UDAIPUR

Udaipur is a royal city that had been the capital of Mewar rulers for centuries. The romantic city of Udaipur has a legend behind its origin. Once, Maharana Udai Singh happened to meet a holy sage when he was on his hunting expedition in the Aravalli Hills. The Sage counseled the King to establish a kingdom in the fertile valley that would be well-protected by the elevated Aravalli Hills. Subsequently, Maharana Udai Singh laid the foundation stone of Udaipur in 1557 A.D. Maharana Udai Singh was a successor of the Sisodias, who claimed to be the descendants of the Sun God. The Sisodias are believed to be the oldest ruling family in the World. Amongst the warrior clans, Sisodias are recognized as the most powerful ones in Rajasthan.

Being a mountainous region and unsuitable for heavily armoured Mughal horses, Udaipur remained unmolested from Mughal influence in spite of much pressure. Maharana Fateh Singh of Udaipur was the only royalty who did not attend the Delhi Durbar for King George V in 1911. This fierce sense of independence earned them the highest gun salute in Rajasthan, 19 against the 17 each of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bundi, Bikaner, Kota and Karauli. Rosita Forbes, who passed this land of bravery during the decline of the British Raj, described it as "like no other place on earth."

Udaipur continued to be the capital of Mewar, till it became the princely state of British India in 1818. When India got independent in 1947, the Maharaja of Udaipur granted the place to the Government of India. At that time, Mewar was merged into the state of Rajasthan. In the present date, Udaipur enjoys a favorable position on the maps of Rajasthan. Udaipur is known for its picturesque surroundings and its royal past. Various ancient monuments, massive palaces, architectural temples and beautiful lakes fascinate people to visit the ancient land of the Royalty.

Commonly referred to as the ‘City of Lakes’ and ‘Venice of the East’ - The Pichola Lake, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar in this city are considered some of the most beautiful lakes in the state.

ATTRACTIONS

City Palace & Pratap Museum -

Built by Maharana Udai Singh and one of the main tourist attractions of the city, standing on the east bank of Lake Pichola is a massive series of palaces built at different times from 1559. The balconies of the palace provide panoramic views of "Jag Niwas" (the world wide famous Lake Palace), Jag Mandir on one side and on the other the city of Udaipur. Its main entrance is through the triple-arched gate - the Tripolia, built in 1725. The way now leads to a series of courtyards, overlapping parathions, terraces, corridors and gardens - a harmonic profusion hard to describe. There is a Suraj Gokhda, where the Maharanas of Mewar presented themselves in the times of trouble to the people to restore confidence. The Mor-chowk (Peacock courtyard), gets its name from the vivid mosaics in glass decorating its walls. The chini chitrashala is noteworthy while a series of wall paintings of Krishna are on display in Bhim Vilas. There are numerous other palaces such as Dilkhush mahal, Sheesh mahal, Moti mahal and Krishna vilas - in memory of a princess of striking beauty who poisoned herself to avert a bloody battle for her hand by rival princes. The former guesthouse of the city palace, Shiv Niwas and the Fateh Prakash Palace, has been converted into heritage hotels.

Located inside the complex of City Palace, the museum is also known as Pratap Museum. While entering the City Palace, a straight way approaches this museum of artifacts. The entrance gate of the City Museum is known as Ganesh Deori, which means "Door of Lord Ganesha". The museum has a remarkable collection of ancient sculptures, curios, antiques, paintings, decorative furniture, utensils and inscriptions of the bygone era and attracts thousands of visitors every day.

Lake Palace –

Originally known as the Jag Niwas, Lake Palace is one of the most romantic places on this earth. The Palace situated amidst the scenic Pichola Lake offers a heavenly view to the onlooker. The imposing Aravalli Hills on one side and soaring palaces on the other, make the perfect background to this beautiful Lake Palace. Raised in white marble, Lake Palace was constructed by Maharana Jai Singh II in 1746. The magnificent Palace stretches across a four-acre island creating a dream-like impression.

Lake Palace is now a luxury hotel owned by Taj Group of Hotels.

Jag Mandir Palace –

Jag Mandir Palace is a beautiful palace situated on the southern island of Lake Pichola. The three-storied Palace is a palatial structure made in yellow sandstone and marble with beautiful gardens adorned with roses, palm trees, jasmine flowers, frangipani trees and bougainvillea. Built in early years of 17th century, it is one of the main tourist attractions of Udaipur. Jag Mandir Palace was raised by Maharana Karan Singh to serve as a hiding place for Prince Khurram (popularly known as Shah Jahan) when the later was hiding from his father against a revolt.

On a trip to this magnificent palace, one can visit its museum where the history of this island and its Palace has been preserved. Above all, you would be mesmerized to see eight life-sized Elephants carved out of white marble, giving the impression of guarding this beautiful island Palace. In the present date, the Palace complex also comprises a Darikhana Restaurant that serves lip smacking cuisine of Rajasthan. Jag Mandir Palace is a nice place to visit and explore the halls, where once the royalty of Mewar used to reside.

Jagdish Temple-

A temple situated in the middle of the city - a big tourist attraction, the temple of Jagannath Rai, now called Jagdish-ji, is a major monument and should be seen carefully. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Laxmi Narayan), the preserver of the Universe. Raised on a tall terrace and completed in 1651, it is a tribute alike to the tenacity of its builders and the resilience of the art tradition it represents. To reach the main shrine, you have to take a marble flight of 32 steps. The main shrine houses the striking four-armed image of Lord Vishnu. This idol is carved out of a single piece of black stone. A single glimpse of the idol takes the person to the celestial world to find everything calm and serene. It attaches a double storeyed Mandapa (hall) to a double - storied, saandhara (that having a covered ambulatory) sanctum. The mandapa has another storey tucked within its pyramidal samavarna (bell - roof) while the hollow clustered spire over the sanctum contains two more, non - functional stories. Lanes taking off from many of the sheharpanah (city wall) converge on the Jagdish Temple and walking leisurely through them brings you face with the many layers of the cultural palimpsest that Udaipur is. It was built by Maharana Jagat Singh Ist in 1651 A.D. It is a good example of Indo - Aryan architecture.

Saheliyon-ki-Bari –

Saheliyon Ki Bari is one the most beautiful gardens and a major tourist destination in Udaipur. The garden is famous for its lush green lawns, marble art and fountains. English translation of Saheliyon Ki Bari means "Garden of maids". This renowned garden is located on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake, presenting a green retreat in the dry lands of Rajasthan. Garden of maids was built in the 18th century by Maharana Sangram Singh for the royal ladies. As per the legends, the garden was designed by the king himself and he presented this garden to his queen. Actually, the Queen was accompanied by 48 maids in her marriage. To offer all of them, pleasurable moments away from the political intrigues of the court, this garden was made. The garden is embellished with numerous fountains in its four water pools, chiseled kiosks and marble elephants. It is also celebrated for its lotus pool and bird-fountains. The lush green lawns, flowerbeds, and marble pavilions further enhance the romantic ambience of this magnificent garden.

The museum exhibiting the huge collection of royal households is another attraction of this garden. It has many ancient pictures and things of the bygone period. Sight of stuffed cobras and other animals will definitely add a tint of adventure. The crystalloid fountains, lotus pool, marbled elephants sprinkling water and many more attractions provide truly a picturesque sight to behold.

Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum –

Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum is one of the most famous museums of Udaipur, exhibiting the brilliant collection of folk articles of Rajasthan. This rare compilation varies from typical rural-dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings. There is a puppet theater where one can actually watch a puppet show that occurs at regular intervals. The museum portrays the remarkable collection of over past 44 years, gathered by the Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal. Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum of Udaipur definitely requires a visit to closely observe the artistic and culturally rich region of Rajasthan.

Shilpgram –

The crafts village, located north west of Udaipur, Shilpgram hosts crafts fair every year which is one of the biggest in India, people from different states in the country hold their stalls showcasing their art and crafts work.

Maharana Pratap Memorial (Photo Stop Only) –

Maharana Pratap Memorial is a historic site that is dedicated to the gallant Maharana Pratap. Situated at the top of Moti Margi or Pearl Hill, the memorial overlooks the Fateh Sagar Lake. The memorial comprises a life-sized bronze statue of Maharana Pratap balanced on his loyal and favorite horse, Chetak. From the comfortable height of the hill, you can click some of the best pictures of Udaipur city.

Pichola Lake & enjoy Boat Ride at sunset –

Pichola Lake is one of the most beautiful and picturesque lakes of Rajasthan. Located in the heart of the city, it is the oldest and one of the largest lakes of Udaipur. The lake looks more enchanting with its scenic surroundings. Pichola Lake is enveloped by lofty Palaces, temples, bathing ghats and elevated hills on all its sides. The City Palace of Udaipur broadens along the eastern banks of this lake. Built by Jagat Singh, Mohan Mandir is situated in the north-east corner of Lake Pichola.

The world-renowned Lake Palace is perfectly located on the Jag Island of this tranquil lake. Even the Jag Mandir, another destination of tourists, is located on an island of this lake. Above all, a trip to Pichola Lake would be incomplete with a boat ride. The pristine blue waters of the lake leave a soothing impact on the spectator. At the time sun-set, a boat ride in this lake is sufficient to enthrall anyone. The mesmerizing beauty of Lake Pichola makes it worth visiting during your visit to Udaipur.

Fateh Sagar Lake (Photo Stop Only) -

Fateh Sagar Lake is the second artificial lake of Udaipur, the first being Jaisamand lake. Located in the north of Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake lies just besides the entrance to Moti Magri Hill. This pear-shaped lake is encircled by hills, with the exception of its eastern side, where a straight stone dam is to be found. Fateh Sagar Lake is well-planned with three intake channels and an overflow channel that is usually brought into play in the rainy season. Fateh Sagar Lake is a nice place to explore and tourists certainly come to enjoy the tranquil beauty of this lake.

Eklingji & Nagda -

Eklingji Temple is one of the most famous temples of Rajasthan. Located in the town of Eklingji (Kailashpuri), the place got its popular name from the temple. Eklingji Temple is positioned at a distance of 22 km in the north of Udaipur. Eklingnath Temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva of the Hindu religion. The double-storied temple looks awesome with its pyramidal style of roof and distinctly carved tower. The temple boasts of a striking four-faced idol of Eklingji (Lord Shiva) that is made out of black marble. Its height ranges around 50 feet and its four faces depict four forms of Lord Shiva. This fascinating temple was built in 734 A.D, which consist of 108 temples chiseled out of sandstone and marbles.

Nearly 1 km before Eklingji, the Nagda town is located. This place is famous for its Sas-bahu and Adbudji temple. The Sas-Bahu Temple is widely known for its exquisite carvings on the stones. The temple carvings are related to the incidents of great Indian epic Ramayana.

Kumbhalgarh Fort -

Located at a distance of 64 kms from Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh is a Merwar fortress in the Rajsamand District of Rajasthan state in western India. The fort has perimeter walls that extend 36 kilometers in length, claimed to be the longest in the world after the Great Wall of China. Over 360 temples are within the fort, 300 ancient Jain and the rest Hindu. The vista from the palace top typically extends tens of kilometers into the Aravalli Range. Built during the course of the 15th century AD, and enlarged through the 1800s, it is now accessible to the general public as a museum.

The impregnable Fort boasts of seven massive gates, seven ramparts folded with one another with designed walls toughened by curved bastions and huge watch towers. The strong structure and solid foundation of the Fort made it unbeatable till date. The hefty walls of the fort are broad enough to stand eight horses side by side. The Fort is also known for its famous palace that resides on the top of structure. This beautiful palace is known as 'Badal Mahal' or the Palace of Cloud. It is also accredited to be the birth place of great warrior Maharana Pratap. This palace has beautiful rooms with lovely color combination of green, turquoise and white presenting a bright contrast to the earthy colors of the Fort. This place gives the appearance of being wandering in the world of clouds. Cloud Palace also offers a fantastic panoramic vista of the down town.