Places of Interest
KumbhalGarh:- 64 k.m. north west of Udaipur and birthplace of Maharana Pratap, Kumbhalgarh is the second most important citadel of Mewar after Chittorgarh. The Aravali ranges protect this impregnable fortress. Thirteen mountain peaks surround it. It is built on the top most ridges, 914 meters above sea level. Seven huge and imposing gates stand like sentinels at the approaches and seven ramparts, one being folded within another with crenellated walls strengthened by rounded bastions and immense watch towers, make this an impregnable mountain fortress. It was built by Rana Kumbha (1419-63). It's serpentine 36 kilometres long wall is thick and broad enough for eight horses to ride abreast. This wall is second only to the 'Great Wall of China'. There are 360 temples within the fortress, out of which a Shiva temple placed with huge 'SHIVALINGA' makes it worth visiting
Haldi Ghati(The Yellow Vale): A narrow pass runs South to North-East and ends in a plain where the famous battle of Haldighati was fought in 1576 between Maharana Pratap and the forces of Emperor Akbar. The colour of the soil here is yellow like turmeric (Haldi). Hence the valley is also known as Haldighati. Badshahibaug situated near the Haldighati is famous for 'CHAITRI-GULAB'. The rose water and 'Gulkand' (Rose Petal Jam) which has tremendous medicinal value and sweet taste as well. British author Col. James Todd described Haldighati as "Thermopile of Mewar" in his famous book 'Anals and Antiquities of Rajputana'.
Chetak Tomb: Only 2 km. West of Haldi Ghati, lies the tomb of Chetak. After being seriously wounded and loosing a leg in the fierce battle of Haldi Ghati, Chetak dutifully carried his master, Maharana Pratap, safely to this place and at last after crossing a stream, fell dead. Here stands a monument constructed and dedicated to the memory of this royal steed. Adjacent to the tomb, there is a temple of Lord Shiva. It appears that the Great Animal "Chetak" lies here in eternal sleep at the feet of his lord 'Pashupatinath'
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