While we
were boating in the Lake Pichola during evening, I was watching the many
beautiful picturesque forts/hotels/properties lighted beautifully far amidst
the hills. I was not sure what were they but the Boat driver was telling us
about them which I can’t recall now. He was telling us about the fat weddings
and parties that took place here and there. He was telling about the famous
movies that were shot here. One of the songs of the Bollywood movie “Yaadein”
was picturized here in Jagmandir, an island on Lake Pichola. Also, once during
the birthday bash of one of business tycoon, Shakira (You’re correct, same
Shakira who is known for her number “Hips Don't Lie”) also fascinated the crowd
with her sizzling performance.
Then
there was another beautiful place which was Hotel FatehGarh Palace and where
the famous “Rakhi Ka Swayamwar” reality show filmed. He also told us about the
Yeh Jaawani hai Deewani movie starring Ranbir Kapoor was also shot in Udaipur
and yes we have watched the film and can feel the same. We were staying in
hotel Wonder view Palace and near the same place, many scenes were shot. And
one of the upcoming movie Prem rattan Dhan Payo starring Salman khan was also
shot in City palace in Udaipur. Apart from above, there were many famous movies
and songs while were shot here but let’s not divert. All that I will cover in a
different post covering City Palace.
During
boating only, one of the places high amidst Aravali hills that caught my
attention was Sajjangarh Palace. It was illuminated with beautiful orange light
and the Boat driver told that is another must visit place in Udaipur. Since it
is famous for sunset, we planned to visit it next day while returning from
Haldighati trip.
Next day,
we reached at the foothills of Sajjangarh fort at around 4 pm. The first shock
was ticket. Tickets were very expensive. For camera also, there was special
ticket and also, for going up to the fort, you have to take their taxi whose
ticket was also significant. I didn’t remember the cost but total cost me
around 800 bucks which were expensive by Indian standards. Their taxi took
20-25 minutes to take us to the top and that route was very scenic. In a small
distance consisting of steep elevation, you will gain great heights. Once
reached at the top, be ready to get mesmerized by the beauty of the Fort,
Panoramic views of the city and the connecting wild life sanctuary.
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| Panoromic view of the city. On left, there is Fateh Sagar lake and on Right, Pichola |
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| Enterane gate |
From
the top, you can also see the famous lakes of Udaipur, pichola and Fateh sagar
along with glimpse of entire Udaipur. One can see how beautifully Udaipur is
surrounded by hills from all the sides. In the earlier days due to its
strategic location surrounded by Aravallis hills from all the sides, it was
considered to be very safe as this place was difficult to find.Initially,
Chittorgarh was the capital of Mewar kingdom. One day, Maharaj Udai Singh meets
1 sage in forest who advised him to shift his capital from Chittorgarh to
Udaipur. As there were quite frequent attacks in Chittorgarh, Maharaj Udai
shifted the capital to Udaipur. The advice of sage came out to be so true that
today in City Palace, there was special temple in City Palace dedicated to that
sage.
This fort was built
by Maharana Sajjan singh primarily to watch the monsoons clouds and also to view
his ancestral home in Chittorgarh. That’s why, it is popular as Monsoon Palace.
It is said that on a clear day, one can see the Chittorgarh.
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| Some other route closed for public, opened only for forest officials |
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| Beautiful Udaipur surrounded by Aravalis from all side ,thius making it quite safe from attacks as no one can imagine that there is city over there after crossing Aravallis hills. Same reason why Maharana Udai singh shifted capital to Udaipur |
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| View from the top |
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| Sunlight filtered through clouds. |
Presently this is
owned by Forest department. It is one of the cleanest and close to nature place
and there is no reason you should not visit this palace. I highly recommend
this place. And yes, this is famous for sunsets.
However, when we visited, the weather was cloud and
we couldn’t see the very clear sunset. Looking at my pictures, I felt I missed
the great opportunity for taking very good photographs.
All these pics are taken from Nokia Lumia.
No doubt, this place is heaven for photographers. Just go to this link to enjoy the true beauty of the place. Thanks to this link for helping me to truly bring out the beauty of this fort.
