Excursions

Chittorgarh, also called Chittaur, from the 7th century to the 16th, was the capital of Mewar under the Rajputs. Chittaur evokes memories of great heroism and sacrifice by Rajput men and women in the intermittent battles that they had to fight against invaders from Northwest or Delhi.

Chittaur witnessed both the ravages of war and the triumphs of the spirit. Allaudin Khilji who coveted Queen Padmini of Chittaur, invaded the city in 1303 A.D. Queen Padmini and the women of the court sacrificed themselves in a pyre of fire rather than submit to anybody.

This supreme sacrifice has been called ‘Jauhar’ and epitomises the fiery spirit of the Rajputs of the day. The city stands strewn with monuments and battlements as evidence of the blood and gore that it went through in medieval times.

Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over a wide region on the Malwa Plateau and Aravalli mountains. Three rivers of which Jakham and Karmoi are famous pass through these areas. This sanctuary is the home of “Flying Squirrels”. The best time to see flying squirrels is between February and March. When most of the Mahua trees shed their leaves and the squirrels are easily visible gliding between the leafless trees. It is believed that Lord Rama’s wife Sita, stayed in this forest in the ashram of Saint Valmiki, hence the name Sitamata. This sanctuary houses a number of animals and birds and is known for the forests of teak, bamboo, tendu, amla and salar. Animals like spotted deer, wild bear, four horned antelope, nilgai, jungle cat, jackal, hyena, etc can be spotted here. Some less common varieties such as caracal wild boar, leopards, wild pangolin, etc can also be seen in this sanctuary.

Jagat Temple also called as Ambika Mata Temple is a small shrine of Goddess Ambika Devi made in the crevice of a rock. Goddess Ambika Devi is known as a form of Goddess Durga. This temple is also famous as ‘Ambika Mata temple’ and due to its location in the Jagat village of Udaipur, known as Jagat temple. Known for its exterior intricate carvings, Jagat Temple was built in 961 AD. Jagat temple is the well preserved temple of the 10th century and also made Jagat village as ‘Khajuraho of Rajasthan’. This temple comprises the shrine of Ambika Mata were Goddess Durga is worshipped as Shakti (Power) which is known as the sole source of energy. Jagat temple is at a distance of 50kms. from Udaipur and at a distance of 60kms . from Haveli Gokul Niwas, Talawada.

Jaisamand Lake is renowned for being the second largest artificial lake in Asia. Located at a distance of 65 kms from Haveli Gokul Niwas, Talawada, Jaisamand Lake is also known as Dhebar. In 1685, Maharana Jai Singh built this lake while making a dam on the Gomti River. This lake covers an area of 36sq km, stretches to the length of 14 km and width of 9 km. The lake is deep to the maximum of 102 feet and has a circumference of 30 miles. Jaisamand Lake was the largest artificial lake in Asia, till the time when Aswan Dam of Egypt was not constructed. The dam on this lake is worth mentioning due to its massive size. It is 1202 feet in length, 116 feet in height and width of 70 feet at the bottom. The kings of Mewar were religious by nature and this is conformed by the fact that this dam has a Shiva temple. Centrally located, this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Boat ride is available on the lake.

The Sanwaliaji temple of the Dark Krishna is situated on the Chittorgarh – Udaipur Highway, at the town of bhadsora, about 40 kilometers from Haveli Gokul Niwas, Talawada. The deity also known as Shri Sanwaria Seth. The legends has it that in the year 1840, a milkman named Bholaram Gurjar dreamt of three divine statues buried under the ground in the Chapar village of Bhadsora-Bagund. When the villagers started digging the place, they found the three statues, exactly as Bholaram saw in his dream. They were the statues of LORD KRISHNA-all of them beautiful and mesmerizing. One of the statues was taken to Mandaphiya, one to Bhadsoda and the third remain at the very place where it was found. All three locations became temples. Later on, the three temples of Sanwaliya Ji became renowned and devotees visit them in large numbers every day.

Avari Mata Temple is one of the popular temples in Rajasthan which is located in the Bhadesar Town of Chittorgarh. The temple is dedicated to goddess Avari Mata and the temple the Aasawara village. The temple is located near a pond which is believed to be holy and there is a beautiful idol of Lord Hanuman in the premises. The temple architecture is very much similar to ancient Hindu temples and there are beautiful paintings and structures of Hindu deities and the main Idol of the temple is located at the central part. The idol is beautifully decorated with flowers and gold jewelries. It is believed that the temple is having special powers to heal people and the devotees visit to this temple to heal themselves from many ailments which are chronic and became incurable for years. Avari Mata Temple is at a distance of 50kms. from Haveli Gokul Niwas, Talawada.

Udaipur is a beautiful city, set amidst the Aravalli Ranges of Rajasthan, India. Known for its picturesque lakes, Udaipur also called ‘the city of lakes’. The elevated hills and the beautiful lakes make a picture-perfect backdrop to the Udaipur city. Udaipur is regarded as one of the most romantic cities of the World and subsequently, also known as the ‘Venice of East’. In context of Rajasthan, Udaipur is the second most-sought after tourist destination of the state, the first being Jaipur. Udaipur had been the capital of Mewar for centuries. Though termed as the city of lakes, Udaipur has many more attractions that catch the attention of the tourists with their charm. The city boasts of various museums, palaces, gardens, monuments and colourful festivals that allure tourists to visit the city for once. Udaipur is at a distance of 90kms. from Haveli Gokul Niwas, Talawada.

Beneshwar is a place where you will be able to enjoy the aroma of the sweet pot of the South of the Rajasthan. This island is not just a tourist spot, but on the confluence of the three rivers, the faith of lakhs of people is attached here. Magh fills a ten-day fair here in the month of February. For those interested in religious tourism this is the best time to visit this place. This is a place which is recognized throughout the world due to the history associated with tribal culture. Beneshwar Island surrounded by the holy water of Mahi, Som and Jakham rivers in Banswara district is a center of natural beauty, as well as a view of diverse cultures. This Dham is located 105km. from Haveli Gokul Niwas, Talawada. Lots of people come here for darshan and holy baths in the fair filling in the month of Magh.