Udaipur -- the City of Lakes and Venice of East!!
Udaipur casts its spell and everyone gets mesmerized by it! It wouldn’t
be incorrect if we label Udaipur as one of the most romantic places in
India. Proffering a perfect mélange of culture, history and traditions,
the gorgeous city makes for the perfect honeymoon destination, cultural
centre and face of Rajasthan. I believe what gives Udaipur its pretty
face is the brilliant architecture and the Mewars should be given the
credit for it. These wise rulers literally created an oasis amid the
desert, thanks to their love for leisure and passion for creation. There
is so much that one can see in Udaipur and most of these attractions
have been built and created by the Maharanas.
Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar - a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia
dynasty for 1200 years. The foundation of the city has an interesting
legend associated with it. According to it, Maharana Udai Singh, the
founder, was hunting one day when he met a holy man meditating on a hill
overlooking the Lake Pichhola.
The hermit blessed the Maharana and advised him to build a palace
at this favourably located spot with a fertile valley watered by the
stream, a lake, an agreeable altitude and an amphitheater of low
mountains. Maharana followed the advise of the hermit and founded the
city in 1559 A.D.
It was in Udaipur that legendary Maharana Pratap was born. Rana
Pratap who fought against Emperor Akbar in 1576 is remembered throughout
India for his bravery on the battlefield. The rulers of Udaipur never
gave any of their women in marriage to the Mughals unlike some of the
other royal houses of Rajputana
Tourist Spots In Udaipur
1. City Palace
Photo : City Palace , Udaipur
The true reflection of the grandeur of Rajasthan, City Palace is amongst the top places to visit in Udaipur. It is conglomeration of several buildings and towers and is better recognized as a Palace Complex. Belonging to the royal Mewar family, City Palace has a number of features that greatly attract tourist. Needless to say that the architecture is exquisite; there are a few structures that leave the visitor awestruck. The crystal gallery, the vintage car museum, Daawat-i-Aam, Daawat-i-Khas, Maharani Palace and the view of the city and Lake Pichola are the major attractions of City Palace. Visitors also like to stay up late for the Mewar Light and Sound Show that is organized every evening here. City Palace is the identity of the city, and it indeed adds to the exoticism of Udaipur.
2. Lake Pichhola
3.LakePalace
Photo: Lake Palace
Marvelously built on Lake Pichola, Lake Palace is one of the most
visited places in Udaipur. Situated on Jagniwas Island it is now run by
the Taj group and is popularly known as Taj Lake Palace. With the
Aravalli Hills in the background, Lake Palace makes one of the most
romantic places in Rajasthan. Even if one cannot afford to stay here,
one should definitely consider taking a heritage walk of this hotel.
Built by Maharaja Jagat Singh II, the palace is an exemplary of
exquisite architecture that comprises gilt moldings, fretwork screens
and sculpted marbles. At Lake Palace, romance gets redefined! It is a most sought honeymoon spots and a scene of many Movies in different Languages.
4.Jag Mandir
Photo: Jag Mandir
A 17th century structure that stands gloriously amidst Lake
Pichola on the Jagmandir Island, Jag Mandir is an excellent place to
visit on Udaipur tour. Jagmandir is an impressive set of structures with
the central building being called Jagmandir, which can be recognized by
the marble-made elephants positioned outside. It is a three-storied
structure and includes sections like Gul Mahal, an elegant façade, a
Garden Courtyard and the Darikhana on its northern side, the Bara
Patharon ka Mahal (palace of the 12 stones), the Zenana Mahal – a
southern extension to the Gul Mahal and the Kunwar Pada ka Mahal. During
the boat ride on Lake Pichola, a lot of tourists make sure that they
visit this beautiful place. Another important facts regarding Jag Mandir is that Prince Khurram( Shahjan---maker of Tajmahal) Stayed in exile here on this island and with the influence of it He later constructed Taj mahal for His Begum Mumtaj. The Maharans given assylum to him because he was the son of Rajput Lady.
5.Jagdish Temple
Photo : Jagdish Mandir
It is an Indo-Aryan Temple built by Maharana Jagat Singh. The temple is located near the Badi Pol entrance of the City Palace and one can easily find a way up to it through the elephant-flanked steps. The deity of Lord Vishnu in black stone (in the form of Jagganath) presides over this temple. There is also a brass image of Vishnu’s vehicle Garuda facing the statue of Lord Vishnu in the main shrine. There are many small shrines other than the main temple and are dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the Sun God, Goddess Shakti and Lord Shiva. A large number of devotees throng the temple, especially to watch the Aarti that takes place at every sunrise and sunset.Lord Jagdish was the main Diety of the Maharanas ,The grandeur of the temple is amazing , few of sculpture get damaged during the course of time. The temple is easily access from the main Palace.
6.Lake Fatehsagar
Photo: Evening View of Fatehsagar Lake
The charm of Udaipur is incomplete without Fateh Sagar Lake, which is situated in the north of Lake Pichola and is connected to it through a canal. It is also one of the major tourist attractions in Udaipur. Taking a boat ride on Lake Fatehsagar is indeed a must-do activity in the city if you are looking for some fun in the city. There are three islands in the lake out of which Nehru Park is the most famous. It is also an ideal place for family outing as it has a zoo. Also in lake there is famous solar observatory.7.Saheliyon Ki Bari
The Garden of the Maidens’ as it literally means, Saheliyon ki Bari was constructed by Maharana Bhopal Singh. Situated in the northern part of the city, this exquisite place was built for the maids who accompanied the Princess to Udaipur (reckoned to be part of the dowry). Saheliyon kI Bari was one of those places where the maids could make merry, sing, dance and indulge in recreational activities. The garden is festooned with well-maintained fountains, kiosks, marble elephants and a delightful lotus pool. It is one delightful place that is a must visit in Udaipur!
8.Bagore Ki Haveli
It is one of the most attractive places to see in Udaipur. Bagore ki
Haveli is situated on the Ganguar Ghat (on Lake Pichola) and thus offers
a splendid view of the lake. Known for its architectural splendor, the
Haveli is a massive structure that now offers a peek inside the royal
life of the Maharajas and the Maharanis. This grand structure has 100
rooms and each room has fine decoration with mirror work. One can also
take a look at the jewellery boxes, dice-games, hukkas, pan boxes, nut
crackers, hand fans, rose water sprinklers, copper vessels, paintings of
Mewar, and beautiful peacocks, which surely are reminiscent of one
glorious era. The evening dance and music show is also quite popular
amongst the tourists here.9.Monsoon Palace/Sajjangarh Palace
Located at a distance of about 9kms from the Old City of Udaipur,
Monsoon Palace was once the favoured destination of the royal family
during the monsoon season. The palace is perched upon a hill and from a
distance looks like one of those castles from a fairy-tale. The palace
is now famed for the sunset view. One can also visit the nearby
Sajjangarh Wildlife sanctuary if you want to add to the fun of visiting
the Monsoon Palace.
Sajjangarh,
also known as Monsoon Palace located at a peak Bansdara Mountain as high
as about 944 m above the sea level, is a gigantic palace overlooking
the famous Pichola Lake. The palace’s construction was started in 1883
by Maharana Sajjan Singh, the palace was used as summer retreat for
Mewar Kings and also as a Monsoon Palace, to watch the progress of
Monsoon clouds.
The palace is located at a scenic spot, views of Aravalli mountains and Pitchola lake from the Palace is really enchanting. This palace continues as a popular tourist’s destination due to its historical importance and marvelous architecture.
The palace is located at a scenic spot, views of Aravalli mountains and Pitchola lake from the Palace is really enchanting. This palace continues as a popular tourist’s destination due to its historical importance and marvelous architecture.
10.Shilpgram
If you are someone who likes to learn about culture, Shilpgram in
Udaipur is the right place for you! This Craftsmen’s Village is situated
at a distance of 3kms from the main city. Shilpgram is a wonderful
place to see the different traditions and culture of India as this
government-owned complex showcases the rural life of Rajasthan,
Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa. Other than buying the traditionally made
items here, one can also enjoy horse and camel rides along with
traditional dance and music.The Shilpgram is having annual affair in the month of December. Though you can visit any time but during that time you can see the crafts of whole India with colorful cultural program from across the country.
11.Moti Magri
It is a hilltop that has the famous Maharana Pratap Memorial. The hill
overlooks Lake Fatehsagar and also has one of the earliest palaces in
Mewar called Moti Mahal, where once Maharana Udai Singh lived. The
delightful Japanese Rock Garden and the Pratp Smarak are the highlight
of Moti Magri. The height of the hill allows tourists to click some of
the best pictures of the city. A light and sound show is also organized
in the evening here showcasing the thousand years of rule of Mewar.
12.Ahar Museum, Mahasatya
The ancient capital of Sisodias, 3 km from Udaipur, Ahar boasts of a
profusion of royal cenotaphs of the rulers of Mewar. A rare collection
of antiquities including earthen pots, iron objects and other art items
excavated in the region are displayed in a small govenment museum.
13.Sukhadia Circle
Sukhadia Circle, Also Called The Heart
Of Pachwati, Is An Splendid Turn Around Panchwati, Located In The North
Of The Udaipur City. This Square, Is A Small Pond, With Ample Of White
Beauty. Admist Of This Pond Lies A 21 Ft High Three-Tiered Fountain.
This Fountain Made Up Of Marble Is Surmounted By A Wheat-Ear Motif,
Which Is A Well Known Landmark Of Prosperity. Usually Provides A Superb
View at Night When It Is Enlightened up by the Elucidation of Bright
Lights, Creating A Sense Of Ecstasy In Everyone’s Mind. It Is Also
Surrounded By Many Pleasant Gardens. This Sense Of Wet Greenary Creates A
Feeling Of Peacefulness Among The People And Generate Attraction In The
Mind Of Every Lovers.
These Squares Draws The Attention Of Everyone But Especially
Children. People Are Usually Fond Of Water And Therefore Their Burning
Desire Of Boating Is Fulfilled Here. Children Make Funs In The Lawns
And Float Toy Boats In The Pond. There Are Some Duck Shaped Paddle Boats
And Many Other Varieties Of Quality Boats For Children’s Amusement.
This Centrepiece Is Again Attracted By The Food Stalls Which Surrounds
It. The Delicious Pav Bhaji, Chola Bhaturaas, Chaumeen’s And Burgers
Again Bounds Everyone To Visit This Place And Have The Fourishing
Experience Of It. Families And Friends Come Together, Especially At
Night, Playing Music ,Having Dozens Of Food, Cold Drinks And Tea Stalls
Do A Thriving Trade. It Has Become A Popular Recreational Centre And
Meeting Place For All Everyone To Visit .
Its Foundation Was Laid In 1968 And Was Opened In 1970.Sukhadia
Circle Commemorates The Memory Of Udaipur Mohan Lal Sukhadia, One-Time
Chief Minister Of Rajasthan And A Native Of Udaipur.
Fiends this is list of important places in Udaipur City, Thre are few others few like Neemuch Mata Mandir, Dhoodh Talai , Gulab Bagh Zoo etc.
The places are little scattered, if you have your own transportation , like Bike or Cycle you can Enjoy more. Even Cycling to Sujjan Garh will be great Adventure. Entry into Sujjan Garh Palace is controlled by Forest Departament.Therefore Tourists have to take pass before going up to the Palace.
Fiends this is list of important places in Udaipur City, Thre are few others few like Neemuch Mata Mandir, Dhoodh Talai , Gulab Bagh Zoo etc.
The places are little scattered, if you have your own transportation , like Bike or Cycle you can Enjoy more. Even Cycling to Sujjan Garh will be great Adventure. Entry into Sujjan Garh Palace is controlled by Forest Departament.Therefore Tourists have to take pass before going up to the Palace.