Royals get the title not just by birth and legacy; they have something in them which distinguishes them, makes them stand out, or might it be put this way, glisten even amongst gold. Royals have always been known for their classy tastes. Price doesn`t matter, the choice does for them. The abode of the kings, Udaipur flaunts one of the most exquisite vintage car showrooms. Inaugurated in February 2000, the gallery showcases some of the best cars of the world. Their collection ranges from grand limousine, Cadillac, Mercedes, the magnificent Rolls Royce and many other models.
The collection is kept for public display in the original palace garage, which belongs to the House of Mewar. Even after fighting the rain and dust for such a long period of time, no one can predict their age. The maintenance has been of such high standards, that these cars are fully operational even now.
The Royal Vintage Car house is definitely a must visit tourist destination.
Handicrafts form an integral part of Rajasthan`s culture. The diverse level of craftsmanship is truly intriguing. Each and every aspect beautifully crafted- that is what creates demand for Rajasthan`s handicrafts on a global scale.
Shilpgram, located in Udaipur, is a hub of such handicraft items. Situated at the foothills of Aravalli ranges, the hub is spread over an area of around 70 acres and consists of 26 huts, which act as the trading centres of the handicraft items. No just Rajasthan, the centre displays handicraft and ethnic items of all the Indian states. The exquisite Terracota work that is found in the handicrafts of Shilpgram is spectacular and leaves anyone in utter amazement. A colourful festival is also organized in the winter season.
Shilpgram is a fabulous plae to visit if one wants to quench his or her thirst of art and crafts.
Gardens and lush green areas somewhat seem to sound like rare phenomena when it comes to Royal Rajasthan. But that is not exactly the case. Beautiful gardens and lush greenery add up to the beauty of this magnificent land. To quote a burning example of the same, we have this spectacular destination that definitely acts a perfect paradigm of the above statement.
Saheliyon-Ki-Bari is a major garden and tourist destination of Udaipur, built in honor of the forty eight maids who accompanied the queen, wife of Maharana Bhopal Singh, at the time of her marriage. The garden was built with a view to provide quality leisure time to the maidens and provide them with solace and peace that would end their monotony to a certain extent, by letting them be aloof from the political intrigues. The Garden is said to be designed by the king himself, who presented it as a gift to the queen. The gardens treasure beautiful lotuses in small ponds, elephant shaped fountains, marble pavilions and many more. After being quite impressed with his design, the king installed a number of fountains to create an artificial rain effect.
The Garden of Maids is definitely a destination worth visiting.
The enchantment of Udaipur is enhanced by the Pichola Lake, named after Picholi village. This man-made creation of fresh water was built in 1362AD by the gypsy community, for various conveniences of transportation and water requirements, alongside aesthetic pleasure. Against the hilly backdrop, the lake allured settlements of human habitation and it was further allowed to flow without a break, in and around, making the city a Venice. Udaipur city gradually built up during the reign of Maharana Udai Singh, who also took efforts of constructing a dam in the Badipol region. There are four islands on the lake- Jag Niwas, which holds the Lake Palace(a heritage hotel at present); Jag Mandir; Mohan Mandir; and Arsi Vilas, popular for bird viewing.
Over the years certain changes in the water quality has inevitably cropped up, but adequate measures have been taken to restore the same, because Pichola Lake is a significant place to visit; a place whose beauty calls tourist flux. The “Indianness” is stored by the Ghats on the banks of the lake, the artistic splendour by the Palaces, and the transcendental appreciation of nature by the views from the lake and of the lake.
The land of Rajasthan is not just known for its diverse culture and rich traditions, but also because of it gargantuan stature. The largest state in India in terms of area, housing mighty forts, palaces. But the count doesn`t just end here. Rajasthan proudly flaunts the second largest artificial lake in the world, and the largest artificial lake in Asia- the Dhebar Lake, or popularly known as the Jaisamand lake. Located in Udaipur district, the lake was built in the 17th century by Maharaja Jai Singh.
The Lake covers a huge area of 93 km2, and is in close proximity to the Jaisamand wildlife sanctuary. It`s not just the magnificent stature of the lake that instills awe in the visitors, it`s the 300 metres long Dhebar Lake Dam, built of white marble. Wondrous to behold and spectacular in sight, the dam ameliorates the enticing beauty of the lake. Apart from the dam, the summer palaces of the kings and queens surround the lake on all sides and a panoramic view of the lake is just jaw dropping. The lake houses in its vicinity, three islands-which are inhabited by the Bhil tribes. One can enjoy the sight of various species of migratory birds, who flock the lake. There are a number of resorts nearby as well so as to provide the best ambience to every soul to drench oneself in the sanctifying solace of the Jaisamand Lake and its surroundings.
Fateh Sagar Lake is an artificial freshwater lake in Udaipur, named after Maharana Fateh Sagar, who, in 1888, reconstructed it, building upon the intiative of Maharana Jai Singh, who is credited to its construction. There are three small islands herein. They occupy park, zoo, restaurant, water-jet fountain, and offer a picturesque view of the entire blue coloured lake slowly meandering in the north-west of the city. The Pichola Lake, the Madar Lake, and the Badi Lake, make its way and joins in the Fateh Sagar Lake.
Hariyali Amavasya Mela, held in the month of August or September, is a fair, which calls tourist flux. Udaipur, is thereby beautified by the lakes and stands out as a place worth seeing.
The glistening grandeur of Regal Rajasthan sparkles like a shining diamond in the world platform. Culture, tradition and vivacity- Rajasthan knows no bounds. Not just figuratively, literally also, the sparkle of Rajasthan is unparalleled. And thus follows the reason- Crystal gallery treasures the largest private collection of crystals in the world. The sparkling crystals are indicative of the lustrous and vibrant lifestyle of the then kings of Rajasthan. The gallery is a part of Fateh Prakash Palace, and invites visitors from all over the world. The gallery was established by Maharaja Sajjan Singh and opened for public in the year 1994. It consists of dressing tables, dining tables, bed and many such other items encrusted with crystals.
The magnificence of Mount Abu is undoubtedly unparalleled. Blue mountains, a cool atmosphere devoid of the scorching heat of the sun, and the beautiful landscapes- what could be better! And as if this sight was not enough! A beautiful lake rests in solace to complement the enticing beauty of the place- the Nakki Lake. The lake is considered to be very sacred in Hindu legends. It is believed to have been carved out by using nails (called “Nakh” in Hindi). Gods dug out the lake to protect themselves against a vicious demon. Other anecdote narrates that the lake was dug out by a person called Rasiya Balam, upon the announcement of the King that he would make his daughter marry that person who would dig the lake. The lake is one of the most important attractions of Mount Abu and encapsulates the tourists in its serenity and elegance.
The lake is of prime importance with respect to historical point of view as well because Mahatma Gandhi`s ashes were immersed in this lake itself. Serene atmosphere and a sanctifying solace- Nakki Lake presents you the best of moments to cherish for a lifetime !
Calm, tranquility and solace- all the pleasures that Nakki Lake gifts you in the best manner possible. But that`s not all! Some interesting features that amaze as well as amuse you can be found here. The Toad Rock is a typical rock structure found near the Nakki Lake. The rock structure resembles that of a toad sitting. Quite unique and diacritic to witness, the rock is not man made, but is believed to have been transformed into the present shape by the forces of nature and agents of weathering during the Ice age itself.
The rock`s fencing was first set up in 1881-1882 and later renovated in the year 1993-1994. Toad Rock is a brilliant paradigm of Royal Rajasthan`s diacritic style !
The hills, mountains and sloping terrain- these are not the typical characteristics of Rajasthan, which is known for its vast deserts of sand and flat terrain. But that is the essence of Royal Rajasthan! Even rarity proves to be an epitome. The only hill station of Rajasthan, Mount Abu, reaches out high up to the sky with its highest mountain peak- the Guru Shikhar. Presenting a panoramic view of the Aravalli Ranges, the Guru Shikhar, a mountain peak in the Arbuda Mountains of Rajasthan, is the highest point of the Aravalli Ranges with an altitude of 1722 metres.
The peak houses a cave at its highest point, where there is temple dedicated to an incrnatio of Lord Vishnu. The peak is almost 15 kms from Mount Abu and is a favorite destination for almost all the tourists who visit Mount Abu.
