Udaipur is situated around the shimmering clear blue
water lakes, which whisper the mood of a bygone era.
The city was founded in 1567 AD by Maharana Udai Singh
on the advice of a sage. Udaipur was last of the
numerous Mewar capitals. It was in Udaipur that
legendary Maharana Pratap was born. He was obsessed with
Chittaur and the past glories of the Sisodia clan
possessed his mind. Maharana Pratap left Udaipur to win
back Chittaur from the Mughals. But he failed in his
attempts and Udaipur remained the capital of Mewar till
India got her independence.The memory of the failure of
noble Pratap gives Udaipur its pervading mood of
nostalgic wistfulness.
The city acquires its scenic beauty from the Aravallis.
Three lakes- Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar make it
an oasis in the desert.
ATTRACTIONS
Udaipur is known as the ' City of Lakes'. The two
most scenic and famous lakes of the city are Lake Pichola and Lake Fateh Sagar.
Lake Pichola is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples,
bathing ghats and has two island palaces- Jag Niwas and
Jag Mandir. Lake Fateh sagar lies to north of Pichola
and was built by Maharana Jai Singh but it got the name
of Fateh Singh who rebuilt its dam. Both the lakes are
breathtakingly beautiful and one can take a cruise on
their waters. The sunset over these lakes is a sight to
be cherished.
PALACES

City Palace: This majestic white royal building towers
itself on a hill and is surrounded by crenellated walls.
The palace stands along the shores of Pichola.
Lake Palace: This former summer residence of the royal
family
has now been converted into a fabulous hotel.
GARDENS
Sahelion-Ki-Bari: On the shores of Fateh Sagar Lake was
built a garden for the 48 young girls waiting to be sent
to the royal house as part of dowry. This garden is laid
with extensive lawns, fountains and shady walking lanes.
There are four pools with dainty kiosks and fountains
with elephant trunks for spouts. These gardens appear
discrete and impeccable in taste.
MUSEUMS

Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal: This is a museum of folk
arts, which has rich collection of folk dresses,
ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical
instruments and paintings. World famous puppeteers put
shows here, on request in advance.
Pratap Memorial: Erected atop Modi Magri is this
equestrian bronze statue of the valiant hero, Maharana
Pratap. Sajjan Garh, Gulab Bagh, Dudh Talai Park, the
Sunset point are also the places to be seen.
TEMPLES

Jagdish Temple: Dedicated to Vishnu, this temple was
built in 1651 AD by Maharana Jagat Singh.
EXCURSIONS
TEMPLES
Eklingji: 22 kms from the city is a temple
complex of 108 temples enclosed by high walls. Built in
1734 AD, the temples are dedicated to the royal deity
Ekling ji. The complex has been chiselled out of
sandstone and marble. It has an ornate 'mandap' or
pillared hall, the canopy of a huge pyramidical roof
composed of hundreds of knots.
Nathdwara: This temple is one the most celebrated
Vaishnava shrines of Lord Krishna or Nathji. Thousands
of pilgrims visit this shrine during the festivals.
Foreigners are not allowed in the temple and photography
is prohibited. It is located 48 kms from Udaipur.
Kankroli: Known as Dwarkadhish, this temple is an
important Vaishn ava temple and ranks very high among the
temples of the Vallabhacharya. 65 kms from the city.
Ranakpur: (98 Kms) Famous for the beautiful Jain
temples.
Jagat (58 Kms): The tenth century Ambika Mata
Temple is well preserved in all its splendour.
Rishabhdeoji (65 Kms): Popularly known as Kesariyaji
because of the large saffron offerings, this temple is
dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara Rishabhdeoji.
CITIES
Nagda: This ancient place in Mewar is famous for
their intricate carvings of the graceful 'apsaras'. 23
kms from the city.
Haldighati: This place, 40 kms from Udaipur, has
immense historical importance. It was at Haldighati in
1576 AD that armies of Maharana Pratap and Mughal
Emperor Akbar clashed. A 'chhatri' with delicate white
marble columns is dedicated to the indomitable hero and
his loyal charger.
FORTS
Kumbhal Garh Fort: Kumbhalgarh Fort was built by
Maharana Kumbha in the 15th century. Perched on the
Aravallis, this is the second most important fort in
Rajasthan after the Chittaurgarh Fort. Nearby is the
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
LAKES
Jaisamand lake: 48 kms from the city, this artificial
lake was built in 17th century by Maharana Jai Singh.
The marble 'Chhatris' along the embankment add grace to
this second largest lake in Asia. On either sides of the
lake were built the palaces for the favourite queens of
the King. People of the Bhil tribe still inhabit the
islands in Jaisamand lake.
Rajsamand lake (66 Kms): This is dam built by
Maharana Rai Singh in 1660.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The City of Lakes is well connected by air
services. The Dabok Airport is 21 kms from the city
centre.
Rail: Railway has trains from all over the country to
destination Udaipur. The Palace On Wheels covers this
magnificent city during its eight day package tour.
Road: There are bus services from tourist places in
Rajasthan , Gujarat and Delhi.
PLACES TO STAY
The Lake Palace Hotel is considered to be among the best
hotels around the world. The Rajasthan Tourism
Development Corporation provides various categories of
rooms and dormitory at the Kajri Hotel. Apart from the
hotels, there are Tourist guest houses and municipal
guest houses. There are dharamshalas and the railway
offers its retiring rooms at nominal rates. Paying guest
accommodations are also available. |