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.