Full Day Haldighatti

Haldighatti is a beautiful area, where the rock is as yellow as our spice turmeric, known in Hindi as Haldi. So name means yellow gate/pass.

This narrow turmeric coloured mountainous region became the battleground between the rulers of Mewar and the Moghul invaders

It was here that a very famous battle in the history of Mewar took place in 1576 between Maharana Pratap and Moghul empire under Akbar. Maharana Pratap refused to enter into a treaty with Emperor Akbar which led to the battle. Mughals outnumbered the Mewar forces by 4 to 1.

Our journey to Haldighatti takes us through some lovely countryside where the higher peaks of the Aravali range can be seen. On the way we stop in Balicha village where some houses are built using animal manure, mud and straw and the floors are created using mud & straw. A short walk takes us to an old bhaori (well), these wells are dug deep into the rock some 15m/45 feet deep. The surrounding fields are used to grow rice, wheat, barley and banana trees can be seen across the field. We arrive in areas known for the Chaitri rose. These roses are a breed of pink rose, which only bloom in the month March-April, the hindu month Chaitra, hence roses name. Rose cultivation here dates back 400 years.

Shops here sell many rose products from perfume, rose water, jams etc

We arrive at a lovely little museum where food & refreshments are available. The 2023 prices are 300Rs pp for foreigners/120Rs for Indian nationals. Inside there is a lovely outdoor area with a small lake, with boating, interesting stuctures including a replica water wheel with terracotta vases on and a bullock crushing sugar cane for juice, which you can buy. There are many seating areas to relax in shade or sun. You do not have to go around the museum but it is interesting with audio video clip in English, short 5 minute movie about the battle. Exhibits & a sound/light show also

Our journey continues with a stop at a beautiful memorial (Samadhi) to Chetak, Maharana Prataps horse who died of battle wounds after helping Pratap effect a miraculous escape from the battlefield. The memorial is said to be built at the spot Chetak died. From here we drive up to a stunning view of this area and finally arriving in the stunning pass of Haldighatti.

Here the rock is yellow and many people stop to have their photos taken in this historic pass.

Soon we arrive at Rakht Talai (pool of blood) the main battle site but now a lovely peaceful park with ancient monuments to the heroes of the Battle of Haldighatti. It is from here we return to Udaipur