Udaipur, the city of the Suryavansi Rajputs, hidden amongst the hills that encompass the great Pichola Lake -- has been called the 'Venice of the East'. Indeed with it's enchanting palaces surrounded by mirror-like lakes, undulating hills and colourful bazaars, Udaipur looks as though it has been lifted straight from the pages of an Arabian Night's fairy tale book. The hills, the lakes and the altitude give Udaipur an extremely agreeable climate. Probably no other city in Rajasthan is quite as romantic as Udaipur. A visit to Udaipur is a must for travellers who want to experience the unique and vibrant history of Rajasthan
Udaipur, the capital of Mewar, was founded by Maharana Udai Singh after the fall and final sacking of Chittorgarh by the Mughal forces of Emperor Akbar in 1568. Legend has it that Udai Singh found the site of his new city some years before the final assault on Chittor and had formed an artificial lake named Udai Sagar in honour of himself. He later came upon a pond said to have been constructed by a banjara (gypsy) who raised a dyke across a mountain stream, damming up its waters. Udai Singh extended this pond and raised the height of the dam, creating the most beautiful of man-made lakes, named Pichola after the neighbouring village of Picholi. With the blessings of a holy sage of the region, he built his palace upon an overlooking ridge, on the banks of this lake.
How to get There:
Air: Indian Airlines connects Udaipur with Jodhpur, Jaipur, Aurangabad, Mumbai and Delhi.
Rail: Udaipur is directly linked by rail with Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer, Chittaurgarh, Jodhpur and Ahmedabad.
Road: Udaipur is well connected by road with Agra (630 km), Ahmedabad (262 km), Ajmer (264 km), Jaipur (406 km)
Prime Attractions:
City Palace
This spectacular place stands white and majestic set on a hill. It is surrounded by walls for battlements at the entrance is a triple arched gate, called the Tripolia which was built in 1725. Another monuments which has its own charm is the Suraj Gokhada (the balcony of the sun) Here the Maharanas of Meware came before the people during troubled times to restore confidence in them. The blue and white ceramics of Chini Chitrashala are extremely fascinating.
Jagdish Temple
The prominently situated temple dedicated to Lord vishnu and Lord Jagannath was built by Maharaja Jagat Singh I in 1651 A.D. This splendid temple serves as a remarkable landmark.
Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum
This Indian Folk arts museum houses fantastic collection of folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls musical instruments and painting.
Saheliyon-ki-Bari
This garden which means 'Garden of Maidens' is a symbol of the fascinating lifestyle of the royal ladies, who once strolled through these gardens. Housing a number of fountains in the four pools, ornated with delicately carved kiosks and elephants, this garden offers a mesmerizing view.
Fateh Sagar
With hill on three sides and the Pratap Memorial on the north. This lake enthralls the visitors by the boat rides to Nehru Park an island garden. This lake was built by Maharana Fateh Singh.
Pichhola Lake
The lake is surrounded by hill palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. This legendary lake had enchanted Maharana Udai Singh.
Ahar
This place which now remains in ruins, displays fantastic pieces of architecture. The remains hold the royal cenotaphs of the Maharanas of Mewar. A small government museum displays a collection of antiques as well as earthern pots and some iron objects.
Sajjan Garh
This palace marks its prominence in the skyline from most part of the city. It is a monsoon palace which displays a beautiful view of the lakes, palaces and countryside.
Gulab Bagh
This garden affords some fantastic panoramic beauty and also houses a library with a rich collection of old handwritten scripts and books |
 
