Udaipur Travel Guide
Built by Maharana Udai singh, Udaipur is popularly known as the City of lakes. Pichola Lake, Udai Sagar, Fateh Sagar and Badi Sagar in this city are considered some of the most beautiful lakes in the state. Udaipur was the capital of the Rajput kingdom of Mewar, ruled by Ranas of the Sisodia clan. It is one of the most romantic cities of Rajasthan . The city is famous for its arts, crafts and miniature paintings. Udaipur has countless small shops and many interesting local craft, particularly paintings in the Rajput - Mughal style. Udaipur is full of palaces, temples and Havelis ranging from the modest to the extravagant. Udaipur has a unique charm that distinguishes it from any other destination in Rajasthan. There are several other places to visit around Udaipur - Jaisamand Lake, the fort of Kumbhalgarh and the temples at Ranakpur, Eklingji, Nagda, Kankroli and Nathdwara. You Must Experience
Mewar Festival: Held in March-April, the charming Mewar festival is the ceremonial welcome to spring. It is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. Songs and dances are the major attractions of this festival.
Tourist Places Of Udaipur
The City Palace: The largest palace in Rajasthan, the city palace is standing on the bank of Lake Pichola. It is a beautiful work of marble and granite.
Jagdish Temple: The temple is a major monument of Udaipur. Built by Maharana Jagat Singh in early 18th century, it is the largest and most splendid temple of Udaipur.
The
Lake Palace: Maharana Jagat Singh II built the Lake Palace in 1754. Exquisitely crafted in pure white marble, the Lake palace is located in the middle of the lake Pichola. It is also called Jag Niwas. Once it was the summer residence of the rulers of Mewar. In 1959, Maharana Bhagwat Singh, the then owner of the palace renovated the palace and made it a tourist spot. The palace is converted in to a five star palace hotel. It is managed by the Taj group of hotels since 1971. Lake Palace houses 85 rooms including 13 beautiful suites and 53 deluxe rooms. This expansive building of Lake Palace covers an area of about 4 acres including beautiful trees and gardens. The Palace has various apartments like: the Bada Mahal, Kush Mahal, Sajjan Niwas, Phool Mahal and Dhola Mahal. There is a small island just behind the Lake Palace which is called the Arsi Vilas. It was built by one of the numerous Maharanas of Udaipur to enjoy the sunset on the lake. Lake Palace is 25 kms from Maharana Pratap airport and 3 kms from Udaipur railway station. Ahar: Ahar an Archaeological ruins was the ancient capital of Sisodias. It is a rare collection of antiquities. It is located about 2 kms from Udaipur.
Shilpgram: 3 km west to Fatehsagar, this rural art and craft village with traditional mud huts from Gujarat, Maharastra, Goa & Rajasthan is situated in the lap natural surrounding, and ready to present a cultural extravegenza.
Sheliyon ki Baari: (Garden of the Maids of Honour) A quaint beautiful garden with fountains in four pools embellished with delicately chisselled kiosks & marbel elephant is in the north of the city.
Udaipur Excursions
Kumbhalgarh Fort: Built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha, Kubhalgarh fort is located 64 kms north of Udaipur. The fort was renovated in the 19th century. Close by is the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary with a rich variety of wildlife.
Ranakpur: Known as the city of Temples, Ranakpur is famous for its Jain temples. The main 'Chaumukha Temple' is dedicated to the tirthankara Adinath. Two Jain temples dedicated to Neminath and Parsvanath.
Jaisamand lake: One of the largest artificial lakes of the world is situated 51 km south of the Udaipur. The foundation of the dam was led by Maharana Jai Singh 0f Mewar.
Haldighati: 40 Km from the main city, It is known for the memorable battle between Maharana Pratap & the great Mughal emperor Akbar. Chhatri of horse Chetak is also noteworthy.
Molela: 45 km,Famous for the production of terractta ware, figure of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, decorated tiles & animals are made here.