Home --»
Rajasthan Travel Guide --»
Udaipur Travel Guide
Udaipur Travel Guide
The
city of Udaipur is a lovely land around the Azure water lakes hemmed in
by the lush hills of the Aravails. A vision in white drenched in romance
and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights sounds and experience-an
inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writen.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy tale palace lakes temples gardens and narrow lanes
strew with stalls, carry the flavour of a heroic past. Epitomising for 1200
years. The foundation of the city has an interesting legand associated with
it. According to it, Maharana Udai Singh the founder was hunting one day when
he met a holy man meditaing on a hill overlooking the lake pichhola.
The hermit blessed the Maharana and advised him to build a palace at this favourable
located spot with a fertile valley watered by the stream, a lake, an agreeable
altitude and an the advise of the hermit and founded the city in 1959 A.D.
Overlooking the aquamarine xpanses of the lake Pichhola stands the splendid
city palace-a marvel in granite and marbel. Of the original eleven gates of
the Udaipur City, only five remain. The suraj pol or sun Gate on the eastern
side is the main entrance to the city.
Exquisite lake palaces of Udaipur shimmering like jewels on lake Pichhola are
overwhelming in splendour. Several palaces of interest around Udaipur, including
the majestic Chittaurgarh the mountain fortress of Kumbhalgarh, beautiful jain
temples of Ranakpur, Eklingli and Nathdwara and the cool retreat of Mr.Abu make
the visit to udaipur a memorable one.
Udaipur is known as the Venice of the east. It is also called the city of lakes.
The Lake Palace on Jag Niwas Island in the middle of Pichola Lakes is the finest
example of its architectural and cultural explosion.
The grand City Palace on the banks of the lake compliments the palace along
with the Monsoon Palace (Sajjan Garh) on the hill above. Udaipur is also the
centre for performing arts, craft and its famed miniature paintings.The Shilp
Gram festival is a center of attraction during the season.
Maharana Udai Singh II founded Udaipur in 1568 after his citadel Chittorgarh
was sacked by Mughal Emperor Akbar. The legends says that Udai Singh was guided
by a holy man meditating on the hill near Pichola Lake to establish his capital
on this very spot. Surrounded by Aravali Ranges, forests and lakes this place
was less vulnerable than Chittorgarh.
Maharana Udai Singh died in 1572 and was succeeded by Maharana Pratap who valiantly
defended Udaipur from subsequent Mughal attacks. Maharana Pratap is the most
revered Rajput icon and gallantly fought the Mughal at the Haldighati in 1576.
Mewar continuously defied foreign invaders and has a history of bloody battles
until the British intervention in the nineteenth when a treaty was signed
to protect Udaipur. Upon independence Udaipur merged in the union of India.
Forts & Palaces in Udaipur
City
Palace
City Palace towers over the Pichola Lake. Maharana Uday Singh initiated
in the construction of the palace but succeeding Maharanas added several
palaces and structures to the complex retained a surprising uniformity to
the design. The entry to the Palace is from the Hati Pol, the Elephant gate.
The Bari Pol or the Big gate brings you to the Tripolia, the Triple gate.
It was once a custom that the Maharana would weigh under this gate in gold
and silver, which was distributed to the populace. It is also now the main
ticket office.
Fateh Prakash Palace
It's like being cocooned in authentic royal luxury at the Fateh Prakash
Palace, the grand heritage palace of the HRH group. The warmth of royal
hospitality greets you as you walk along the corridors lined with large
paintings of the Mewar school that flourished in the seventeenth through
nineteenth century.
The Lake Palace
The Lake Palace is located on the Jag Niwas Island and covers the whole
of 1.5 hectare of the island in the middle of the Pichola Lake. Built by
Maharana Jagat Singh in 1743 it was meant as a royal summer palace and now
converted in to a five star palace hotel. It is a magical palace and its
image in the middle of the lake is like a leaf straight out of a fairy tale
book with an excellent taste of intricate craftsmanship and the ethnic themes
using the textiles and handicrafts all over highlight the beauty that is
simply beyond compare the lake around makes a pleasant murmur with its rippling
waves and lapping that adds to the mesmerising moments.
Monuments & Havelis in Udaipur
Bagore-Ki Haveli
This is a very congenial old building built right on the waterfront of Lake
Pichola at Gangori Ghat. Amir Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar built
it in the eighteenth century. The palace has over hundred rooms and some
very interesting display of costumes and modern art. The glass and mirror
in the interiors of the Haveli delicate work and well preserved too.
Maharana
Pratap Memorial
An impressive bronze statue of Maharana Pratap and his favorite and loyal
horse, who was fiercely protective about his master and stood by him till
his last breath, stands at the top of Moti Magri (Pearl Mount) overlooking
Fateh Sagar. Local people climb the hill to pay homage to Rana Pratap and
his faithful charger 'Chetak', who was killed in the battle of Haldighati.
There are the ruins of one of the first Udaipur's forts and there is also
a charming Japanese rock garden not faraway.
Museums in Udaipur
City Palace Museum
The main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum displaying a large
and diverse array of artefacts. Down steps from the entrance is the armoury
museum exhibiting a huge collection of protective gear, weapons including
the lethal two-pronged sword. The City Palace museum is then entered through
the Ganesh Deori meaning the door of Lord Ganesh.
Shilpgram Museum
Literally meaning a "Craftsmen's Village" is a living ethnographic
museum depicting the enormous diversities in craft, art & culture between
various Indian states, but the exquisite terracotta work mainly in dark
red and dark brown sand material along with the wooden carvings are the
forte of this ethnic village . Shilpgram comprises 26 huts set in 70 acres
of natural surroundings at the foot of the Aravali Hills.A colourful craft
festival during winter seasons to the whole set up induces viatanity and
zeal.
Ahar Museum
Located about 2 kms east of Udaipur is an impressive cluster of cenotaphs
of the Maharanas of Mewar. There are about nineteen cenotaphs of Maharanas
cremated there. The most striking cenotaph is that Maharana Amar Singh,
who reigned from 1597 to 1620. Nearby is also Ahar Museum, where on display
is limited but very rare earthen pottery.
Vintage Collection of Classic Car Museum
The collection within the grounds of the Garden Hotel comprises a variety
of classic and interestingly rare transportation vehicles; some stately
and vintage like Cadalec, Chevalate, Morais etc., while the others are sleek
and fast
Lakes in Udaipur
Lake
Pichola
Pichola Lake derives its name from Pichola Village was submerged and Maharana
Udai Singh enlarged the lake after he founded the city. He built a masonry
dam known as Badipol and lake is now 4 km long and 3 km wide. This picturesque
lake encloses the Jag Niwas Island and the Jag Mandir. And, the City Palace
extends along its eastern banks.
Fateh Sagar Lake
This delightful lake, bordered by hills and woodland was constructed by
Maharana jai Singh to the north of Lake Pichola. It is an artificial lake
dug up in 1678, reconstructed by Maharana Fateh Singh A canal links the
two, via Swaroop Sagar and Rang Sagar Lakes. The beautiful Nehru Island
as well as an islet bearing a solar observatory rises from the lake.
Jaisamand Lake (51kms)
Maharana Jai Sigh had built this picturesque artificial lake. It the second
largest lake in Asia. The lake has elegant step leading to the water and
marble Chhatri (cenotaphs) on its bank and a small Shiv temple marks the
grace of the lake. On either side are the palaces built for the king favourite
queens. The local tribe for Bhils still inhabit the island.
Rajsamand Lake
On the way to Kumbhalgarh lies their royal lake with a magnificent dam created
in the 17th century offers a spectacular views of the sunset adorned by
beautiful Torans [arches] and Chhatris And number of attractive pavilions.
Stunning sculpture and Sanskrit verses are vividly inscribed in store a
small counterpart of Nathdwara.
Parks in Udaipur
Sahelion Ki Bari
Maharana Sangram singh builds this in the mid 18th century. The 'garden
of the maidens' brings to mind the lifestyle of the ladies of the court.
The delightful gardens appear discreet and in impeccable taste. There are
four pools with dainty kiosks, and all around are flowerbeds, lawns, pools
and fountains protected by a series of walls and shady trees. The foundation
of the Sahelion ki bari functions solely by water pressure and no pumps
are used.The garden has a lotus pool, a sitting room decorated with paintings
and glass mosaics.
Maharana Pratap Memorial
An impressive bronze statue of Maharana Pratap and his favorite and loyal
horse, who was fiercely protective about his master and stood by him till
his last breath, stands at the top of Moti Magri (Pearl Mount) overlooking
Fateh Sagar. Local people climb the hill to pay homage to Rana Pratap and
his faithful charger 'Chetak', who was killed in the battle of Haldighati.
There are the ruins of one of the first Udaipur's forts and there is also
a charming Japanese rock garden not faraway.
Temples in Udaipur
Jag Mandir
This is the other island palace in Lake Pichola, which was constructed by
Maharana Karan Singh as a hideout for Prince Khurram the estranged son of
Emperor Jehangir the implacable foe of the Maharana. The reason for the
aid was that the prince was the son of a Rajput mother. It is also said
that Shah Jahan [prince Khurram] derived some of these ideas for the Taj
Mahal from this palace when he stayed there in 1623-24. The island has some
striking carving including a row of elephants that looks as though they
are guarding the island. The exquisitely carved chhatri in grey and blue
stone is another example.
Jagdish Mandir
Built by Maharana Jagat Singh I in 1651 the temple enshrines a black stone
image of Lard Vishnu. There is a brass image of Garuda the Lord bird carrier.
The exterior and the plinth are covered with base relief of alligators;
elephants, horsemen and celestial musicians rise in tiers.
Eklingji
A RELIGIOUS COMPLEX Northern region of Mewar (22 Kms) It houses 108 temples
chiselled out of sandstone and marble,
this temple of Eklingji was built in 734 AD. Enclosed by high walls, it
is devoted to Eklingji (A form of Shiv Deity adored under the epithet of
EKLINGA).
Nathdwara
Nathdwara lies 48 kms from Udaipur and literally means the gateway to the
Lord. This great Vaishnavite shrine was built in the 17th century on spot
exactly defined by the Lord himself. The legends have it that the image
of the Lord Krishna was being transferred to safer place from Vrindaban
to protect it from the destructive wrath of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
Udaipur Excursions
Kumbhalgarh
Fort
Located 64 kms north of Udaipur in the wilderness, Kumbhalgarh is the second
most important citadel after Chittorgarh in the Mewar region. Cradled in
the Aravali Ranges the fort was built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha.
Because of its inaccessibility and hostile topography the fort had remained
un-conquered. It also served the rulers of Mewar as a refuge in times of
strife.
Chittourgarh Fort
Chittorgarh is the epitome of Rajput pride, romance and spirit. It reverberates
with history of heroism and sacrifice, which is evident as it echoes with
the tales sung by the Bards of Rajasthan. The main reason for visiting Chittorgarh
is its massive hilltop fort, which is a depiction of Rajput culture and
values. The fort stands on a 240-hectares site on an 180m high hill that
rises rapidly from the plains below.
Haldighati
The extensive terra firma, towards the south west of Nathdwara, this historical
site witnessed the great legendry battle fought between Maharana Pratap
and the Mughal Emperor -Akbar in 1576 AD.
Ranakpur
Beautiful sculptured Jain temples mark the glory of this renowned place.
Marked as one of the five holy places for the Jain community, these were
created in the 15 the century. During the reign of Rana Kumbha and are enclosed
within a wall. The central Chaumukha [four faced temple] is dedicated to
Adinathji the temple is an astounding creation with 29 halls and 1,444 pillars
all distinctly carved and no two being alike is a amazing evidence of the
genius sense of architecture that enhances the charm of the place.
Sajjangarh
High on a hilltop just outside Udaipur lies this dramatic 18th century palace,
with a breathtaking view of the Mewar countryside Originally intended to
be a towering five-story astronomical centre, it was later abandoned and
used as a monsoon palace and hunting lodge.
Ghanerao
Is a small town famous for its castle now converted into a hotel. The castle's
highlight in the pavilion in the central court, where the musicians would
perform. Also near the castle are the cenotaphs of former rulers. Mahavir
Temple, a Jain Temple is also one of the highlights of the town.
Udaipur Fairs & Festivals
Shilpgram Fair
Literally meaning a "Craftsmen's Village" is a living ethnographic
museum depicting the enormous diversities in craft, art & culture between
various Indian states, but the exquisite terracotta work mainly in dark
red and dark brown sand material along with the wooden carvings are the
forte of this ethnic village .
Mewar Festival
The Mewar Festival is celebrated to welcome the advent of spring. It coincides
with the festival of Gangaur in Udaipur, and has a unique charm about it.
The women folk gather to dress the images of Isar and Gangaur and then carry
them in a ceremonial procession through different parts of the city.
Wildlife in Udaipur
Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary
Is located in the most rugged of the Aravali in Pali, Rajsamand and Udaipur
districts of Rajasthan. It takes name after the impressive historic fort
of Kumbhalgarh, which come into view over the Park.
It is 578 sq Kms in area and at an altitude of 500 to 1,300m. It is home
to a very large variety of wild life, some of which are highly endangered
species.
The wild life includes wolf, leopards, sloth bear, hyena, jackal, jungle
cat, smabhar, nilgai, chaisingh (the four horned antelope), chinkara and
hare.
The bird life at Kumbhalgarh is also gratifying. The normally shy and untrusted
grey jungle fowl can be spotted here. Peacocks and Doves can be sighted
regularly feeding on grains scattered by the jungle guards. Bird like the
red spur owls, Parakeets, golden Oriole, grey Pigeons, Bulbul, Dove and
white breasted kingfisher can also be seen near the water holes.
Kumbhalgarh’s natural beauty is attracting many tourists and especially
for its accessibility from Udaipur, which is 100 Kms from here. Foot tracking
and horse safari organised by local tour operators are proving to be very
popular. A typical safari route enters the sanctuary from the Kumbhalgarh
Fort and cutting across the sanctuary it reaches Ghanerao, and then borders
an old abandoned road. On this road, one can sight Chinkaras, Neelgais,
four horned Antelope and many birds.
How to reach :
Air :
Debock Airport is 24 km from the city centre, Dairy Indian Airliness flights
connect Udaipur with Jodhpur Jaipur aurangbad, Mumbai and Delhi.
Rail :
Udaipur is directly linked by rail with major cities some important train
connection are : 9643 Express (Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Jaipur-Ajmer-Chittaurgarh-Udaipur.)
Road :
A wide network of bus service link Udaipur with several destinations. Some
of the important distance are Agra 630km, Ahmedabad 262 km Jaipur 406 km
.Jodhpur 275km and Mount Abu 185km.
Local Transport :
Unmetered taxis, auto-rickshaws, tongas, city bus, regular city bus service
is available for dabok airport, badi Lake, Bedala and shaeliyon ki Bari.
Banks/ Money Changers
State Bank of India, Hospital road
State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur, Chetak circle
Punjab National Bank, town hall road
Bank of Rajsthan, Bapu Bazar
Bank of India, Town hall road
Canara Bank, Hospital Road
Union Bank of India, Town hall road
Andhra Bank, Shakti Nagar
Udaipur Travel Guide, Reservation Form
Copyright©
Rajasthan
Tourism India. All Rights Reserved
