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General Information
Population: About three lakhs
Main Languages: Rajasthani, Hindi, English
Location: 115 km From Chittorgarh, Rajasthan
Attractions: Lake Palace, City Palace
Famous As: City Of Lakes
Best Time To Visit: October To April
Udaipur is situated around the shimmering clear blue water lakes, which
whisper the mood of a bygone era.
 The
city was founded in 1567 AD by Maharana Udai Singh on the advice of a
sage. Udaipur was last of the numerous Mewar capitals. It was in Udaipur
that legendary Maharana Pratap was born. He was obsessed with Chittaur
and the past glories of the Sisodia clan possessed his mind. Maharana
Pratap left Udaipur to win back Chittaur from the Mughals. But he failed
in his attempts and Udaipur remained the capital of Mewar till India got
her independence.The memory of the failure of noble Pratap gives Udaipur
its pervading mood of nostalgic wistfulness.
The city acquires its scenic beauty from the Aravallis. Three lakes-
Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar make it an oasis in the desert.
RAJASTHAN TRAIN TRAVEL
PALACE ON WHEELS
Ever wondered what luxury in the royal times was all about! Welcome to
Palace On Wheels, a luxury train that carries with it an ambience of the
Rajputana era and an exciting fairytale journey, which takes the visitor
to the imperial cities of Rajasthan every single day. The coaches also
carry out an image of the Rajput states with beautiful interiors. Last
but not the least the "Royal Treat" for the passengers on board include
saloons, bar lounges & libraries in every coach as well as restaurant
and organized shopping facilites.
ATTRACTIONS
Udaipur is known as the ' City of Lakes'. The two most scenic and famous
lakes of the city are Lake Pichola and Lake Fateh Sagar.
Lake Pichola is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and
has two island palaces- Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir. Lake Fateh sagar lies
to north of Pichola and was built by Maharana Jai Singh but it got the
name of Fateh Singh who rebuilt its dam. Both the lakes are
breathtakingly beautiful and one can take a cruise on their waters. The
sunset over these lakes is a sight to be cherished.
PALACES
City Palace: This majestic white royal building towers itself on
a hill and is surrounded by crenellated walls. The palace stands along
the shores of Pichola.
Lake Palace: This former summer residence of the royal family has
now been converted into a fabulous hotel.
GARDENS
Sahelion-Ki-Bari: On the shores of Fateh Sagar Lake was built a garden
for the 48 young girls waiting to be sent to the royal house as part of
dowry. This garden is laid with extensive lawns, fountains and shady
walking lanes. There are four pools with dainty kiosks and fountains
with elephant trunks for spouts. These gardens appear discrete and
impeccable in taste.
MUSEUMS
Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal: This is a museum of folk arts, which has rich
collection of folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk
musical instruments and paintings. World famous puppeteers put shows
here, on request in advance.
Pratap Memorial: Erected atop Modi Magri is this equestrian bronze
statue of the valiant hero, Maharana Pratap. Sajjan Garh, Gulab Bagh,
Dudh Talai Park, the Sunset point are also the places to be seen.
TEMPLES
Jagdish Temple: Dedicated to Vishnu, this temple was built in 1651 AD by
Maharana Jagat Singh.
EXCURSIONS
TEMPLES
Eklingji: 22 kms from the city is a temple complex of 108 temples
enclosed by high walls. Built in 1734 AD, the temples are dedicated to
the royal deity Ekling ji. The complex has been chiselled out of
sandstone and marble. It has an ornate 'mandap' or pillared hall, the
canopy of a huge pyramidical roof composed of hundreds of knots.
Nathdwara: This temple is one the most celebrated Vaishnava shrines of
Lord Krishna or Nathji. Thousands of pilgrims visit this shrine during
the festivals. Foreigners are not allowed in the temple and photography
is prohibited. It is located 48 kms from Udaipur.
Kankroli: Known as Dwarkadhish, this temple is an important Vaishnava
temple and ranks very high among the temples of the Vallabhacharya. 65
kms from the city.
R anakpur:
(98 Kms) Famous for the beautiful Jain temples.
Jagat (58 Kms): The tenth century Ambika Mata Temple is well preserved
in all its splendour.
Rishabhdeoji (65 Kms): Popularly known as Kesariyaji because of the
large saffron offerings, this temple is dedicated to the Jain
Tirthankara Rishabhdeoji.
CITIES
Nagda: This ancient place in Mewar is famous for their intricate
carvings of the graceful 'apsaras'. 23 kms from the city.
Haldighati: This place, 40 kms from Udaipur, has immense historical
importance. It was at Haldighati in 1576 AD that armies of Maharana
Pratap and Mughal Emperor Akbar clashed. A 'chhatri' with delicate white
marble columns is dedicated to the indomitable hero and his loyal
charger.
FORTS
Kumbhal Garh Fort: Kumbhalgarh Fort was built by Maharana Kumbha in the
15th century. Perched on the Aravallis, this is the second most
important fort in Rajasthan after the Chittaurgarh Fort. Nearby is the
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
LAKES
Jaisamand lake: 48 kms from the city, this artificial lake was built in
17th century by Maharana Jai Singh. The marble 'Chhatris' along the
embankment add grace to this second largest lake in Asia. On either
sides of the lake were built the palaces for the favourite queens of the
King. People of the Bhil tribe still inhabit the islands in Jaisamand
lake.
Rajsamand lake (66 Kms): This is dam built by Maharana Rai Singh in
1660.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The City of Lakes is well connected by air services. The Dabok
Airport is 21 kms from the city centre.
Rail: Railway has trains from all over the country to destination
Udaipur. The Palace On Wheels covers this magnificent city during its
eight day package tour.
Road: There are bus services from tourist places in Rajasthan , Gujarat
and Delhi.
PLACES TO STAY
The Lake Palace Hotel is considered to be among the best hotels around
the world. The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation provides
various categories of rooms and dormitory at the Kajri Hotel. Apart from
the hotels, there are Tourist guest houses and municipal guest houses.
There are dharamshalas and the railway offers its retiring rooms at
nominal rates. Paying guest accommodations are also available. Hotels in
Udaipur
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
Shilpgarm Festival - The 10 day festival is a treat for the visitor to
an array of exquisite art and craft. Shilpgram hosts the festival.
Mewar Festival - The onset of spring brings the Mewar festival. During
the festival, the tradition and culture of Rajasthan dominates every
other thing in one's mind.
SHOPPING
Shopping can be a pleasure at the Hathipole, Chetak Circle, Clock Tower,
Palace Road and Bapu Bazaar. Rajasthan Government also has its own
Handicraft emporium. The shops of Udaipur have plenty of exquisite items
to offer. The dainty folk toys, brightly coloured garments, hand printed
textiles, batiks, and tie & dye sarees and fabrics to name few. 'Pichwais'
or wall hangings painted on cloth are world renowned for their vivid
colours and themes. The craftsmanship is at its peak in the metal images
and chunky silver jewellery.
CLIMATE
The lakes surrounding Udaipur regulates the climate, which is pleasant
than in any other city in Rajasthan. The summers are hot and winters are
cold but the temperature does not rise to extremes. The rainfall is
less, around 61 cms annually. |
