Rajsamand Lake
One of the popular excursions around Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan is the Rajsamand Lake, situated on the way to the city. A splendid dam was built on the lake in the 17th century. On the banks of the lake are stunning torans (arches), chhatris (cenotaphs) and a number of gorgeous pavilions. The embankment below houses a Rest House of the Irrigation Department, adorned with a magnificently laid out garden. Stunning sculptures and Sanskrit verses vividly inscribed in store are the other attractions of the lake.
Ranakpur Jain Temples
Ranakpur is one of the five pilgrimage places of the Jain community. Rana Kumbha laid down the foundation of Ranakpur in the 15th century. The main temple of Ranakpur is the Chaumukha (four faced) Temple, dedicated to Adinathji, the first Jain Thirthankar. The temple has 29 halls and 1,444, all of them carved distinctly. There are two other temples also, devoted to Parasvanath and Neminath, facing the main temple. These temples have exquisite carvings, quite similar to that of Khajuraho. Nearby is the Sun Temple, dating back to the 6th century. It is adorned with polygonal walls, ornamented with carvings of warriors, horses and solar deities driving fabulous chariots.
Ghanerao Royal Castle
Ghanerao is a small town near Kumbhalgarh. The main attraction of this place is the magnificent Ghanerao Royal Castle, which has now been converted into a hotel. Nearby the castle are the royal cenotaphs and a Jain temple dedicated to Lord Mahavir.
Navachoki Mamadeva Temple
Constructed by Maharana KUMBHA (1433-1468); situated in a gorge below the fort. It houses an image of Kuber (the Hindu god of wealth) and contains several black marble slabs, the earliest of which dates back to 1491. They are inscribed with the history of Mewar, the fourth slab of which has been published. There are also two chhatris (pavilions), commemorating Maharana Kumbha, and his grandson, PRITHVI RAJ who, though the Crown Prince, was exiled from Mewar because of a fight with his brother, Sanga, and became a celebrated adventurer.