Location: North India in Rajasthan
Founded by: Maharana Udai Singh, 1567 AD
Famous As: City Of Lakes.
Places of Interest: Lake Palace, City Palace
Temperature: In Summer: 38.3 C (Max) - 28.8 C (Min). In winter:
28.3 C (Max) - 8 C (Min)
Rainy Season from July to Mid Sept, and very humid (upto 90%)
Distance: New Delhi (670 km), Jodhpur (260 km), Jaipur (420 km)
Ideal Time to Visit: October- April
Language: Hindi, English and Mewari
An Over all View Of Udaipur
Udaipur is rightly named, as a 'Jewel of Mewar' is perched on the bank of
Pichola Lake. The most romantic city of India can take the tourist into
paroxysm of heaven. The center of allurement oscillates around the shining
blue waters and the royal white marble palaces constructed with unique
artistic acumen. This exquisitely carved lake palaces of Udaipur twinkling
like jewels on Lake Pichhola certainly captivates the tourist and overwhelm
them with their charisma.
Historic Perspective
Crowned on the rugged, hard terrain of Arravali Ranges, Udaipur City was
the regimen by Sisodia Dynasty for about 1200 years. This beautiful city was
founded by Maharaja Udai Singh in the year 1567 AD and can be approached
through the Suraj Pol or the Sun Gate the main entrance to the city.
The Mewar regime is the longest and oldest ruling dynasties of Rajasthan in
the whole world. Indubitably the most quixotic city in Rajasthan depicts the
indiscrete line of Mewar rulers dating back to 568 AD. Udaipur lies 320km
southwest of Jaipur is inevitably christened as the 'Venice of the East'.
The 2 island palaces, Jagniwas and Jagmandir, crown the lake, Jagniwas is
now transformed into the luxurious Lake Palace Hotel. The imperial City
Palace towers over the lake and is embellished by balconies, minarets and
arched gateways.
Undoubtedly, Udaipur a destination of fantasy in the desert, whose epic of
enormous valor and stories of great romance still echoes in annex color and
in its great history.
Charms Of Udaipur
City Palace
City Palace is erected over the Pichola Lake and was initially constructed
by Maharana Uday Singh. Later on the subsequent Maharanas kept on adding
several palaces and structures to the main Palace complex maintaining an
amazing steadiness to the design. The entrance of the Palace is the Hati
Pol, the Elephant gate. The Bari Pol or the big gate brings you to the
Tri-polia, the Triple gate. It was once a vogue that the kings would weigh
in gold and silver under this gate. The main part of the palace is now
preserved as a museum.
The
Palace includes the MorChowk with its beautiful mosaics of peacocks, the
Manak or Ruby Mahal with its glass and mirror work, Krishna Vilas with a
remarkable collection of miniatures. Other attractions are Bari Mahal, Moti
Mahal ,Chini Mahal and Zenana Mahal.
Lake Palace
Located 26 km from airport, the beautiful Lake Palace is an architectural
splendor. Constructed by Maharana Udai Singh in 1568, the palace is now
transmuted in to a hotel, once the royal residence of the erstwhile rulers
of Mewar. It is a most favorite site of both Indian and Foreign tourists.
Enchanting Lakes
Lakes Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar recreate Udaipur as an oasis in
the desert. The city evolves most of its splendor from these charming lakes.
Amidst Lake Pichola are the 2 marvelous island palaces Jag Niwas and Jag
Mandir, girdled by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats.
Pratap Memorial
Crowned on the top of Modi Magri is the bronze statue of the chivalrous
hero, Maharana Pratap riding on the horseback. The memorial also treasures
Sajjan Garh, Gulab Bagh, Dudh Talai Park, and the Sunset point, worth a
visit sight.
Sahelion-ki-bari
This peewee embellishing garden was a favorite reclining sight where royal
ladies use to luxuriates in the green lawns and blue waters. Amidst the
extensive lawns are the numerous enchanting fountains with elephant trunks
for spout in center of 4 ambrosial pools, carved garden houses. These
gardens appear special and exquisite in zest.
Ahar
3km from Udaipur, Ahar the age-old capital of Sisodia dynasty enjoys royal
memorial of the rulers of Mewar. Other attraction is the small Government
Museum that includes a scarce store of antiqueness- terra-cotta pots, iron
objects and other artifacts.
Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal
The museum is also a base for the preservation and promotion of rich
culture and heritage in form of royal dresses, ornaments, dolls, masks,
musical instruments and painting.
Timings: Regular puppet and cultural shows are held daily. 6pm-7pm.
Jagdish
Temple
Built in 1651AD by Maharana Jagat Singh, Jagdish Temples are the marvelous
shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The architecture of the temples are in
Indo-Aryan style are the most exquisite specimen of Udaipur with unique
chiseled sculptures.
Excursions
Kumbhal Fort: Perched on the Aravalis ranges, this 15th century
structure is the second most important fort in Rajasthan after the
Chittaurgarh Fort. Nearby the fort is the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
Nathdwara: 48 km away, the temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna or
Nathji. Thousands of pilgrims visit this shrine during the festivals.
Foreigners are not allowed in the temple and photography is prohibited.
Haldighati: 40 km, The place has tremendous historical
significance. It was here the renowned battle of Haldighati took place in
1576 AD between the armies of Maharana Pratap and Mughal Emperor Akbar. A
'chhatri' with delicate white marble columns is dedicated to Maharana
Pratap, the unconquerable hero and his faithful war-horse Chetak.
Ranakpur: 90km from Udaipur gorgeous carved Jain temples lie in a
calm valley of the Aravali ranges. The main 'Chaumukha Temple' is dedicated
to the Tirthankara Adinath and has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, all
precisely sculptured. Other attractions are 2 Jain Temples and a Sun Temple
at Ranakpur.
Other important excursions are Jaisamand Lake- 50km, Kankroli- 64 km and
Eklingli- 21km.
Festivity in Udaipur
The Mewar Festival - (11-12th April) is celebrated to mark the
arrival of spring. It is linked with the festival of Gangaur in Udaipur and
has a unique charm of its own. The festival of Gangaur is very significant
for women of Rajasthan.
On the occasion the images of Isar and Gangaur are dressed and taken out in
form of procession to words the Gangaur Ghat at Lake Pichhola. During the
festivity the Rajasthani culture is depicted through folk songs, dances and
other cultural events. The festival is concluded with a moving fireworks
show.
The
Palace on Wheels: The royal journey on this fairy tale ride is just
fabulous. The train also covers magnificent Udaipur city, during its 8 days
package tour.
Shopping At Udaipur
Shopping can be an enjoyment at the Hathipole, Chetak circle, Clock tower,
Palace road and Bapu Bazaar. Many Handicraft emporiums run by Rajasthan
Government also are very popular. The shops of Udaipur have plenty of
appealing items to offer. The elegant traditional toys, brightly dyed
fabrics, hand-printed textiles, batiks, and tie and dye sarees (an Indian
traditional dress). The city is also famous for its skilled craftsmanship in
its metal work and delicate silver Jewelry.
Getting Around
Air: Dabok Airport is 21km. from Udaipur is the nearest airhead. It
is well connected with domestic flights to all the major cities of India.
Delhi, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Aurangabad and Mumbai.
Rail: It is well linked by means of rail transport. Trains from
Mumbai via Ahmedabad, Delhi Chittorgarh connects Udaipur. Royal luxurious
train the Palace on Wheel also covers this place.
Road: Deluxe and semi deluxe buses are operated by Rajasthan
Roadways from Jaipur, Delhi, Ahmedabad to Udaipur. The highways are very
well constructed and it takes around 8-9 hr. from Jaipur. Taxis can also be
hired from Jaipur and Ahmedabad.
Some of the important distances are: Udaipur to Ahmedabad- 262 km, Delhi
is- 670 km from Udaipur, Mumbai- 739km, Ahmedabad- 262 km, Jaipur- 407 km.
