Kumbhalgarh Fort
Located 64 kms north of Udaipur in the wilderness, Kumbhalgarh
is the second most important citadel after Chittaurgarh in the
Mewar region. Cradled in the Aravali Ranges the fort was built
in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha. Because of its inaccessibility
and hostile topography the fort had remained un-conquered. It
also served the rulers of Mewar as a refuge in times of strife.
The fort also served as refuge to the baby king Udai of Mewar.
It is also of sentimental significance as it is the birthplace
of Mewar's legendary King Maharana Partap.
The fort is self-contained and has within its amalgam
almost everything to withstand a long siege. The fort fell only
once that too to the combined armies of Mughal and of Amber for
scarcity of drinking water. Many magnificent palaces an array
of temples built by the Mauryas of which the most picturesque
place is the Badal Mahal or the palace of the clouds. The fort
also offers a superb birds view of the surroundings. The fort's
thick wall stretches some 36 kms and is wide enough to take eight
horses abreast. Maharana Fateh Singh renovated the fort in the
19th century. The fort's large compound has very interesting ruins
and the walk around it can be very rewarding.
Ranakpur
Beautiful sculptured Jain temples mark the glory of this renowned
place. Marked as one of the five holy places for the Jain community,
these were created in the 15 the century. During the reign of
Rana Kumbha and are enclosed within a wall. The central Chaumukha
[four faced temple] is dedicated to Adinathji the temple is an
astounding creation with 29 halls and 1,444 pillars all distinctly
carved and no two being alike is a amazing evidence of the genius
sense of architecture that enhances the charm of the place. Every
temple has this conceivable surface carved with equal delicacy.
The ambience of Ranakpur is mainly highlighted by the location
and the almost divine architecture, giving the same hue as its
counter part - the great Dilwara Temple's. in Mt-Abu. Facing the
main temple are the unique temples -Parasvanath - Neminath with
exquisite figures carving similar to that Khujaraho sculptures.
Another temple worth visiting is the nearby 'Sun Temple' dedicated
to the 'Sun God' (Surya-the master of all the planets and the
provider of light to the whole universe) adorned with polygonal
wall, richly embellished with the carvings of warriors, horses
and solar (Nakshatras, grahs') deities riding splendid 'chariots'
the vehicle of the 'Sun God'- which accordingly to the Hindu Mythology
is the God of prosperity and a shining destiny in this world.
Many throng this shrine for these blessings. Overall Ranakpur
is known as ' The tranquil pilgrimage town'. For the buffs a ride
to the outskirts like ' Sadari' - 'Desuri'- 'Ghanerao'- 'Narhai',
serves the purpose of their satisfaction.
Haldighati
The extensive terra firma, towards the south west of Nathdwara,
this historical site witnessed the great legendry battle fought
between Maharana Pratap and the Mughal Emperor -Akbar in 1576
AD.
The vast terrain that was supposedly covered with blood (the sand
turned Red in colour) evokes a chill in the spine till date and
envelopes a feel of nostalgia, this was the place where the heroic
Chetak the gallant charger with his dedicated loyalty towards
his chivalrous master (the Maharana Pratap) proved his worth by
co-operating till his last breath. A 'Chhatri' with delicate white
marble is dedicated both to the indomitable hero and his loyal
charger, is note worthy. A jeep drive to this place is rather
interesting.
City Palace
City Palace towers over the Pichola Lake. Maharana Uday Singh
initiated in the construction of the palace but succeeding Maharanas
added several palaces and structures to the complex retained a
surprising uniformity to the design. The entry to the Palace is
from the Hati Pol, the Elephant gate. The Bari Pol or the Big
gate brings you to the Tripolia, the Triple gate. It was once
a custom that the Maharana would weigh under this gate in gold
and silver, which was distributed to the populace. It is also
now the main ticket office. Balconies, cupolas and towers surmount
the palace to give a wonderful view of the lake. Suraj Gokhada
or the balcony of the sun is where the Maharana would grant public
audiences mainly to boost the morale of the people in difficult
times. The Mor Chawk is the peacock square and gains its name
from the vivid blue mosaic in glass of a peacock that decorates
its walls.
