#udipur

Gorgeous Red-walled Patio of Gogunda Palace, Udaipur, Rajasthan

Prachi Joshi wrote : The 450-year-old Gogunda Palace has an illustrious past. In 1567, when Akbar attacked Mewar and laid siege to Chittorgarh, Maharana Udai Singh & his family moved to nearby Gogunda and built a sprawling fortress-palace. After Udai Singh passed away in Gogunda Palace in 1572, his son Kunwar Pratap Singh’s raj tilak (coronation) was performed here. And it is from here that he left for the Battle of Haldighati in 1576.

The palace is now a luxury hotel, painstakingly restored to its former glory with ochre yellow walls, original flooring & mural work, and antique doors and woodwork. You can even stay in the Raaj Tilak Suite, which is built around the room that witnessed the coronation of Maharana Pratap. Read more about it in my article for @cntravellerindia, link in bio @rajasthan_tourism

Dhal Sheld, 19th Century, Mewar, India Diameter: 560mm (22 Inches) Private collection, England. Purchased in India in 1964, purportedly from the collection of the Maharana of Udaipur

Runjeet Singh wrote : This shield originates from Mewar, India, and belongs to a group wherein the main decorative display consists of striking painted scenes showing prey and predator animals locked in an intense struggle which surround a central portrait of Surya, the sun god from whom many Rajput elders claim descent and the insignia of the Mewar royal court.

The present example, though, shows some distinct and interesting stylistic features: Surya and the animal scenes, for example, are painted with finer lines, and the prey-animals’ wounds within the four main scenes are highlighted with trickling sprays of saffron-coloured paint.

Perhaps the most eye-catching element of this shield are the four bosses that surround Surya. The silver frame of each is inlaid throughout with luminous blue-and-green enamelling, the central arrangement depicting azure-coloured peacocks in profile amidst sky-blue flowers and emerald-green leaves. The six arches that emanate from the centre are likely stylised flowerheads set between curving leaves, though they are possibly also intended to mimic the fanning plumage of the bird that lends its pallet to the entire display.

Tamasha - Festive Gathering of Udaipur Palace

Kapoor Galleries Inc. wrote : In an outdoor courtyard of the Udaipur city palace a large raucous gathering (a tamasha) is taking place – perhaps during the springtime festivities of Holi.

Maharana Sangram Singh II (1690-1734) is depicted three times in continuous narration: first, standing at the top center of the gathering, bare-chested and bare-headed, holding an arati lamp before a statue of Krishna; then dancing in a circular rasalila of sardars; and finally pouring a pot of yellow liquid over a fellow reveler’s head. The ladies of the adjoining Zenana Mahal stand grouped together at the right and left, chattering, singing, drumming and pointing excitedly at the joyous celebrants.

The great white facade of the city Palace in Udaipur dominates the entire upper half of the composition, its many columns, windows and upper niches inlaid with colored tiles. At the base of the building, paintings of elephants and elephant combats in red panels line the arcade. The formal architectural geometry of the repeated white columns and horizontal registers offer a remarkable counterpoint to the chaotic profusion of figures.

The popularity of large portrayals of tamasha was a significant development in the royal painting studios of Udaipur during the reign of Sangram Singh II. As in the present painting, they provide idealized glimpses into palace life. The reign of Maharana Sangram Singh II came at a tumultuous time in Rajasthani history with increasing incursions from Malwa by the Marathas. The development of these larger secular paintings may be viewed as something of an antidote; a festive diversion from the realities of those politically troubled times.

Rajasthan, the land of royalty and splendor, beckons travelers with its rich tapestry of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. The best Rajasthan tour packages offer an immersive journey through this enigmatic state, where every corner unravels a new mystery and leaves visitors awestruck.

Captivating Jaipur: The Pink City

Step into the Pink City, Jaipur, and be mesmerized by its majestic forts, palaces, and vibrant bazaars. The best Rajasthan tour packages often include a visit to the iconic Amber Fort, where you can relive the grandeur of the Rajputana rulers. Dive into the city's bustling markets, where every shop tells a story and every bangle sparkles with tradition.

Timeless Elegance in Udaipur

Udaipur, the city of lakes, exudes a timeless elegance that captivates every visitor. The best Rajasthan tour packages embrace the romance of the city's palaces, especially the ethereal Lake Palace, which seems to float on the serene waters of Lake Pichola. Lose yourself in the narrow lanes of the old city, where every step whispers the tales of valor and chivalry.

Jodhpur: Where the Sun Never Sets on Adventure

The imposing Mehrangarh Fort stands as a sentinel over the Blue City of Jodhpur, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in its storied past. The best Rajasthan tour packages often weave in the thrill of adventure with desert safaris and camel rides. As the sun sets over the sand dunes, Jodhpur transforms into a canvas of colors, leaving visitors spellbound.

Mystical Jaisalmer: A Journey into the Sands of Time

Jaisalmer, the golden city, exudes a mystical allure that is hard to resist. The best Rajasthan tour packages often include a sojourn into the Thar Desert, where travelers can experience the magic of a desert camp under the starlit sky. From the intricate carvings of the Jaisalmer Fort to the folk performances that echo through the narrow streets, every moment in Jaisalmer feels like a page out of a timeless saga.

The Enigmatic Pushkar

Nestled beside the serene Pushkar Lake, the town of Pushkar holds a magnetism that draws travelers seeking spiritual solace and cultural immersion. The best Rajasthan tour packages often include a visit to the sacred Brahma Temple and a leisurely stroll through the vibrant bazaars, where every scent and sound adds to the tapestry of experiences.

Embracing the Mystique of Rajasthan

Rajasthan, with its grandeur and mystique, offers a journey that transcends time and leaves an indelible mark on every traveler's soul. The best Rajasthan tour packages promise an odyssey through history, culture, and natural beauty, where every twist and turn reveals a new facet of this enigmatic land. Embark on this royal exploration and unravel the captivating tales of Rajasthan.

In Conclusion