PATAN THE CITY OF ARTIST:

PATAN THE CITY OF ARTIST:
	Patan, the historic city is also termed as the City of Fine Arts, which is rich in culture, crafts having thousand years of history. It is considered as one of the ancient cities, having full of Hindu temples as well as Buddhist monuments where all ethnic communities belonging to both Hinduism and Buddhism have embraced each other in harmony .and peace. The city is, just 5km south east to the Capital city Katmandu. The city spreads over 16 sq. kilometers and divides into 22 Municipal wards and is inhabited by roughly 165,000 people. Newars, the indigenous inhabitants of Patan, have their own unique culture and traditions which is also recognized as a cultural resource of the world. One of Patan’s biggest festivals, the Machhendra nath jatra, a unique chariot festival celebrated for a month in May-June. A substantial portion of the population is engaged in various trades, especially in traditional handicrafts and small scale cottage industries and the rest are busy in agriculture The city is said to be designed in the shape of the Buddhist Dharma-Chakra (Wheel of Righteousness). It is also famous for its narrow streets and alleys, lined by traditional buildings, unique stone water conduits and vernacular architecture, Hindu and Buddhist monuments. There are more than 1,200 Buddhist monasteries and monuments of various shapes and sizes scattered in and around the city. The most important monument of the city is the medieval palace complex, Patan Durbar Square,
	Patan Darbar Square: In Patan, the places to visit include the Durbar Square, with its enchanting palace building, artistic courtyards and pagoda temples. Patan's Durbar Square offers the finest display of Newari urban architecture in Nepal. The Darbar square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings. Patan Durbar Square Kumari Bahal: The most famous building here is the Kumari Bahal, a building richly decorated with beautiful woodcarvings, which is home to the Royal Kumari, the Living Goddess, a manifestation of the great goddess Durga
	Krishna Temples: This temple is the ornament of patan, build by Siddhi Narsingha Malla in 1637. The temple has important scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics have been carved inside the temple On the occasion of Krishna Janmasthanmi (Lord Krishna’s Birthday), thousands of devotees come to the temple. Krishna Temple Golden Temple: This temple is the riches temple in patan, built in the 12th Century. The building has three roofs with copper golden facades. Inside the temple, there are images of Buddha and Bodhisattvas is located north of the Durbar Square. THE FOUR STUPAS OF ASHOKA: The most remarkable feature of the town of Patan is its four ancient architectural Ashoka Stupas. There are four 'thurs' or mounds located on the perimeter of Patan, one at each cardinal point and are popularly known as the Ashoka Stupas. . Legendary Ashoka, Mauryan Emperor of India, Calong his daughter Charumati visited Kathmandu in 250 B. and erected these Stupas. The historians have agreed that these Stupas might have been erected in connection with the foundation of Patan towards the end of the 4th century AD. Lagan Thura: Among the four stupas of patan, the southern mound is known as Lagan Khel Stupa or Lagan Thura Stupa.The mound is crowned by a recent structure, a miniature cenotaph added on the top. Lagan thura is the largest amongst the four stupas which is 47.40 meters in diameter and 11.80 meters in height. Teta thura: The eastern mound is known as Teta thura, which is located about 200 meters east of Tyagal Tole of Patan near the Eastern ring road and is the second biggest stupas amongst other two stupas. This Stupa is 75.83 meters in perimeter and 10.4 meters in height. It has fire Vedika of height 1.6 meters with one Tathagata in each direction. The dome is paved with firebricks and a square shaped Harmika enshrines the dome. Pucho Thura: The stupa located just at the roadside of Pul Chowk Bus stand on the west end of Patan,is Phucho stupa.,which is 75.52 meters in perimeter and 12 meters in height. It has firebrick Vedika of height 1.2 meters with one Tathagata in each direction. The dome that is 6.5 meters tall is too paved by firebrick. The thirteen rings Cakravalis are constructed directly over the dome in square shaped pyramid structure. Ibhahi Thura: This stupa is the smallest stupas having perimeter of 60.62 meters, located on northern end of Patan. Ibhabi thura has five Buddha in the Vedika with their consorts except the Tathagata Vairocana, whereas Vedika is of 1.5meter and dorm of 5.5meters in height. A square Harmika is constructed over the dome with 13 steps Cakravali and a parasol.

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

An image of the under construction marble temple
Name
Location
Location:	Bhuj
Architecture and culture
Primary deity:	Nar Narayan
History
Date built:	Expected: May 23, 2010

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bhuj is a new temple complex coming up in Bhuj. It is

Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bhuj is a new temple complex coming up in Bhuj. It is a

Swaminarayan temple that will come under the Nar Narayan Dev Gadi of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. The opening ceremony of the temple is scheduled to take place between May 15 and May 23, 2010.^[1]

An Earthquake on 26 January 2001 shattered most parts of the city of Bhuj (Kutch District), including the original Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bhuj built by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in 1824. To replace this, the new temple is being built of only marble and gold. The throne for the idol of Swaminarayan, the temple domes and doors will be of gold whiles the pillars and ceilings will be made of marble.^[1] The original central deity images of Nar Narayan and Swaminarayan in the form of Hari Krishna will be moved from the old temple to the new one along with those of Radha Krishna, Swaminarayan in the form of Ghanshyam and Sukh Shaiya and others.^[2]

The new temple is being built at a cost of 1 billion Indian rupees (100 crore) on 5 acres (20,000 m²) of land. Made in marbe, intricate carvings adorn the pillars and ceiling of the most expensive temple to be built in the Indian state of Gujarat recently.^[3]

A large number of people are expected to attend the opening ceremony of the temple including a people from overseas, including from United Kingdom and various parts of Africa. According to an estimate by a member of the Bhuj Hoteliers' Association, as of October 2009, 75% of the hotel rooms in Bhuj had been booked for the period during which the opening ceremony is scheduled to take place.^[1] To manage influx of vehicles, Jubilee ground and Khasda ground, the two biggest grounds in Bhuj will be used for parking arrangements.^[1] Temple authorities are expecting around 500,000 (5 lakh) visitors during this period.^[3]

A 3D film, the first of its kind on the life and teachings of Swaminarayan titled 'Sahajanand' will be screened as part of the opening celebrations of the temple. Shot by S3D cameras, it is claimed to be the first of its kind in India.^[4]

Koteshwar Temple

Koteshwar Temple

Koteshwar Temple After traveling over the expanse of desert in western Kutch, you find the Koteshwar Temple, at a place where the immensity of dry land meets the incomprehensible vastness of the sea. After so much arid ground, the sight of the ocean will awaken your spirits; though the sea is even less hospitable to humans, a sobering thought. The only point that breaks the skyline from the flat brown horizon to the east and the wide blue horizon to the west is the point of the Koteshwar Temple, the last outpost of human construction at the westernmost limit of India. Not overrun by tourists like the temple at Dwarka, Koteshwar is conducive to contemplating emptiness, pondering the place of humanity on earth (and ultimately, isn’t that what spiritual traditions are about?). The story of Koteshwar begins with Ravana, who won a boon from Lord Shiva for an outstanding display of piety. This boon was the gift of a Shiva linga of great spiritual power, but which Ravana, in his arrogant haste, accidentally dropped and it fell to earth at Koteshwar. To punish Ravana for his carelessness, the linga turned into a thousand identical copies (some versions of the story say ten thousand, some a million; suffice to say it was quite a lot.) Unable to distinguish the original, Ravana grabbed one and departed, leaving the original one here, around which Koteshwar Temple was built. Visitors can see the temple, walk along the beach and on a clear night, even see the glow of light from Karachi, Pakistan, on the northwestern horizon.

TEEN DARWAJA

TEEN DARWAJA The triple-arched gateway was built by Sultan Ahmed Shah to serve as the royal entrance to the Maidan Shahi or the Royal Square. It is an imposing monument of perfect proportions and highly ornate buttresses.

Gujjaratta,

There is no denying the fact that people all over the world have an irresistible urge to know about Gujarat - its history and culture. Enclosed by Pakistan and the states of Rajasthan to the north eastern part of the country, Madhya Pradesh to the east and Maharashtra and the Union territories of Diu, Daman, Dadra and Nagar Haveli to the south, Gujarat is one of the prime tourist destinations in India. A seat for deep seated folk and classical cultures, the state reflects a rich heritage of the country’s past.

Trying to know more and more about Gujarat will lead you to explore avenues more than you actually expected. Walks along the beautiful Diu Beach, Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach, or visits to the various temples which are some of the finest tourist attractions in India will offer some of the memorable moments of your life. The Rann of Kutch which occupies a large area of western Gujarat is famous for its rare ecosystem, wildlife, fossils, and terrain.
Fast Facts

Area	1,96,024 sq km
Population	41,309,582
Religion	Hinduism (89.48%), Islam (8.73%), Others (1.79%)
Maximum Temperature	42°C
Minimum Temperature	14°C
Capital	Gandhinagar
Languages	Gujarati, Hindi, English
Best Time To Visit	October to March

History

Having derived its name from Gujjaratta, meaning the land of the Gujjars, a tribe which migrated to India around the 5th century AD, Gujarat has its history dating back to many Indus Valley and Harappan centers that have been discovered in the states like Rangpur, Lothal, Lakhabaval, Dholavira, Amri, and Rozdi. Gradually with the advent of the Yadava tribe led by Lord Krishna, some 3,500 years ago, Gujarat reached its most glorious days.

History about Gujarat says that Ashoka, the Mauryan king extended his kingdom to Gujarat. The downfall of the Maurya Empire subsequently led the smaller kingdoms to establish their authority in this state. The state prospered greatly during the time of Solankis from the 9th century. In the 12th century AD, Allauddin Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi defeated the Waghela king of Gujarat and a long era of Muslims started. Power changed hands to the Marathas and ended the Muslim rule in the 18th century only to be further transferred to the British in the early 19th century. The East India Company set up its first center in Surat.

Gujarat was initially a part of Mumbai state till 1960; and Gujarat’s people decided to have their state divided on the basis of language and culture. This led to creation of the two new states of Gujarat and Maharashtra.

SHAH ALAM ROZA

SHAH ALAM ROZA The tomb and mosque of Saint Shah Alam is said to have been built by the brother of the Empress Noorjehan. The brass doors are set in carved marble frames and the floor tiled in black and white marble.

THE POLS

THE POLS The Pols are residential units dating back to 1714 with intricately carved facades, which line the streets are an integral parts of old Ahmedabad. It nurtures within its folds, pages of history, a breath of harmony and a showcase of exquisite architecture. Notable in the present day Pols are Mhurat Pol, Mandvi-ni-Pol, and Lakha Patel-ni-Pol.

SARKHEJ ROZA

SARKHEJ ROZA About 8 kms. from the city, Sarkhej comprises one of the most elegant architectural complexes of Ahmedabad. Grouped around a great stepped tank is the tomb to the saint, Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh (1445), the mosque, the tombs of Mehmud Shah Begada and his queen, and the palace and pavilions. The buildings are remarkable for the complete absence of arches and the use of pierced stone trellises throughout.

JUMMA MASJID

JUMMA MASJID The Jumma Masjid, built in 1423 by Ahmed Shah, is beside Mahatma Gandhi Rd, just to the east of the Teen Darwaja. Built in yellow sandstone, it combines the best of Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture. It stands on 260 pillars supporting 15 domes at varying elevations.

ADALAJ STEP WELL

ADALAJ STEP WELL Adalaj Vav is situated 18 kms. north of Ahmedabad in Gandhinagar district. Built in 1499 A.D. by Queen Rudabai, this step well at the village Adalaj is a fine example of magnificent architectural form, unique to Northwestern India. The step well or Vav as it is locally called is intricately carved and is several stories in depth. The designs on its walls and pillars include, leaves, flowers, birds, fish and other breathtaking ornamental designs.

GANDHI ASHRAM

GANDHI ASHRAM On a quiet stretch of the river Sabarmati, 7 kms. north of the city, Mahatma Gandhi set up a simple retreat in 1915. This was his first Satyagraha Ashram and for many it was the nerve centre of India's freedom movement. The Gandhi Ashram has a memorial centre, library and a sound and light spectacle to offer its visitors.

King Karandev

King Karandev 1, the Solanki Ruler, had waged a war against the Bhil king of Ashapall. After his victory Karandev established the city called "Karnavati". In 1411 Sultan Ahmed Shah conquered Karnavati and after his name Karnavati was renamed to Ahmedabad. The city was built in open and spacious plane to the East of Sabarmati. It compromised of smaller known Fort as Bhadra Fort. The city fort wall was enclosed containing 12 Gates. In 1753 combined armies of Raghunath Rao and Damaji Gaekwad took the fort, which resulted into end of Mughal Rule in Ahmedabad. In 1818 British took over the administration of Ahmedabad. During this period Municipality Committee was founded and Railway link was established.

Bahucharaji Temple

Bahucharaji टेम्पले

Famous for the temple of Goddess Bahucharaji, the town is 35kms. from Mehsana. There are three temples of the Goddess, of which two are termed 'Adyasthan' (the original site), and the center temple as a 'Madhyasthan'. The first of these encloses a Varkhadi tree from where the Goddess is supposed to have appeared. The little temple was built by Maratha Fadnis and the principal place of worship, the outer temple was built by Manajirao Gaekwad in 1781A.D. The Adyasthan contains the Sphathik Bala Yantra with gold cover. On every full moon day, the temple of the Goddess is visited by a bulky number of devotees and tonsorial ceremonies are performe

Bahucharaji - Mother Goddess

Bahucharaji - Mother Goddess

Way :
Ahmedabad - 0 KM

Photo Gallery

Yet another Shakti tirth of Gujarat is the temple of Bahucharaji. People bring their children for the 'mundan' ceremony of their children. It is an ancient sacred site and features prominently among the' garb a - garbi' compositions in folk songs. Its older temple is 5 km away and it is quite ordinary too. But this one is very huge and grand. Its compound is also vast. On several occasions this is filled with thousands of devotees. In front of the temple is one Havankund and behind it is the home of Vallabh Bhatt Mevada who has composed a number of songs of garbis and garbas addressing the Mother Goddess. Next to the temple is Mansarovar Lake and a number of Dharmshalas for devotees and visitors.

Bahucharaji Mata is held in great honor in Gujarat. Among the most worthy places for visit near the ancient capital of Patan is this temple of Bahucharaji Mata. On full moon day of Chaitra and Aso months every year big fairs are held here. Folk dances and dramas of 'Bhavai' are also performed. The construction of this temple began in VS 1835 and it was completed in VS 1837 when the image of the Mother Goddess was ceremoniously installed.

Around this large area of the temple a fort is constructed, with four 'burj' and three Gates. This temple is ISm long and 9m wide. It has a dome and a shikhar. There is a great Mandapa facing the Garbhagriha. In the dome of this Mandapa or hall, on its pillars are painted dolls. Near the temple is one Havan or Agni kund for religious ceremonies. The open ground of the temple is popularly called 'chachar no chowk'. Near the gate of the temple is Mansarovar. On full moon day of Chaitra and Aso months people visit the temple in large numbers. The 'palkhi' procession of the Goddess is taken out to Shankhalpur. Many families come to the temple for the 'mundan' ceremony of their children when their hair is totally removed for the first time after birth as one of the 'sanskaras'.

Siddhapur - Rudra Mahal

Siddhapur - Rudra Mahal

Way :
Ahmedabad - 111 KM

Photo Gallery

As we move upwards from the banks of Saraswati at the historic Anhilwad Patan, we come to Siddhapur. Just as Gaya is called the best place to hold the Shradda Sanskar for one's father, Siddhpur has the honor for similar rite for one's mother. It is said that Bhagvan Parshuram had performed this rite for his Mother and since then it has acquires this sacred aura for the later generations. Thus we find that even today this significance draws thousands for this rite here.

As we read the description of Rudra Mahal in treatises of the past, we find that this 'Mahalay' was true to its name a great and vast structure, with incomparable wealth of sculptured beauty. Mularaj of the Solanki dynasty had begun to construct it and Siddhraj Jaysinh completed it. When we read the grand narration about how it contained vast public halls, other big and small halls, stories and stories full of balconies and verandahs, with richly carved pillars and other sculpted beauties, and how thousands of Brahmans chanted Mantras for worship and uttered various Stotras, we feel that it was like another Somnath temple

However, Allauddin Khilji razed it to the grounds. Gradually it almost disappeared. Today we can see only four pillars with an arch. But even these little ruins can provide us an idea about the beauty and grandeur of the original structure. In a 100 m. by 75 m wide area, it was a structure of two to three stories, with 1600 pillars and a large public meeting hall (Sabha Mandap).

We also must take a note of the legend of Rudra Mahal about the laying of the foundation of this structure. When King Mularaj Solanki dreamt of making a grand Shiv-Rudra Mahalay on the banks of River Saraswati, he summoned the famous architect Prandhar, he invited many other architects and astrologers, besides the skilled arti.sans from far and near. These experts selected the stone for the construction and began their work

After Mularaj, the great architect Prandhar also died. Then came the great successors like Bhimdev: Kamadev and even the queen Minaldevi. On the throne of Patan now came Bhattark Siddharaj Jaysinh. Someone reminded him of the great dream of his ancestor Mularaj that was still incomplete. Siddharaj now took up the bid to complete that dream

He invited Markand Shastri from Malva, a great astrologer. Under his guidance a new place for laying the foundation of Rudra Mahal was undertaken. As the ceremony was being conducted the Shastri went on instructing. He said, 'Dig here for another yard and a little more. This is the 'Siddha Ghatika, the Honored Hour. Keep your eye on the stick held here and as soon as I call out, plant this gold nail into the ground." And at the auspicious second, under Markand shastri's instruction, this was done.

Markand Shastri was jubilant, "Dhanya, this is great fortune for everyone! 0 King, now nothing, not even TIME can touch this Rudra Mahalay, it would last until the Sun and the Moon last (Yavacchandradivakarau). Maharaj, the nail has been placed into the head of the Sheshanaga, One who holds the Earth on His head. Now this is a moment in time that does not move. It has no Beginning and no End.

The King Jaysinh respectfully bowed to him and said, "Acharyavar, even Lord Brahma has not made any Creation that has no End

Markandji replied, "Maharaj, according to my astrological calculations the auspicious time cannot go wrong. Even if the Pralay or the End of the World comes, it would only bow and touch the feet of this Mahalaya."

Jaysinh, "Oh! What End of the World, Gurudev? What head of Sheshnaga? -Just where is the Head that holds the Earth deep down, and look at the 1 Y2 inch of this little gold nail that went ointo it!! Guruji, say something that we can believe! Or, prove it at least

Markandji was upset, "0 King! Do not mock or test such things of Knowledge!"

Jaysinh haughtily replied, "Acharyaji! I too want to see the proof. Can you show it to me?"

Markandji said, "Maharaj! Well, take off the nail, and you will find blood flowing out! Just see for yourself!"

After a lot of discussion if such a step must be taken or not, as the King did not abandon his stance of doubt, Markand shastri agreed for pulling the nail out, "As soon as the nail is pulled, it should be pushed back once more." He directed.

The nail was pulled and just as it was being pushed back, the clothes of Jaisinh were sprayed with blood. The nail was pushed back once more. With absolute amazement and happiness, Jaisinh looked at Markand shastri. But Mrakandji was most unhappy. He said, "Maharaj, within the few moment of pulling and pushing back the nail, Sheshanaga has shifted. Now the nail has not struck his head but his tail!!"

Jaisinh asked, "So? What does that mean?"

Markandji said, "Adhishwar! I am unhappy to say that the result of this is that since you are sprayed with the blood of Sheshanaga, you would be invincible. However. ..

Jaishinh asked, "However ... ?"

Markandji continued, "However ... it means that your name and fame would suffer, and while Rudramahal would be completed, it also would be razed in time. The ringing of bells day and night would stop one day, each of its stone would be broken up with a hammer, its grandeur and significance lost in time. Only some ruins would tell us of its grandeur .... "

Thid may only be a legend, bu is indeed very intersting. When we recall it as we stand near the remnants of Rudramahal, we experience agreat thrill.

Miradatar:

Miradatar:

Apart from the lain places of pilgrimage, to the n0l1h of Mehsana near Unjha and Unava is the sacred place for the Muslims called Muiradatar. However, here not just the Muslims but the Hindus also come for worship and offerings. All communities join its Fairs held regularly

The Haveli At Siddhapur

The Haveli At Siddhapur

Way :
Ahmedabad - 111 KM

Photo Gallery

The Bohras are found in large numbers in Siddhapur. Although the Bohra community follows Islam, they differ to some extent from the rest of the Muslims. During the Solanki rule, the Shia preachers were able to convert Brahmins and Banias into Islam and these are known as the Bohras. This conversion occurred after the invasion of Allauddin Khilji. The houses of the Bohras at Siddhpur are of semi-European fashion, with terraces with railings. The windows are of colored glass and the furniture is similar to rich Muslim households. In the rich homes we find even today many chandeliers with light holders (handi). There were king-sized beds with canopies, tables with marble tops, carved cupboards, glass utensils with lovely carvings or paintings on the walls. Form the outside these 'Haveli' type houses are quite simple in appearance, but within its large rooms it has beautiful furniture and decorations.

Garden Palace Balasinor

Garden Palace Balasinor

[Reservation]
The Nawab dynasty of Balasinore came to India from Afghanistan and were appointed Subehdars of Ahmedabad during Mughal period. The Garden palace was built in 1883 AD by Nawab Saheb Manover Khanji Babi and is set in fine gardens, agricultural fields and orchards. It has 4 guest rooms, a grand drawing room and beautiful dining hall. The property is now being converted into a 10 room heritage hotel with a conference hall, arrangements for holding wedding receptions in the lawn and other facilities. The Garden palace serves meals in a typical Nawabi period ambience, made from home grown vegetables, milk from the palace dairy and chicken from the family's own poultry. SIGHTSEEING Interesting sightseeing spots include the pre-historic faunal site of Railolo where Dinosaur skeleton was excavated, the 13th century Shiv temple at confluence of Mahi and Sukhi rivers, the Laliya Lavhar fort associated with much folklore, the famous Krishna temple of Dakore, known for it's gilded chariot and turtle filled temple tank, the Shiv temple at Hgalteshwaar, the carved havelis of Kapadvaj, the scenic reservoir of Vanakbori, the tribal areas of Panchamahals and hot sulphuric springs of Lasundra. Balasinore is 86-km from Ahmedabad, and is a possible stopover between Ahmedabad and the destinations of Malwas such as Mandu, Dhar, Indor and Ujjani. Safaris by Tata Sumo and other entertainments can be organised for the visitors.

Palace Utelia Gujarat

Palace Utelia Gujarat

[Utelia] [Reservation]
Location: The Palace Utelia is situated at a distance of 150 kilometers from Baroda, 78 kilometers from Ahmedabad and en route to Bhavnagar. It is a grandiose turn-of-the-century haveli (mansion), which is specially imposing when compared to the hutments that crowd its high walls. Description: The architectural style of the Palace Utelia is predominantly Indo-Saracenic, and includes domes, pillars, arches and Gujarati haveli style facades. The portioned entrance archway leads to a row of columns on a high pedestal and from here one reaches the twisting staircase to the main dining hall, which is illuminated by chandeliers and spanned by portraits Accommodation: A total of 14 double bedrooms have been renovated to match the grandeur of the building and feature attached baths with running hot-and-cold showers, and dressing space. Some of the beds are real period pieces inlaid with mirrors and ornate decorations. Each of the rooms open onto private balconies or common verandahs with splendid views of the River Bhugavo where demoiselle and common cranes gather. Even if you are not staying here, it is worth dropping in for lunch on the way to Ahmedabad and Bhavnagar or Palitana. Facilities: The Palace Utelia has its own stable of horses and bullock carts for rides in the village or the surrounding countryside. For more accomplished riders, 3 to 5 cross country horseback safaris can be arranged by the owners with tented camping arrangements along the way. You can also hire 4 - wheel drive jeeps for trips to Velavadar National Park, a 36 square kilometers tract to Savannah type grassland, where you can see the largest herds of blackbuck antelope in India today and one of the worlds greatest harrier-hawk roosts. Jeep excursions can include a picnic lunch if you propose to spend a full day at the Park. Another sanctuary near utelia is Nalsarovar, which mainly comprises a 100 odd square kilometers lake and its surrounding marshes. There are country boats here for trips on the lake and you can see flamingoes, pelicans, ducks, geese, cranes, storks, ibises and herons of myriad species at reasonably close range. Dining:Both Indian and Continental meals are uniformly good, and buffets in the dining hall are reasonably priced. Courtyard barbecues, enlivened by folk dances and music of the Padhar fisherfolk or Bharwad shepherds can be arranged on request.

Kumbhalgarh Fort

Kumbhalgarh Fort : Located 64 kms north of Udaipur in the wilderness, Kumbhalgarh is the second most important citadel after Chittorgarh in the Mewar region. Cradled in the Aravali Ranges the fort was built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha. Because of its inaccessibility and hostile topography the fort had remained un-conquered. It also served the rulers of Mewar as a refuge in times of strife. The fort also served as refuge to the baby king Udai of Mewar. It is also of sentimental significance as it is the birthplace of Mewar's legendary King Maharana Partap.

The fort is self-contained and has within its amalgam almost everything to withstand a long siege. The fort fell only once that too to the combined armies of Mughal and of Amber for scarcity of drinking water. Many magnificent palaces an array of temples built by the Mauryas of which the most picturesque place is the Badal Mahal or the palace of the clouds. The fort also offers a superb birds view of the surroundings. The fort's thick wall stretches some 36 kms and is wide enough to take eight horses abreast. Maharana Fateh Singh renovated the fort in the 19th century. The fort's large compound has very interesting ruins and the walk around it can be very rewarding.