Udaipur passes the fancy of every traveler across the globe at least and for good reason. Several people dream of getting married there, but that remains a dream for most. The mesmerizing lakes, monumental monuments, mansions, a vibrant culture, friendly people and still you haven’t seen half of it yet.
This post, however, is about other amazing destinations that are shadowed under Udaipur’s illustrious past; places that deserve a short visit at the very least. Book a stay in Udaipur and don’t forget the following places:
Dhebar Lake
Why would you travel from a city of lakes to a place with lakes? Well, Dhebar Lake – about 2 hours away is not too well-known and inversely gorgeous. It stands among the top places to spend time in the arms of your loved one. The second largest manmade lake in Asia, it was sanctioned by Maharana Jai Singh in 1685 to tackle the problem of water scarcity in the region. As an addition, Lord Shiva’s temple sits atop a dam that was constructed across the Gomti river. The sanctuary adjacent to the lake is home to panthers, jungle cats, wild boats, etc.
Haldighati
The place gets its name from the colour of the soil, which resembles Haldi (turmeric). The mountain pass in the hills of Aravalli is known for the battle between Maharana Pratap Singh (King of Mewar) and Akbar (Mughal Emperor). History buffs will find much to their amusement at the Maharana Pratap Museum and the Chetak horse memorial.
The Kumbalgarh Fort is another isolated attraction perched on the top of a hill. It offers hiking along what is considered to the be the 2nd longest wall in the world. It still houses ancient temples, wells, and ruins.
Ranakpur Village
Rajasthan receives many visitors throughout the year and yet it offers places like Ranakpur Village that are not so popular but worth every second spent there. The Aravalli range lends Rajasthan its grandeur, and in its arms lies tucked away this important pilgrimage of Jains. The wonderfully carved Jain temples are worth a visit. Also, the Ranakpur Dam is quite significant as it was a retreat for the royals of Jodhpur. Now, it serves as a great spot for picnic where you can relax and watch local birds and the occasional crocodiles in the river.
Molela
Just a little over 50 kilometers from Udaipur lies the village Molela, famous for artisan families who make terracotta plaques. These plaquesfeature Gods and Goddesses perfected to the very last carving; this folk art has been a traditional occupation for generations. The clay is dig up at a nearby river and prepared by the women and provided to the men who sculpt. These plaques are frequently bought by tribal people and priests who travel from Madhya Pradesh during the festive season.
Mount Abu
Mount Abu holds the honor of being the only hill station in the state of Rajasthan. However, an accolade that surpasses this one is derived from the examples of great architecture – Dilwara Temples. These temples were built across 200 years over a millennium ago. There are several lakes in the city as well including Nakki Lake which is popular for boating. You can go trekking and camping in the lush green mountains as well.
Such is the location of Udaipur that it is surrounded by wonders that complement its already notable grandeur. In Udaipur accommodation is best finalized with short trips to these places in the intenirary.
