Udaipur, popularly called the 'city of Lakes' and the' Venice of the east 'is located in Southern Rajasthan close to Gujarat. The city spread over 37 square kilometers. The Udaipur city, a top tourist spot in Rajasthan, is the sixth largest in Rajasthan & is well connected with Major cities of India through Air, Train.
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure water lakes, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravalis. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experiences - an inspiration for the imagination of the poets, painters and writers. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens a narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of heroic past, epitomizing velour and chivalry.
Once the capital of Mewar, Udaipur was founded by Rana Udai Singh after the fall of Chittor to Akbar in 1568. Although the Rajputs were thrown out of their capital they never gave up their sense of freedom, choosing to give up their lives for dignity and honour instead.
The foundation of the city has an interesting legend associated with it. According to it, Maharana Udai Singh, the founder, was hunting one day when he met a holy man meditating on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichhola.
The hermit blessed the Maharana and advised him to build a palace at this favourably located spot with a fertile valley watered by the stream, a lake, an agreeable altitude and an amphitheater of low mountains. Maharana followed the advise of the hermit and founded the city in 1559 A.D.
The Maharana built a small shrine, Dhuni Mata, to mark the spot which is now the oldest part of the City Palace. Overlooking the aquamarine expanses of the Lake Pichhola stands the splendid City Palace - a marvel in granite and marble.
Of the original eleven gates of the Udaipur City, only five remain. The Surajpole or Sun Gate on the eastern side is the main entrance to the city.
Tourist attractions of Udaipur
City Palace :
The architectural superiority of the City Palace is an exotic personification of Udaipur tourism. The towering palace situated on the banks of Lake Pichola was originally started building by Maharana Uday Singh II in 1559. Through an assortment of big and small palaces, courtyards, pavilions, corridors and hanging gardens, the City Palace narrates a spectacular tale of Rajasthan's royalty. The well sculpted designs and carvings are a unique blend of Medieval, European and Chinese architecture that together uphold a remarkable and rare uniformity. The interiors of the City Palace, built entirely in granite and marble, have intricately designed mirror-work, silver-work, marble-work, inlay-work, coloured glass-work, murals and paintings, each distinctly juxtaposed on the surface of balconies, towers and cupolas. The breathtaking view of Lake Pichola from Amar Vilas, the highest point of the palace, is just the perfect icing on the cake.
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. Here 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.
The Lake Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces in the world, arising out of the Turquoise Waters of the Pichola like an elegant fantasy in white marble. The Lake palace was built in the 17th century on a natural foundation of 4 acers of rock. It was initially called Jag niwas after its founder Maharana Jagjit Singh.
Lake Pichola :
Entirely manmade, the Lake Pichola in Udaipur, created in the year AD 1362 and named after the Picholi village, has the undisputed distinction of being an immensely beautiful lake in the world. The pristine beauty of this lake is enhanced further by the surrounding palaces, marble temples, family mansions and bathing ghats that are easily negotiable by boat from the City Palace. Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir, the two islands in the midst of the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola, form a perfect backdrop for the renowned Lake Palace. A boat ride proves to be truly rewarding as you get to explore all corners of the lake's mesmerising beauty. While slowly drifting towards the Swaroop Sagar and Fateh Sagar Lake that are in fact connected to the Lake Pichola, the heart swells up with bliss that you seldom experience.
Fateh Sagar Lake :
Originally built by Maharana Jai Singh in 1678 and later reconstructed by Maharana Fateh Singh, the Fateh Sagar Lake is an artificial lake whose crystal-clear blue waters, together with the surrounding greenery, instantly remind you of Kashmir. Three small islands located within the periphery of the lake house interestingly built public parks and water jet fountains. For instance, Nehru Park, the name given to the largest island amongst the three, comprises a boat-shaped restaurant and a zoo that has slowly turned into a marvelous picnic spot that attracts locals and tourists alike. The Udaipur Solar Observatory, which is one of its kind in Asia, is located on the third island of the lake. Several boats are found anchored at the bottom of the Moti Magri Hill, and can be used to access these sites.
Jagdish Temple :
The unique Indo-Aryan style architecture dominates the facade of the Jagdish Temple, which was built in 1651 by the erstwhile ruler of Udaipur, Maharana Jagat Singh. Located in the City Palace Complex of Udaipur, the Jagdish Temple is largely dedicated to Lord Vishnu, whose idol made of black stone is found enshrined within the temple premises. The main shrine of the temple also houses a huge brass idol of Garuda, the mount of Lord Vishnu. Intricate sculpture and carvings are found adorning the surface of pillars, walls and ceilings of this three-tiered temple. High-end architectural work embellished on the spire, around 79 feet high, has made the Jagdish Temple a cynosure of all eyes. People who appreciate such brilliant artwork flock to this temple every day. This, along with the religious chants that percolate from the temple, makes this place a must-visit.
Saheliyon ki Bari ( Queen’s Garden )
Built by Maharana Sangram Singh, this is a beautiful garden with large flowerbeds, lawns, pools, fountains and trees. It offers fantastic glimpses of the lifestyle of the court-ladies.
Other tourist attractions of Udaipur –
Shiv Niwas Palace
Sajjangarh Palace
Jag Mandir
Ekling ji
Nathdwara
Haldi Ghati
Maharana Pratap Memorial