UDAIPUR - VENICE OF EAST
The
city of Dawn, Udaipur is lovely land around the azure water lakes, hemmed
in by the lush hills of the Aravals. A visionin white drenched in romance
and beauty, Udaipur is fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experiences
- an inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writres.
Udaipur- dream destination in the desert, whose sagas of great valour and
stories of high romance add colour and character to a history as proud and
unrelenting as it is long. The kingdom of Mewar was ruled by the Sisodia dynasty
for over 1200 years from Chittorgarh before Maharana Udai Singh II founded
Udaipur in 1568 following the final sacking of their hill fortress. In sharp
contrast to its spartan and martial persona are lakes, hills, temples, gardens
and fairy-tale palaces that make Udaipur the most romantic and enchanting
place in Rajasthan. The city of Lakes, Udaipur is a lovely blend of water,
lush green hills that set fire and passion in poet. Its palaces are straight
out of a fairy-tale book, lakes, forts, palaces, temples, gardens, mountains
and narrow lanes lines withdrawn with stalls, relives the reminisces of a
heroic past, valor and chivalry.
Places to visit
City Palace
The largest Palace complex of Rajasthan it is a completely white structure
standing majestically on a hill surrounded by crenellated walls on the bank
of Lake Pichola. it is a conglomeration of courtards, pavilions, terraces
corridors rooms and hanging gardens. The main entrance is through the triple
arched gate. The Tripolia with eight marble porticos. The maharanas were weighed
under the gate in gold, the the equivalent amount of which was distributed
among the populace. The suraj Gokhada, the balcony of the sun, is where the
suryavansi maharanas of mewar presented themselves to the people in time of
trouble to restore their confidence. The "Mor Chowk' known for its exquisite
peacock mosaics in glass and the Chini Chitrashala noted for its blue and
white ceramics and Dutch inlaid tile work, Manak Mahal for glass and porcelain
figures and Krishna Vilas for miniature painting.
Jagdish Temple
Built in 1651 AD by Maharana Jagat Singh, this indo-Aryan temple is the largest
and most beautiful temple of Udaipur located within easy walking distance
from the Palace gate. It is an impressive, beautifully proportioned structure,
covered with carved friezes and heavily decorated inside.
Saheliyon Ki Bari (Gardens of the maids of Honour)
This small ornamental garden was a popular relaxing spot where royal ladies
came for a stroll and hence the name. The garden has many fountains in its
four delightful pools, chiselled kiosks and marble elephant.
Pratap Momorial 
Atop the Moti Magri or Pearl hill, overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake is the
memorail of the Rajput hero Maharana Pratap with a bronze statue of the Maharana.
Bharatiya Kala Kendra
The intersting collection exhibited by this Indian folks arts museum includes
folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments,
folk deties and paintings.
Lake Palace
In the middle of Lake Pichola stands the exquisite fairy tale Lake Palace,
seemingly afloat on the tranquil waters that reflects the rugged hills that
surround it. Designed to beat the heat and dust of summer, the Lake Palace
or the Jag Niwas also known as Jagmahal was built by Maharajah Jagat Singh
II in 1754. The pretty white marble palace is now a luxury hotel that attracts
thousands of guests each year.
Pichola Lake
The picturesque lake that entranced Maharana Udai Singh. It was later enlarged
by the founder. The lake is surrounded by hills, Palaces, temples, bathing
ghats and embankments. Two islands Palaces Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas (Lake
Palace) on the lake are breathaking magnificence.
Jag Mandir Island
The lovely palace was built by Maharan Karan Singh as a hideout for Shah Jahan
( Prince Khurram), This palace inspiried him to built the lovely Taj Mahal.
It is located in the lake Pichola, it has lovely garden & has exquisite
carving which worth to see. You can visit the palace (Entry fee - Rs. 175/-)
& have dinner there. Its better to book the dinner in advance
Fateh Sagar 
A beautiful Lake, overlooked by number of hills on the three sides and the
Pratap Memorail on the north was built by Maharana Fateh Singh. In the midde
of the lake is Nehru park - a lovely garden island with a baot shaped cafe
accessible by an enjoyable boat ride.
Bagore-Ki Haveli
It was built in 18th century, It a museum having 100 rooms, houses rajasthani
costumes, modern art, paintings and have few bullock carts & every evening
you can enjoy the folk dance organised by West Zone Cultural Center
Shilpgram
Located in the heart of Aravallis, just 15 mins away from the city, the ethnic
village is devoted to Rajasthani craft & it means craftsmen's village.
It covers an area of 70 acres & has museum, art gallery, traditional Rajasthani
huts & shops, It as a huge outdoor auditorium called "Mukta Kashi".
Every year in the last week of December West Zone cultural center organises
a huge 10 day cultural festival called Chirmi, where artist & craftsmen
from all across India displays their artwork. Its really a must visit attraction.
Sajjan
Garh
Dominating the city's skyline is the monsoon palace of Sajjan Garh. its offers
panoramic overview of the city's Lakes, Palaces and the surrounding coutryside.
Gulab Bagh
A spectacular rose garden laid out by Maharana Sajjan Singh. A libaray
in the garden has a rare collection of ancient handwritten manuscripts and
books.
Excursions
Eklingji (22 km) - Built in 734 A.D. is the beautifully sculpted temple
complex with 108 temples within its high walls. The temples are dedicated
to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of Mewar rulers. The walled complex encloses
and elaborately pillared hall or ‘mandap’ under a large pyramidal
roof and has four-faced image of Lord Shiva in black marble.
Nagda (23 km)- The ancient site dating back to the 6th century A.D.
is renowned for the Sas-Bahu temples (9t - 10th century A.D.) with interesting
architecture and carvings. The splendid Jain temples of Adbudji are also worth
a visit. Haldighati (40 km): A historical site, witness to the great battle
fought between Maharana Pratap and Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1576 A.D. The Chhatri
of Maharana’s horse-Chetak is noteworthy.
Nathdwara (48 km)- The most reverred 17th century shrine, dedicated
Shrinathji or Lord Krishna,attracts thousands of Pilgrims from all over the
country,especially during Diwali, Holi and Janmashtami when their number exceeds
a lak. Foreign tourists are not permitted inside and photographs is prohibited.
Kankroli (65 km)- An important vaishnava temple popularly called Dwarikadish.
It is the most important temple of the Vallabhacharya sect,built to resemble
the famous Nathdwara shrine.
Rajsamand Lake (66 km)- Close to Kankroli is the dam built by Maharana
Raj Singh in 1660 A.D. Many
ornamental
arches and chhatris adorn the embankment.
Kumbhalgarh Fort ( 84 km)- The second principal fortress in Rajasthan
after Chittaurgarh, it is perched atop the Aravallis.Built in the 15th century
by Maharana Kumbha, it extends over 12 km and enclose many temples,palaces
and gardens.The fort renovated in the 19th century. The Badal Mahal or Cloud
Palace offers a spectacular bird’s eye view of the surrounding countryside.
Closeby is the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary with a rich variety of wildlife.
The Fort is accessible only by jeep from Kelwara through the seven gates.
Jagat ( 58 km)- The splendid and well preserved 10th century temple
of Ambika Mata is known for its intricate carvings in the outer walls. Popularly
known as the Khajuraho of Rajasthan.
Jaisamand Lake (48 km)- A stunningly situated artificial lake, built in
the 17th century A.D. by Maharana Jai Singh is the second largest in Asia.
Graceful marble chhatris flank the embankment and beautiful summer palaces
of the Udaipur queens are built on either side of the lake. Jaisamand Island
Resort is also worth visiting. A trip to Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary allows
a close encounter with the rich wildlife in their natural habitat. The fauna
includes panther,wild boar,deer,four honed antelope, mongoose and various
species of migratory birds.
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