Around the World

As was mentioned in another post, there is an interesting history behind  Umaid Bhavan Palace , also known as the Chittar Hill Palace. Once you have gaped at the wonderful architectural aspects of its exterior, step into the museum section. Many visitors have griped at the fact that there is "nothing to see really". Well, ignore them! Yes, there are plenty of posters and photos of the royal family, but, why not?! After all this entire complex has come up because of their ancestors and the current generation stays in a private block in the same premises, ensuring, too, that maintenance is done so that we visitors can take a peek into a past glorious era. 

Umaid Bhavan Palace is located on Chittar Hill in the south-east part of the city of Jodhpur and its highest point. Hence the original name of the Palace was Chittar Palace.  The beautifully designed palace has an interesting history of how it came to be set up, details of which have been put within that section of the palace premises which is open to the general public. This section is the museum section of the palace , while the other two sections are closed to the public, one section being part of a hotel and another the residential quarters where the current generation of the royal family stay.  Let's take a peek into the history of the Palace first...

Planning a trip to Jodhpur, Rajasthan and looking for comfortable, inexpensive accommodation?  Check out this detailed review of  Chandra Imperial Hotel in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.  We stayed in this hotel in September last year and had a very satisfying experience. The room tariff is reasonable for the air-conditioned spacious room and the in-house restaurant serves good food.

I travelled miles, for many a year  I spent a lot in lands afar I’ve gone to see the mountains, The oceans, I’ve been to view But I haven’t seen with these eyes Just two steps from my home lies  On a sheaf of paddy grain A glistening drop of dew

Ahmedabad was a key city which was involved in Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent protests for independence against British rule. It was here that Gandhiji set up his first ashram in 1915 after returning from South Africa. It was named Kochrab Ashram. Two years later the ashram was shifted to what is now known as Old Vadaj.

One of the recommended tourist places to visit on the travel itinerary to Ahmedabad is the Rani Sipri Masjid. The Rani Sipri Masjid (mosque) was built in 1514 A.D. by Rani Sabrai, widow of Sultan Mahmud Shah I Begada, during the reign of Sultan Muzzafar Shah II. The designs with a lot of floral motifs reflect feminine grace and the beautiful, intricate sculptural work has given the mosque the title of 'Masjid-e-Nagina'.&nbsp

Better known as the "Jaali" mosque due to its famous stone latticed carvings in the semi-circular window arches, the Sidi Saeed mosque is located in the heart of the city of Ahmedabad. It is well worth a visit, ideally in the late evening, to see the beautiful play of light as the setting sun's rays hit the windows' latticed carvings.