Excursions from Udaipur

Ranakpur
The exceptionally beautiful Ranakpur complex, 60 kms. from Udaipur, is one of the largest and most important Jain temples in India. The temples are tucked away in a remote and picturesque valley of the Aravallis.

The main temple is the Chaumukha (four- faced) temple dedicated to the first tirthankara Adinath. Built in the 15th century, this well-preserved temple complex has 29 halls supported by 1,444 intricately carved pillars and the most interesting fact is that no two pillars are alike!

Sometimes it looks more like lacework than stone carving. The construction of the main shrine alone took more than 50 years. In the temple courtyard there's a 400 year old tree, said to have been planted during the construction of the temple.
Kumbhalgarh
Perched on the Aravallis, 84 kms. north of Udaipur is the second principal fortress in Mewar region after Chittorgarh. Built in the 15th century by Maharana Kumbha, it extends over 36 kms. and encloses many temples, palaces and gardens. It is considered to be invincible and was taken only once in its history. The Badal Mahal offers a spectacular bird's-eye view of the surrounding countryside.

Close by is the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary with a rich variety of wildlife. Best time to view the wildlife is between March and June when there is a paucity of water. The reserve is accessible only by jeep from Kelwara through the seven gates.
Narlai
Surrounded by the Aravalli hills in southern Rajasthan, Narlai is located 25 kms. from the historic Kumbalgarh fort. The name Narlai had its origin from the word `Narad' , the legend. There is a legend that the playful saint Narad who was a constant companion of Lord Vishnu, the creator, mediated the disputes on the hill that lies at the center of the village. The fort of Kumbalgarh, Ranakpur temples and excavation sites at Nadol are all nearby and therefore an ideal base for exploration.
Eklingji
Situated 22 Kms. from Udaipur is a beautifully sculpted complex of 108 temples enclosed by high walls. Built in 734 AD, the temples are dedicated to the royal deity Eklingji. The complex has been chiselled out of sandstone and marble. It has an ornate 'mandap' or pillared hall, under a large pyramidal roof and features a four-faced Shiva statue in black marble.
Nagda
About a Km. from Eklingji are situated the famous temples of Nagda, which have fine carving on walls, roof, pillars and courtyard. The Jain temples of Adbudji are in ruins, but their architecture is quite interesting. The Sas-Bahu (Mother & Daughter-in-law) group of temples have intricate carvings and architecture, including some erotic figures.
Haldighati
This place 40 Kms. from Udaipur, has immense historical importance. Here, Maharana Pratap valiantly defied the superior Mughal forces of Akbar in 1576. A chhatri with delicate white marble columns is dedicated to the indomitable hero and his loyal horse, Chetak.
Nathdwara
It is the most revered shrine dedicated to Shrinathji or Lord Krishna, and attracts thousands Of pilgrims from all over the country, especially during the festivals of Diwali, Holi and Janmashtami.

Legend has it that the temple's image of Shrinathji was originally situated at Mathura. However, in the 17th century, fearing an attack on the temple by the fanatical Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, it was decided to shift the idol to a safer, more remote place. When the carriage carrying the image arrived at Nathdwara, its wheels got stuck in the sand and could not be moved. Taking this as a message from Lord Krishna, it was decided to build a new temple on the spot.

The black idol of the deity is treated like a child, clothes and jewelry are changed six times a day and special meals are prepared during different intervals of the day. Nathdwara is also known for Pichwai paintings (religious paintings on cloth), which came into the origin after the idol was brought here.
Kankroli & Rajsamand Lake
Further north, at Kankroli, is a famous temple of Dwarkadhish (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu). Built in the 16th century, it is similar to the temple of Nathdwara.

Nearby is the Rajsamand Lake, which was created by a dam constructed in 1660. There are many ornamental arches and chhatris along the huge embankments.
Jaisamand
The second largest artificial lake in Asia, this stunningly situated lake was built in the 17th century A.D. by Maharana Jai Singh. Graceful marble chhatris flank the embankment with the beautiful summer palaces of the Udaipur queens built on either side of the lake. Jaisamand Island Resort is also worth visiting.

A trip to Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary allows a close encounter with the rich wildlife in their natural habitat. The fauna includes panther, wild boar, deer, four-homed antelope, mongoose and various species of migratory bird.
Dungarpur
Nestling in the foothills of the Aravallis, Dungarpur has an interesting topography, ranging from wild and rugged terrain in the north-east to fertile plains of alluvial soil in the south-west. Two rivers – Mahi and Som - flow through the area.

Dungarpur is famous for its unique style of architecture and museum, with pieces dating back to the 6th century. The museum also has a panel of portraits of the erstwhile Maharajas of Dungarpur state and photographs of palaces, temples and monuments from the many phases of the land's history.

The area is quite rich in teak, mahua, mango and khajur trees. Dungarpur is also noted for its wildlife variety – jackal, jungle cat, Indian fox, hyena, black faced monkey, porcupine, common mongoose are the common inhabitants. The commonly seen bird variety includes partridges, peafowls, quails, cuckoos, eagles and vultures. Various migratory birds also visit the area during the winters.

Overview • How & when to go? • What to see? • Excursions
Where to eat? • What to shop for? • Events/Festivals

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