Udaipur nearby places to explore

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Udaipur’s nearby places tour was on our schedule today. Therefore, we got up late and took a long shower & a liberal breakfast. And it was our final day in Udaipur before taking off for Gurgaon. And we needed to cover a couple more Udaipur nearby places. However, sitting on the hotel’s rooftop, I drenched in the lakes & arranged a travel course. I finally checked out of the hotel and drove to our destinations. We began with the Ahar Museum.

Ahar, nothing but the cenotaphs of the Maharajas of Mewar. It reminded me of Bada Bagh on the outskirts of Jaisalmer. And also a line by Sudhanita-” The empty baskets and my bundle of colours”. The true meaning of cenotaphs. At Ahar, there are approximately nineteen cenotaphs of Maharanas, where they were incinerated. The most appealing cenotaph is of Maharana Amar Singh, who ruled from 1597 to 1620.

Also, a historical centre is found near the cenotaphs. It contains a unique collection of ancient ceramics and figures. Numerous unearthed things from the old Indian period are too on show, like the trenches, chimneys, stone and copper, and press antiquities. Even though there is not much to see within the exhibition hall, the museum’s collection is intermittent. In which a few dates back to centuries-old and sometime recently that.

Among the combination of figures, a statue of Vishnu-Nag-Nathan is additionally worth mentioning. Its different engineering highlights and figure pieces date back to 1700 BC. Buddha’s impressive tenth-century metal figure could be an exciting fascination with the gallery. 

After an hour, we drove toward our next destination Eklinji and Saas Bahu temple. Above all, Udaipur is a nearby place. Half a drive from the Ahar museum, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The warriors of Mewar constructed the temple for their success and built it in the 8th century in the Kailashpuri district of Udaipur. The temple stands tall for its ornamented architecture. The temple is double-storied with a colossal pyramidal-style roof. A marvellous architecture! And the remarkably carved tower adds to its beauty.

Upon coming to the temple, we had to leave our bags & camera in the car. Due to the COVID convention, we had to wear a mask. And was allowed for darshan, then came out. Above all, we cannot click the picture of the temple inside. Also, most of the range we blocked for visitors, except the main sanctum. Talking about Eklingji Temple’s history recorded within the Ekalinga Mahatmya. Within the 15th century, historical content agrees the first temple was built in 734 A.D. by Bappa Rawal. 

The temple has been a casualty of plunder and loots amid the rule of the Delhi Sultanate. After a long time, the temple was remodelled and altered by numerous kings. Only to protect individuals’ wonderfulness and confidence in Shri Eklingji. The temple initially had a place for the Pashupata faction. At that point, the Nath faction and post the 16th century it is overseen and controlled by Ramanandis.

After offering my prayers, I looked around the carvings. And found a board which specified that the temple was renovated numerous times. During the 14th century, post-invasion, the primary symbol was placed by Hamir Singh within the fundamental temple. By the 15th century, Rana Kumbha redesigned the temple by including the Vishnu temple. In the 1460 engraving, Rana Kumbha is portrayed as the accessory of Lord Eklingji. 

 Later during the 15th century, the Malwa Sultanate’s Ghiyath Shah assaulted the temple. He was defeated by Rana Raimal, son of Rana Kumbha. He utilised the money to reestablish the eminence of the temple. This was the ultimate revamping of the temple, where an icon of Eklingji was introduced within the primary temple complex.

I spent only 10min within the temple as a tourist and was not allowed to remain long. Therefore we drove to our following destination, the Saas-Bahu temple. In addition to the list of  Udaipur nearby places. It is found en route to the Eklingji temple. Well, I was mindful that we worship nature in India. Within the shape of the ocean, streams, mountains, fire, water, trees, creatures, winged creatures, etc. But a temple for Saas & her Bahu (mother in law & Girl inlaw) was beautiful and noteworthy.

We came to the temple & I was curious to know how this extraordinary title was given. So I approached the temple purohit. He clarified there are no temples committed to lauding the saas (mother-in-law) and bahu (daughter-in-law). Instead, King Mahipala of the Kachchhwaha Dynasty built them within the 10th or 11th century A.D. It may be a common belief that the queen of Mahipala was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. 

The king was kind enough to urge a temple to be made for his beloved companion. Wherein she seems to adore her favoured god. And it was named Sahastrabahu Temple. Its meaning was ‘the one having a thousand arms’, an equivalent word for Lord Vishnu. Later, the prince got himself a spouse, a worshipper of Lord Shiva. Hence Lord Shiva’s sanctuary was built right following the Vishnu shrine for the daughter-in-law. With time, the temple’s title degraded and is now celebrated as Saas-Bahu Temple due to its beginning. Very! Interesting.

I took a close look at the temple. And saw it is encased by ten or five littler sanctums separately. The temple’s walls wear one-of-a-kind carvings. And the design as an entirety is much appreciated. Due to various attacks and times, a few portions of the heritage location are in ruins.

Our last destination was Sajjan Garh Palace, also known as the Monsoon Palace. Moreover, Udaipur is a nearby place to visit. We drove towards the palace, which is located on a hilltop overlooking Fateh Sagar Lake. Upon reaching, we bought an entry fee of Rs 150 per person. Maharana Sajjan Singh built the castle in the year 1884. He originally planned to make it a five-storey astronomical centre. But due to his premature death, the palace was turned into a monsoon palace and hunting lodge for Maharaja.

The palace was overcrowded as we reached. Nevertheless, we parked our car and walked towards the castle. My eyes caught a signed board that mentioned Sajjangargh was significant to watch the monsoon clouds. Also, to get a view of his hereditary home in Chittaurgarh.

The palace was still under renovation work. And multiple monkeys hopping around. And was built with white marble on the Bandara peak of the Aravalli hill range. It is at an elevation of 944 m (3100 ft) above sea level. Quite! Interesting. The original plan was to build a nine-storey complex astronomical centre. Probably to keep track of monsoon clouds’ movement in the palace area and employ people. 

The castle was partially constructed in a planned manner. Because an underground cistern exists in the palace’s precincts, it has a storage capacity of 195,500 litres. It’s a unique water harvesting structure for collecting rainwater. Despite this, the water supply was found to be inadequate. Therefore the castle was abandoned.

I took a few pictures of the palace. Since I was unable to squeeze in as the place was crowded. The castle provides a beautiful view of the sunset. But I was unlucky since I could not see one. Above all, the palace was used in the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy. As Kamal Khan’s residence, an exiled Afghan prince. This also makes it famous.

It was time for us to leave since we had a long drive ahead. Walking away from the palace, I recalled, are the perpetual marks in history. And remembered the lines of Thomas Fuller’ A memory is the treasure dwelling of the mind wherein the monuments thereof are kept and preserved for life.’   We covered a couple of Udaipur nearby places before I drove back to Gurgaon. And with me carried back memories, history and many pictures to treasure.

How to Reach:

By Air: 

The nearest airport is Udaipur airport. It is 22km away from the centre of the city. From the airport, you can book a cab to the town.

By Rail:

Udaipur railway station is connected with all cities of Rajasthan. And with essential towns around the country. Few luxury trains cover Udaipur as a part of many itineraries. You can book cabs, auto-rickshaw, and other options to reach your required destination from the railway station.

By Road:

Udaipur is well connected by road to major cities. The road network connects Udaipur with six and four-lane highways, making commutation easier. There are frequent public and private buses from Rajasthan, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai.