Leisure tourism in Rajsamand district is like a walk down history. The place is replete with places of historical significance each with its own story to tell. Chetak`s tomb, for instance, tells the story of the faithful horse of Maharana Pratap, Chetak. On the other hand there is Haldighati, the site of the famous battle between Maharana Pratap and the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Each of the sites here thus is like a milestone laid down at some or the other stage of history. Mentioned below are the various places of leisure tourism in the district of Rajsamand.
Kumbhalgarh
64 Kms North West of Udaipur, the birthplace of Maharana Pratap Singh, Kumbhalgarh, is the second most important citadel of Mewar after Chittorgarh. The Aravalli mountain ranges protect this impregnable fortress. Thirteen mountain peaks surround it. It is built on the top most ridges, 914 meters above sea level. Seven huge and imposing gates stand like sentinels at the approaches and seven ramparts, one being folded within another with crenellated walls strengthened by rounded bastions and immense watch towers, make this an impregnable mountain fortress. It was built by Rana Kumbha (1419-63). It`s serpentine 36 kilometres long wall is thick and broad enough for eight horses to ride abreast. This wall is second only to the `Great Wall of China`. There are 360 temples within the fortress, out of which a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva placed with huge Shivalinga makes it worth visiting.
Fort of Rakamgarh
About 10 kilometres South-East of Rajsamand is the famous fort of Rakamgarh, a small fortress built upon a small hillock. It is said to be the silent evidence of the fight for freedom fought between Tantia Tope and the British troops in 1857, in the fields of Rakamgarh. It is also said that Tantia Tope stayed here in the Rakamgarh Fort for a short duration and was helped in every way possible by the then ruler of Kotharia and the Tilkayat of Shrinathji.
Haldighati(The Yellow Vale)
A narrow pass runs south to North-East and ends in a plain where the famous battle of Haldighati was fought in 1576 between Maharana Pratap and the forces of Emperor Akbar. The colour of the soil here is yellow like turmeric (Haldi). Hence the valley is also known as Haldighati. Badshahibaug situated near Haldighati is famous for `Chaitri-Gulab`. The rose water and `Gulkand` (Rose Petal Jam) which has tremendous medicinal value and sweet taste as well.
Chetak`s Tomb
Only 2 kms West of Haldighati, lies the tomb of Chetak. After being seriously wounded and losing a leg in the fierce battle of Haldighati Chetak dutifully carried his master, Maharana Pratap, safely to this place and at last after crossing a stream, fell dead. Here stands a monument constructed and dedicated to the memory of this royal steed. Adjacent to the tomb, there is a temple of Lord Shiva. It appears that the great animal Chetak lies here in eternal sleep at the feet of his lord `Pashupatinath`.
Machind
Machind, situated in the Aravalli range, parallel to the Jarga range of mountain, is historically important. Maharana Pratap and his son Amar Singh stayed here for a short duration. The remnants of the construction of Pratap`s age and a "Baori" (old well) are still visible. Guru Matsyendra Nath of the Nath community prayed here in a cave. The place has been named as Machund after him. Machind is also known as the birthplace of Maharana Amar Singh.
Dewair
At the Northern edge of Mewar, Dewair is situated between the mountain ranges spread in close proximity of Kumbhalgarh and Madaria. In the olden times it had been under the domination of different tribes from Mer to Deora Rajputs. Maharana Pratap made the adventurous military campaigns of the Mughal ruler ineffective by resorting to guerrilla warfare. On the auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dashami, in 1852, he was crowned with historic victory, which led to the automatic liquidation of all 36 Mughal military outposts in Mewar. After this humiliating defeat Akbar stopped his military campaigns against Mewar. The victory of Dewair was a crowning glory for Maharana Pratap.
Rajsamand Lake
Maharana Raj Singh, an able administrator of the fifth generation of Maharana Pratap constructed the Rajsamand Lake in 1662 AD. It is a beautiful example of sculpture and public utility works. The banks known as "Nouchoki" consist of 25 carved stone -"Raj Prashashti" the longest stone inscription in the Sanskrit language in the world. The stairs, footrest, artistic gates and "Mandaps" are made of beautiful carved marble and the sculpture imparts a new look every time. The whole construction is based on the number 9 which is considered to be the absolute number in Hindu philosophy and mythology. It took 14 years for completion and cost more than 12.5 million rupees at that time.
These are the various places of leisure tourism located in the district of Rajsamand.
