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STUDY TOUR TO UDAIPUR AND MT. ABU
Study tour 1st year students
Students of 1st year went to Udaipur and Mount Abu on an educational Trip accompanied by
two faculties for 6 days.
Day 1(11 Jan 2016): After reaching Udaipur at 9.00 am, Students had their breakfast at the
hotel. After getting ready the students went to City Palace, Udaipur. City Palace Udaipur was
built over a period of nearly 400 years as the capital of the Sisodia Rajputclan in 1559. City
palace is a good example of Rajput architecture. All Students were back to the hotel at 7.00
pm.
Day 2(12 Jan 2016): on Second day of the trip, Students went to Chittorgarh Fort.
Chittorgarh fort is situated 120 Km from Udaipur. Chittorgarh is the largest fort of Asia.
Chittorgarh fort is a World Heritage Site. It sprawls majestically over a hill 180 m (590.6 ft)
in height spread over an area of 280 ha (691.9 acres) above the plains of the valley drained by
the Berach River. Chittorgarh is well planned fort which is divided into many parts.
Day 3(13 Jan 2016): On 3rd
day of the trip the students went to Ekling Temple. Ekling
Temple -Begun in 971, the temple complex was built by the Guhila (later called Sesodia)
dynasty of Mewar, in honor of their presiding deity Eklingji, a form of Lord Shiva. The
beautifully sculpted temple complex includes 108 temples within its high walls. Ekiling
Temple is a beautiful example of temple architecture. Beautifully carved structures enhanced
the beauty of the temple.
On day 3 Students also went to Nathdwara temple. Nathdwara Temple- famous for its temple
ofKrishna which houses the idol of Shrinathji, a 14th-century, 7-year-old "infant"[incarnation
of Krishna.
Day 4(14 Jan 2016): on 4th
day Students went to Ranakpur Temple. Ranakpur is a Jain
temple built in 16th
century. Beautifully engraved sculptures as well the temple is a good
example of Temple Architecture. From Ranakpur Temple, all the students left for Mount Abu
Day 5(15 Jan 2016): on 5th
day of the trip, Students went to the Dilwara temple, Nakki Lake
and the local tour to the city of Mount Abu.
Day 6(16 Jan 2016): On the 6th
day of the trip, students left for Udaipur from Mount Abu.
Students reach Udaipur at 3.00 am and had lunch. All the students and faculty boarded the
train at 5.00 am
Train reached at Gurgaon station at 6.00 am in the morning on 17 jan 2016.
Settlement Study: Udaipur (B. Arch- 2nd
Year)
Day 1
On 11th
Jan 2016 all 2nd
year students reached Udaipur in the morning and checked in the
Hotel Royal Inn. At 9.30 AM faculty and students left for the study site – Seesarma Village.
Firstly students went to the higher secondary school in the village to take prior permission
from the principle for the survey to be started from 12th
Jan. All the students were assembled
at a temple, which has a big gathering space. The entire village was divided in to 10 Blocks.
The students were divided into 10 groups and given a part of the village for study purpose.
Students surveyed the village till 3 PM and thereafter everyone left for City Palace and local
sightseeing. The dinner was done at the hotel.
Day 2
On 2nd
day i.e. 12th
Jan 2016 the day began with breakfast in the hotel and at 9.30 AM
everyone left for the study site. The student groups continued their surveys till 3 PM under
the guidance of the respective faculty members. After that the bus took us to FatehSagar
Lake.
Day 3
The day began with breakfast at hotel and at 9.30 AM everyone left for the site to finish the
study. The survey got over at 2 PM and after that everyone did their lunch in the Celebration
mall. At 4 PM we left for SajjanGarh fort (Sunset Point) after which students were returned
back to their hotel.
Day 4
We had breakfast in the hotel and checked out around 9.30 AM. We left for Mount Abu and
on the way visited the renowned Ranakpuri Jain Temple. We reached Mount Abu in the
evening at 5 PM. After checking in the hotel students left for local sightseeing. The dinner
was arranged in the hotel.
Day 5
After breakfast we left for the Dilwara Jain Temple and other local attractions in Mount Abu.
In the evening students did shopping in the local market. Dinner was arranged in the hotel.
Day 6
We checked out the hotel at 11 PM and left for Udaipur in the tour bus. We reached at around
4 PM and waited for train. We boarded the train at 5.30 PM and reached Delhi next day at 8
AM. The students and faculty left for their respective places thus concluding the trip.
Monuments and places that is visited by the students and the learnings and information that
they have gathered.
Fatehsagar Lake
Location: In the north of Lake Pichola& north-west of Udaipur
Built by: Maharana Jai Singh
Built in: 1678
Highlights: Three beautiful islands
How to reach: One can easily reach Fatehsagar Lake either by taking local buses,
Tongas, auto-rickshaws and taxis from the city
FatehSagar Lake is the second artificial lake of Udaipur, the first being Jaisamand lake.
Located in the north of Lake Pichola, FatehSagar Lake lies just besides the entrance to
MotiMagri Hill. Built in 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh, FatehSagar Lake got its name from
MaharanaFateh Singh, who later made additions to it. Talking about the statistics of
FatehSagar, the lake extends to the length of 2.4 km, 1.6 km. in width and deep to the extent
of 11.5 meter. During the monsoons, the lake covers the total area of around 1 sq km.
FatehSagar Lake is well-planned with three intake channels and an overflow channel that is
usually brought into play in the rainy season. FatehSagar Lake is embellished by three small
islands, which can be reached by taking a boat ride in the lake. The largest island of the lake
is developed into a park by the name of Nehru Park. The garden comprises a boat-shaped
restaurant and a small zoo for children. This island park is the favorite picnic spot of Udaipur
dwellers.
The second island is converted into a public park with brilliant water-jet fountains by the
Government of Rajasthan. The third island addresses Udaipur Solar Observatory, which is the
best solar observing site in Asia. FatehSagar Lake is quiet place where people usually come
for relaxation and to lighten up amidst the serene waters of the lake. From the bottom of
MotiMagri Hill, you can hire pedal boats or motor boats as per your convenience to enjoy a
boat ride in the lake.
This pear-shaped lake is encircled by hills, with the exception of its eastern side, where a
straight stone dam is to be found. You can enjoy this lake taking its circumference while
driving through MotiMagri Road, FatehSagar Drive and Rani Road. This twisting route
would present stunning views of the lake as well as the encompassing Aravalli Hills.
FatehSagar Lake is a nice place to explore and tourists certainly come to enjoy the tranquil
beauty of this lake.
Pichola Lake
Location: Besides Udaipur City Palace
Built by: PichhuBanjara
Built in: 1362
Significance: Oldest Lake of Udaipur that is known for its picturesque background
How to
reach:
One can easily reach Lake Pichola either by taking Local buses, Tongas, auto-
rickshaws and taxis from the city
Pichola Lake is one of the most beautiful and picturesque lakes of Rajasthan, India. Located
in the heart of the city, Pichola Lake is the oldest and one of the largest lakes of Udaipur. In
1362, the beautiful lake was built by PichhuBanjara during the ruling period of
MaharanaLakha. Talking about the dimensions of Pichhola Lake, it is extended to 3 miles in
length, 2 miles in width and has depth of 30 feet.
The beauty of this lake has not separated anyone to attract towards it. The lake looks more
enchanting with its scenic surroundings. MaharanaUdai Singh must have been certainly
captivated by the charm of this pristine lake with the perfect backdrop of lush green hills as
when he founded the city of Udaipur,
he enlarged this lake. He also
constructed a dam made in stone that
falls under the 'Badipol' region on the
shore of this lake.
Pichola Lake is enveloped by lofty
Palaces, temples, bathing ghats and
elevated hills on all its sides. In the
southern part of this lake, there is a
hill that is known as MachhalaMagra and one can see glimpse of Eklinggarh Fort from here.
The City Palace of Udaipur broadens along the eastern banks of this lake. Built by Jagat
Singh, Mohan Mandir is situated in the north-east corner of Lake Pichola.
Lake Pichola comprises several islands that accompany the calm waters of the lake. The
world-renowned Lake Palace is perfectly located on the Jag Island of this tranquil lake. Even
the Jag Mandir, another destination of tourists, is located on an island of this lake. Above all,
a trip to Pichola Lake would be incomplete with a boat ride. The pristine blue waters of the
lake leave a soothing impact on the spectator. At the time sun-set, a boat ride in this lake is
sufficient to enthrall anyone.
Rudyard Kipling mentioned this lake in his Letters of Marque (1899), "If the Venetian owned
the Pichola Lake, he might say with justice, `see it and die'". The beauty of Lake Pichola
attracts people from all over the world. One can undeniably say for Pichola that once, if you
see this lake, you would definitely fall in love with it. The mesmerizing beauty of Lake
Pichola makes it worth visiting during your visit to Udaipur.
City Palace Udaipur
Location: On the banks of Lake Pichola
Built by: Started by MaharanaUdai Singh, completed by his successors
Built in: Started in 1559 - till 18th century
Highlights: Largest palace complex in Rajasthan
How to reach: One can easily reach Udaipur City Palace either by taking local buses,
tongas, auto-rickshaws and taxis from the city
Udaipur City Palace is one of the architectural marvels of Rajasthan, located peacefully on
the banks of Lake Pichola. This majestic City
Palace is the most-visited tourist attraction of
Udaipur and often distinguished as the largest
palace complex in Rajasthan. Initially,
MaharanaUdai Singh built this superb wonder, but
the present form of the Palace is the result of
subsequent additions by his successors.
City Palace boasts of the wonderful blend of
Medieval, European and Chinese Architecture.
The Palace has various towers, domes and arches,
which add to the flavor of heritage site. Towering
on the banks of Pichola Lake, City Palace is truly a feast to the eyes. City Palace is a
marvelous assortment of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging
gardens. Encircled by fortifications, this imposing Palace is wholly built in granite and
marble.
City Palace has several gates that are known as "Pols". 'Bara Pol' (Great Gate) is the main
gate to the City Palace complex that will take you to the first courtyard. On passing 'Bara
Pol', you will come across a triple arched gate, which is known as 'Tripolia'. Between these
two gates, you would see eight marble arches or Toranas, where Kings used to weigh
themselves with gold and silver. Besides
Tripolia, there is an arena where
elephant fights were staged. Across
'Tripolia', you would enter the 'Elephant
Gate' or the 'Hathi Pol'.
City Palace comprises 11 wonderful
palaces, which were built by different
rulers still they resemble each other. With the sheer glimpse of unique paintings, antique
furniture and exquisite glass mirror & ornamental tiles work of these palaces, you will get
amazed. ManakMahal (Ruby Palace) has figures of crystal and porcelain. However, Bhim
Vilas flaunts a fabulous collection of miniature paintings depicting the real life stories of
Radha-Krishna.
The 'Krishna Vilas' is known for the noteworthy
album of miniature paintings portraying royal
processions, festivals and games of the Maharanas.
MotiMahal (Pearl Palace) is celebrated for its lavish
decor while Sheesh Mahal (Palace of mirrors) is
known for its breathtaking mirror work.
'ChiniChitrashala' is renowned for its
Chinese and Dutch ornamental tiles.
'DilkushaMahal' (Palace of Joy) is
known for the murals and wall
paintings.
BadaMahal is the exotic garden palace
that stands erect on a 90 feet high
natural rock formation. Rang Bhawan is the palace that used to contain royal treasure. There
are temples of Lord Krishna, MeeraBai and Shiva, located right to the 'Rang Bhawan'.
'MorChowk' has exceptional glass mosaics of peacocks, set in the walls presenting the three
seasons of summer, winter and monsoon. 'Laxmi Vilas Chowk' is an art gallery with a
distinctive collection of Mewar paintings.
Situated in the premises of City Place complex, Jagdish Temple is the biggest and most
beautiful temple of Udaipur. This temple Appeals to the aesthetic sense of the people and we
will further discuss it in our other section. You can also trace a Shrine of Dhuni Mata in the
complex of City Palace. This part
is considered as the oldest part of
the Palace where a sage passed his
life meditating here.
In 1974, a part of the City Palace
and the 'ZenanaMahal' (Ladies
Chamber) have been transformed
into a museum. The museum is
open for public and we have discussed it in our other section about museums. One can locate
some striking paintings in the 'ZenanaMahal' which further leads to Lakshmi Chowk.
'Lakshmi Chowk' is a beautiful white pavilion. In City palace, the most captivating sight can
be viewed from the towers and terraces of 'Amar Vilas' from where you can get a breath-
taking view of Lake Pichola.
'Amar Vilas' is the highest point of this Palace and has wonderful hanging gardens with
fountains, towers and terraces. City Palace is structured in a way that it offers a splendid view
of the lake from all its Balconies, cupolas and towers. Unlike the craggy exterior, City Palace
has amazing interiors with delicate mirror-work, marble work, murals, wall paintings, silver
work, inlay work and surplus of colored glass. The exquisite work of City Palace cannot be
bounded in words, so one must visit this palace to capture the real picture of it.
Ranakpur Temples
Location: In Ranakpur, near Sadri town, in the Pali district of Rajasthan
Built by: Seth DharnaSah with the aid from RanaKumbha
Built in: 15th century
Dedicated to: Lord Adinatha
Highlights: Intricate architecture
Significance: One of the five major Jain pilgrimage sites
How to reach: One can easily reach Ranakpur Temples from Udaipur city by taking
regular Buses or by hiring Taxis
Ranakpur Temples are acclaimed world-wide for their intricate and superb architectural style.
These temples form one of the five major pilgrimages of the Jains. Located in village of
Ranakpur near Sadri town in the Pali district of Rajasthan, Ranakpur temple lies at a distance
of 95 kms in the north of Udaipur city. The temple is easily accessible from the city of
Udaipur as regular buses are easily available. Built in the 15th century, Ranakpur temples are
known for being the largest and most important temples of the Jain cult.
The temple is said to have been built by Seth DharnaSah (a Jain businessman) with the aid of
RanaKumbha, who ruled Mewar in the 15th century. Ranakpur got its name after the name of
the Rajput Monarch and likewise the temples. The temple complex is positioned in an
isolated valley on the western side of the Aravalli Range. The Jain Temples of Ranakpur are
certainly creditable for their splendid architecture. This temple is wholly constructed in light
colored marble and comprises a basement covering an area of 48000 sq feet. There are more
than 1400 exquisitely carved pillars that support the temple.
In the complex, there are several
temples including Chaumukha
temple, Parsavanath temple, Amba
Mata Temple and Surya Temple.
Amongst all of them, Chaumukha
Temple is the most important and as
the term Chaumukha suggests, this
temple is four-faced. Chaumukha
temple is dedicated to Lord Adinath, who is the first 'Tirthankara' of the Jains. The Temple
structure is highly compound having four different doorways to get into the chambers. These
chambers ultimately take you to the main hall where the image of Adinath is positioned.
The four faced image also symbolizes the Tirthankara's quest for the four directions and
ultimately the cosmos. The image is surrounded by many small shrines and domes. One more
range of cells with separate roofs encircles these shrines and domes all over again. The five
spires elevate above the walls and around 20 cupolas rise from roof of the pillared hall. Each
spire houses a shrine and the largest shrine is the important one that addresses the central
altar. The temple ceilings are festooned with foliate scrollwork and geometric patterns.
The temple is a masterpiece of architecture and boasts of not less than four additional shrines.
It has 24 pillared halls with 80 domes that are supported by 400 columns. The upper and
lower parts of the domes are linked by brackets that have deities' sculptures. Above all, you
would be amazed to see at a height of 45 feet engraved nymphs playing the flute in various
dance postures. Each column is intricately carved and it is surprising to know that no two
columns have the similar design.
Apart from this, another stunning act about these columns is that they change their color from
golden to pale blue after every hour during the day. In the mandap (prayer hall), the two big
bells of 108 kg each produce a harmonious sound on the movement. Chaumukha temple is
formed like a NalinigulmVimana (heavenly aircraft) and provides this whole structure a
celestial appearance. Conceivably, it is due to the intricacy of the structure that the temple
took approximately 65 years to complete.
The Temple of Parsavanath is another attraction that is worth visiting. Built in the mid-15th
century, the temple is renowned for its engraved windows embellished with Jain figures.
Parsavanath Temple is also known as PatriyonKaMandir. In close proximity to this temple,
you can trace two other temples dedicated to Neminath (22nd saint) and Surya Narayan (Sun
God) respectively. Here, Surya Narayan Temple has innumerable wall projections with
circular structure. The sight of Lord Surya driven in his chariot of seven horses is truly
pleasing.
Ranakpur Temple was also
nominated amongst the top 77
wonders, while deciding for new
Seven Wonders of the World.
However, number of wonders
cannot be increased and some or
the other would come amongst the
top seven, still Ranakpur Temple
is undoubtedly a wonder. If you
are on a trip to Udaipur, don't
miss this artistic temple that would become an unforgettable part of your beautiful memories.
Dilwara Temple Mt. Abu
Location: Near Mount Abu, In Rajasthan
Built in: During 11th - 13th century
Dedicated to: Adinath, RishabhDev, Neminath, Mahavir Swami, Parshvanath
Significance: Famous pilgrimage of the Jains
How to reach: One can easily reach Dilwara Temple by taking regular Buses or
by hiring taxis from anywhere in Rajasthan
Dilwara Temples of Rajasthan are popular for their beautiful artistic work. Located near
Mount Abu in Rajasthan, Dilwara Temple is easily accessible from any town or city of
Rajasthan. Mount Abu is a beautiful and one & only hill station of Rajasthan. Several train
services are available by Indian Railways for Mount-Abu from different cities. Dilwara
Temple lies at a distance of 2.5 kms from Mount Abu. From Mount Abu railway station,
many bus services and taxis are available for Dilwara Temple.
Dilwara Temple forms a famous pilgrimage of the followers of Jainism. The striking use of
marble, in the construction of this temple, is truly worth-admiring. However, the simple
architecture of the temple, reminds one of the virtues of Jainism. Set amidst the picturesque
hills, Dilwara temples are said to have built during the 11th and 13th century. In the huge
temple complex, there are five shrines that are dedicated to Lord Adinath, Lord Rishabhdeo,
Lord Neminath, Lord Mahavir Swami and Lord Parshvanath respectively.
Dilwara Temples are considered to be an example of perfect architecture, in terms of Jain
Temples. The intricately carved ceilings, entryways, pillars and panels highlight the aesthetic
appeal of this temple. For its mastery over architecture, Dilwara Temple is sometimes
regarded as one of the most stunning pilgrimage sites of Jains. The temples of VimalVasahi
and Luna Vasahi get the maximum
attention due to their sheer size and
grandeur.
Learning outcomes
The tour helped students to:-
1. Develop skills and knowledge
of architectural design, practice
and technology.
2. Ability to gather, assess, record, and apply relevant information in architectural coursework
3. Provide a forum for research, debate, and critical thinking in the study of historical,
contemporary and sustainable architectures and their cultural and physical contexts.
4. Understanding of the fundamentals of visual perception and the principles and systems of
order that inform two- and three-dimensional design, architectural composition, and urban
design
5. Develop communication skills through drawn, visual, verbal and written representations of
architectural propositions and their cultural, professional, and technical implications
6. Enable students to develop lifelong learning skills by experiential learning for developing
design concepts and solutions, and communication and presentation of those ideas to peers,
clients, decision makers, and the public.
7. Understanding of the need for architects to provide leadership in the building design and
construction process and on issues of growth, development, and aesthetics in their
communities
8. Understanding of the architect’s responsibility as determined by registration law, building
codes and regulations, professional service contracts, zoning and subdivision ordinances,
environmental regulation, historic preservation laws, and accessibility laws.