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Udaipur |
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NEAR UDAIPUR- Haldighati |
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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.
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Ranakpur |
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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. |
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Sajjangarh |
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High on a hilltop just
outside Udaipur lies this dramatic 18th century palace, with a
breathtaking view of the Mewar countryside Originally intended
to be a towering five-story astronomical centre, it was later
abandoned and used as a monsoon palace and hunting lodge. It was
built by Maharana Sajjan Singh to house and observatory and was
planned as a nineteen-storied structure. However the Maharana
died prematurely & the plans were curtailed. The now derelict
palace dominates the skyline 2468 feet high on top of Bansdara
Mountain. It is visible from a great distance & affords splendid
scenic views. . |
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Ghanerao |
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Is a small town famous for
its castle now converted into a hotel. The castle's highlight in
the pavilion in the central court, where the musicians would
perform. Also near the castle are the cenotaphs of former
rulers. Mahavir Temple, a Jain Temple is also one of the
highlights of the town. |
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