Chandratal Lake: Guide to the magnificient lake of Spiti Valley
Chandratal Lake – the most awaited part
Did you know that Udaipur was labeled as ‘the most romantic spot on the subcontinent of India’ by a British administrator named James Tod in 1889? It’s also called ‘Venice of East. It definitely lives up to this name!
Starts: from Udaipur Airport
Ends: at Udaipur Airport
Group: Mixed Gender
Start: 28 Dec 2022
End: 1 Jan 2023
₹ 46500
Udaipur, the city of lakes, is one of the most beautiful destinations in India that offers a perfect combination of scenic beauty, history, and culture. It’s tucked in Girwa Valley and surrounded by seven stunning lakes. A boat ride through the serene waters of Lake Pichola is enough to steal our hearts forever as it closely shows us the impeccable beauty of Jagmandir Mahal and Lake Palace. Both of them are constructed on the islands in the middle of Lake Pichola. Sunrises and sunsets are a real visual experience during any trip to Udaipur.
Did you know that Udaipur was labeled as ‘the most romantic spot on the subcontinent of India’ by a British administrator named James Tod in 1889? It’s also called ‘Venice of East’. It definitely lives up to this name, isn’t it?
Apart from lakes, Udaipur has fairy-tale palaces, epic forts, museums, mesmerizing temples, gardens, havelis, crooked, narrow & timeless streets, vibrant bazaars, spicy food, art & crafts, dances, and a lot more which makes it a place to be visited again and again by tourists.
Just a few kilometers from Udaipur lies another jewel of the Mewar region, the city of Chittorgarh. It is home to the largest fort in India, and the most magnificent fort in Rajasthan. Chittorgarh is the epitome of Rajputana bravery, pride & passion. We all know from the movie ‘Padmaavat’ that how Mughal ruler Alauddin Khilji massively attacked Chittorgarh to abduct Queen Padmini.
Did you know that the Chittorgarh fort had 84 water bodies inside it out of which 22 are still alive?
The architectural intricacy, the grandeur and the magnificence of the fort, the hilltop location, and the tall walls and Jharokhe of the fort romancing against water make it a visual treat for our eyes and the soul!
On the other side of Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur are the captivating gems of the Mewar region.
Do you know which place has the largest wall after the Great Wall of China? It’s none other than our very own Kumbhalgarh Fort.
Kumbhalgarh Fort is the second largest fort in India after the Chittorgarh fort. It’s strategically cradled in the wilderness of Aravali Ranges to make it inaccessible and hostile to enemies. Ranakpur Jain temple is the biggest and one of the most stunning Jain temples in India. The whole temple complex is supported by 1444 marble pillars, no two pillars are alike. Ranakpur Jain temple is indeed an architectural marvel where you can find such intricate marble carvings and scriptures that you might get a crick in the neck while looking at them.
How about joining hands and exploring this gorgeous Mewar region together?
City Palace of Udaipur is the most important landmark in Udaipur from the historical & the tourism perspective. It’s construction was started when the capital of Mewar was shifted from Chittorgarh to Udaipur. Did you know that it was built over a time period of 400 years?City Palace Udaipur is located on the banks of Lake Pichola, and offers a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. The architecture of City Palace is the fusion of Rajasthani and Mughlai style. The interiors of the palace are as impressive as exteriors because of the intricate mirror work, marble, silver and inlay work, beautiful murals, and the balconies adorned with colored glass along with the commendable towers and cupolas.
Flanked by palaces, temples, Havelis, ghats, cafes & restaurants, Lake Pichola is one of the most spectacular tourist attractions in Udaipur. It also offers mesmerizing views of sunrise and sunset. Lake Pichola is the home to four islands named Jag Niwas, Jag Mandir, Mohan Mandir & Arsi Vilas. Lake Palace by Taj Group of Hotels is built on Jag Niwas, and Jag Mandir island boasts of Jag Mandir Palace.
Lake Pichola is an artificial freshwater lake that was made to meet the drinking water and irrigation needs of the city.
Jag Mandir is an awe-inspiring palace which looks like a floating marble structure in the middle of Lake Pichola, when seen from the far. Tourists flock here in good numbers by taking a ferry ride through the waters of Lake Pichola. The environment of Jag Mandir is serene and it’s also called “Lake Garden Palace”. The three storied Jag Mandir was used by the royal family as a summer resort and a place for hosting parties. Did you know that Shah Jahan seeked refuge here before he became the Emperor, and constructed Taj Mahal?
Jagdish Temple is the largest Hindu temple in Udaipur, located just outside City Palace. It’s dedicated to the Lord Vishnu. The temple has three storeys and a height of 79 feet, making it a prominent part of the Udaipur’s skyline. Jagdish Temple exhibits Indo-Aryan architecture, and has been built using the concepts of Vastu Shastra. The temple welcomes devotees with the statues of two huge elephants at the entrance, and also has a statue of Garuda, half man and half eagle. The dome of the temple is adorned with the sculptures of elephants, horsemen, dancers & musicians giving it a very unique touch.
Bagore ki Haveli is an 18th century haveli standing majestically on the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangori Ghat. The Government handed over the Haveli to West Zone Cultural Centre in 1986, who converted it to a museum after a very careful restoration. It was restored with an intention to keep its old charm & architecture, and royal look at place. The Haveli museum displays how royal families used to live. The glass and mirror works done in Bagore ki Haveli are exemplary. There is a a puppet museum in Haveli, and every evening we can see traditional dance and puppet show being hosted here.
Ambrai Ghat, also known as the Manjhi Ghat, is the most popular ghat of Lake Pichola because of its stunning lakeside view. The night view of City Palace along with it’s reflection in the waters of Lake Pichola is something which must be witnessed and photographed. It’s also one of the most happening places in Udaipur as it’s dotted with the numerous cafes and restaurants. One can also witness the divine and the invigorating Aarti at Ambrai Ghat as it happens six times everyday.
Ambrai Ghat is located directly opposite to Gangaur ghat which is also a main ghat and offers heavenly sunset & sunrise. Gangaur Ghat has derived its name from the famous Rajasthani festival Gangaur.
Kumbhalgarh Fort has the second largest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China. It’s a UNESCO world heritage site, and a magnificent fort with remarkable beauty. The ferocious fort is 3600 feet tall, and 38 km long. It’s tactically hidden in the Aravalli ranges in a manner that you can see the fort only when you have come quite close. This was done to make it inaccessible and invincible for enemy forces.
The Ranakpur temple complex is the biggest Jain temple complex in India, and one of the most breathtaking sights as well. It’s spread over an area of 48000 square feet covering, and has 29 halls, and 80 domes. The entire Ranakpur Jain temple complex is supported by 1444 marble pillars. The temple is so peaceful and so intriguing that some people also consider it as one of seven wonders of India.
Sitting graciously atop a hill, Chittorgarh Fort is the largest fort in India, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chittorgah is the most precious diamond in the crown of Rajputs who never failed to prove their valour and were dedicated towards their kingdom. The fort faced three massive attacks in the past, and after the third attack in 1568, Rana Udai Singh II fled to Udaipur and established Udaipur as the capital of the Kingdom of Mewar.If you have seen the movie ‘Padmaavat’, you can easily establish a connection with it’s history, grandeur, and the magnificence.
Badi Lake is an artificial freshwater lake located at a distance of 12 km from Udaipur city. It’s one of the most stunning yet lesser known destinations around Udaipur. It was built by Maharana Raj Singh I to serve as a source of water during drought. Bahubali Hill surrounds the Badi Lake and looks very unique because of it’s crocodile-like hump. In fact, Badi and Bahubali enhance each other’s beauty making it a postcard-perfect destination.
Monsoon Palace offers a Panoramic view of Udaipur along with its surrounding lakes, and palaces making it a must attraction for any tourist in Udaipur. It is also called as Sajjangarh Palace as it was named after Maharana Sajjan Singh, for whom it was built in 1884. The original plan was to make it as an astronomical observatory to keep a track of monsoons but that didn’t happen due to the premature death of Maharana Sajjan Singh. However, it offers a breathtaking view of clouds, and hence called monsoon palace. Not to mention that sunsets seen from here are treat to the eyes and the soul.Did you know that Monsoon palace was featured in one of the James Bond movies named Octupussy?
Sahelion ki Bari is a beautiful garden in Udaipur, equipped with numerous fountains, marble elephants, a lotus pool, and flower beds. It is said that Maharana Sangram Singh designed the garden himself and presented it to his queen. It was laid for the queen and her forty-eight maids to spend some joyful moments away from the political conversations of the king’s court. There is also a museum in the garden which exhibits a huge collection of royal household items and ancient photos of the bygone era.
Stay excited for this part as usual!
Our small group size ensure a personal touch, and our group leaders make sure to bond the entire group like long lost friends. Hence, along with an amazing travel experience, you are in for a great of great social bonding.
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Chandratal Lake – the most awaited part
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