Localization and Attraction Point near Resort
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Kumbhalgarh is the only sanctuary of Rajasthan, where the elusive wolf can still be spotted. At the last count forty wolves inhabit the Joba wolf point area of the sanctuary. The wolves are easily spotted during the summer months near the water holes.
Kumbhalgarh wildlife sanctuary has an area of 578 sq kms and is at an altitude of 500 to 1300 m above sea level. The sanctuary abounds with a rich variety of wildlife like the rare flying squirrel, Civet cat, Sambar antelope, Jackal, Hyena, Porcupines, leopard, Blue bull, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Four Horned Antelope and Crocodiles. The Sanctuary is also home of variety of migratory birds like flamingos, geese, pin tails, Cormorants, Spoonbills and Egrets usually seen in winter. Other bird life include the Grey jungle fowl, red spour fowl, grey horn bill, fly catchers, eagles, owls etc. The sanctuary covered with a thick vegetation of deciduous forest, and a large number of seasonal rivers flow through the sanctuary.
Kumbhalgarh fort
Located 15 kms north of Ghanerao on a jeep-able track through the forest, Kumbhalgarh is the second most important citadel after Chittorgarh in the Mewar region. Standing sentinel over 13 mountain peaks of the Aravali Ranges, the fort was built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha. Because of its inaccessibility and rugged topography the fort had remained un-conquered. It also served the rulers of Mewar as a refuge in time of war. Kumbhalgarh can prouldy boast as being the birth place of legendry Maharana Pratap. Prithviraj one of the most romantic of princes died near the bastions of this fort defending his honour.
The fort is self-contained and thus had the capabilities to withstand a period of long seige. The fort fell only once to the combined armies of Mughal and of Amber forces that to after they had exhausted the reservoirs of drinking water. Within its environs are magnificent palaces an array of temples built by the Mauryas of which the most picturesque palace is the Badal Mahal or the palace of the clouds. The fort also offers a panaromic view of the surrounding are. The fort is surrounded by a thick wall that streches 36 kms unbroken in any part, and is wide enough to take eight horses abreast. Maharana Fateh Singh renovated the fort in the 9th century. The fort's large compound has very interesting ruins and the walk around it can be very rewarding.
Ranakpur Jain Temples
Located 15 kms are the 15th Century Jain temples built during the patronage and reign of Rana Kumbha made entirely of marble with exquisite carvings, they are among the five holy places of the Jains. The central Chaumukha (temple with four sides) are dedicated to Lord Adinathji. The temple is an astounding creation of architecture with 29 halls held by 1444 pillars all distinctly carved and no two being are the same. The general architecture of Ranakpur is enhanced is by the location akin to the Dilwara temples at Mt. Abu. Facing the main temples are the unique temples of Parshwanath - Neminath with erotic sculptures on the outside.
Another temple worth visiting is the nearby 'Surya Temple' dedicated to the 'Sun God' with carving of warriors, horses and solar(Nakshatras, Grahs') deities atop splendid 'chariots' the vehicle of the 'Sun God'- which accordingly to the Hindu Mythology is the God of prosperity.
Muchaala Mahavir
The 13th century temple is located in Ghanerao, the unique feature of the temple is the statue of Mahavir with moustaches.
The temple is cradled in the cluster of thirteen mountain peaks of the Aravali ranges in the Southern Rajasthan, is famous for its heritage and natural beauty. In Jain Mythology, it is considered one of the scared places of worship. Muchaala Mahavir Temple is located near the Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary. The temple is dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankar. The ancient 4 ft idol of Lord Mahavira, is of white marble and is seated in a lotus posture. At the entrance standing guard are two statues of elephants.
The story where the temples got its name Muchaala Mahavir- literaly Mahavira with moustaches, is quite interesting. It is believed that once, when the Maharana of Udaipur came here on a pilgrimage, while paying obesiance to the Lord and remarked that the Lord appeared to have a moustache. The devout priest merely nodded in assent and said that the Lord did assume many forms from time to time according to his own wish. The Maharana expressed his desire to see the Lord with his moustache, and was willing to wait for three days for that purpose. Pleased by the devotion of the priest, the Lord did not want his disciple to be let down and so appeared with a moustache, from that day the temple cme to be called as Muchaala Mahavir. Even today it is said, many miracles occur here.
