Menal – A Symphony of Architecture with Nature
Sindhu Murthy
Going offbeat in the tourist circuit of Rajasthan is sure to expose you to some of the amazing locations and monuments which have remained grossly unnoticed amongst the much-hyped palaces and forts of the royal state. On digging deeper into the abundant information available online, one can find places of rendezvous with nature, architecture, rivers, and waterfalls in Rajasthan. While Bundi was one such destination which we visited in Rajasthan, going a little bit further on national highway 27 connecting Bundi and Chittorgarh, we discovered another hidden gem named Menal.
Menal with its magnificent water falls, deep gorges, dense forest, and ancient temples is a testimony to a beautiful symphony of architecture with nature.
Menal which derives its name from Maha nala ( meaning deep gorge) is a complex of temples which were built by the king Someshvar Chahamana and his queen Suhavadevi of the Shakambhari dynasty during 11th Century . On entering the main gate, there is a huge lush green garden which is beautifully maintained. The main entrance to the temple complex area from the garden has 2 floors with many pillars and spires.
The temple complex consists of many shrines which are divided into two groups by a gorge and a huge waterfall. The main temple in the complex is dedicated to lord Shiva( also called Mahanaleshwara) and is built in Bhumija style of architecture. The projectile balconies of the inner sanctum and the pyramidal array of the temple spire with beautiful carvings make this temple an architectural splendor. The exterior walls of the temple are embellished with stone carvings of guardian deities, animals, and many gods. The carvings of lord Shiva and Parvathi in different postures on the walls have earned the name mini Khajuraho to the temples.
The main temple is surrounded by many smaller shrines which are mostly in ruins now. A high raised platform with three pillars located close to the main temple stands majestically against the blue sky as if inviting the photographic souls to capture them through the lense.
While the main temple and its surrounding shrines from one part of the Menal temple complex, the other part of the complex is located across the stream. Since the main temple area is enclosed by walls on all sides with only two stone gateways, it is very much possible that the visitors will return from Menal without checking the other part of the complex. Make sure to check for the doorway behind the smaller shrines which will lead the visitors out of the main temple complex to a breathtaking view of a huge waterfall plunging into a gorge which is over 120 meters deep. The gushing stream, waterfall, dense woods and the sandstone temples in the background make for a picture perfect view.
When we visited Menal during mid-October, the water flow in the stream had subsided and hence we could cross it to reach the temples on the other side. However, it might be risky to do so during heavy rains because of increase in water flow. The second part of the temple complex also houses a Shiva temple with beautiful carvings , most of which are still intact. Just behind the Shiva temple is the Rutirani Palace which used to be the place of summer respite for the famous ruler Prithviraj Chouhan during the 12th Century.
Menal with its magnificent waterfalls, deep gorges, dense forest, and ancient temples is a testimony to a beautiful symphony of architecture with nature. Make sure you add this location to your itinerary for a road trip across Rajasthan.
How to reach:
Minal is located slightly detour from NH 27 connecting Bundi and Chittorgarh.
Nearest Railway Stations: Bundi, Kota or Chittorgarh.
Nearest Airport: Udaipur or Jaipur.
Driving distance from major tourist attractions:
Jaipur: 270 km
Bundi: 106 km
Kota: 87 km
Chittorgarh: 60 km
Udaipur: 157 km
Tips:
- The best time to visit Menal is post-monsoons when the streams are full with water and the surroundings look green.
- Menal is a photographers paradise. Don’t forget to carry a good camera along with you during your visit.
- Beware of monkeys in the garden outside the temple complex.
- Wear comfortable clothes and footwear as there is a lot of walking involved.
- Walking up to the ridge of the waterfall might offer a spectacular view of the deep gorge beneath. But, it is good to stay away from such adventures because there are no barricades installed near the waterfall for safety.
- It takes around 1 hr to see the temple complexes. It might take even more if you wish to play in the stream. So, plan your itinerary accordingly.
Have you visited any offbeat destinations in Rajasthan? Which one is your favorite? We would love to hear your stories.
What an amazing pleasure it would be to visit this. what I loved the most is the greenery and the waterfall you talked about.
Thank you Mohit 🙂
What a great find! 🙂 It is on my list for our next trip to India!
Thanks Marta 🙂 We are happy that we explored this jewel at the right season
Wonderful article loved the way of expressing by words…
Thanks for your appreciation Amit 🙂
I visited this off the track temple. And I was so happy I did!
Very impressive temple with some beautiful work.
Thank you Indrani 🙂
Beautiful postcards of eye catching architecture and heart stealing nature…. This presentation of Rajasthan made me to notice that the natures cycle is gaining back the rains, greens, rivers….. that have lost in ancient times here may be due to many reasons. the deserts may be replaced by lush green forests and the rivers like SARASWATHI may regain life.
The man made structures of architectural glory in Rajasthan adds gems to its crown of glory.
Thank you Meena 🙂
Nothing can beat nature in beauty…. man only can reach n enjoy a bit of it…..
the effort to reach the nature always ends with an amazing pleasure n the captures make the effort memorable… sharing the moments will be a pride.
The architectural glory added feathers to the beauty…. Very nice captures with aewesome presentation
Thank You Mr.Murthy 🙂 We hope you loved reading the article.
I have read about this exact temple from another blogger’s post and I remember being astounded by it. I was just reading it, what more if I already see it in person. It’s amazing that historical structures like this are preserved to this day.
What I didn’t see from the other post is the falls, my god it looks beautiful! Never seen anything like it. I am definitely including Menal in my bucketlist. It is too impressive to miss.
Thank you Marge 🙂 As we have mentioned, lot of people return after seeing the main temple complex not knowing about the vistas beyond the walls
This is a lovely and refreshingly different perspective of Rajasthan. The temples are really magnificent. Set in such natural landscapes, the place is indeed a charming place.
Thank you Vyjay 🙂
I actually read about this place the other day! It looks beautiful and a very interesting place. Would love to visit this one day! Would be a great adventure 😀
Thank You Johna 🙂 We are sure you would love it when you visit.
I love the off the beaten track destinations from Rajasthan. Those temples from Menal look absolutely stunning, I love all the detailed architecture. I am actually flying back to India in 2 days, but unfortunately I won’t have time this time to return to Rajasthan.
Thank You Joanna 🙂 Hope you will be able to plan your visit to Rajasthan on your next trip to India
Menal looks completely different from other places in Rajasthan or atleast the ones we have visited. Adding this place to our list for our next trip to Rajasthan! Beautiful captures Sindhu..
Thank you ToTS 🙂
What an amazing pleasure it would be to visit this. I was in India already but your post animates me to go again soon to see this. Thanks.
Offbeat places really has this secret charm that will try to make you feel you’re in another world. A paradise indeed for photographers!
Amazing post….Thank you for sharing…..I really enjoyed your article while reading
Wow, just wow! My dad is going to love this.
He keeps speaking about Bhimlat and Menal. Now I know why.
This is a beautiful and refreshingly alternate point of view of Rajasthan. The sanctuaries are truly great. Set in such characteristic scenes, the place is to be sure a beguiling spot.
Oh wow!!! Never heard of it. We will visit Rajasthan this December. Is it possible to cover Menal and Chittorgarh fort in a day enroute to Udaipur from Bundi?
Yes. It is very much possible to cover both on the way. Make sure you start early. YOu will have to spend 2-3 hrs in Chittorgarh and 1 hr in Menal. Plan your day accordingly.
Great article…i vl add this plce in my udaipur itinerary which I hve planned fr nxt month wit my friends…. Thanx a lot fr sharing… Keep up the gud work.. Cheers