sanctuary sprawled in an area of 578 square kilometer (223 square miles). The sanctuary abode a shelter to a number of endangered species. The species found are hyena, panthers, leopards, wolfs, cats, the four horned antelope (chausingha), blue bulls, sambhars, crocodiles, peacocks, bear, wild boars, jungle fowls, flamingoes, spoonbills, parakeets, grey pigeons, yellow footed pigeons, egrets, cormorants, golden oriole and many more. Horse lovers and adventure seekers can enjoy the thrill of riding and camping in the sanctuary. Each group is accompanied by local tour operators. Horses, tents, food and fodder are provided by the Aohdin (owner of castle-type cottages) on prior notice at a very reasonable cost.
The fort is open to the public and can be easily accessed from Rajasthan state government roadways ordinary and deluxe buses (102 km) or from the Udaipur airport (84kms.) or from the Phalna railway station serves to be the closest railhead. The months of September to march serve as the ideal time to visit the palace and in clothing one must prefer cotton tropical clothes in summers and light woolen clothes in winters. One can also enjoy the Kumbhalgarh festival celebrated during the winter season to promote Kumbhalgarh as a heritage site. Tourists can be amazed by the serenity and beauty of the place with its enthralling and verdant landscapes, deep jungles and pretty gorges .The fortress is spectacularly lit by various lights and lamps each evening. Kumbhalgarh is not just these fabulous monuments and magnificent citadels, but abundance of natural splendors is gracefully bestowed on it makes it a pictorial location and an attractive tourist destination.
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