VENICE OF THE EAST

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 poes,painters and writers.

Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar a kingdom ruled by the Siodia dynasty for 1200 years.The foundation of the city has an interesting legend associated with it.Accordaing to it,Maharana UdaiSingh, the founder,was hunting one day when met a holy man menditating 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 alttitude and an ampitheatre of low mountains.Maharana followed the advised of the hermit and founded the city in 1559 AD.

Overlooking the aquamarine expanses of the Lake Pichhola stands the splendid City Palace a marvel n granite and marbel. Exquisite lake palaces of Udaipur,shimmering like jewelson the Lake Pichhola are overwhelming in splendour.

Several places of interest around Udaipur, inculding the majestic Chittaurgarh, the mountain fortress of Kumbhalgarh,beautiful Jain temples of Ranakpur, Eklignji and Nathdwara and the coal retreat of Mt.Abu,make the visit to Udaipur a memorable one.

PRIME SITES - CITY PALACE

A majestic architectural marvel over the lake on a hill surrounded by crenallated walls, it is a conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. The main entrance is through the triple arched gate, the 'Tripolia' with eight marble porticos. The maharanas were weighed under the gate in gold,the equivalent amount of which was distributed among the populace.

PRIME SITES - SAHELIYON - KI -BARI (GARDEN OF THE MAIDS OF HONOUR)

This small ornamental garden was a popular relaxing spot where royal ladies came for a stroll and hence the name. The garden has many fountains kiosks and marble elephants.

PRIME SITES - PRATAP MEMORIAL

Atop the Moti Magri or pearl hill,overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake is the memorial of the Rajput hero Maharana Pratap with a bronze statue of the Maharana.

PRIME SITES - FATEH SAGAR

A beautiful lake,overlooked by a number of hills on the three sides and the Pratap Memorial on the north was built by Maharana Fateh Singh. In the middle of the lake is Nehru Park a lovely garden island with a boat shaped cafe accessible by an enjoyable boat ride.

PRIME SITES - PICHHOLA LAKE

The picturesque lake that entranced Maharaja Udai Singh. It was later enlarged by the founder.The lake is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples bathing ghats and embankments. Two island palaces, Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) on the lake are of breathtaking manificence.

PRIME SITES - SAJJAN GARH

Dominating the city's skyline is the monsoon palce of Sajjan Garh.It offers a panoramic overview of the city's lakes, palaces and the surrounding countryside.

EXCURSIONS - RAJSAMAND LAKE (66 KM)

Close to Kankroli is the dam built by Maharana Raj Singh in 1660 AD Many ornamental arches and chhatris adorn the embankment.

EXCURSIONS - KUMBHALGARH FORT (84 KM)

The sceond principal fortress in Rajasthan after Chittaurgarh, it is perched atop the Aravallis. Built in the 15th century by Maharana Kumbha,it extends over 12 km and encloses many temples,palaces and gardens.The fort was renovated in the 19th century.The Badal Mahal or Cloud Palace offers a spectacular bird's-eye- view of the surrounding country side. Closeby is the Kumbhalgrah Wildlife Sancutuary with a rich variety of wildlife.

The fort is accessible only by jeep form Kelwara through the seven gates.

EXCURSIONS - JAISAMAND LAKE (48 KM)

A stunningly situated artificial lake,built in the 17th century AD Maharana Jai Singh is the sceond largest in Asia.Graceful marble chhatris flank the embankment and beautiful summer palaces of the Udaipur queens are built on either side of the lake. Jaisamand Island Resort is also worth visiting.

Destinations  |  Distances   |  Visa Info  |  Cuisine  |  Holidays   |  Art & Culture  |  Shopping | History | Do's & Don't | Climate | Things to do in Rajasthan | Travel Tools