“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

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

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

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, yes you guessed it right, Haldighati. A picturesque mountain pass in the hills of Aravali, Haldighati derives its name from the turmeric-colored yellow soil of the area. It is a place where legends come to life. Thus, if you are a history-junkie or someone who is fascinated by stories then Haldighati is worth a visit.

Distance and How to get to Haldighati

• Haldighati is located at a distance of approximately 45 km from Udaipur. The best way to reach here is by taking local transport like buses or cabs. The journey takes about 1 and a half hours.

Things to do & Places to visit

• Maharana Pratap Museum is a must-visit. This museum, filled with various artifacts, displays almost every aspect of the renowned battle along with the life of Great Maharana Pratap. Do not forget to visit the Chetak Samadhi as well.

• Badshahi Bagh, famous for ‘Chaitri-Gulab’ is also a place you cannot miss out on. Rosewater and ‘Gulkand’ ( a sweet jam-like preparation made from rose petals) are prominent highlights of this garden.

• Make sure to explore the Balicha Village, well-known for its terracotta arts and crafts.

Ideal Time to Visit

• The best period to visit Haldighati is from October to March, especially if you want to escape the scorching heat.

Check out Ashwini & Neetan’s blog on this gorgeous place.

4. Ranakpur

Ranakpur is a small village located near Sadri town in the Pali district of Rajasthan. This quaint and charming town, nestled in the serene valleys of Aravali, is an important destination for Jain pilgrims. Ranakpur offers a unique and panoramic view of flourishing greenery against the backdrop of a desert. Famous for its meticulously carved marble Jain temple, Ranakpur is a place whose beauty will rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul. It is rightly known as ‘A Spiritual Oasis in Aravali’.

Distance and How to get to Ranakpur

• Ranakpur is located at a distance of approximately 94 km from Udaipur. The best way to reach this little wonder is by hiring a taxi. The journey takes about 2 hours.

Things to do & Places to visit

• A trip to Ranakpur without visiting the Ranakpur Jain Temple is like going to McDonald’s and not having a burger. Also known as Chaturmukha Dharana Vihara, the temple is one of the most exquisite spiritual sites in India. This marvelous structure carved in stone is renowned all across the globe for its fantastic architectural style. The main temple, Chaumukha Mandir (four-faced temple), is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankara (saint), and is, therefore, considered one of the five holiest Jain shrines in India.

• The Sun Temple also called the Surya Narayan Temple, is worth a visit. Constructed in the 13th century, this temple consists of various beautiful murals. Moreover, one should not fail to visit the nearby Amba Mata Temple, which is just as enchanting.

• Do not forget to visit Ranakpur’s vibrant and colorful bazaars. This place is famous for its classic silver jewelry and amazing clay figurines.

Ideal Time to Visit

• The best period to visit Ranakpur is from October to February when the weather remains pleasant.

Read Ekta & Puru’s blog to learn more about the Ranakpur Jain Temple.

5. Nathdwara

Also known as the ‘Apollo of Mewar’, Nathdwara is located on the banks of River Banas. This delightful town is perfect for observing Rajasthani tradition, heritage, and culture in all its glory. It owes its name to a much-revered temple of Lord Krishna which houses the deity of Shrinathji since Nathdwara translates to ‘Gateway to Shrinathji’. All in all, Nathdwara is rich in terms of its architecture and one must undoubtedly visit this place to experience spiritual ecstasy. In this desert town, tales of the past come alive.

Distance and How to get to Nathdwara

• Nathdwara is located at a distance of approximately 46 km from Udaipur. The best way to reach this holy town is by taking a bus or taxi. The journey takes about 1 hour.

Things to do & Places to visit

• The main attraction is the Shrinathji Temple. The 17th-century temple is considered an important pilgrimage by Hindu Vaishnavs. This beautiful complex with intricately carved structures sees throngs of devotees during occasions of Holi, Janmashtami, Annakutta, and Diwali.

• How can we not talk about the stunning Eklingji Temple?! Situated 27 km away from Nathdwara, Ekling, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, is believed to be the ruling deity of Mewar. One must visit this majestic temple during Shivratri to witness the enthusiasm and pomp with which the festival is celebrated.

• Nathdwara is flooded with artists. This place is popular for its ‘Pichwai Paintings’, which are colorful representations of Lord Krishna on fabric or cloth. It is also known for its colorful terracotta items and handmade silver jewelry. Furthermore, if you have a sweet tooth, then the mouth-watering sweets that the town has to offer are a must-try.

Ideal Time to Visit

• The best period to visit Nathdwara is from September to February.

6. Rajsamand

Looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and rejuvenate your soul? Well, we have got the perfect spot for you. Rajsamand is a small town located in Rajasthan. The town owes its name to the stunning Rajsamand Lake, an artificial lake created in the 17th century, across River Gomti, by Rana Raj Singh of Mewar. Nestled amidst the serene Aravali hills, it is renowned for its marble craft. Rajsamand is not only endowed with eye-catching beauty but this place also holds religious significance. Sounds good for a place to chill and relax, doesn’t it?

Distance and How to get to Rajsamand

• Rajsamand is located at a distance of approximately 61 km from Udaipur. The best way to reach this quaint town is by taking a bus or taxi. The journey takes about 1 hour.

Things to do & Places to visit

• A peaceful expanse of blue-green, Rajsamand Lake is a must-visit. The marble terraces and arched pavilions against the stunning backdrop of sparkling water make it a breathtakingly beautiful place.

• A small town, Kankroli is also a place you should explore. It is famous for the Dwarkadheesh Temple which is of great importance to Hindu Vaishnavs. Also, do check out the village of JayKay Gram which gets its name from the JK tyre plant situated in the city.

• Any trip is incomplete without shopping. Do visit the shops and bazaars to experience the local culture of Rajasthan. The marble knick-knacks from Rajsamand are surely worth checking out.

Fun Fact: The village of Piplantri, famed for the practice of planting 111 plants every time a girl child is born, is also located in Rajsamand.

Ideal Time to Visit

• The best period to visit Rajsamand is from October to February. The weather is cool and pleasant during this time.

Well, these are some of the places you should go to if you are in Udaipur. These would not only satisfy your inner adventure-seeker but would also introduce you to the erstwhile Kingdom of Mewar.

If you wish to know more about ‘Venice of the East - Udaipur’ do check out the wonderful blogs written by Mohana & Aninda as well as Ankita and Mohit.