Weekend Excursions From Udaipur by newsdesk
Nagda (22 km N) Approached by a country road a little before Eklingji, the ancient town of Nag•da was once the capital of Rawal Nagaditya. Now it is a quiet hamlet famous for 11th century temples called saas-bahu temples, their names a strange distortion of Sahastrabahu (1,000-armed). The temples are small but have fine architecture and intricate carvings, including some erotic figures. The taxi fare is Rs 500 for a return-trip. Location 2 km off NH8 Eklingji (23 km N) The Eklingji Shrine is located in Kailash•puri Village. A form of Shiva, Eklingji is considered to be the real ruler of Mewar and the kings ruled as the deity’s representatives. It is believed that Bappa Rawal originally built the shrine in the 8th century; it suffered destruction and was rebuilt. The present form is attributed to Maharana Raimal (15th century), according to a plaque on the south gate of the temple. The temple complex has 108 shrines. The main temple has a four-faced idol of Eklingji. There are hourly buses to Eklingji from town; taxi fare is Rs 500 for a return-trip. Location On NH8 Timings 4-6.30 am, 10.30 am-1.30 pm and 5.30-8 pm Haldighati (40 km N) Haldighati got its name from the yellow-coloured soil of this rugged landscape. Its fame rests upon a short battle fought here on June 18, 1576, between Rana Pratap’s forces and those of Akbar. Pratap lost his horse Chetak in a famous skirmish and was forced to flee the battle. Recently, a museum was opened in Haldighati with a model of the battlefield and a series of dioramas depicting Pratap’s story. The whole affair is quite tacky. Haldighati is about 18 km from Eklingji. The taxi fare is Rs 600 for a return-trip. Museum entry fee Rs 20 Museum timings 8 am-8 pm, open all days Nathdwara (47 km N) The temple of Srinathji at Nathdwara is among the most sacred places of worship for adherents of the Pushtimarg sect, many of whom travel from Gujarat to worship the icon of Krishna. Pushtimarg, which means ‘Path of Divine Grace’, is a sect founded by Vallabhacharya in the 16th century, which revolves around devotion to Krishna. The Vishnu image here, made of black stone, is said to have been brought from Mathura in 1669 to protect it from Aurangzeb. The temple opens seven times for public worship every day, but only for half-an-hour each time. The timings change often, but it’s worthwhile to get there and see the interesting bazaars and streets of the fort-like temple town while waiting for the temple to open. You could either pay money to touts to get quick access or stand in a long queue like the rest. Once the gate opens, there are separate queues for men and women, and different doors, and there is plenty of jostling inside as people try to get a good peek at the idol. Nathdwara is accessed via Eklingji. Incidentally, the place is also known for pich•hwai paint•ings done on hand-spun fabric. Beware of poor imitations, however. There are regular bus services from Udaipur. Taxis cost about Rs 600 for a return-trip. Kankroli and Rajsamand (66 km NE) Rajsamand Lake is a huge expanse of water between Kankroli and Rajsamand towns. The lake was created in the late 17th century as an employment programme for drought-affected villagers, initiated by Maharana Rajsingh of Mewar. The lake was formed by damming the rivers Gomti, Kelwa and Tali. Towards the Kankroli end, the lake has an immense white stone embank•ment called Nau•chowki, with ornamental arches and pavilions. Large marble terraces and an intricate network of stairs lead down to the water’s edge. Nearby, in Kankroli, on the banks of the lake, is the beautiful temple to Dwarkadheesh, the Krishna of Dwarka. From there you can go down to the lake and watch people feeding pigeons and fish. The lakes are located en route to Nathdwara via Eklingji. Regular bus services are available from Udaipur. Taxis cost about Rs 800 for a return-trip. Jaisamand Lake (48 km SE) Said to be the largest artificial lake in the country, Jaisamand’s circumference meas•ures 88 sq km. Maharana Jaisingh had the lake built in the late 17th century by damming the River Gomti. The embankment has marvellous marble cenotaphs and a Shiva temple. On either side are summer palaces built for royal entertainment. The lake has seven islands and hills surround it on all sides. Two of the hills have palaces on top. One of these is Hawa Mahal, a stroll of less than a kilo•metre from the embankment. The other palace, curiously named Roothi Rani ka Mahal, is a more serious hike of about 4 km. There are wonderful views of the lake and the surrounding countryside from the palaces. Boat rides cost about Rs 30-80. The Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary in the vicinity is home to panthers, wild boars, blue bulls and spotted deer. Sanctuary entry fee Indians Rs 10, foreigners Rs 80 Camera Rs 200 Timings 10 am-5 pm, open all days If you are looking for a usual hotel with the usual modern facilities in this unusual lake, Jaisamand Island Resort (Mobile: 09928098555; 09829044432; Tariff: Rs 2,200-6,000), situated on one of the islands of the lake, is a good bet. You can also go to the resort for a meal (breakfast Rs 150, lunch/ dinner Rs 400; buffet meals with Indian and Continental dishes are served). To and fro boat trips cost Rs 150. Taxi fare to Jaisamand via Kotra is about Rs 600 for a return-trip. Bambora (45 km SE) Bambora is a large village that is becoming a sleepy town. Amidst these unpretentious surroundings is a striking structure perched on top of a hill. An 18th-century edifice known as Karni Fort (Tel: 0294-2398283-84; Tariff: Rs 2,800-5,000), it has undergone the inevitable renovation and conversion to a hotel. The result is a superbly relaxing place, where there is nothing else to do but sit in the strong breeze or swim in the pool or go horse riding in the countryside. Taxi from Udaipur costs Rs 600 return. Devi Garh (30 km N) Taxi costs Rs 1,000 for return. Deogarh (135 km N) Known for the quiet beauty and bliss it offers, Deogarh has a castle that’s been converted into a hotel. The Deogarh Mahal (Tel: 02904-252777; Tariff: Rs 6,000-9,000) has 60 rooms and all modern amenities, including a jacuzzi and multi-cuisine restaurants and a bar. The royal family lives in a part of the complex. The hotel offers jeep safaris, walking tours, trekking and birdwatching opportunities, and rides in vintage cars. They also organise trips to places nearby such as forts and the Anjana Mahadev Temple. Taxi from Udaipur costs Rs 1,200 for a return-trip.
Weekend Excursions From Udaipur by newsdesk