March 2010: What's in the breeze Writing web content for several different companies Writing study skills articles on different topics with keywords specified by the client Writing articles on the industrial sector for a client on a pay-per-month basis Writing white papers for a client in the consultancy business Writing technical documentation on a software product for a client Providing services of an editorial assistant on a per month basis Rewriting and editing a book of fiction Writing content for a client’s business proposal Repackaging web content for a client... and more
Check out sample articles written by writers from our network.
Writers, use the writers' contact form to get in touch with us.
Rajasthan’s history and traditions make it a popular tourist destination in India. Every small hamlet here has tales of pride and valor and monuments reminiscent of the days of glory.
A recent trip to Udaipur, Chittorgarh and Mount Abu has made me realize that each time you travel in India, you learn, discover and appreciate different aspects of its people, places, traditions, arts and crafts and living patterns.
Udaipur and Chittorgarh are part of the history of Mewar, a region that never succumbed to Mughal or colonial rule and has all its folklore about patriotism and bravery. Names like Maharana Pratap, Udai Singh, Rana Sanga, Panna dhai, Rani Padmini, Meera, Rana Kumbha and Chetak are part of the glorious Mewar past and the monuments here are witness to history-shaping events.
Mount Abu is the only hill station in the oldest mountain ranges- the Aravalis. It is famous for the Jain temples at ‘Dilwara’, a heritage monument hidden from the world behind thick ordinary looking walls and a narrow access. It is only when you enter the premises that you discover the marvel in marble. Mt Abu is a place to relax and catch up on small pleasures like sunset views and temple prayers! It can be reached most comfortably by train (Abu road station), followed by a half hour drive.
Mount Abu to Udaipur is an interesting drive by road where the old grandeur of the Aravalis is a silent companion. The changing tints of the hillsides make the drive romantic. The famous battleground of Haldighati is a short detour, colored in sunny golden, where Maharana Pratap battled the forces of Akbar, never succumbed and lost his famous horse, Chetak. The place has a monument dedicated to Chetak and museums all about Pratap’s bravery and Chetak’s loyalty. The terrain and local narration of past events fills you with a sense of pride.
Udaipur is the famous city of lakes and the affordability factor determines what aspects and vistas of the lakes one can enjoy. There are palace hotels, museums, parks, the sound and light show and interesting cuisine and entertainment locales. It’s a place steeped in history, which can be felt anywhere. Above all, one must savor the typical Rajasthani cuisine served traditionally amid much fanfare at some hotspots.
Places close to Udaipur include the Ranakpur temple, Nathdwara and Chittorgarh.
Ranakpur is another Jain pilgrim centre with a beautiful temple in marble. One must visit if it is enroute the journey.
Nathdwara is a must for the Krishna bhakt, though I still believe we could do much to improve our temple towns. Silver shopping is a good idea at Nathdwara.
Chittor Fort is massive and formidable. No wonder few could conquer it. Atop a plateau, it offers a picturesque view from a distance. Places that are a must see within the fort are the famous Victory tower (Vijay stambh), typical Rajput temples and the palaces whose famous residents included Padmini and Meera bai. Some vantage points of the fort are floodlit at night.
Travel Wise
To understand history it is always good to hire a local guide to get the facts and folklore right and enjoy their narrative skills. When traveling in the desert, carry your water.
Modes
All places are well connected.
Any tourist or traveler can reach by train, rail and road.
Udaipur offers connectivity by air.
Season
Best to travel when its peak winter in North India so that you can enjoy the desert sun in the day and chill out after sun down (from Nov-Feb)
Shop
At Udaipur – material, linen, clothes (lehariyas and bandhini prints), wooden toys and puppets, metal handicrafts with ‘meena’ work, silver jewellery, traditional footwear ‘jootis’
At Haldighati: rose water, souvenirs, weapons- swords & daggers
Enroute: interesting rugs by weavers
There is much about India and its history to be seen and learnt- a lifetime may prove to be less!!
Chillibreeze's disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of Chillibreeze as a company. Chillibreeze has a strict anti-plagiarism policy. Please contact us to report any copyright issues related to this article.
Out of 5 “chilies”, our editorial team gave this article...
Out of 5 “chilies”, our editorial team gave this article...
—About our writer:
A planner by profession and writer by choice, Preeti is now a full time mom, who lives life one day at a time!!!
>> Read more articles written by Chillibreeze writers:
more services at a glance
.gif)
