6 Must-Visit Places Near Udaipur That Would Feed Your History Bug!
“WHEREVER YOU GO BECOMES A PART OF YOU SOMEHOW.” – ANITA DESAI The above quote truly captures what travel is all about. Travel changes you. The change may not be massive but the experience you gain surely leaves a subtle impact on your being. Well, we have compiled a list of 6 interesting and fascinating places you must visit if you are in Udaipur. These sites are abundant in historical as well as cultural heritage and would leave an indelible impression on your mind. They would not only captivate your soul but would also provide you with an enriching experience. Since these places haven’t been traveled to often, you might also get to see a pollution-free environment where locals and nature coexist peacefully. Moreover, these places are perfect to fill your Instagram feed with unique yet mesmerizing as well as aesthetically pleasing pictures. 1. Kumbhalgarh The Majestic Kumbhalgarh Fort Kumbhalgarh is a small fortress town on the Aravalli hills, in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan. It is well known for its beautiful temples and majestic forts. As the description suggests, the highlight of this town is a fort – the Kumbhalgarh Fort. Named after Kumbhakarna, popularly known as Maharana Kumbha, the fort is the second-largest in India and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fort which was once said to be impregnable also holds sentimental value because it is the birthplace of the great ruler of Mewar, Maharana Pratap. Moreover, if these facts were not enough to entice you, the Kumbhal fort is surrounded by a 36 km long wall, making it the second-longest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China. The fort still exudes a mesmerizing charm and its beauty and grandeur would leave you awestruck. Distance and How to get to Kumbhalgarh Kumbhalgarh is located at a distance of 86 km from Udaipur. The best way to reach here is by hiring a cab, The journey takes about 2 hours. Things to do & Places to visit Seek blessings at one of the many temples that lie within the boundaries of the Kumbhal fort. The most important temples include Vedi temple, Ganesh temple, Neelkanth Mahadev temple, and other smaller shrines. Don’t miss out on the famous Badal Mahal. Situated at the highest point of the fort, the palace boasts of lovely wall paintings and offers a magnificent view of the surroundings. Visit the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of fauna which includes the Indian wolf, hyena, jackal, chinkara, and Indian hare. If you visit Kumbhalgarh in the first week of December then you would be able to witness the amazing and breathtaking Kumbhalgarh festival. This 3-day festival, organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Department, pays homage to Rana Kumbha’s contribution to art and architecture. Ideal Time to Visit The best period to visit Kumbhalgarh is during the winter season i.e. from September to March. To know more about this small town check out Subhadip Mukherjee’s informative blog. 2. Chittorgarh The Awe-Inspiring Chittorgarh Fort Chittorgarh, a fortified town located in Rajasthan was once the capital of the Sisodia Rajput Dynasty of Mewar. Cradled in the lap of the Aravalli hills, Chittorgarh echoes with tales that are a testament to the valor and indomitable spirit of the Rajputs. Furthermore, the various forts, temples, and palaces accurately depict the magnificence and splendor of this beautiful city. Chittorgarh is also associated with the mystic saint-poet Mirabai, an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna. We assure you, this town and its heritage are bound to leave you begging for more. Distance and How to get to Chittorgarh Chittorgarh is located at a distance of 119 km from Udaipur. The best way to reach here is by taking a bus or cab. The journey takes about 2 and a half hours. Things to do & Places to visit Chittorgarh is home to the glorious Chittor Fort, the largest fort in India as well as Asia. Constructed in the 7th century AD, the fort is considered a hallmark for Rajput gallantry. This UNESCO World Heritage site is filled with stories of truly exceptional men and women. Do visit the popular Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory) and Kriti Stambh (Tower of Fame). The former was built by Maharana Kumbha in honor of his victory over Mahmud Shah Khalji while the latter was built to commemorate the first Jain Tirthankara. A tour of the Chittorgarh fort would be incomplete without visiting Rana Kumbh Palace and Padmini’s palace. Possibly the oldest structure in the fort, Rana Kumbh Palace is the birthplace of Maharana Udai Singh, founder of Udaipur. This is also the palace where Rani Padmini is said to have committed Jauhar ( self-immolation by jumping into a holy fire). According to popular folklore, Padmini’s Palace is the place where Alauddin Khalji got a glimpse of Rani Padmini. It is believed that he was so smitten by her beauty that he decided to destroy Chittorgarh in order to possess her. How can we forget about the marvelous and stunning temples? The Kumbha Shyam Temple is one of the most famous shrines in Chittorgarh. Believed to be the private retreat of Mirabai, the temple is adorned with images of several Hindu gods and goddesses. The Kalika Mata Temple is also quite renowned in the city. Originally built as a shrine dedicated to the Sun god, it was later converted into a temple for goddess Kali. Ideal Time to Visit The best period to visit Chittorgarh is during the winter season i.e. from September to March. Want to know more? Do read Moon Roy’s amazing blog. 3. Haldighati Maharana Pratap Memorial In Haldighati If history is something that interests you, then you must have heard of the Battle of Haldighati. This historic battle was fought in 1576, between the king of Mewar, Maharana Pratap, and the third Mughal emperor, Akbar in a place known as,
