Udaipur

Location South west of Jaipur Rajasthan
Climate of Udaipur Summer- 45° C to 23° C, Winter- 32° C to 3° C
Best time to visit October To March
Language spoken Hindi, Rajasthani, mewari and English
Attractions City Palace, Havelli’s, Forts and Pichola Lake
Religions Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism and Christianity

Udaipur: the Lake City

Udaipur, the city imposes intense romance and passion through stunningly delightful surroundings. Udaipur is called the City of lakes where we see these five man made lakes, Aravalli mountain ranges enclose the royal places, beautiful lakes, gardens, and temples making it a getaway place where the radiant, gallant past of Mewari Rulers is evident.

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. The forts, palaces, temples, gardens, mountains and narrow lanes lines withdrawn with stalls, reminds the reminisces of a heroic past, valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichola is excitement that defies imagination. Udaipur is the citadel of Mewar – a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years.

Udaipur has won various complimentary designations: a “cool desert garden in the dry heart of Rajasthan”, “Venice of the East”,, “and City of Dreams“, and “the most exceptionally sentimental city in India.” At the same time during the rule of Maharana Fateh Singh, one author lauded its ideals as the beautiful present day capital of the Sisodias of Mewar. Present day Udaipur still oozes that quality of sentiment with its urban meander of streets, rounds (roundabouts), wandering laneways, exuberant bazaars, and a beautiful display of old whitewashed abodes.

Places to visit

City Palace
City Palace towers over the Pichola Lake. Maharana Uday Singh launched in the project of the Palace in 1559 but succeeding Maharanas added some Palaces and structures to the present day uniformity of today’s configuration till the 18^th century. The passage to the Royal residence is from the Haathi Pol, the Elephant Gate.

The Bara Pol or the Big Gate carries you to the Tripolia, the Triple Gate. It was a tradition at one time when the Maharana could weigh under this door in gold and silver, which was distributed to the masses. Galleries, vaults and towers surround the palace to give a glorious view of the lake.

Suraj Gokhada or the gallery of the sun is where the Maharana conducted gatherings principally to support the assurance of the individuals in challenging times. The Mor Chawk is the peacock square and increases its name from the vivid blue mosaic in glass of a peacock that enhances its dividers.

The primary part of the palace is now protected as a historical center showing a large and artifacts. Down steps from the entrance is the armory museum displaying a beautiful huge collection of protective gear, weapons including the deadly swords. The City palace museum center is then entered in through the Ganesh Deori meaning the door of Lord Ganesh.

Jag Mandir Palace
This is the another beautiful island in the Pichola Lake, which was developed by Maharana Karan Singh II and completed by Jagat Singh in the 17^th century as a den for Prince Khurram the repelled offspring of Head Jehangir the relentless enemy of the Maharana. The main reason behind the support was that the ruler was the offspring of a Rajput mother. It is additionally declared that Shah Jahan [prince Khurram] derived some of the thoughts for the Taj Mahal from this palace when he stayed there in the year 1623-24. The island has some striking cutting incorporating life-sized Elephants made in marble that looks as if they are guarding the island.

Maharana Jagat Singh who made various augmentations to it later renovated the spot. Within the palace was the temple dedicated to the Lord Jagdish and hence the name is inferred from that. There is a storehouse specifying the history of the island moreover and the neat and clean courtyard.

Jagdish Temple – Built in 1651 A.D. by Maharana Jagat Singh, this Indo-Aryan temple is the largest and the most beautiful temple of Udaipur with noteworthy sculpted images.

Lake Palace
Lake Palace, Udaipur is one of the most wonderful places on this earth for tourist. The Palace situated between the grand Pichola Lake offers a beautiful view to the onlooker. The imposing Aravalli Mountains are held on one side and royal lake palace on another side; make the amazing background to this marvelous Lake Palace. Raised in white marble, Lake Palace was built by Maharana Jai Singh II in 1746. The heavenly Royal Palace extends crosswise over a four-plot of land equal to 4840 square yards island making a dream like impression.

The exterior view of the Lake Palace is constructed beautifully. On the entrance of this palace, you could feel that you are in the seventh heaven to find everything just perfect.

The amazing architecture of the Lake Place sends shivers down your spine. Lake Palace has a succession of courtyard that are straightened with various sections, terraces, wonderful wellsprings and well laid enclosures. Bay Royal residence moreover includes numerous rooms by the name of Bada Mahal, Khush Mahal, Ajjan Niwas, Phool Mahal and Dhola Mahal that add to the delightfulness of nimble castle. These outlandish rooms are decked with cut arches, canvases, precious stone work, stained glass work, inland stones of pink and green lotus leaves.

Fateh Sagar Lake
To be found to the north of Lake Pichola, Maharana Jai Singh as a medium-sized perennial storage reservoir originally built the pretty Fateh Sagar Lake of Udaipur in 1678. Hills on three sides and Pratap Memorial on the fourth surround it and thus it presents captivating scenery. Since it had been destroyed due to heavy rains, Maharana Fateh Singh took it upon himself to bear the pains and expenditure of reconstructing the dam and it was in honor of his contributions to the place that the lake was named after him.

Pichola Lake
Pichola Lake, the awesome extend of water surrounding the several glorious structures the Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir, is the existence line of Udaipur city. Every last trace of the Palace in the city that are built have great reflection in this lake.

This lake was made in the 15th century and broadened later and a dam crosswise over was likewise made in that period. It was Maharana UDAI SINGH II fortified the Dam and extended the lake, as he was building his capital the shore of the beautiful lake.

The lake was surrounded by a significant number of flawless palaces, temples, mountains, ghats, soaking ghats and a significant number of gardens. No tourist can miss this peaceful city of lakes who visits Udaipur.

Other Lakes in Udaipur

Jaisamand Lake The lake is second largest lake of Asia. Located just 51 kms from Udaipur, the artificial lake was built by Maharana Jai Sigh. The lake has cenotaphs & temple on its bank. You can spot few rare migratory birds in the lake & Panthers, deers & antelopes in the wildlife sanctuary around the lake, Jeep safari is the best option for it. You can stay at the lovely Island Resort. Click here to know more about Jaisamand Island Resort

Places to visit

Rajsamand Lake :: Located 65 km away from Udaipur, the huge lake has a dam, lovely pavilions with wonderful artworks. Don’t miss the sunset.

Haldighati :: Located just 44km away from Udaipur, the land tells the story of the great battle between Maharana Pratap & Akbar. The battle was so mortal that the sand got red, by the blood.

Nathdwara Temple
Nathdwara Temple, Udaipur Trave Nathdwara lies 48 km from Udaipur and actually denotes the entryway to the Lord Shrinathji This stupendous Vaishnavite place of worship was assembled in the 17th century on spot precisely demarcated by the Master himself. The legends have it that the representation of the Master Krishna was once again being transferred to safer place from Vrindaban to secure it from the dangerous fierceness of the Mughal Sovereign Aurangzeb.

The festivals of “Janashthami” and “Holi” are celebrated with gaiety

The prevailing inclinations are the Arties and the Shringar. The formal petition to God offered with diya, incense sticks, blooms, foods grown from the ground offerings with neighborhood instruments and reverential melodies of the Master consistent with the interest of the time and event. The fine complicatedly woven shaneels & silk material with certified first zari and shredded work done upon them as well as tones of actual jewellers, which are of object from olden time quality, looks stunning.

Ekling ji Temple
Eklingji Temple is one of the most famous temples of Rajasthan. Located in the town of Eklingji (Kailashpuri), the place got its popular name from the temple. Eklingji Temple is positioned at a distance of 22 km in the north of Udaipur, on the national highway no. 8. Eklingnath Temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva of the Hindu religion. Initially, the temple was built in 734 A.D. by Bappa Rawal. Since that time, Eklingji has been the ruling deity of Mewar rulers. In the later years, it was repaired and modified by various Kings, to clean the remnants of obliteration made by the attacks of Mohammedans.

Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal
The interesting collection exhibited by this Indian folk arts museum includes folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings.

Bagore-Ki Haveli
It was built in 18th century, It a museum having 100 rooms, houses Rajasthan costumes, modern art, paintings and have few bullock carts every evening you can enjoy the folk dance organised by West Zone Cultural Center.

Moti mangri
Maharana Pratap Memorial – The beautiful hilltop garden is located on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake. It has a stunning bronze statue of Maharana Pratap with his reliable horse “Chetak”. It has beautiful gardens, fountain, few shops and has wonderful view of the lake & and the mountains.

Sahelion Ki Bari
The lovely garden was built in 18th century by Maharana Sangram Singh for the ladies of the court. It has four pools including one lotus pool, fountains, the huge trees with lush green lawns.

Sajjangarh
The Monsson Palace or Sajjangarh was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh. It is situated on the top of a hill along Sajjangarh Wild Sanctuary. The Palace is best to see the Arial view of the city & its Sunset.

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.

Shopping – Udaipur is best place for shopping, there are so many different types of shops which makes the shopping more wonderful. You can choose from the colorful Rajasthani sarees & outfits, silver jewellery, gem stones, Iittra or ascent, painting, handicraft products, Rajputana arms & swords.

Festivals

Mewar Festival or Gangaur Festival (March- April)
It is celebrated to welcome the starting of spring.

The ladies, together to decorate the statues of Isarji and Gangaur and then carry them in a ceremonial procession through different parts of the city and ends up at the Gangaur Ghat at Lake Pichhola. The festival ends up with traditional songs, folk dance, other shows & lastly a signature of an impressive fireworks display.

Shilpgram :: Chirmi Festival

How to reach Udaipur

Air: Regular flights are available to/from all major designations like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur. The nearest airport is the Dabok Airport i.e. 25 kms away.
Rail: The Ahmedabad Express Delhi. The Ashram Express Chittorgarh
Road: There are regular express & deluxe to all major destinations like Jaipur(8 Hours), Delhi(11 hours), Ajmer(6 hours), Jodhpur(5 hours).

Distance Chart of major cities

Udaipur – New Delhi 663 Kms
Udaipur – Mumbai 797 Kms
Udaipur – Jaipur 405 Kms
Udaipur – Chittorgarh 112 Kms
Udaipur – Jodhpur 266 Kms
Udaipur – Jaisalmer 574 Kms
Udaipur – Bikaner 507 Kms

Major Attractions:
(1)  City Palace
(2)  Jagdish Temple
(3)  Sahelion ki Bari (Gardens)
(4)  PratapMemorial
(5)  Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum
(6)  Fateh Sagar Lake
(7)  Pichhola Lake
(8)  Sajjangarh Fort
(9)  Ahar Cenotaphs
(10)  Gulab Bagh (Rose Garden)

Major Excursions:
(1)  Chittaurgarh Fort (120 Kms)
(2)  Eklingji Temples (22 Kms)
(3)  Nagda (temple ruins) (23 Kms)
(4)  Haldighati (battle site) (40 Kms)
(5)  Nathdwara Temple 48 Kms)
(6)  Kankroli Temple (65 Kms)
(7)  Rajsamand Lake (66 Kms)
(8)  Jagat Temple (58 Kms)
(9)  Jaisamand Lake (48 Kms)
10)  Gogunda (Historic site) (26 Kms)
(11) Chavand (Historic site) (83 Kms)
(12) Rikhabdeo (JainTemple) (58Kms)
(13) Kumbhalgarh Fort (84 Kms)

* kindly double check the exact travel distance & the train/flight timing with us in case of any last minute changes.