Kumbhalgarh Fort
Located 95 km from Udaipur 1,100 metres above sea level. Built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha, one of Mewar's greatest warriors, this vast bastion was renowned for its inaccessibility. It was captured only once (that too due to poisoning of its water supply) and was the most important fort in Mewar, after Chittor. It had seven massive gates and seven ramparts, one within another, strengthened by rounded bastions and towers. It encloses a smaller fort called Katargarh, the Palace of Rana Kumbha and the ethereal Badal Mahal or Palace of the Clouds along with numerous temples.
We recommend a visit to this majestic fort. A tour takes approximately two hours and involves some uphill walking. It is a full day's excursion, which can be combined with a visit to the Ranakpur Temples.
2 hours drive from Udaipur.
1 hour drive from Kumbhalgarh.
Chittor Fort
Located 115 km from Udaipur at the end of the Aravallis, on a rocky outcrop. For eight centuries it was the most important bastion of Rajput power and its occupation was the primary objective of any would-be ruler. It survived waves of Turkish, Afghan, Tartar and Mongol invaders and was sacked three times. Now deserted, it has seven gates where many died fighting. The ruined palace of Rana Kumbha (1433-68) is its oldest building. The fort is dominated by two towers, the 12th century Kirti Sthamba (Tower of fame) which is dedicated to a Jain saint, and the 15th century Vijay Sthamba (Tower of Victory) built to commemorate a famous victory over the Sultan of Malwa.
A visit is recommended. It is a full day's excursion and a tour of the fort takes 2 hours.
2 hours drive from Udaipur.
Mount Abu
Located 195 km from Udaipur at 1220 metres above sea level, it is a summer resort and a Jain pilgrimage centre. The Dilwara Jain temples are Mount Abu's main attraction and are among the finest examples of Jain architecture in India. Built between the 11th and 13th century, their sober exterior belies the rich, intricate marble carvings inside.
The temples are open for non-Jains from 12 noon to 6 p.m only. Photography, leather clothing and accessories are not permitted on the premises.
Nakki Lake, situated at the centre of Mount Abu and a hub of activity, is another attraction. It is India's highest lake outside the Himalayas.
4 hours drive from Udaipur.
Shopping
Udaipur, the erstwhile capital of the Mewar region of Rajasthan, has a proud heritage as a centre for crafts and performing arts. It is famous for its Mewar school of miniature paintings in the Rajput - Mughal style. These paintings, meticulous in detailing and delicate in brushwork, are done on cloth, marble, wood, paper and even leaves.
Beautifully crafted enamel work called Meenakari is also a good buy in Udaipur. Filigree animals and birds richly coloured in ruby reds, blues, greens and whites form a dominant theme of Meenakari.
Bandhini and Lehariya, age-old techniques of tying and dyeing fabrics are another speciality of the region. Women wear Bandhini and Lehariya sarees, usually of silk, for family occasions and weddings. Bandhini, sometimes woven with gold thread or embellished with mirror work or cowrie shells is used as stylish duppattas over salwar kameez. These pieces also make wonderful stoles and shawls over western dresses. Combined with intricate embroidery, these fabrics are available as home accessories in cushion-sized squares to bed-sized pieces.
Carpets and traditional cotton rugs called Dhurries, block printed fabrics in contemporary and traditional designs made into fashionable western garments and home accessories, colourful wooden and paper mache handicrafts are available in the city and make excellent gifts.
Udaipur is also a good place to buy traditional silver jewellery and silver artefacts.
Nakki Lake, Mount Abu