Sunday, December 29, 2024

Udaipur

Udaipur, often referred to as the "City of Lakes", is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities situated in the state of Rajasthan, it is renowned for its history, culture, scenic beauty, and regal palaces.



Travel was from Kochi to Ahmedabad via flight and train from there.

Day 1 (25 Dec)

Stay was at Hotel Udaigarh, 21 Lalghat, Behind Jagdish Temple.





Had Traditional style lunch


Restaurant - Traditional khana, Navidya, khamma gani, Upre by 1559










Pichhola lake view at night dinner was near that


Covered

 City palace Udaipur, 


Jagdish temple and 

Bagore khi Haveli

Bagore-ki-Haveli is a Cultural Gem of Udaipur, is located by Lake Pichola, at Gangaur Ghat. Amar Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar, built it in the 18th century. The massive palace has over a hundred rooms that display costumes and modern art. The glass and mirrors in the interiors are structured in classical haveli style.



Though temperature was in between 14 to 16 degree,  felt very cold. Streets were crowded with tourists. 

Day 2 (26 Dec)







Hotel terrace breakfast time.

Kumbhalgarh fort

Kumbbalgadh is known for thick wall around the fort . Its like the wall of china. The location of fort is unique. It's a hidden fort . You come to know when you are close to it . The drive from Udaipur to kumbhalgath is interesting.


The Great Wall of India, though less extensive than China's, is the world's second largest.  

This 36-kilometer-long, formidable fortification encompasses numerous temples and artworks.  

Constructed in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha, this UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases Rajasthan's military architecture and rich history.  

The Kumbhalgarh Fortress, situated within the Aravalli Mountains, serves as its centerpiece.


Initial climb was steep.The fort is on one side… the walls  run 35 kms.







Ranakpur Jain temple

The work there is just too good…. took very less photos. Baroda palace type is udaipur palace. This is full white granite  ….intricate work… Awesome,  Amazing carvings…. Difficult to understand.

Shrinathji temple






Rajsamand lake



It's too cold outside.  Don't feel like getting out of the hotel room.

Plan for next day was Mount Abu and fort enroute, but canceled … no travel…. near the hotel…bahubali hills n around another lake… Fateh sagar. That's the plan.

Day 3 (27 Dec)


View from hotel terrace during breakfast time. Looks like through out the day, the place is always misty. 

Bahubali  hills


This was the best  part of the trip. Hiking, trekking. To and fro walk one hour minimum…. very scenic👆

Lake badi 



badi lake👆

Agar cenotaphs




Sajjanghar monsoon palace



Saheliyon ki badi



Day 4 (28 Dec)

Chittorgarh fort




Built in the 7th century, Chittorgarh is the largest fort  in India ( In fact in Asia). Spread over the area of 700 acres, this place has 22 water bodies. Chitrangad Mori of the Maurya dynasty is said to have laid its foundation during the 7th Century. Chittorgarh Fort is a marvel, perched on a 180-meter hill and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


There are some beautiful buildings in Chittor, including a wonderful Jain Temple. However, much had been destroyed by the invasion by the Moghuls and there were many terrible stories of slaughter and suicide. The main entrance gate was not friendly as far as modern coaches are concerned.



The Chittorgarh Fort also popularly known as Water Fort and is home to 22 water bodies, palaces, towers and temples spread over 700 acres. The fort was captured numerous times; the first one to lay his hands on the fort was Bappa Rawal of the Guhila dynasty, who defeated the Moris to capture the majestic fort.


Originally called Chitrakuta, the Chittor Fort is said to have been built by Chitranga, a Mori king. The Guhila (Gahlot) ruler Bappa Rawal is said to have captured the fort in either 728 CE or 734 CE.

Chittorgarh Fort, us an exemplary representation of Rajput architecture and historical significance, with its origins dating back over 1,300 years. The fort was skillfully carved from the rocky plateau on which it is situated, and its structure was reinforced with stone bricks to withstand prolonged sieges. Notably, it is equipped with seven imposing gates, formidable walls, and an advanced reservoir system, which ensured a consistent water supply for its defenders.

The fort's history is punctuated by acts of extraordinary valor, particularly during the siege of 1303 by Alauddin Khilji. Faced with imminent defeat, the inhabitants made the poignant decision to perform jauhar, an act of mass self-immolation, along with saka, the final charge by warriors into battle, rather than capitulate to enemy forces. Today, Chittorgarh Fort serves as a powerful emblem of Rajput resilience, encapsulating narratives of bravery and sacrifice that have persevered through the centuries.








Vijay stambh


The Vijaya Stambha is a Rajput victory monument located within Chittor Fort. It is also known as tower of Victory and is new in comparison to Kirti Stambh or tower of fame.

Rana khumba palace 







Rana Kumbha Palace is situated inside the Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan. It is located near the Vijay Stambha close to the entrance gate. The ruins of the once famous palace have the temple of Lord Shiva, Zanana mahal, Diwan -e -aam, along with a stable for horses. According to the legends, the founder of the city of Udaipur, Maharana Udai Singh was born here, and his life was saved by his wet nurse Panna Dai, who hid him inside a fruit basket. This place was once the home of the famous bhakti poetess Meerabai. It is also believed, that Rani Padmini organi

Meera temple 





Padmini palace 




Suraj pole




Kirti stamba





Kirti Stambh also known as the Tower of Fame is a 12th century tower situated inside the Chittorgarh Fort Complex. Kirti Stambha is older than another tower in the same fort, known as the Vijay Stambha (Tower of Victory).


Lake Pichola

Udaipur certainly need more time with lots of monuments around Ranakpur, Chittore, Kumbhalgarh, Shreenathji, Eklingji,Nagda, Jaisamand, Jagat, Halidighati. The art, architecture,  forts and lakes are mesmerising with a rich history behind it.  Also we can find beautiful paintings.  

The best time to visit Udaipur is  September, October and March. During this time the temperature is not too hot, but with the start of November till February the weather is chilly. Udaipur is extremely hot from March to June, and that can be very exhausting for people who want to explore the city.

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