[Intro Entrepreneurs] The Triplets Cafe – Café Brewmen

In our culture formerly accustomed to having the day punctuated at regular intervals by steaming cups of “chai,” urban trends took to the coffee shop culture with great gusto. The plush couches, casual setting, pop music and free Internet have lured many audiences who prefer their newer, snazzy counterparts – and are willing to pay the premium.

Café Brewmen, The Coffee Lounge situated in Hitawala Complex, New Fatehpura, Panchwati, Udaipur is owned and managed by three young professional entrepreneurs having experience in world class 5 star hotels. They offer the best blend of Coffee, choice of teas, burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, delicious pastries and a medley of cold beverages, with premium service standards and hospitality, thus carving a niche in Udaipur.

About:

Abhiraj Singh Rathore:

Mr. Abhiraj Singh Rathore is a versatile, adventurous and fanatical young entrepreneur with a sound understanding of all aspects of hospitality and demonstrated ability of success. Basically he is from Jodhpur and studied in Nainital. He did his hotel management course from Ram Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Dehradun. He worked as Supervisor at The Oberoi Hotels and Resort, Jaipur for 2 years. Then after this worked in The Leela Kempinski, Mumbai as an Executive. He was supposed to join JW Marriott hotel in Delhi as an assistant manager but then he decided to start up with his own business and left his job.

Amit Jangara:

Mr. Amit Jangara, a young and proficient entrepreneur. He is from Haryana and he did his schooling from Chandigarh. He worked in Jet Airways for a month then he joined Best Western International as Assistant. Then he worked in The Oberoi Hotels and Resort, Jaipur. Then he decided that he will not do job anymore and start with his own business.

Sagar Miglani:

Sagar Miglani, a dynamic personality whose hometown as well study town Dehradun. He did his hotel management course from Blue Mountains College of hotel management and is skilled in Guest Service Management. He worked as guest service associate at Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, Jaipur. Then he left his job to start up with own business.

Q) So how did you plan to start such a café and that too in Udaipur?

A. As we worked in a resort and we had to work rigorously for 12 to 13 hours, it was so stressful so all three on us met and decided to open our own ‘café’. But Udaipur was not there in our ambit at that time we had five cities in our vision viz. Dehradun, Delhi, Jaipur, Chandigarh and Masuri and we projected them. We had a small surveys in all these cities but the results were not satisfactory. Last year when I (Abhiraj Singh Rathore) came to Udaipur I had a survey I used to ask everyone that “What would you feel if there is a café in this city?” People gave positive response and even I thought that it will work out here. For a month I searched for a perfect place and fortunately I came to know about this place (Hitawala Complex, New Fatehpura, Panchwati) with open surroundings, good parking place and engrossing Saheliyon-Ki-Bari nearby.

Q) Who is your inspiration?

A. My(Abhiraj Singh Rathore) inspiration is my mother, she always motivated me. I always wanted to open my own café but it was very difficult for me to leave my job and start with a business but my mother inspired me a lot. She had a strong belief on me that I can overcome all the hardships and will achieve success.

Q) What is the quality of service you provide?

A. We are committed to provide highest quality services of product to our customers at a local level. We balance between What We Do and Who We Serve. We serve fresh food with quality product, quality service and quality atmosphere at affordable prices.

Q) As you said you know What We Do and Who We Serve. When did you developed this habit?

A. Actually it comes with experience, I (Abhiraj Singh Rathore) have been to a lot places in this country and outside this country which helped me to develop sense of customers taste, preferences and level of their satisfaction which they desire.

I want to give this credit to my parents who were in tourism and made me understand about hotels and hospitality.

Q) What is the customer satisfaction you hope to create?

A. We envisage providing the kind of ancillary products and services that conveys a unique message and encourages our existing customers to bring their family members along and invite their friends as well.

Q) Tell us about your experience.

A. My father was in tourism so from childhood I (Abhiraj Singh Rathore) know about the hotels star ranking and about various kind of people in various cities and also about their various taste. I worked in both City and resort environment, so it becomes very easy to judge people and their taste.

Q) What are the challenges you faced to open a café?

A. We think that there are no big challenges in this world. According to us to set up café culture in Udaipur was a challenge, It took time to make people understand the difference between different flavours of coffee.

Q) How did you find your partners and tell us about your relationship.

A. Three of us were colleagues in The Oberoi Hotels and Resort, Jaipur. There we met and became friends and then decided to leave the job to start with a café.

We have a very good mutual understanding among us and our ideas never conflicted. Before taking any decision we meet, give our opinion and pick the best of it. We respect each other a lot.

Q) What do you enjoy the most about your business?

A. It’s always great to hear first-hand from guests how enjoyable their experience was, whether it’s a review, a feedback or their constructive criticism, but it helps us to improve. People come here, meet new people, host a meeting or simply relax and enjoy their time within their community. This makes us happy.

Q) Who manages the day-to-day operations in the cafe?

A. All three of us manages everything with consistency. In case one is not present the other one administers everything and in this way we have developed a good understanding amongst us.

Q) If you were a customer in your own cafe, what would you order from the menu?

A. I (Abhiraj Singh Rathore) love to eat chicken tikka pizza in non-veg, healthy sandwich in veg, I love crunchy lover pizza, chocolate and brownie shakes, and ice mokka is my favourite and it is recently added in menu.

Q) Do you change your menu according to the season?

A. Yes, we keep on revising our menu in every 2-3 months. We add new items and flavours, we have summer menu, winter menu, spring menu etc. As this is summer season, we added a lot of citric and refreshing flavours. We keep a note of new dishes and introduce them and monitor how the patrons are liking this.

Q) What do you feel sets you apart from the others?

A. We never competed as we know what we are providing, what customer needs and about the market demand. We got our way to impress customers by providing a diverse clean café with fresh food and attractive menu.

Q) As you people are from different parts of India, what do you feel about Udaipur?

A. Udaipur is amongst the most beautiful cities of India with good climatic conditions. It has dual quality, quality of nature and quality of men. We love people of Udaipur the most as they are so gentle and generous. We would like to settle here only.

Q) We have heard that you are about to open your branches in other cities also. What is the status?

A. Yes, we are about to open shortly in Chandigarh, Pune and Jaipur.

Address:

Café Brewmen

Hitawala Complex, New Fatehpura, Panchwati,

Opp. Saheliyon ki Badi, Udaipur

Phone : + 91 (0) 294 2421571

Email: cafe.brewmen@outlook.com

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Ekling Ji Temple – A Quintessential Mewar Glory

Twenty two kilometers North-East of Udaipur, chiseled out of sandstone and marble, in a remote pass en route to Nathdwara is a Shri Eklingji temple. It is famous for its 108 temples enclosed by high walls is devoted to this tutelary deity of the Maharanas of Mewar. This temple is really fabulous and shows all the glory of the ancient Rajput Kingdom in its pristine way. It is the foremost of the four major pilgrimage sites of Mewar. It is 1300 years old and was built in 734 A.D.

History :

Bappa Rawal, the founder of Sisodia clan in mewar, is said to have received religious education from a sage Harita Rishi here. The original temple was built here by him, but it has since been rebuilt and refurbished by successive maharanas. Ever since Bappa Rawal’s reign, the temple of Eklingji is regarded as the personal deity temple of the royal family of Mewar. It is said that Bappa has become such a firm devotee of Eklingji that he placed his entire kingdom at the feet of the deity. He proclaimed Eklingji as its ruler and regarded himself as the dewan or agent of the deity, ruling the kingdom on behalf of the deity. Several times the temple was attacked by the invaders. Maharana Mokal started the renovation of the temple and later it was re- built by Rana Rai Mal. The Udaipur maharanas regard themselves as Dewanji (ministers) of Eklingji, a manifestation Of Lord Shiva. The deity is regarded as the real ruler of the state and any power that the maharanas possesses is by virtue of his king. Another temple in the complex is the Lakulish Temple, bult in 971 A.D. It is the only temple of the Lakulisha-Pashupatas. Sect in the whole India. A large lake is situated near this temple of Eklingji Mahadev. This Lake is known as Indrasagar Lake. There are many ancient temples of Lord Ganesh, Laxmidevi temple, and the Bhairavnath temple at the shore of this lake.

Living Testimony of Virile Artistic Talent

The main temple, built of marble and granite, covers an areaof about 2500sq. feet and is about 65 feet in height, has a huge ornate mandapa (pillared Pavilion), under the canopy of huge pyramidal roof composed of hundreds of knots and crowned by a tall tower. In the sanctuary is a the four faced Shiva carved in black marble, of which the east symbolises Surya (Sun), the west-Brahma, the north-Vishnu, and the south-Rudra. The influence on the architecture is clearly that of the Solanki style of Gujarat. A statue of Bappa Rawal, standing with clasped hands, faces the image of Eklingji. Outside the temple is a porch and roofed courtyard supported by the columns with a big bronze statue of Nandi, the attendant bull of Lord Shiva. Two big white statues of elephants stand before the main entrance. A full size statue of Maharana Bhim Singh is also erected in front of the sanctum in a devotional posture. The Shikhar of the temple is 50 ft. high and has a circumference of 60 ft. The sanctum sanctorum has four doors in all the four directions and the door steps are jutted with gems. On each gate there is Nandi (bull) statue facing the idol. In the Western and southern gate the door frames are silver covered. The sunlight comes from the western gate and there is a silver made imade of Lord Surya above the gate. Eastern gate has stone lattices to laid the fresh air. On the northern side of the temple there are two tanks namely as Tulsi Kund and Karz Kund.

Custom & Traditions of Temple :

The temple belongs to the Maharanas and the pooja is performed in a royal manner. Hindu pilgrims come here from far places throughout the year to worship the Lord Eklingji. The descendant of Mewar Dynasty comes here on every Monday to offer their prayers to Lord Eklingji and to seek his special blessings. The temple is largely visited by the hundreds of devotees at the time of Shivaratri, the most significant festival of the temple. The string of religious traditions starts from the early morning including maha aarti and puja. The merriment of the festival continues for two days with a reverential spirit.
The Temple is very grand and magnificent in conception and perfect in execution.

About the Eklingji Trust :

The Shri Eklinji trust was created by Maharana Bhupal Singhji of Mewar, in April 1955. There are provisions made for the restoration and conservation of temples and traditional religious ceremonies. Presently the trust functions under the chairmanship of Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur. A documentation of a project city within a city is in progress and lack of rupees may be spent on this.
Timings:
Morning time: 4.30 am to 7.00 am and 10.30 am to 1.30 pm,
Evening time: 5.00 pm to 7.30 pm

—

Darahan Timings of Shri Eklingji

From 11/05/2013 to 17/11/2013

।वैशाख शुक्ल प्रतिपदा से कार्तिक शुक्ल पूर्णिमा तक।

Morning Starts : 04:00 o’clock

Noon Starts : 10:30 o’clock

Evening Starts : 05:30 o’clock

From 18/11/2013 to 01/03/2014

।मार्गशीष कृष्ण प्रतिपदासे फाल्गुन कृष्ण अमावस्या तक।

Mornting Starts : 04:30 o’clock

Noon Starts : 10:30 o’clock

Evening Starts : 05:00 o’clock

From 02/03/2014 to 28/05/2014

।फाल्गुन शुकल प्रतिपदासे वैशाख कृष्ण अमावस्या तक।

Mornting Starts : 04:15 o’clock

Noon Starts : 10:30 o’clock

Evening Starts : 05:15 o’clock

N.B.

1. Darshan keeped open during pooja time.

2. Opening time is fixed but closing time for darshan is not fixed. Pooja takes 02:30 (hh:mm) to 3:00 (hh:mm) time in every phase.

3. Generally darshan are opened 15 minutes earlier and closes 15 to 20 minutes late on every Monday and every Shani Pradosh day.

4. Mostley times are maintained but they can be changed on special days such as Shivratri, Patotsav etc.

5. Please Note that special Puja of Srhi Eklingnath Ji is made during Grahan time in North India (Specially in Rajasthan)

6. Please consider this time table as guide lines. We do not accept any reponcibility for changes in timings.

7 .Temple opening timings are decided according to the seasons of Summer, Winter, Spring as well as according to the Hindu Mewar Calendar.

Find More Temples in Udaipur

Inputs by : Shakti Singh Dulawat

Nagda – Succumbs To Pristine History

Nagda is a sonorous place bestowed with its isolated parameter and synergies. This place imparts its own temptation and unfolds the nature’s senses. It is a petty village sprinkled with the beautifully carved temples. 20 km away from the Lakecity – Udaipur and located next to the Bagela Lake rests a small segment of the ancient Mewar -Nagda found by Nagaditya in the 6th century was once the capital of eternal mewar. Nagda was plundered by Altamash between 1222 and 1229 A.D., it is dotted with scenic spots and is in the lap of the Aravallis, are a group of 108 temples.The most important temples that have survived the test of time are the Saas-Bahu temples of the 10th century.

Sas-Bahu Temple – An Architectural Marvel

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Saas Bahu Temples are intricately carved, ornamented and decorated with attractive figures and sculptures. This complex is situated near agriculture field and a small water body making the whole place very atmospheric. Built in the late 10th century, the larger temple, Sas, is surrounded by ten subsidiary shrines and has a torana (archway) in the front and it is more profusely decorated than the smaller Bahu temple which has four shrines and has an octagonal ceiling. They have been raised on a common terrace to face east, towards the tank. The entrance to the temples is through a pancharatha sanctum, hall with lateral transepts and porch, enclosed by a decorated balustrade. The exterior is plain have a resplendent seated icons on the cardinal offsets of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha surmounted respectively by Rama, Balarama and Parasurama which appears to be a real stumble upon with God. These sculptures are intelligently molded in two steps, one encircling the other. The relief figures include male and female deities, damsels, regents, ardent panels and scenes from the holy Ramayana. Among the remaining ruins, one on the north-east is intact with its beautiful stone spire. The niches on its walls harbor images of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva on the east, north and west faces respectively. Statistically, these are assignable to the last quarter of the tenth century A.D.

Consequently, in the fifteenth century, the Guhila king Mokala, constructed a large lake after the name of his brother Bagh Singh, at this place.

Adbhutji – Strange temple

The Jain temple of Adbhutji was built during Rana Kumbha’s rule houses a nine-foot high black marble image of the Jain saint Tirthankar Shanti Nath, which enshrines inside, built by Oswal Jain ‘Sarang’ in 1437. The idol is in sitting posture and has created a great deal of awe amongst the locals. It is a strange idol and was destroyed by the foreign invaders.

Both these temples were built on the edge of the lake, fringed with hills. Submerged within the lake are several later structures, like Baghela tank, the ruins of Nagda town, the Indersarower, the Cave of Bhara Hari, the temple of Harit and the Samadhi of Bappa Rawal. This place is ASI protected and reconstruction work is painstakingly carried out.

It is a place of exceptionally well laid carvings and cuttings, one above the other, they are so mesmerizing that one can just loose himself into the flamboyant bequest of our land. It is reached down a rough country road, about 1 km. from the hill on which stands the famous Ekling ji temple.

Today, Nagda remains famous for the ruins of Vishnu, Shiva and Jain temples all that are left of this ancient city. But one can still marvel at their original splendor, the artisan and the perfect geometry that must have been the hallmark of that bygone period. Made of Granite, the carvings and deep inlaid work are remarkable and even today have withstood the passage of time and the vagaries of weather.

Photos By : Priyansh Paliwal , Yash Sharma

Jaisamand Lake – A Limitless Profound

Jaisamand Lake is a comprehensive bounty which lures the beholder to measure the depth of the nature. It is an acquaintance of water which recesses the amiable, placid intrusion into an unmatched experience of paradise. It is also known as Dhebar Lake. The lake was built by Maharana Jai Singh in 1685 utilizing the waters of Gomti River and is the second largest artificial lake of the world, after Aswan dam in Egypt, extending over an area of thirty-six square kilometers. Nine miles in breadth, 102 feet deep and having a circumference of 30 miles. This Marble Dam is 300 Meters long and is a part of the “Heritage Monuments of India“. It is situated on Banswara road, 48 km away from Udaipur at the coordinates 24°16′N 74°00′E.

During the reign of Maharana Jai Singh the lake was constructed to fulfill the great need for water for cultivation in Mewar’s southeastern corner, and it was named after him. The work of this dam was started during his regime but was completed in later years.

It consists of eleven islands some of which are inhabitant by the tribe of Bhil Minas. Two bigger islands are known as Babaka Magara and a smaller one is called Piari. Marble staircases lead into the water, and along the shoreline are several marble chhatris. When the lake was inaugurated on June 2, 1691. Maharana Jai Singh distributed the equivalent of his weight in gold to the people of the adjoining regions as per the chivalry of the medieval period. The northern end of the lake has a palace with a courtyard while its southern end has a pavilion of 12 pillars. The lake also boasts of six interesting cenotaphs carved from marble on its embankment. Rana Jai Singh’s palaces, Hawa Mahal and Ruthi Rani ka Mahal, are set in the foothills overlooking Jaisamand. The summer palaces of the Queens of Udaipur surround Jaisamand Lake on all sides. On the embankment, there are six beautiful chattaris built at intervals and a temple of Narmadeshwar Mahadev. In front of these chhatris ,stands a beautifully carved elephant on a pedestal, with its trunk upwards.

Jaisamand Lake is a main water supply for the city of Udaipur. The gross basin area up to the Jaisamand dam site is 1787 km2. Droughts are a normal feature of the basin and extreme events have become more frequent in recent decades.These lead to an excessive use of lakes and reservoirs. And in 1999, officials statistics shows the augmented use of the dead storage and the reserved water which were to be used only in cases of dire emergency. These same estimates confirm that, in the next few year, even the dead storage will be completely exhausted. In the monsoon of 2006 excessive rains and subsequent overflow of small perennial waters in the catchment caused movement of advance size yearlings into the lake Jaisamand. To water many cities a project of pipeline installation from Jaisamand is made.

Kingdom for Wilderness Unplugged

The surrounding area which is at its most lush in October, soon after the monsoon, is now a wildlife sanctuary which was built in 1957, sprawling over sixty-four square kilometers and is rich in fauna with counts of over 300 bird species.. Attracted by the expanse of water of Jaisamand lake, a host of small birds, local and migratory, habitate the sanctuary. The four-horned antelope, chinkara, chital, wild boar, samhar deer, spotted deer, gazelle and panther are also found here. The sanctuary has also enabled the endangered Indian wolf to breed. The forests used to be a favorite hunting ground for the former rulers of Mewar,

A drive from Udaipur to Jaisamand provides an enchanting view of tall trees on both sides of the window road. A tourist bungalow, a forest rest home and a Baba island resort provide accommodation to the enthusiastic wildlife watchers. This epstile is from seat of Nature. The tourists can even enjoy the beauty of the lake by motorboats. A thirty minute boat ride allows one to see chug across the pristine waters of the Jaisamand Lake. On the top of the two nearby hillocks are the two old palaces constructed by Maharana Jai Singh, which provide an excellent view of the lake.

Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal – Enriched with The Cocooned Heritage

“Hamari sanskriti hamari virasat”

Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal is a place out of the western ordeals; else it is an intrusion into the simple, calm life of early styles. It is not just a place where exceptionally unique things are well-laid but, is a way to express, to inform and to recognize the society about the unique culture, the heritage, the exquisite art and music, the customaries of a proud land. An interesting tribal art collection will fill you with intrigue. It was pioneered in the year 1952 by Padma Shri Devilal Samar . It is situated at the north of Chetak Circle, Panch Batti near Mohta Park in lieu of the place where it was initially started at a rented hall and gradually in year 1959 was translocated to this place.

The main objective of the Institute is to facilitate a systematic study of endangered art forms, to conduct studies on folk culture and to collect various things related to folk culture using the medium of museum. Its main aim is to accelerate research in folkloristic, to popularize folk arts and to update traditional culture.

Museum

This Indian folk art museum displays a rich collection of folk dresses, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings. Museum here portrays the remarkable collection of art works gathered by the Lok Kala Mandal over the straddling 44 years. It is the outcome of the work of many devotees who undertook the initiative to revive the vanishing folk culture and with the sole intention of preserving the culture and art of Udaipur and other Rajasthani cities. The entrance hall of Museum displays theater objects and a portrait of Shri Devilal Samar. The other rooms display an impressive collection of tribal folk art, musical instruments, ornaments and a collection of wood made sculptures and things related to rajasthani culture such as Mor Chopad, Toran, Hindola, Khandas, Isar Gangor, Manak Thamb, Bajot etc. The henna handprints, the terracotta shrines and the colored decorative pieces made out of cow dung floors are delicate. These come from the village Molela near Nathdwara. A visit to this museum brings one close to the tradition of our culture. The combined program entrance fee is Rs 60/- (locals) or Rs 95 /- (foreigners) per person. Camera fee is Rs 10/- and video-cameras are charged Rs 50/-. It is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm.

Folk Studies

The reason for the institute for being a full fledged center is the surveys conducted so as to trace the fine artist and artisans and audio visual documentation are done to identify different arts forms from vivid tribal zones. Six famous folk forms of Rajasthan are shown in different theaters of a room in the museum. They are Ramleela, Bhavai, Gavri, Raasleela, Turrakalangi and Anshraas. Regular training courses also aim at an extension of these art and cultural forms beyond the caste format to ensure their continuance in an emancipated environment. This place is a best place for those scholars and students who are interested in research work of culture and traditional art of Rajasthan. The artisans are made familiar to developed technology to improve their crafts. The institute also conducts courses in rural communication. It conducts campaigns to promote conservation of the environment in rural areas.

Centre Of Puppet Performance

India has a tradition of about 2000 years in puppetry and Rajasthan is the birth place of Indian puppetry. The center has a puppet unit that trains students and teachers in the art of puppetry. Puppets came from a celestial body to entertain masses and regular performances are held in the institute, which run for about 15 minutes. It narrates the historic tales and saga of the great warriors and rulers. The institute also offers courses in puppetry.
A group of 25 artistes go on tour, both within India and abroad with a repertoire of puppet shows and various folk dances. The institute has forged at their best to make it a bench mark at an international level.

Folk Dance Repertory

This entices us to the Indian folk art, where girls with glittering attire and wheatish complexion perform and the musicians in their patterned turbans are blending the dance with the sagas of warriors. Dances like- Garba, Bhavi, Tertali, Kalbelia, Sasariya, Ghoomar, Tippani-Dandiarass, Dang Lila, Gorbandh etc. are part of its repertoire. The old stories from the Indian mythology are re enacted by these folk artisans. In this vicinity true culture could be easily sketched out. Evening programs costs Rs. 40 (prices subject to change).

It is an initiative to promote and propagate the culture, where it really stands as a true custodian of tradition.

To know more about Udaipur’s other interesting ‘Places to Visit’ check : UdaipurBlog‘s – Places To Visit

Lake Rajsamand : A Meadow of Azure Depicting Rusticity

Rajsamand Lake is an epitome of didactic work done by the princely states for the well concern and revampment of society and economy, which could be easily traced by its sun gold essence of gleaming ethics and serenity. This is a massive lake with well built Ghats. It is one of the largest artificial lakes of medieval period. It is a place of small gust of pleasure, where sun shades the waters the lake, precisely pedestrianized and stuffed with beautiful arrays of silver linings is bestowed to the town Rajsamand. The lake contours about 1.75miles wide, 4 miles long and 60 feet deep, having coordinates 25°4’14″N 73°53’15″E.

The fabulous site of this tarn was the result of a dam constructed across the river Gomati, Kelwa and Tali was debuted by Maharana Raj Singh I in the years 1662-1676 with elaborated structures of Jharokas and jettings. The catchment area of the lake is approximately 508 square kilometers.

Why was it Constructed?

The major reason for construction of Lake Rajsamand was to overcome the problem of drought and to render employment for victims of a widespread drought and famine in the year 1661, and to provide canal irrigation to local farmers. It is among the oldest relief works done in Rajasthan. The digging of this foundation began on January 1, 1662. Construction of the actual dam began on January 14, 1676. Mukund Jaggatnath was one of the main architects. It was built in Indo –Persian style and materials used for the construction were stone, rubble and masonry. River Gomti is the main supplier of water to Rajsamand Lake.

Architecture & Design:

On the bank of the Dam three mandaps were constructed out of white marble, each mandap has three chokies. The first mandap has very interesting scenes where a newly wed girl is departing from her husband’s house. The villagers are seen in sad postures. It is shown that the husband is dragging the wife; the camel of the camel cart is also seen in a sad posture. The second mandap has a scene of animal fighting. The fight of Elephant with Horse is depicted.

On the southern end of this lake their lies a large embankment 183 m. long and 12 m. high, known as Nauchowki or the nine pavilions. It is believed that the dam measures nine hundred ninety nine feet in length and ninety-nine feet in breadth. Every step measures nine inches and there are nine white marble cenotaphs build on the dam. Each of these cenotaphs is nine feet in height and is at nine degree angle from each other. This embankment has marble terraces and stone steps touching the lake and is dotted with five toranas or weighing arches and chhatris (cenotaphs). The colonnaded pavilions are decorated with depictions of the sun, chariots, gods, birds and dancing girls, exquisite carvings that are claimed to be unique in India. It is overviewed by the Dwarikadhish temple and from the Kumbhalgarh Fort the vista it glitters with gushing water is as captivative as scarlet is. This place is also considered to be the one where Maharana Raj Singh and his descendents organized the event of Tuladan: they were weighed in jewels and gold, the cash value of which was distributed among Brahmans for the construction of temples and tanks for the welfare of the people. The history of Mewar is also inscribed here in 107 stanzas, on its 21 marble stones known as ‘Raj Prasasti‘ an epic by Ranchhor Bhatt. It has also been acclaimed as one of the longest etchings in India. The epigraph has given lot of historical, commercial, civil, educational, weighing system etc. to carve out the history and to bring the different shores of historical facts together. The Rajsamand was also the scene of a desperate battle in the late 17th century between Mewar and the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The Mugals destroyed the torans and ruined all the carvings on the mandap. During World War II, Rajsamand Lake was used as a seaplane base by Imperial Airways for about six years.

There was no provision for sluice gates, at the time of construction of the lake. Irrigation water was supplied by means of a lift irrigation system. The first sluice gate canal was built by the British people, it is 8 km long, and after independence in the 1960s, an ambitious second one was added, which was 35 km long.

Preposterously, in the year 2000, the lake came into the verge of its existence it was just a barren land of rocks and weeds and residents used the Nand Sagar Lake located about 15 km upstream as a substitute then fortunately on the passage of time the monsoon refilled it. Now the Lake Rajsamand has been used for irrigation and its canal network services are used to provide water to 42 villages covering an area of 7,284 hectares. The villages viz.: Peepli, Mohi, Kuwariya, Bhava, Rupakheda etc. are the regular connectors of this water.

The charm exuded by the unparalleled beauty of the Rajsamand Lake is infectious and the tourists are attracted to this place. It has genuine beauty of its own, especially when women clad in hues of yellow, green, purple accommodate the lake on the festive of Gangaur and Teej. The provocative thing of this place is its purity of water, the shimmering and dancing rays of sunbeams of the settling god and the colour changing water beckons the tourists to its charm by over whelming their hearts.

Photos By : Hemant Paliwal

Dudh Talai – Deliberate Potency of Aestheticity

Dudh Talai is a dainty lake in Udaipur studded with enhancements of human pleasures. The lake beautifies the south-east part of Lake Pichola and has an affable view from the twinkling places like City Palace, Jag Mandir etc. The small inlet of this lake, contributes its water to the larger lake Pichola. This place is unique with the presence of conspicuous view of Shiv Niwas Palace on its southern side and is adorned by two parks which adds grace its shore. M.L Verma Garden and Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park are showcase of modern architecture and allows one to stroll along its beauty. It is located at the coordinates: 24°34’8″N 73°41’9″E

Manikya Lal Verma Garden :

The Manikya Lal Verma Garden or the Rock Garden, on a hillock near Dudh Talai is the best place to catch a spectacular landscape and is carved out of a rugged rock at an attractive eminence. There are curved stones inducted in the bottom of the garden and the small stream of water goes across through it. It was constructed in year 1995 by Nagar Parhisad (Municipal Council) Udaipur. The blue and white paint is unfortunate but adoption and use as ‘public open space’ is probably the best way of managing India’s brilliant heritage of stepwells. A peep from here gives a panoramic view of sediments of nature. The grandeur of this garden lies in its wall maintained smallness. The scene of dusk, which appears shuddering through the ripplets of the gloomy lake Pichola is astonishing. There are steps constructed to reach to the garden, as well as a separate road for vehicles.

Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Park :

At the same elevation of Maanikya Lala Varma Park there is another garden called Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Park. It was developed by Urban Improvement Trust (UIT) Udaipur. The lake is horizoned by masterpiece like Pichola Lake on west and the beautiful City Palace in the north and the rocky M L V Garden in east. These places together make a chain of ‘must visit’ tourist attraction of the city. It also has Rajasthan’s first “Musical Fountain” manufactured by “Yagnik Mechanical Engineering Works”. In this colored milieu fountains dance according to the tunes of music. On the other hand it is a sunset point, from where the sun sets in the lap of lake Pichola reflecting crepuscular light.

The Ropeway :

A ropeway to Karni Mata temple was constructed between tourist spot Deen Dayal Park, on the top of hill near lake Pichola and the Machhala Hill. Inside the temple there is a white stone idol of the goddess Karni Mata. It was built by the businessman Kailash Khandelwal in collaboration with UIT. It is a delightful ride of 500 meters over a fixed grip mono cable and is the first ropeway of Rajasthan. It is not just a 4 minute ride but a joyful adventure, the altitude bounded with scenery and the people bouncing in the air is so experiencing that one can just fall in short of words. It gives a breath-taking view of the city including Lake Pichola, magnificent City Palace complex, Sajjangarh Fort and many more, from its cabin. Being the major attraction the ropeway system has also developed the ease to visit the temple and other historical sites at Machhala Hill. The ticket costs Rs.69/- per adult.

To add more attractions for tourists, boat rides and camel rides are also introduced near the Dhudh Talai pond, by Udaipur Municipal Corporation.

Being a famous relaxing spot of the city it offers a serene and scenic environment with beautiful lake side drive and one can spend a very intimate quality time here.

Saheliyon Ki Bari : A Salubrious Retreat of Maidens

Away from the noisy din of city, Saheliyon Ki Bari is a spick and span verdency where waving sprawling dazzling moments of nature spell bounds to its romantic ambience. It is a garden of maids of honor which brings to the fore the unique life style of royal ladies who once lived in the glorious palaces of the city. It is located on the northern part of Udaipur city, adjoining the east of the embankment of dainty Fatehsagar Lake.

Saheliyon Ki Bari was constructed by Maharana Sangram Singh II in 18th century for the recreation of royal ladies who came here for a stroll and to provide them with pleasurable moments away from the political intrigues of the court. The garden was designed for Maharana’s queen and her forty eight women attendants, who had accompanied her after her marriage as the part of the dowry. This is a spectacularly well-maintained garden with fountains, flower, herbs, trees, lawns and almost everything which could be found in an enthralling utopian world of fairy-land.

The garden has four pools ornate with delicately chiseled kiosks, elephants in marble (each elephant sculptured out of a single piece of stone) and lions carved out in marble serving the purpose of fountain which create the royal picture of the bygone era. Fountains surround a lotus pool, a marble throne and a settling room which has been adorned with enchanting paintings and glass mosaics. The garden boasts of almost 2000 fountains, small and big, and that too built at the time when there were no water pumps. These fountains are fed by the waters of Fateh Sagar Lake gushing through purpose-built ducts.

Each water channel was designed to create a distinct sound so that the mingling of these sounds would create music. There are five beautiful fountains which are viz. Swagat fountain, Savan Bhodo fountain, Kamal Talai fountain, Rasaleela fountain and Bin-Badal barasat fountain. In the old time the queens used to come with their friends so it is called Saheliyon-Ki-bari.

Maharana Bhopal Singh in the later years was fascinated by this place and built the rain cascading fountain in order to form an illusion of rain falling to the rhythm of dancing maids. These fountains were imported from England in 1889 and can be traced along with the main reservoir that has four black marble kiosks at corners and one white marble kiosk in the center. The ‘Savan-Bhado’ fountain is on the left of the central square and there is yet another one on the right. The pond on the west features daintily sculpture pavilions of soft black stone, which are surrounded on all sides by more fountains.This ornamental garden was constructed in its present form by Maharana Fateh Singh in late nineteenth century, after the original garden had been washed away on account of the breach of its old embankment.

Museum @Saheliyon Ki Bari :

Saheliyon ki Bari also houses a small museum which displays the royal objects of Maharana with large collection of pictures and antiques of royal households. This museum also domiciles stuffed animals, such as cobras and ancient pictures, thus promoting rich heritage of Rajasthan. The garden’s lotus pools and fountains have been placed at a lower level than the water of Fateh Sagar. This also ensures that they are gravity-fed. As one strolls through the shady lawns and the rose garden comprising over 100 varieties, the profusion of flowers feasts the eyes of visitors and the bunch of bougainvillea bends down to offer greetings. Flowers of deep blue, rosy red, enticing purple and marvelous orange facilitates visitors and especially the children.

The beauty of this alluring state intoxicates one to its tranquillizing effect and resuscitates our minds from the hectic schedule of our mechanical life. It is loved for its elegance which fills leisure intelligently and is the favorite picnic spots in Udaipur and visited by both locals and tourists in large numbers. It is a sprawling garden with carved pavilions and fountains whose grandeur serves as icing on cake. The picturesque serenity of the place has been showcased in several romantic film sequences ‘such is the mesmerizing appeal of this garden’. The best time to visit the place is winter season when the temperature is ideal as one will mostly be under the sky. Visiting time is from 9 am to 6:30 pm daily. It is good for experience seekers, photo fanatics, nature lovers. Entry fee is Rs. 5 per person. Today, Saheliyon ki Bari has become a dauntless amusing destiny and the pleasure park for the recreation of Udaipur dwellers.

Saheliyon Ki Bari – The Photo Gallery

Photos By : Yash Sharma

Gulab Bagh and Zoo – An Engrossing Domicile of Relishment

Nestled in the fertile valley of Udaipur, beneath the banks of lush Lake of Pichhola stands the shinning, the enchanting pleasure park baptism as Gulab Bagh. It is spread over 100 acres of land at an elevation of 593 meters and having coordinates 24°34′17″N 73°41′34″E. It brings a sense of history and an aura of class which this masterpiece engulfs within itself. As the name suggests it also brings that fragrance and feathery touch of a rose leaf to those who truly appreciates its beauty. Though portraying the scenic imagination of then ruler Maharana Sajjan Singh Ji, it also preserves a sense of history within its cold frames. Gulab Bagh not only represents the traditions of Udaipur but of whole India, an act which can be justified as it is being the fourth oldest zoos in Indian subcontinent.

Gulab Bagh In Its Earlier Years :

Gulab Bagh is one of the most famous and the biggest of all gardens of Udaipur. The garden was built by the then Maharaja of Udaipur Maharana Sajjan Singh ji in the year 1878 and hence precisely known as Sajjan Niwas Garden but due to the avaiability of numerous varieties of roses, this garden is also known as Gulab Bagh or Rose Garden. The garden consists of a wide variety of flora such as Lotus Pond, and many prominent trees that included many species of mangoes, guava, grapes, lemon, berry, mulbury, rayan, pomegranate, bananas, sapota, tamarind, bullock’s heart , lichi, arjun trees, wood apple, karonda, campher, citron, jamun, pummelo, meetha neem, kargi lime, ficus species, anola, jack fruit, dhanverjia, grandi flora, jasmin, dawood etc. After making the garden prominent amongst the locals, T.H. Story imported variety of flora from various regions of India, their enchanting beauty can be only witnessed here with natural quaintness. Not only this, he also imported from other British colonies, resulting in huge and wide variety of trees and shrubs for the garden. In 1882, a name plate was placed on all the trees which included a Hindi name of the tree, English name of the tree and the botanical name. The boundary of the garden was constructed in the year 1885-86 and the garden was divided into 45 parts according to different flowers, trees, zoo complex and so on.

Photo Courtesy : IndiaTourismPortal.com

Gulab Bagh also encompasses a museum, originally known as Victoria Hall Museum, laid by Maharana Sajjan Singh on 2^ndNovember 1890. The inauguration was done by Lord Lansdown. Mr. Gauri Shankar Ojha was the first curator of this museum in the year 1890. This museum proved to be encampment of flimsy collection which comprised of things and many stone manuscripts dating from 3^rd Centaury B.C. to 17^thCentaury A.D. A library was constructed in the premises of the garden by Maharana Fateh Singh which is now known as Saraswati Bhawan Library. This public library has large volumes and illustrated manuscripts on history, archaeology, Ideology. The museum, reading room and the library are inside the Victoria Hall. The library is replete with Queen Victoria’s displaced statue.

The enclosure has a two way entrance for its visitors and the main gate was exclusively made in the eye of Maharana, on the top of it is the sign of Raj Gharana and a lion on either side of it depicts the paradigm of Mewar culture. As entered one can have leisure walk in the tree lined landscape to relax amid the greenery. The location of Gulab Bagh Zoo is unique in the sense of its proximity to the main city and other tourist places as well as the natural environment of dense vegetation of the garden. The garden consists of large ponds covered with lilies and several varieties of trees that provide ample shade to the visitors .The well trimmed shrubs in the shape of animals and the cemented portray of animals ads an enhancement to the garden and urges the passer-by to have snap with them. Municipality has introduced various fun rides for the children and even adults. To enjoy the cherishment of this beautiful scenery there is a famous mini train for kids to have a ride all across the garden.

The Zoo :

The garden also comprises of a small yet pleasant zoo, showcasing a number of animals. The zoo initially was used as an entertainment for the royal people as organized fights between wild boars, Lions, and Tigers. After independence many animals were shifted to this zoo. The Gulab Bagh zoo is now threatened by plans of the Forest Department to shift it to the biological park being built in Sajjangarh and to convert the zoo into an aviary. The team of Gulab Bagh zoo manages the zoo with tenacious dedication and provides them a temporary home in Gulab Bagh thus it is well maintained and protected. CCTV cameras are also installed inside the zoo to keep a keen eye on the activities of the animals. This small zoo has an array of wildlife including tigers, leopards, Chinkara, gazelle, birds, and many others and has welcomed a variety of new animals including a female leopard and various species of birds. Entry fee to visit the zoo is Rs.5 and camera fee is Rs.15. This is an intact place to visit providing knowledge, fun and pleasure.

Bagore Ki Haveli – The Past and The Present

Bagore Ki Haveli

Rejuvenates a sheer sense of Rajgharana…

The beauty of Bagore Ki Haveli is not ‘ephemeral’ but ‘eternal’. It is situated at Gangaur Ghat adorned by the side of Lake Pichola, barely 100 meter from City Palace. It is pleased by typical Mewari architectural splendor as well as scenic beauty. The haveli is a joy to wander through and provides a further fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle of royal family. All this counteracts people from their yo-yo buildings to a royal edifice. It overlooks Jag Mandir and Lake Palace, where the Mughal Prince Khurram took refuge, who was to later become Emperor Shahjehan-the creator of Taj Mahal.

History:

Bagore Ki Haveli was built by Shri Amar Chand Badwa,the Prime Minister of Mewar between 1751 and 1778, during the reign of Maharanas Pratap Singh II, Raj Singh II, Ari Singh and Hamir Singh. After death of Badwa, the haveli was given to Maharaj of Bagore, a close relative of Maharana. Bagore is actually a village in Bhilwara district of Meware. There were distinct areas within the haveli for different members of family.

Maharaj Shakti Singh was responsible for the construction of beautiful Kanch Mahal over the triple arched gate in 1878. He was left with no male heir, and after his death, Thikana of Bagore dissolved. The haveli was confiscated during the reign of the next maharana, Fateh Singh whose successor, Maharana Bhupal Singh renovated the haveli into a grade III guesthouse, where palace guests could be accommodated, and there used to be a tunnel system that leads directly to the City Palace.

Restoration

A testimony to the years of neglect that brought haveli to the nadir of its existence.

After independence, the haveli came under the control of the Public Works Department of the Government of Rajasthan, who utilized it for the housing of government employees. The frequent change in usage led to many alterations which ruined the character and elegance of haveli. In 1986, it was handed over to the West Zone Cultural Center (WZCC), who converted haveli into a museum because of its charming style, typical of very best Mewari architecture. After years of strenuous restoration work, Bagore Ki Haveli now depicts the royal lifestyle and cultural ethos in its pristine glory.

A Peep Into Bagore-Ki-Haveli

On passing through the impressive gates of haveli, one enters an attractive courtyard, on its southern side there is the Lotus Fountain, a fascinating two-storied fountain from whence water cascaded, cooling and refreshing the air. The household activities of staff were performed around the ground floor of Kaun Chowk (well court), and the stores and the stables were located here.

The Neem Chowk is situated on the first floor of the haveli, enfolded by a pair of magnificent brass covered doors. The chowk was used for music and dance performances. With a degree of continuity, now this court serves as an arena for authentic performing art forms.

The durrie khana and the mirrored passage (kanch mahal) over the triple arched gate were within the men’s area (mardana). The diwan-e-khas was the largest chamber in the haveli. The office of the Director, WZCC now occupies the durrie kahana.

Even in that patriarchal society women had a way out of their social ordeals.

Tulsi was the hub of aristocratic lifestyle of princess. The rooms surrounding the Tulsi Chowk once housed the women quarters (zenana). The ladies used this chawk to perform Ghoomar and to celebrate festivals. Now, the chambers surrounding this court, there are displays of turbans and women’s costumes. The gallery that surrounds the first floor of Tulsi Chowk, have been recreated in the style of the haveli’s heydays.

The dressing room (Shringar Kaksh) contained wooden trunks, to hold finery of the princesses. The ladies would apply perfume from the dispenser (itra daan) exhibited in the room.

The members of the royalty were great patrons of the arts. The haveli had a Sangeet Kaksh which was an institution in itself where the ladies learnt music and would be familiarized with musical instruments such as the sarangi, nagada, dholak, santoor, chang etc.

The haveli had a kitchen, equipped with large metal vessels and wooden utensils.

Entertainment plays a vital role in ones life. The nobility of mewar enjoyed various board games during their leisure hours. The Manoranjan Kaksh of the haveli exhibits popular games of chaupad and ganjifa.

Mirror and glass mosaic worked into complex patterns from exquisite detail above the Tripolia. The architectural feature crowning the gate is known as the Badi Burz.

Art Gallery and Exhibitions

To enrich the Mewari cultural heritage a number of exhibitions can be seen around the haveli, related to the history of Mewar, such as the largest tuban and costumes. The unique collection of models fashioned of thermocol, tends to draw grasps of astonishment from visitors. The thermocol model of Bagore Ki Haveli is the latest addition. Sculptures of the Eiffel Tower, the Victory Tower of Chittorgarh, the Taj Mahal, the Leaning Tower of Pisa are brilliantly executed in the collection. The basement has been converted into an elegant art gallery, graced with contemporary fine art works.

Indra Viman (The Elephant Chariot)

The chariot originally belonged to the Kings of Jhalawar, formerly a princely state in Eastern Rajasthan. The carriage was pulled by two elephants during various festivals. The king used to take part in a procession from his seat in the carriage. After the merger of the state with the Independent India, the carriage passed into the hands of the Government, which was later gifted to the West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC). Then the carriage was brought to Bagore Ki Haveli in a dilapidated condition. ‘Indra Viman’ is on display in the open courtyard leading to the entrance of Bagore Ki Haveli.

Present

An Amalgamation of Pristine Glory and Royalty

Bagore Ki Haveli has 138 rooms, several balconies, courtyards and terraces, many with beautiful frescoes and costumes of royal kings, traditional rajasthani arts and crafts provide the decoration, and the glorious coloured-glass windows as well as two peacocks made with glass mosaics are in display. Unique symbols of the Rajput clan, such as jewellery boxes, dice games, hukkas, rose water sprinklers and other items are also in display. The museum welcomes its viewers daily from 10a.m. to 5p.m. . Entrance fee for museum is Rs.30 for local tourists and Rs.60 for foreingners.

In the evening from 7p.m. to 8p.m., the ‘Dharohar’, a dance group holds a recommended folk dance performance there. This most popular Rajasthani ritual reflects the divine perception of various tribes. Moreover energetic backgrounds, colourful costumes make the place full of verve. Entrance fee for ‘Dharohar’ is Rs.60 for local tourists and Rs.100 for foreingners (camera fee Rs. 100).

In this way the haveli entices tourists to its sacred charm.