Weekend Getaways From Agra-Udaipur-Mt. Abu-Chittorgarh

By Bhavana Kulshrestha

The lake city of Udaipur, the historic city of Chittorgarh and the idyllic panoramic beauty of Mt. Abu can all be visited from Agra, over an extended weekend break. History, culture and nature can be wrapped into this exotic combo package. So this weekend, explore your neighboring Rajasthan and treat yourself to vibrant colors and irresistible flavors.

How many days needed?

Udaipur is 637 km from Agra and Mt. Abu is a further 185 km southwest of Udaipur. Chittorgarh is 525 km from Agra on the main Agra-Udaipur rail route. To see the three, you need nothing less than three days, if you travel by night. On the first day go around Udaipur, Second day, early morning leave for Mt. Abu and on the third day leave Mt. Abu early in the morning for Chittorgarh.

How to get there?

Udaipur is conveniently connected to Agra by train. Udaipur Intercity departs from Agra late in the evening and reaches Udaipur early morning.

For the return journey, board the same train, from Udaipur or Chittorgarh and be back in town in the morning - in time to begin a working day.

Alternatively, you can travel by private luxury coaches that ply from MG Road. And if you love driving, explore adventure on the wheels and drive down south-west.

Day 1 Udaipur

What to visit?

While in Udaipur, the must-see are- Sahelion ki Bari- the pleasure haunt of the loyal ladies; Moti Magri- the well laid-out garden on the hillock; Fateh Sagar Lake- where you can go boating. Nehru Park- a picturesque island in the middle of the Fateh Sagar Lake. And to top it all the City Palace and Museum- a statement of regal splendor and grandeur.

What to eat?

While in Udaipur don't forget to bite into hot and scrumptious mirchi- vada and the sumptuous onion-kachori. Also, try the authentic Rajasthani Dal-Bati-Churma and see how different it is from the Dal-Bati we have here in Agra. Be prepared to get an over-dose of red-chilly and garlic.

What to buy?

Visit the Hathi Pol market, and collect your souvenirs. You can get an exquisite pick of handicraft here. Udaipur is particularly famous for its artifacts done out of wood. In addition you can get - Mojris (traditional shoes), bandhej and lahariyas (tie and dye), Lakh and Kundan jewellery and camel leather goods. If you can carry back with care terracota pieces from Mulela are also unique. And if there has to be one memento to remind you of your trip to Udaipur, it has to be the imprint of the Sun-God in yellow metal.

Day 2 Mt. Abu

What to visit?

When on a short visit to Mt. Abu, Nakki Lake, Sunset Point, Guru Shikhar and Dilwara Jain temple are a must-see. After your walk down from the Sunset Point, relax while boating in the twilight, in the nearby Nakki Lake. Guru Shikhar is the highest mountain peak in the Aravali and offers a breath-taking view. Intricate marble carvings on the walls and ceilings of the Jain temples at Dilwara are awesome and immaculately kept. If you are traveling at leisure, also include Arbuda mata temple, Kumbhaleshwar Mahadev, Brahmakumari Museum and Brahmakumari Park on your itinerary. In Mt. Abu, you can experience a variety of rides in boats, on horses and in hand-pushed pram-like carts.

Day 3 - Chittorgarh

What to visit?

The fort city of Chittorgarh is a leaf out of a history book. Unlike most forts it is not a dead city and life is still throbbing in its colonies and settlements. The brightly attired present day denizens of the fort can be encountered praying at the Kalika Devi temple or Mirabai temple or collecting water from the Gaumukh Kund.

Legends of the yore come to life in this historic fortress. Feel the eternal calm of the Mirabai's temple where she sang to her lord while drinking Rana Sanga's poisoned 'Charnamrit'. Visualize the fort besieged by Baj Bahdur and Rani Karnavati awaiting Humayun's response to her 'Rakhi'. Experience the goose- flesh as you stand at the spot where loyal Panna Dhai offered her son Chandan to the blood-thirsty sword of Banvir- seek Rani Padmini's reflection in the mirror where Allauddin Khilji caught a glimpse of the un-matched beauty. Pass through the gateways where Gora and Badal died fighting. Feel the morbid eeriness in the air where thousands of brave Rajputanis performed Jauhars. Imagine the baffled expression on Akbar's face as he saw the fumes of Jauhar risng and making a mockery of his victory.

In short, take a walk through history. There is no other place that has so many legends and folktales associated with it. Visit the proud fort of Chittor for its historical value.

Your trip to Udaipur, Mt. Abu and Chittorgarh can be very fulfilling and memorable. The wide variety of shades you will experience are unmatched.

Take advantage of Agra's proximity to Udaipur and get ready to explore.