Places To Visit in Rajsamand

THE MARBLE LAND OF RAJASTHAN

Rajsamand, situated approximately 67 km away from Udaipur, is renowned for its marble production and holds the distinction of being the largest marble producing district in the country. However, this town offers much more than just its marble industry. It boasts of picturesque lakes, magnificent palaces, significant historical sites, and even a national park. Rajsamand truly exceeds all expectations of a traveler and leaves a lasting impression. The district is home to several famous attractions such as the Kumbhalgarh Fort, the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, the historic battlefield of Haldighati, the revered Dwarikadheesh and Charbhuja temples, as well as numerous Shiv temples. A visit to Rajsamand is a captivating experience that allows you to immerse yourself in its rich history, religious heritage, vibrant culture, and thriving mining industry.

ATTRACTIONS & PLACES TO VISIT AND EXPLORE IN RAJSAMAND

1. KUMBHALGARH FORT

Kumbhalgarh, located 84 kilometers north of Udaipur, is the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, the legendary king of Mewar. It is the second most significant citadel in the Mewar region, after Chittorgarh. Built in the 15th century AD by Rana Kumbha, the fort is nestled in the Aravali Ranges. Its remote location and challenging terrain give it an aura of invincibility. Throughout history, the fort has served as a refuge for the rulers of Mewar during times of conflict. It also provided sanctuary to King Udai of Mewar in his early childhood, when Banbir killed Vikramaditya and seized the throne. The fort holds immense sentimental value for the people, as it is the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, a revered figure in Mewar’s history. With its self-sufficiency and formidable defenses, the fort could withstand prolonged sieges. It was only breached once, when the combined armies of the Mughals and Amber attacked due to a scarcity of drinking water. Within the fort, there is a remarkable collection of temples built by the Mauryas, with the Badal Mahal, or the palace of the clouds, being the most picturesque. Additionally, the fort offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding area. Stretching over 36 kilometers, the fort’s massive walls are wide enough to accommodate eight horses side by side. In the 19th century, Maharana Fateh Singh undertook the renovation of the fort. Exploring the fort’s expansive compound reveals intriguing ruins, making it an educational experience.

2. GOLERAO JAIN TEMPLE

The Golerao Jain Temples hold great significance as a prominent highlight within the Kumbhalgarh Fort. This cluster of nine temples is situated in a picturesque section of the fort, exuding an aura of enchantment and tranquility. Adjacent to the Bhawan Devi Temple, the Golerao Jain Temples showcase an array of intricately carved sculptures depicting various deities, enhancing its grandeur and allure.

3. NEELKANTHMAHADEV TEMPLE

The NeelkanthMahadev Temple, situated within the Kumbhalgarh Fort, is a renowned Shiva Temple constructed in 1458 AD. It houses a six feet high Shivling, crafted from stone. A distinctive characteristic of this temple is its accessibility from all four directions, known as a Sarvatobhadra temple. Moreover, the temple features an open mandap that can be seen from a distance. Adjacent to the Vedi shrine in the east, visitors can enjoy a captivating light and sound show held at the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple every evening. The temple, along with its rustic surroundings, offers a picturesque ambiance that is sure to captivate any visitor.

4. KUMBHALGARH WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

The Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary stands out as a prominent attraction for tourists visiting Udaipur and Kumbhalgarh. Situated approximately 65 km away from Udaipur, the sanctuary is located on the Udaipur – Pali – Jodhpur road, surrounding the grand fort of Kumbhalgarh. Whether you have a passion for wildlife or simply seek to connect with nature, the sanctuary provides an ideal environment. Spanning across sections of the Aravali range, it serves as a habitat for various endangered species. Visitors have the opportunity to witness jungle cats, hyenas, jackals, leopards, sloth bears, nilgai, sambhar, chausingha, chinkara, hares, and more. Observing wolves in their natural habitat is also a possibility. In addition to the diverse wildlife, the sanctuary offers a chance to admire numerous bird species. The Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary boasts a rich variety of flora, including trees and plants with medicinal properties. Neglecting to explore this wildlife sanctuary during your visit would mean missing out on a unique encounter with nature itself; surely, you wouldn’t want to pass up on such an experience.

5. RAJSAMAND (RAJSAMUDRA) LAKE

Rajsamand Lake, located 66 Km north of Udaipur between the towns of RAJNAGAR and KANKROLI, is a vast body of water. Constructed between 1662 and 1676 AD by Maharana Raj Singh I, the lake was created by damming the Gomati, Kelwa, and Tali rivers at the southwestern end. The purpose of this dam and lake was to provide employment to those affected by a severe drought and famine in 1661, as well as to offer canal irrigation to local farmers. During World War II, Rajsamand Lake served as a seaplane base for Imperial Airways for approximately six years. This lake, which cost nearly 4 million rupees to build, is the oldest known relief work in Rajasthan. With a circumference of 22.5 Sq Km, a depth of 30ft, and a catchment area of about 524 sq km, Rajsamand Lake is truly impressive. Despite its size, the lake has been known to dry up during times of extreme drought, such as in 2000 when it appeared as a vast, empty basin covered in dried, cracked mud.