Kumbhalgarh
Untitled Document

KUMBHALGARH
The Royal Castle of Mewar

  • Kumbhalgarh
  • History
  • Tourist Attraction
  • Things To Do
  • Getting To There

about kumbhalgarh
Kumbhalgarh is located in Rajasthan; precisely in its southern part. It is situated at about 105Kms to the west of Udaipur. It is quite a unique and an interesting destination, which attracts tourists from not only all over the country but also all across the globe. The location of Kumbhalgarh has always given it an added advantage as far as history is concerned. This fort was virtually inaccessible in the 15thcentury. Rana Kumbha of Mewar designed this fortress. He designed this great defensive fortress on a hill, which was situated at a height of 3,500 feet above the earth's surface, which is approximately 1100 metres high. The person standing on the fort can easily see the approaches made by any individual from Ajmer and Marwar.

Today, because of this fort being easily accessible from Udaipur, Ajmer, Jodhpur and Pushkar and yet being beautiful, Kumbhalgarh has turned into the highly visited and an attractive tourist destination. A couple of attractions at Kumbhalgarh include the massive Kumbhalgarh fort which was constructed in the 15thcentury and whose wall surrounding it is supposed to be the second longest wall after the Great wall of China. Another reason why people visit Kumbhalgarh is the wild life sanctuary, which covers an area of about 57778sq Km and is an abode to a huge variety of wildlife as well as several exotic birds.

Apart from the splendid scenic locations in Kumbhalgarh, the places around Kumbhalgarh are equally beautiful and worth watching. These places include

The Ranakpur Jain temples, which were built in the year of 1438. Then there is also the magnificent Ghanerao royal castle, which has been converted into a heritage hotel for several paying guests.

Rajsamand Lake that is one of the most famous one and the most popular excursions around Kumbhalgarh, the Muchchal Mahavir temple that is widely known for it's artistically carved statue and Haldighati, the venue of the most well known or the famous historical battle that would have happened.

The temperature at Kumbhalgarh is generally pretty hot and is between 25ºC- 42ºC during the summer season and varies from about 2ºC, which is pretty cold to maximum of 22ºC during the winter season. The languages spoken by the local people of Kumbhalgarh in Rajasthan are Hindi and Rajasthani. Because of more and more tourists coming and visiting the place, people have also started communicating in English. The ideal time to visit Kumbhalgarh is from any time within the months of September to March, since the climate is either cold or pleasant for people visiting the place. After March it gets a little too hot for the tourists. During monsoon the climate is quite humid. The annual total rainfall averages around 88 cm People living in Kumbhalgarh prefer wearing light tropical clothes for summer and woolen clothes for winter. Girls are often seen wearing ghaghras and guys in dhotis.



History

Under the rule of the king Rana Kumbha, the kingdom of Mewar stretched right from Ranthambore to Gwalior. The kingdom also included vast tracts of Madhya Pradesh as well as Rajasthan. About 84 fortresses have been defending Mewar from its enemies. Out of the 84, Rana Kumbha, himself, has designed about 32 of them. Of all the fortresses, which have been designed by Rana Kumbha, Kumbhalgarh has been the most impressive, famous and the massive one with a wall of the length 36Km. The fort lies at about 90Kms away from Udaipur towards its Northwest. It is situated at about 1914m above the sea level and is the most important fort after Chittorgarh.

The site where Kumbhalgarh stands once was a bastion, which belonged to the Jain descendent of Mauryan emperors of India during the second century AD. It also separated Mewar and Marwar from each other and was also use as a place of refuge for the rulers of Mewar at times of danger, especially Prince Udai, the baby king of Mewar. It was only once in the entire history that Kumbhalgarh was taken or it could not defend or breach its defense when the combined armies of Emperor Akbar, Raja Udai Singh of Amber along with the armies of Raja Man Singh of Amber and Raja Udai Singh of Marwar attacked the fort of Kumbhalgarh. That too happened because of the scarcity of drinking water.

Kumbhalgarh is the same place where prince Udai was smuggled to in 1535. This happened when Chittaur was under siege. Prince Udai who later became the successor to the throne also became the founder of the Udaipur City. The renowned Maharana Pratap, who fought against the army lead by Akbar in the battle of Haldighati in the year 1576, was also born at Kumbhalgarh.


tourist attraction

Kumbhalgarh Fort
Rana Kumbha who found the fort of Kumbhalgarh got it constructed in the 15thCentury. Kumbhalgarh Fort was one of the very few forts in history, which never got conquered. One of the most important reasons stated for it is the aggressive or the hostile landscape of the fort. A thick wall that is 36Kms long surrounds this remarkable fort. The perimeter of the wall is assumed to be the longest after the Great Wall Of China. The wall stretches across the Aravali Mountains. The fort is about 1100m high from the sea level and offers a marvelous view of the surrounding area. The main attractions of the fort consist of mesmerizing palaces along with about 360 different types of temples inside it with 300 being the Jain temples and the remaining being the Hindu temples.

13 mountain peaks surround the fort of Kumbhalgarh, 7 huge gates guard the fort and immense watchtowers further strengthen it. The Badal Mahal Palace is right at the top of the fort. The palace has beautiful rooms and is painted in the colours of green, white and turquoise, thus providing an interesting contrast to the raw and grim fortress. Kumbhalgarh is also the place where the great warrior of Mewar, the legendary Maharana Pratap was born.

The Mewar Fortress in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan was renovated and enlarged again by Maharana Fateh Singh in the 19thCentury. Now it is accessible to the public and tourists as a museum. The fort is easily accessible and is just about 60Kms away from the city of Udaipur.

It is also said that the Maharana of Kumbhalgarh failed to build the fort's wall for several times. Then later after they consulted a pilgrim about this problem, he advised that them to behead him and to build up a temple wherever his head fell. He also asked them to build the wall where his body laid. Following his advice the wall, which is the second largest wall in the world, was built.

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
The Kumbhalgarh travel and tourism is known for its Wild Life Sanctuary. The wild life sanctuary at Kumbhalgarh lies in the flourishing green zone in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan. The wildlife sanctuary surrounds the fortress and is spread over an area of 578 sq km. The Sanctuary also covers regions of Udaipur and Pali district along with Rajsamand, ranging to an elevation from about 500 to 1300 meters.

The Kumbhalgarh wildlife sanctuary is a habitat to a wide variety of wildlife as well as exotic birds. It acts as a home to several animals such as leopards, wolf, hyena, jungle cat, four horned antelope, chinkara, jackal, sloth bear, gray jungle fowl, nilgai and many more. It an also an abode for several types of birds such as peacocks, gray pigeons, red spur owls, bulbul, white breasted kingfisher, doves, golden oriole, parakeets, etc. the sanctuary is a paradise for the bird watcher's.

A barely jeepable, hazardous track takes the visitor to the Sanctuary. Kumbhalgarh is one of the few parks where horse rides are permitted. It is also the only place where the activities of the species of a rarely found wolf can be observed as well as studied. Another main attraction here are the crocodiles, which are bred scientifically in the lake. There is also a crocodile farm where guests are provided with guesthouses to stay over. The guesthouse belongs to the Forest Department.

Thousands of flamingoes, ducks, egrets, spoonbills make use of the forest cover, jungle berries, algae, water grasses and fish to to sustain the cold during winter. The best time when the Sanctuary can be visited is from the month of October till the month of June.

Ranakpur Jain Temples Near Kumbhalgarh
Apart from the beautiful scenic locations in Kumbhalgarh, the places around Kumbhalgarh are equally beautiful and worth watching. Missing these places would be a great loss to an adventure seeker. One of the most important destinations is the Ranakpur Jain temples. These well-known and renowned temples are not too far away from Kumbhalgarh and are just 50Kms away from them through Vanpura and Saira.

Rana Kumbha built these Jain temples in the year of 1438. Ranakpur, which was then a frequently ravaged war land turned into a center full of serenity and tranquility and also became a center of meditation. It also turned into a museum to protect sculptures to which the rich and wealthy ministers and merchants of the Jain community kept adding statues and shrines. The Chaumukha temple, which is situated right at the center of all the temples, has been dedicated to the Adinath Tirthankara. There lies an astonishing monument right in the middle of 29 halls and 1444 different pillars and each of them have been carved distinctly.

Out of all the temples, 2 of them have been specifically dedicated to the Jain saints. These temples have two very beautiful carvings of Parasnath and Neminath and are quite identical to those, which are responsible for making Khajuraho so famous.

There is also a Sun temple pretty nearby which has wall's which are decorated and embellished richly using various figures and designs like horses, warrior and other solar Deities riding splendid chariots. This place is truly worth visiting and it relaxes the mind completely making you feel closer to god.

Ghanerao
Ghanerao, which is a small town near Kumbhalgarh is the place where Thakur Sajjan Singhji along with his wife and son Kumar Himmat Singh recreated the ambience of the charming old world by converting this magnificent Ghanerao royal castle into a heritage hotel for several paying guests. Gopal Das Rathore originally constructed this castle in the year 1603.

In the areas surrounding the castle are situated the royal and the splendid cenotaphs of the former warriors and the rulers. There is also a beautiful and artistic Jain temple specially dedicated to the Lord Mahavira near the Ghanerao castle.

The Ghanerao castle, which is the royal castle of Rajasthan, is to be found in the region very close to Kumbhalgarh, the Ghanerao region. This castle comprises of a large number of havelis made up of graceful sandstone and marble bastions. The castle has been built up in a typical Rajput architectural style with numerous Rajput miniature paintings put up on all the walls of the magnificent castle. Yet another impressive feature of this castle are the chandeliered rooms and the beautifully carved lattice friezes.

Every room of this castle is distinct and differs from every other room in terms of the balcony, verandahs and terraces. The restaurants available in this hotel serve multiple cuisines along with the traditional Rajasthani dishes. The hotel also provides additional facilities and privileges such as the Jeep safaris and sightseeing tours to all the places situated nearby such as the Kumbhalgarh fort, Wildlife sanctuary, the historic Jain temples and many such places.

The genuine warmth of this place accompanied with the beautiful ambience as well as the peeing maids, carved jharokhas, hunting trophies, coloured windows and the chandeliers make this place a must watch!!

Rajsamand Lake, Kumbhalgarh
One of the most important places to watch at Kumbhalgarh is its wildlife sanctuary. You will never be disappointed once you visit this fortress city because there are several other attractions that cannot be missed out and are definitely worth visiting. Amongst all of them, Rajsamand Lake is one of the most famous one and the most popular excursions around Kumbhalgarh. It is a place visited and enjoyed by people belonging to any class and any age group. It is enjoyed by one and all including the kids; who need a place to play, their parents who come to relax and unwind from their busy schedules and their grand parents who just come to enjoy the scenic beauty.

The Rajsamand Lake, which is situated in Rajasthan, is situated on the way to the Kumbhalgarh city. A marvelous dam was built in the 17thcentury on this beautiful looking lake. The bank of this lake has a beautiful view and is full of Cenotaphs also called as chhatris. The bank also has several stunning arches commonly known as torans by the people of Rajasthan. There are also a large number of pavilions, which give a gorgeous view to the tourists and the localites staying around.

The bank of the Rajsamand Lake also has a rest house, which has been constructed and built up by the Department of Irrigation. The lavish looking rest house is further decorated with a magnificently laid out garden having several trees and distinct plantations. The garden looks colourful. The main attractions of the lake are the stunningly carved sculptures and the Sanskrit verses which are vividly inscribed in the store


Shopping
Kumbhalgarh is nothing but a small village, which is situated next to Udaipur. Shopping at Kumbhalgarh is not something that you could call a pleasing experience nor is Kumbhalgarh some shopping destination where you can claim to shop till you drop. There is rarely anyone who really shops at all at Kumbhalgarh. Rather than shopping it is more of a place where people come to relax and admire the beauty of the nature. Whatever people may say, but returning back home from a tour without buying anything for yourself or any souvenirs for the near and dear ones is practically impossible.

Incase of that, it is advisable to shop at Udaipur, which is the nearest city to Kumbhalgarh and is only of the most important tourist destinations at Rajasthan. The city of Udaipur is famous or renowned for its handicrafts and their miniature paintings in the Mughal or the Rajput style. The paintings that are drawn generally feature long necks, large eyes that are almond shaped and long fingers, all of which are made with the use of subdued colours. The miniature paintings are available on different materials such as silk, paper, marble and ivory. They usually make great souvenirs. Make it a point of picking up a few of them either for yourself or your relatives.

Other things, which are worth buying at Udaipur, are its silver jewellery; puppets, pottery and its stone carved items. Also the handmade papers, marble and wooden carved doors and the brassware's and precious- semiprecious stones are a must watch.

In Udaipur, the main shopping areas are situated around the Jagdish Temple and along the Lake Palace road. Many other places that you can check out for shopping are Bapu Bazaar, Chetak Circle, City market and Hathipole.

The several shopping joints that are available at Udaipur make up for the lack of shops at Kumbhalgarh.

Hotels
Kumbhalgarh, which is a very interesting destination situated close to Udaipur may not have numerous hotels, but there are quite a few of them. Most of the hotels available fall into the heritage category because these hotels are all old forts and palaces, which are being used for tourist accommodation. The hotels at Kumbhalgarh are all beautiful with impressive architecture and royal splendor, which very distinctly make each of them different.

The hotels also provide a very good view of the Kumbhalgarh fort and are also located quite close to the fort.The hotels and the places surrounding them are all full of natural beauty and they ensure a perfect holiday.

The prices of the hotels are quite affordable and moderate. There are various categories to choose from the well-appointed suites and rooms to suit your budget. The modern facilities along with the blend of the historical significance ensure a marvelous and a memorable stay at the hotels in Kumbhalgarh.

A lot of things are done to make the evenings special such as an arrangement of theme dinners, puppet shows, etc. At times folk music is also played accompanied with bonfire to give you the feel and the glimpse of the Rajasthani culture. Such are the hotels at Kumbhalgarh.

A couple of hotels at Kumbhalgarh are as listed below.


Kumbhalgarh, which is situated in the southern part of Rajasthan, is a very interesting destination attracting a lot of tourists all over. A couple of the tourist destinations, which are worth seeing, are the wildlife Sanctuary, the Kumbhalgarh Fort and the Muchchal Mahavir.

Kumbhalgarh is easily accessible using various mediums of transportation. There are several ways using which you can easily reach Kumbhalgarh. If you want to travel by road then there are several buses that take you to Kumbhalgarh from Udaipur, which is very well linked to major cities in Rajasthan, Gujarat and other important neighboring states. Another option is Ranakpur, which is again merely 18Kms away from Kumbhalgarh. You also have a choice for selecting your buses from the regular ones, which are generally taken by the localites, or the deluxe buses, which are the air-conditioned ones. Many buses from Ajmer, Pushkar, Jodhpur and Udaipur pass through Kumbhalgarh.

If you wish to travel by train in order to reach your destination then several trains from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Ajmer pass through Phalna, which is the nearest junction to reach Kumbhalgarh.

Getting To Kumbhalgarh


By Air
Nearest airport to Kumbalgarh is Udaipur, which is about 84 km from the city. Pre-paid taxi charges about Rs 1600 from Udaipur to Kumbalgarh. Udaipur is connected by air to Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur.

By Rail
Nearest railhead is Phalna, a junction railway station, which is well connected to Mumbai, Ajmer, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur and Jodhpur.

By Road
Rajasthan State Government Roadways ordinary and deluxe buses have stop at Kumbhalgarh. It is connected to Udaipur, Ajmer, Jodhpur and Pushkar by the state buses.



Geography
Katra or Katra Vaishno Devi, as it is popularly known, is a small town in Jammu and Kashmir, India, situated in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains, where the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is located. It is part of the Udhampur District and is located 42 km from the city of Jammu

Mata Vaishno Deviji
The Holy Cave of the Mother is situated at an altitude of 5200 ft. The Yatris have to undertake a trek of nearly 12 km from the base camp at Katra. At the culmination of their pilgrimage, the yatries are blessed with the Darshans of the Mother Goddess inside the Sanctum Sanctorum- the Holy Cave. These Darshans are in the shape of three natural rock formations called the Pindies. There are no statues or idols inside the Cave.

The Holy Cave of the Mother is situated at an altitude of 5200 ft. The Yatris have to undertake a trek of nearly 12 km from the base camp at Katra. At the culmination of their pilgrimage, the yatries are blessed with the Darshans of the Mother Goddess inside the Sanctum Sanctorum- the Holy Cave. These Darshans are in the shape of three natural rock formations called the Pindies. There are no statues or idols inside the Cave.

A pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji is considered to be one of the holiest pilgrimages of our times. Popular the world over as Moonh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata, which means, the Mother who fulfills whatever Her children wish for, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji resides in a Holy Cave located in the folds of the three peaked mountain named Trikuta (pronounced as Trikoot). The Holy Cave attracts lakhs of devotees every year. In fact, the number of Yatris visiting the Holy Shrine annually now exceeds 5 million. This is due to the unflinching faith of the devotees who throng the Shrine from all parts of India and abroad.

Mata Vaishno Devi is a form of the Hindu goddess Durga. According to legend a young girl Vaishno was created by the Gods to fight the demons in the Treta yug. According to common Hindu religious belief Mata Vaishno grants the four important boons of righteousness, material pursuits, contentment and enlightenment to all those who visit this sacred place of worship. Usually devotees offer coconuts, dry fruits and red net scarves as a token of worship to the deity

tourist attraction

Vaishno Devi Shrine Katra
Regarded as one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimages, the Vaishno Devi Shrine is frequented by a large number of devotees every year to seek the blessings of Mother Goddess who resides in the cave. The Goddess here is worshipped in three forms -Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati and Mahalakshmi.

Jahan Kosha Katra
Located just a km away from Katra, Jahan Kosha-a massive canon which is about 17.5ft long was built by Janardhan Karmakar, a 17th century craftsman from Dhaka. There is a lovely mosque which is believed to have the footprint of the revered prophet Hazrat Mohammad.

Baba Dhansar Katra
A popular picnic spot, Baba Dhansar is situated at a distance of 10kms from Katra. Known for its picturesque setting with dense grove of trees, lovely spring dipping out of the mountainside, cluster of lovely watefalls, a naturally formed Shivling where one can really see water dipping naturally throughout the year make this place a pictorial delight. This place is also known for the huge fair that is held during Shivratri.

Dera Baba Banda Katra
Located at a distance of 30 kms from the town, Dera Baba Banda is one of the revered Hindu-Sikh pilgrimage centres. Baba Banda Bairaagi also known as the 'Saint Soldier' of Guru Gobind Singh. The Gurudwara built by Baba Bairaagi on the banks of river Chenaab is frequented by people of other faiths.

Aghar Jitto Katra
Aghar Jitto or the Shrine of Baba Jitto, a devotee of Maa Vaishno Devi is situated at a distance of 5km from the town. It is believed that if any pre- natal women take a dip in the holy spring water flowing in front of the shrine, safe delivery of baby is assured.

Shivkhori Katra
Placed at a distance of 70km from the town, Shivkhori or the Holy Cave in the shape of the Damroo of Lord Shiva which is about half a kilometre long and has a 4feet high naturally formed Shiv-lingam right in the heart of the Sanctom Sanctorum. The most attractive feature of the cave is the sight of the natural milky water falling from the top of the Lingam signifying the eternity of the river Ganga.

getting to Katra

By Air
The Jammu Airport is the nearest airport located at a distance of 55kms from Katra. One can easily get several airline offices which provide regular flight service to Jammu

By Rail
The Jammu Railway station located at a distance of 50kms is the nearest railway station from Katra. Jammu is easily accessible from any part of Indiaas it enjoys healthy rail network.

By Road
The National Highway connects Katra with other parts of India. One can hire taxis which are easily available at Jammu and Katra.



Geography
The western parts of Ladakh comprising the river valleys, which are drained and formed by the Himalayan tributaries of the high Indus, constitute Kargil district. Prominent among these are the spectacular valleys of Suru and Zanskar, which lie nestled along the northern flank of the Great Himalayan wall. The smaller lateral valleys of Drass, Wakha-Mulbek and Chiktan constitute important subsidiaries.

This region formed part of the erstwhile Kingdom of Ladakh. In fact it is believed to be the first to be inhabited by the early colonizers of Ladakh, the Indo-Aryan Mons from across the Great Himalayan range, assorted Dard immigrants from down the Indus and the Gilgit valleys and itinerant nomads from the Tibetan highlands. Also, being contiguous with Baltistan, Kashmir, Kulu etc. these valleys are believed to have served as the initial recipients of successive ethnic and cultural influences emanating from the neighbouring regions. Thus, while the Mons are believed to have introduced north-Indian Buddhism to these valleys, the Dard and Balti immigrants are credited with introducing farming and the Tibetan nomads with the tradition of herding and animal husbandry.

About 15,000 sq. kms. in area, Kargil district has an agrarian population of approximately 120,000 people, who cultivate the land, along the course of the drainage system, wherever artificial irrigation from mountain streams is possible. About 85 % are Muslims, mainly of the Shia sect, Islam having been introduced to the original Buddhist population around the middle of the 16th century by missionaries from Kashmir and Central Asia. Their descendants, locally titledAgha, are mostly religious scholars who continue to hold sway over the population, even as the age-old traditions of Buddhist and animistic origin are discernible in the culture. Many elements of the ancient supernatural belief systems, especially many traditions connected with agricultural practices, are still followed with subdued reverence.

tourist attraction


Zanskar (Penzila to Padum Karsha and Zangla)

Two small, turquoise, high altitude lakes with camping sites, and views of the surrounding permafrost mountains are the highlights of the Penzi La pass, which is 160 Km from Kargil and at an altitude of 4,401 to 4,450 meters, the highest point on the Kargil – Zanskar road. This pass is more of a table land and, unlike the Zojila, has plenty of flat spaces and things to see, the Drang-Drung, for instance. Kishtwar is behind the mountains of the right.Zanskar being half way through the pass, some 35 km, after Rangdum. It is spread over more than 5,000 Sq.Km. Zanskar remains cut off from the rest of the world for more than eight months a year due to blockade of the Penzi La. Besides there are no air service. Today Zanskar is one of the least interfered with microcosms of Ladakh and one of the last surviving cultural settlers of Tibet. Put simply, systems such as polyandry, which are more or less extinct in Leh town and in the more advanced villages of Leh district, still survive in some pockets of Zanskar. In 1999 around a quarter of Zanskar still practiced polyandry.

Wakha Rgyal
Tucked away inside the picturesque upper part of the Wakha Valley, upstreams of Mulbek, Rgyal gives the appearance of a medieval settlement of cave dwellings transported in to the modern times with some improvements and extensions. The houses, neatly white-washed and closely stacked, are dug into the sheer face of a vertical cliff that rises high above the green valley bottom. From a far the village looks like a colony of beehives hanging from the ochre granite of the Cliffside.

Phugthal Monastery
Phugthal is the most spectacularly located monastic establishment anywhere in Ladakh. The Phugthal complex spills out of the mouth of a huge cave high up in the sheer mountain face of a lateral gorge through which a major tributary of the Lungnak River flows. Perhaps the most isolated monastery in Zanskar, its foundation dates back to the early 12th century. The monastery has frescos and ceiling decorations reflecting strong Indian artistic and oceanographic influence.

Stongday
Stongday Gompa is built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the oasis-like village below. It lies 20 Km to the north of Padum, on the road leading to Zangla. Stongday is now the second largest monastic establishment of Zanskar with 60 resident Gelukpa monks. The highlight of this monastery is its Gon Khang (temple of guardian deities).

Rangdum Monastery
Rangdum( 3,657 meters, 130 km from Kargil town, 65 Km from Panikhar ). The Rangdum monastery has tiny & ldquo; museum & rdquo; with interesting Tibetan and other artifacts. Around forty monks live in the gompa. It is difficult to agree with accounts that date the Gompa to the 8th century. 18th century is more likely. The villagers who live near the Gompa are basically the agriculture shrifts of the monastery, a guidebook informs us.

Zongkhul
This monastery is built in a spectacular cave, lies on the Padum-Kishtwar trekking route, just before the ascent to the Omasi-La Pass begins. Situated like a swallow's nest on the rock face of the Ating Gorge, the monastery is associated with Naropa, a famous India Yogi. The two caves around which the present monastery has developed are said to have been used by Naropa for solitary mediation. The frescos on the cave walls are very old and reflect a high degree of artistic achievement

Excursions

Situated 45 kms East of Kargil on the road to Leh, Mulbek (3230 m) in an area dominated by the Buddhists. It is situated along either banks of the Wakha River, which originates. Many Monuments of the early Buddhists era dot the landscape and are accessible from the road.

Mulbek Chamba
The chief attraction of Mulbek is a 9 m high rock sculpture in deep relief of Maitreya, the Future Buddha. Its excursion combines esoteric Shaivite symbolism with early Buddhist art. Situated right on the highway, it dates back to the period when Buddhists missionaries came travelling east of the Himalayas.

Mulbek Gompa
Perched atop a rocky cliff, Mulbek Gompa (monastery) dominates the valley. It is easy to see why in bygone times this site served as an outpost to guard the caravan route. Like all Buddhists monasteries it is adorned by frescoes and statues. 

Shergol
Another picturesque village of the Wakha River valley, Shergol is situated across the river, right of the KargilLeh road. The main attraction is a cave monastery which is visible from a far as a white speck against the vertically rising ochre hill from which it appears to hang out. Below this small monastery is a larger Buddhist nunnery with about a dozen incumbents. The village is accessible by the motorable road that branches off from the Kargil-Leh road, about 5 km short of Mulbek. Shergol is a convenient base for an exciting 4-day trek across the mountain range into the Suru valley. It is also the approach base for visiting Urgyan-Dzong, a meditation retreat lying deep inside the mountains surrounding the Wakha River valley.

Urgyan Dzong

This meditation retreat lies tucked away in an amazing natural mountain fortress high up in Zanskar range. Concealed within is a circular table land with a small monastic establishment at its centre. The surrounding hillside reveals several caves where high-ranking Buddhists saints meditated in seclusion. At least one such cave is associated with the visit of Padmasambhava, the patron saint of Tibetan Buddhism. The main approach is to footpath laid through the only gap available in the rocky ramparts

Kargil
Kargil, the headquarter of Kargil district, is around 204 Kms. to the east of Srinagar and 234 Kms. to the west of Leh.It was a transit point of caravans on their way to and from China, Tibet, Yarken and Kashmir till 1949, but since 1974 with the influx of tourists the region has been replaced as centre for tourism related activities. Tourists traveling between Zangskar, Leh and Srinagar have to make a night halt here, before starting for the second day of their journey.

Kargil is located on the bank of the Suru River which flows at around 10,000 ft. high. Here people were followers of Buddhist religion till the 14th century AD. Presently, Kargil is inhabited by Muslims of Shia sect.

Suru Valley
Suru valley has a beautiful landscape to view, especially when it gets dotted by flowers in the summer. The valley expands from Kargil town upto the Penzi La watershed, from where the Suru river rises. The valley constitutes a large population, mainly of Tibetan-Dard Muslims, who converted to Islam in the 15th century. The peaks of Nun (7,135m) and Kun (7,035m) Massif add to the beautification of this region.

Kartse Khar
The Kartse Khar (palace) is an ancient village known for its 7m tall rock carved statue of Maitriya Buddha which is an evidence of the presence of Buddhist community in the valley in the past. There are other magnificent Stupas and rock carved statues to be seen in Suru valley, if one wishes to explore.

Panikhar

Panikhar is the best station to undertake mountaineering expeditions to the various Peaks surrounding the valley. Tanyol, the approach base for climbing Mt. Nun, is just 6 Kms. further up the valley along the road. A short walk up the hill slopes from here takes one across the Sentik Ridge to the base camp on the rim of the ice plateau. Another very interesting hike is to the Nun- Kun view saddle (3810m) in the Parkachik ridge. This requires 3 hours of walking along verdant slopes overlooking the fertile valley below.

Drass

Drass is around 60 Kms. to the west of Kargil on the road to Srinagar. The place has beautiful pasture grounds and majestic mountain peaks surrounding it. Drass is the second coldest inhabited place in the world, where the temperature goes as low as - 50 in winter.

Drass has become famous in recent years because of Pakistan’s misadventure in the Tiger hill and Tolloling areas. One can have a lovely view of Tiger hill from Drass village.

The inhabitants in Drass consist mainly of the Dards stock, an Aryan race believed to have originally migrated to these villages of the western Himalaya from Central Asian steppes. The language they speak is Shina, which is very much unlike the Ladakhi dialects spoken elsewhere in the Ladakh region. Polo is the favorite time pass of the inhabitants of Drass.

Buddhist remains at Drass
Drass is dominated by Muslims, which was predominant a Buddhist region, converted to Muslims in 15th Century. The only Buddhist remains of note in the whole area are images carved in relief on stone of Maitriya, Avaloketeshvara, a lotus flower, a man on horseback and a stupa.

getting to Kargil

By Air
Kargil does not have an airport, and the nearest airport is Srinagar, at a distance of 151 kms from Kargil.

By Rail
Kargil does not have a train station, and the nearest station is Jammu, at a distance of 255 kms from Kargil.

By Road

Regular buses are available from Kargil and the state road transport of Jammu and Kashmir offers bus services that ply between Srinagar and Kargil and some local buses like the mini coaches also opens another options for travel. Moreover, to reach Kargil one can take cars or jeeps for road transportation
.


AMRITSAR history
The history of Amritsar boasts of a perfect mix of Hindu and Sikh culture. Founded by Guru Ram Das in the year 1547, the city has been the home to various sages and saints. 

Although the history of Amritsar can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, it also has been referred in the various Puranas and the famous mythological epic Ramayana. According to the legend, this city was the site of the ashram of Rishi Balmiki as well as the birth place of Lord Ram’s son – Luv and Kush.

The city boasts of Greek influence under Alexander during 326 BC. However, the Mauryas defeated the Greeks thus possessing the throne of Amritsar. 

The rulers of the Gupta Empire ruled here from the 4th to the 6th century followed by the rule of Shahi Dynasty and further under the kingship of Sultan Mahmood of Ghazani. 

Sikh came on the scene of Amritsar in the 16th century when Sikh Guru Ram Das and his successor Guru Arjan Dev established a temple around a small pool. It was during this time, that the city got its name Amritsar. The city is famous for the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy in which thousands of people were killed by the British.

location
Amritsar is 280 miles from Delhi and only 16 miles from Wagha, an outpost of the Indo-Pakistan border. With a population of about 4,00,000 and a number of educational institutions, business enterprises, industrial concerns, banks, hotels, parks and restaurants, Amritsar still remains the largest and the most important city of Punjab.

tourist attraction

Shri Hari Mandir Sahib - Golden Temple Amritsar
The Golden Temple Amritsar India (Sri Harimandir Sahib Amritsar) is not only a central religious place of the Sikhs, but also a symbol of human brotherhood and equality. Everybody, irrespective of cast, creed or race can seek spiritual solace and religious fulfilment without any hindrance. It also represents the distinct identity, glory and heritage of the Sikhs. To pen-down the philosophy, ideology, the inner and outer beauty, as well as the historical legacy of Sri Harimandir Sahib is a momentous task. It is a matter of experience rather than a of description.

As advised by Sri Guru Amar Dass Ji (3rd Sikh Guru), Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji (4th Sikh Guru) started the digging of Amrit Sarovar (Holy Tank) in 1577 A.D., which was later on brick-lined by Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji (5th Sikh Guru) on December 15, 1588 and He also started the construction of Sri Harimandir Sahib. Sri Guru Granth Sahib (scripture of the Sikhs), after its compilation, was first installed at Sri Harimandir Sahib on August 16, 1604 A.D. A devout Sikh, Baba Budha Ji was appointed its first Head Priest.

The Golden Temple Amritsar India (Sri Harmandir Sahib Amritsar) has a unique Sikh architecture. Built at a level lower than the surrounding land level, The Gurudwara teaches the lesson of egalitarianism and humility. The four entrances of this holy shrine from all four directions, signify that people belonging to every walk of life are equally welcome.

The Jalianwala Bagh

The Jallianwala Bagh is located about a quarter of a mile from the Golden Temple. It is the Memorial which commemorates the sacrifices of hundreds of men, women and children who were victims of ruthless firing of the British forces. The incident took place on April 13, 1919, when thousands of people had gathered in Jallianwala Bagh to voice their feelings against the repressive policies of the British Government. General Dyer tried to silence the gathered crowd with volleys of bullets which, according to official estimates, took a toll of 397 lives and wounded another 1,200 persons.

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre accentuated political awakening in India and brought Mahatma Gandhi to the forefront of Indian political life. The bullet marks can be seen to this day on the boundary walls of the garden. Jallianwala Bagh has been turned into a spacious and well-laid park where people from all parts of the country come to visit. The historic Rambagh Garden outside the City is a big attraction in the evenings when people throng its green parks to relax and breathe fresh air. This garden is laid out in the pattern of Shalimar Bagh at Lahore. Several clubs operate in the Garden which also houses the well-known summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Durgiana Temple
A partial replica of the Golden Temple, the Durgiana temple is situated outside the Lohgarh Gate. It is dedicated to the Goddess Durga and is frequented by devout Hindus.

Wagah Border
The international borderline between India and Pakistan, Wagah is always been in the news headlines of both countries. Convoluted buildings, barriers and roads mark both sides of the border. The fencing between the borders is electrified with very high voltage. The Swarna Jayanthi gate, which is the entry gate of the outpost, commands the magnificent scenery of verdant landscapes. 

Situated in between Lahore and Amritsar, evenings in this army outpost is very charming and colourful with the "Beating the Retreat" ceremony. The pageantry and pomp, and the change of guard within a short expanse make an appealing spectacle, which grabs large gathering. The most important segment of the ceremonial parade is the bringing down of the respective flags of both countries. Tourists and the locals throng near the border to witness the ceremonial parade of the Soldiers of the two countries. When the sun sets in the horizon, the soldiers take their departure amidst the beatings of the drums and beguiles. The entire ceremony nearly takes thirty minutes.

getting to amritsar

By Air
Raja Sansi International Airport in Amritsar provides regular service to major cities like Mumbai and Chennai. The travel from airport to the heart of the city, costs only about Rs 100 by taxi. Foreign cities can be connected through Mumbai and Chennai.

By Train
Amritsar Railway Station is well linked to other rail heads in the state and also connected to most of the cities in India. It has a connecting railway line to Pakistan
.

By Bus
State run public buses and private buses are available to move in and out from Amritsar. Grand Trunk Road connects Delhi to Amritsar. Luxury buses are available from Delhi.


about delhi
Delhi is a city that bridges two different worlds. Old Delhi, once the capital of Islamic India, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes lined with crumbling havelis and formidable mosques. In contrast, the imperial city of New Delhi created by the British Raj is composed of spacious, tree-lined avenues and imposing government buildings. Delhi has been the seat of power for several rulers and many empires for about a millennium. Many a times the city was built, destroyed and then rebuilt here. Interestingly, a number of Delhi's rulers played a dual role, first as destroyers and then as creators.

The city's importance lies not just in its past glory as the seat of empires and magnificent monuments, but also in the rich and diverse cultures. No wonder chroniclers of Delhi culture - from Chand Bardai and Amir Khusro to present days writers - have never been at a loss for topics. In Delhi, you will discover that the city is sprinkled with dazzling gems: captivating ancient monuments, fascinating museums and art galleries, architectural wonders, a vivacious performing-arts scene, fabulous eating places and bustling markets.

Delhi has been the political hub of India. Every political activity in the country traces its roots here. This was true even of the mythological era. The Pandavas of the Mahabharata had their capital at Indraprastha, which is believed to have been geographically located in today's Delhi.

tourist attraction

Akshardham Temple
Swaminarayan Akshardham reflects the essence and magnitude of India's ancient architecture, traditions and timeless spirituality.

The main monument, depicting ancient Indian "vastu shastra" and architecture, is a marvel in pink sandstone and white marble that is 141 feet high, 316 feet wide and 370 feet long with 234 ornate pillars, over 20,000 sculptures and statues of deities, eleven 72-foot-high huge domes (mandapams) and decorative arches. And like a necklace, a double-storied parikrama of red sandstone encircles the monuments with over 155 small domes and 1,160 pillars. The whole monument rises on the shoulders of 148 huge elephants with 11-feet tall panchdhatu statue of Swaminarayan presiding over the structure.

The other attractions of the complex are three exhibition halls spaced around two huge ponds, where one is a venue for light-and-sound show. The three halls are "Sahajanand Darshan", "Neelkanth Darsdhan" and "Sanskruti Vihar". "Sahajanand Darshan" is where life of Swaminarayan is displayed through robotic shows, while "Neelkanth Darsdhan" has a huge I-Max theatre screening movie based on the life of the Lord. Another amazing presentation is "Sanskruti Vihar" with 12-minute boat ride experience of India's glorious heritage.

The sprawling Swaminarayan Akshardham complex spread over 30 acres on the banks of the Yamuna near Noida Mor in East Delhi.

For visitors, entry to the complex is free. However, those who want to visit exhibition halls and theatres, Rs.125 is to be paid and for children and senior citizens the charges are Rs.75. "Over 6,000 visitors could easily witness the shows and enjoy boat-rides everyday, while over 25,000 people can visit the temple. We have deployed almost 140 guides who will facilitate visitors during their visit. It requires at least four hours to visit the entire complex thoroughly and see all the shows," said a temple management committee member, adding that the opening ceremony would be telecast live on Aastha channel. Elaborate security arrangements have also been made for the entire complex. Besides installing close circuit television cameras it has also deployed hundreds of its own security personnel.

The Rs.400-crore cultural complex, inspired by Pramukh Swami Maharaj of the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), will be popularised by its builders as "a place for cultural education and entertainment". The temple complex has drawn inspiration for its architecture from the historic temples of Badrinath (Uttaranchal), Somnath (Gujarat) and Konark (Orissa). It is the second Akshardham complex in the country after the one at Gandhinagar in Gujarat.

Azad Hind Gram
Azad Hind Gram Tourist Complex at Tikri Kalan is a project developed by Delhi Tourism to honour Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and to create quality leisure space and wayside amenities for the citizens.Located within two kilometers of the Delhi Haryana border on NH-10, the architecture of the project is inspired by North Indian achitectural style and the traditions of Indian craftsmanship.

The elaborate mosaic domes surrounding the museum and the memorial are the focus of the complex which offers the facilities of extensive plazas, an amphitheatre, tourist information centre, souvenir and garden shop, food kiosks, a restaurant, public toilets, drinking water, public telephone and convention facilities.

Bahai Temple
East of Nehru place, this temple is built in the shape of a lotus flower and is the last of seven Major Bahai's temples built around the world. Completed in1986 it is set among the lush green landscaped gardens.

The structure is made up of pure white marble The architect Furiburz Sabha chose the lotus as the symbol common to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. Adherents of any faith are free to visit the temple and pray or meditate.

Around the blooming petals there are nine pools of water, which light up, in natural light. It looks spectacular at dusk when it is flood lit.

Birla Mandir
Laxmi Narayan Temple, also known as Birla Mandir, is one of Delhi's major temples and a major tourist attraction. Built by the industrialst G.D. Birla in 1938, this beautiful temple is located in the west of Connaught Place.

The temple is dedicated to Laxmi (the goddess of prosperity) and Narayana (The preserver). The temple was inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi on the condition that people of all castes will be allowed to enter the temple.

Delhi Haat
The craftsmen who are registered with D.C.Handicrafts are the ones who are eligible to find a place here. The stalls selling handicrafts are allotted on a rotational basis to craftsmen who come from all corners of the vast & varied land of India at nominal payment for a period of 15 Days. This ensures that visitors get to buy authentic wares at prices that have not been inflated by high maintenance costs.

You can also savour the inimitable flavors of the delightful local foods from the various regions of India be it the momos from Sikkim or the Bamboos hot chicken from Nagaland, Kahwa & Kebabs from Jammu, Pooranpoli from Maharastra or the Gujrati Dhokla. The food stalls offer you variety of foods served in an Eco friendly manner.

The DILLI HAAT provides the ambience of a traditional Rural Haat or village market, but one suited for more contemporary needs. Here one sees a synthesis of crafts, food and cultural activity.

This Food and Craft Bazar is a treasure house of Indian culture, handicrafts and ethnic cuisine, A unique bazaar, in the heart of the city, it displays the richness of Indian culture on a permanent basis.

Garden of Five Senses
The Garden of Five Senses is not just a park, it is a space with a variety of activities, inviting public interaction and exploration. The project, developed by Delhi Tourism Transportation Development Corporation, was conceptualized to answer to the city's need for leisure space for the public, for people to socialize and unwind. Such spaces add atmosphere and life to a city and cater to all sections of the society.

The twenty-acre site, located at Said-Ul-Azaib village, close to the Mehrauli heritage area in New Delhi, is spectacular. The Garden was inaugurated in February 2003. Majestic rocks stand silhouetted against the sky, others lie strewn upon the ground in a casual yet alluring display of nature's sculptural genius. It was the ideal ground on which to realize the concept of a public leisure space that would awaken a sensory response and thereby a sensitivity to the environment. 

Jama Masjid
This great mosque of Old Delhi is the largest in India, with a courtyard capable of holding 25,000 devotees. It was begun in 1644 and ended up being the final architectural extravagance of Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who built the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort.

The highly decorative mosque has three great gates, four towers and two 40 m-high minarets constructed of strips of red sandstone and

white marble. Travellers can hire robes at the northern gate. This may be the only time you get to dress like a local without feeling like an outsider so make the most of it.

India Gate
At the centre of New Delhi stands the 42 m high India Gate, an "Arc-de-Triomphe" like archway in the middle of a crossroad. Almost similar to its French counterpart, it commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the World War I. The memorial bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the Northwestern Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919.

The foundation stone of India Gate was laid by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in 1921 and it was designed by Edwin Lutyens. The monument was dedicated to the nation 10 years later by the then Viceroy, Lord Irwin. Another memorial, Amar Jawan Jyoti was added much later, after India got its independence. The eternal flame burns day and night under the arch to remind the nation of soldiers who laid down their lives in the Indo-Pakistan War of December 1971. 

Jantar Mantar
Jantar Mantar (Yantra - instruments, mantra - formulae) was constrcted in 1724. Maharaja Jai Singh of Jaipur who built this observatory went on to build other observatories in Ujjain , Varanasi and Mathura. Jai Singh had found the existing astronomical instruments too small to take correct measurements and so he built these larger and more accurate instruments.

The instruments at Jantar Mantar are fascinating for their ingenuity, but

accurate observations can no longer be made from here because of the tall buildings around.

Parliament House
The Parliament house is a cirular colonnaded building . It also houses ministerial offices,numerous committee rooms and an excellent library as well. Conceived in the Imperial Style, the Parliament House consists of an open verandah with 144 columns.

The domed circular central hall with oak paneled walls and the three semi circular buildings are used for the Rajya Shabha and Lok Shabha meetings.

The instruments at Jantar Mantar are fascinating for their ingenuity, but

accurate observations can no longer be made from here because of the tall buildings around.

Purana Quila
One does not have to go far to see the old fort or Purana Quila standing stoically amidst wild greenery.Built on the site of the most ancient of the numerous cities of Delhi, Indraprastha, Purana Quila is roughly rectangular in shape having a circuit of nearly two kilometers.

The thick ramparts crowned by merlons have three gateways provided with bastions on either side. It was surrounded by a wide moat, connected to river Yamuna, which used to flow on the east of the fort. The northern gate way, called the Talaqui darwaza or the forbidden gateway, combines the typically Islamic pointed arch with Hindu Chhatris and brackets; whereas the southern gateway called the

Humayun Darwaza also had a similar plan.

Qutab Minar
Qutab Minar is a soaring, 73 m-high tower of victory, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak immediately after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu kingdom. The tower has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony and tapers from a 15 m diameter at the base to just 2.5 m at the top. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone; the fourth and fifth storeys are of marble and sandstone. At the foot of the tower is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque to be built in India. An inscription over its eastern gate provocatively informs that it was built with material obtained from demolishing '27 Hindu temples'. A 7 m-high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque. It is said that if you can encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it your wish will be fulfilled.

The origins of Qutab Minar are shrouded in controversy. Some believe it was erected as a tower of victory to signify the beginning of the Muslim rule in India. Others say it served as a minaret to the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer.

No one can, however, dispute that the tower is not only one of the finest monuments in India, but also in the world. Qutab-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, commenced the construction of the Qutab Minar in 1200 AD, but could only finish the basement. His successor, Iltutmush, added three more storeys, and in 1368,Firoz Shah Tughlak constructed the fifth and the last storey.

Red Fort
The Red sandstone walls of the massive Red Fort (Lal Qila) rise 33-m above the clamour of Old Delhi as a reminder of the magnificent power and pomp of the Mughal emperors. The walls, built in 1638, were designed to keep out invaders, now they mainly keep out the noise and confusion of the city.

The main gate, Lahore Gate, is one of the emotional and symbolic focal points of the modern Indian nation and attracts a major crowd on eachIndependence Day.

The vaulted arcade of Chatta Chowk, a bazaar selling tourist trinkets, leads into the huge fort compound. Inside is a veritable treasure trove of buildings, including the Drum House, the Hall of Public Audiences, thewhite marble Hall of Private Audiences, the Pearl Mosque, Royal Baths and Palace of Color.

getting to Delhi

By Air
Nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is 12 km far from certral city of Delhi.

By Rail
Nearest railway head is Delhi Cantt. Though Delhi has five railway stations, the New Delhi Station and the Old Delhi station are the major ones. Some major trains like the Mumbai-Rajdhani-Nizamuddin operates from Nizamuddin railway station which is in south Delhi. 

By Road
Delhi is well connected with bus services of Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and state roadways of the neighbouring states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to all important cities and destinations in North India.

 


 




Resort
Resorts Area Location Validity Package Rate Per Couple
Per cpl Ex.adl Child Meal Plan
4 STAR - VALUE FOR MONEY HOTELS / RESORTS
Club Mahindra 5 Km. From Fort 01/04/2018 to 30/09/2018 14500 + 28% GST -- -- MAP
Kumbhalgarh Forest Retreat Near To Fort 01/04/2018 to 30/09/2018 16200 + 28% GST -- -- MAP
Ramada Resort Kumbhalgarth 01/04/2018 to 30/09/2018 15900 + 28% GST -- -- MAP
Fateh Safari Lodge Kumbhalgarth 01/04/2018 to 30/09/2018 13850 + 28% GST -- -- MAP
3 STAR RESORTS / HOTELS - 2 STAR BUDGET HOTELS
Royal Kumbhalgarh Villa Kumbhalgarth 01/04/2018 to 30/09/2018 9300 + 18% GST -- -- MAP
 
 
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