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Rajasthan
( Udaipur )
INTRODUCTION
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.
SIGHTSEEING
Udaipur, the
enchanting city is dominated by its lakes, its
marble palace, 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 t 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 Godhada, Badi
Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Bhim Vilas, Chini
Chitrashala, Mor Chowk, the Zenana Mahal, Fateh
Prakash and Darbar Hall.
Located close to the City Palace is the
Jagdish temple with its imposing sculptured
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. These were the spots where the
Maharanis would come to enjoy the nature
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 delicated carved
kiosks and elephants in marble.
Udaipur has other attractions like the Gulab Bagh,
Doodh Talai, Jag Mandir, Moti Magri, Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal,
Ahad and the Sajjangarh Palace. As you move around this
beautiful city, there is a 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 temples, Negda
where the temples of Sass-Bahu, or Shastrabahu and Adbhutji are
worth seeing. More temples can be found at Rajsamand and Kandroli,
located 60 Km from Udaipur. To the north of Udaipur lies the
battlefield of Haldighati, the very ground here is sacred as it
carries memories of the famous battle between Maharana Pratap and
Emperors Akbar in 1567. It was a fierce historic battle where the
Rajputs fought so valiantly that this encounter is referred to in
murals and ballads throughout Rajasthan. Maharana Pratap National
Memorial is being built at this site to pay homage to this great
warrior for his spirit of freedom.
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