Haldighati - A Magical Yellow Canvas

Haldighati is a magical place, appearing like a canvas painted in dark yellow color. The full wind blowing on the field narrates the bravery and valor of Maharana Pratap of Mewar dynasty.

It brings to life the ferocious fight fought on this narrow strip of mountains in the Aravali range which lasted for 4 hours leading to mass-scale death of the heroic soldiers of the time. The blood could be found all over the place, making it turned red instead of yellow in this case. It also narrates the unexplainable companionship of Maharana Pratap and his horse, Chetak.

Chetak was the loyal companion of Pratap, took his last breath just a few kilometres away, only after leaving Pratap at a safe place after it jumped the river. Chetak suffer serious injury on its leg but still it ensured that its master was take to safe place running at lightning speed on three legs. Sadly, Maharana Pratap lost the battle to Raja Man Singh of Amber, one of the most trusted army generals of Mughals during the times.

Haldighati is the pride of the Rajsamand district of Udaipur. The stellar role of Haldighati and its indifferent aura reminds us of the sacrifices made by the gallant warriors to protect the honor of the Rajputana kingdom. The place also sends chills down the spine as it speaks of the merciless killings and selfless acts of soldiers made to protect India from the clutches of brutal foreign forces.

Situated in the Aravalli range, the historic site of Haldighati is 40 km away from the central Udaipur city. Haldighati derived its name from the term ‘Haldi’ means turmeric in English, used as a spice in Indian delicacies and ‘Ghati’ means valley which together makes the name Haldighati. The soil found in this region of Udaipur is yellow in color.

There is a cenotaph called chhatri in Hindi built on the place where the horse of Maharana Pratap, Chetak breathed his last. This cenotaph is located at a close distance of 4 Km from the Haldighati in pure white marble to pay respect and admire the contribution of the fastest horse in Indian history.

You can find Balicha village located close to the region known for its unique knowledge of arts and crafts via terracotta. There is a stunning garden in the name of Badshahi Bagh. The presence of ‘Chaitri-Gulab, original and authentic rose water, and ‘Gulkand’ (jam made from rose petals) is unique to this garden. The rose water is of great medicinal importance.

In the proximity, you can find the Maharana Pratap National Memorial, built in the year 1997 under the commission of Government of India. The memorial showcases an extraordinary statue of Maharana Pratap riding his horse made of bronze metal. You can also locate a museum in the name of Maharana Pratap.