The 'city of lakes'is perhaps the most romantic and beautiful cities of India.
In contrast to Its desert neighbourhood it stands out with an enchanting
image of white marble palaces, placid blue lakes, gardens and temples
surrounded by hills and mountains. It was founded by Maharaja Udai Singh in
1559 AD on the shores of lake Pichola. The most striking landmarks of the
city are City palace and Lake palace. It developed scientifically, the old
city was surrounded by fortified bastions with entry through 11 gates. Ruins
of these fortifications are still there, and the more recent palaces can be
visited. In fact, a number of the former royal homes are now excellent
hotels, allowing you a glimpse into Rajasthan's princely life with all its
attendant splendors.Udaipur is known for its fairytale palaces that nestle along the banks of a lake, or completely cover islands in its midst.The Sisodia rulers of Chittaurgarh who ruled here obviously had more leisure to exercise their taste than at Chittaur where much of their time was spent at war. It situated on the edge of three lakes, its narrow streets lined with shops and craftsmen's ateliers encourage hours of window- shipping for tourists. Udaipur stands out for its heritage, crafts and performing arts and its school of miniature painting is noteworthy.
CITY SIGHTS
The
City Palace: It was built in 1725 and the largest palace complex of
Rajasthan, 304 meters in height and 244 meters in length was started by Udai
Singh and subsequently built upon by later rulers. The main parts of the
palace is now preserved as the City palace Museum with a large and varied
collection of artifacts. Enter the City palace Museums through the Ganesh
Deari. It is the largest palace complex of Rajasthan , 304 meters in height
and 244 meters in lengthOpen from 0930- 1630hrs.
Saheliyon Ki Bari: The garden of the maids-of-honor. Beautiful lawns, gardens and fountains can be founded here
Timings-0900hrs-1800hrs
Jagdish Temple: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple was built in 1651 A. D by Maharana Jagat Singh 1.
Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal: Amuseum of folk art. Puppeteers regularly put up shows here.
Timings 0900hrs-1800hrs
Pratap Memorial: The monument is a homage to Rana Pratap and his faithful steed. There is also a Japanese rock garden in the vicinity
Timings-0900-1800hrs
Fatehsagar: Built by Maharana Jai Singh. Officers the visitor a cruise on its waters or a row across to the island-garden, Nehru-Park.
Lake Pichola: The lake, which derives its name from the village Pichali, is a beautiful lake surrounded by hills, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. Situated amidst are two island palaces- the Jag Niwas the joiner summer residence of the princes of Mewar, has been converted into a splendid hotel. The Jag Mandir, built of red sandstone with a marble done, served as refugee for Prince Khurram (Shah Jehan).
Shilp Gram: Barely 3 km from Udaipur this rural art and crafts village set amdist natural surroundings consists of 26 huts built by crafts person drawn from all parts of the west zone-Goa, Gugrat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, though there is year -round activity, the Directorate of Tourism and SIDBI organize a delightful shopping situated on the outskirts of Udaipur, the Shilp Gram is a crafts and performing arts center and houses various craftsmen from different states who display live their crafts and products for the benefits of the visitors. The village also serves as an excellent venue for tourists hunting for mementos, as the products are reasonably priced.
EXCURSIONS
Eklingi Temple: 22km away from Udaipur The beautiful sculpted temple complex
dedicated to Lord Shiva was built in 734 A.D The walled complex enclose 108
temples Jaisamand: 50km away from Udaipur It is the second largest artificial lake in Asia, and was built by Maharana Jai Singh in the 17th century A.D . The lake is about 9 miles long and 6 miles wide covering an approx. area of 21 sq. miles. Graceful marble chhatris flank the embankment and beautiful summer palaces are built on either side of the lake.
Nathdwara: 48km away from Udaipur. It is one of the most important Hindu pilgrim center. The sacred 17th century shrines houses a black marble statue of Shri Nathji or Lord Krishna. The statue is more than 600 years old and was brought in 1669 from Mathura to protect it from the destructive hands of Mughals. Thousands of pilgrims visit the shrines especially during the festivals of Diwali, Holi and Janmashtmi.
Ranakpur: 96 km away form Udaipur & 2 hours drive. Beautifully sculpted Jain temples, built in the 15th century, ar the highlights of this place. There are 1,444 pillars in the temples and none of them are similarly carved.
Entry for non-jains 1200-1700 hrs.
FESTIVALS OF UDAIPUR
Mewar
Festival (July- August): Held to coincide with Gangaur in Udaipur, the
whole city turns out to mark the culmination of the 18-day festival with a
procession of floats on Pichola lake.SHOPPING
The main shopping areas are Hathipol, Chetak circle, Clock Tower, Palace road, Bapu Bazar and City market. The Rajasthan Government Handicrafts Emporium is a shopper's delight. The culture and traditional of the place has given rise to many objects of beauty-folk toys, brightly colored garments, tie-and-dye saris and turbans, hand painted textile Cane furniture show a high degree of craftsmanship. Chunky silver jewellery is reasonably priced. Wall hangings and paintings on cloth are popular all over the world. Wooden toys are also available.
Shops are usually open from 1000hrs-1900hrs.
SEASON
September to March
