Often referred to as the 'Venice of the East', the city of lakes Udaipur is located around azure water lakes and is hemmed in by lush green hills of Aravallis. The famous Lake Palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful sights of Udaipur. It is also home to Jaisamand Lake, claimed to be the second largest man-made sweet water lake in Asia. The beautiful City Palace and Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace) add to the architectural beauty and grandeur of the city. The city is also known for its profusion of zinc and marble. Solar observatory in Lake Fateh Sagar is the only observatory in India located on an island and has been made on the pattern of Big Bear Lake in Southern California. The ten-day Shilpgram Festival which starts from 21 Dec to 30 Dec pulls in a large number of people interested in arts and crafts.
Udaipur was founded in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the new capital of Mewar Kingdom. It is located in the fertile, circular Girwa Valley to the southwest of Nagda, which was the first capital of Mewar.
City Palace
Read more...The gigantic City Palace, towering over the Pichola Lake, is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. It extends a considerable distance along the east bank of the lake. South of the palace, a pleasant garden runs down to the shore. The original structure was built in the sixteenth century. Thereafter, each successive generation of rulers in Udaipur made its architectural mark on the City Palace complex. By the end of the nineteenth century the Maharana's Palace was a city in itself, with storehouses, stables, wells and farms within it's walls. Inspite of being a conglomeration of buildings added by various rulers, the palace complex manages to retain a surprising integrity of design. The palace has numerous balconies, towers and cupolas and there are stunning views over the lake and the city from the upper terraces.
Jagdish Temple
Read more...Jagdish Temple is one of the famous temples of Udaipur. Located in the City Palace complex of Udaipur, this temple is made in the Indo-Aryan style of architecture. In 1651, Jagdish temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singh, who ruled Udaipur during 1628-53. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Laxmi Narayan), the preserver of the Universe. It is celebrated for being the largest temple in the city of Udaipur. The gateway of this temple can be sited at a distance of 150 meters from the Bara Pol of the City Palace.
Gulab Bagh
Read more...Laid by Maharana Sajjan Singhji in the 18th century, Gulab Bagh also known as Sajjan Niwas Garden creates soothing vistas with exotic rose beds, fruit trees, orchids and attractive looking plants. The Saraswati Bhawan Library at Gulab Bagh is a storehouse of volumes that deal with topics such as history, archaeology, Indology and quite a few very old manuscripts that can trace their origin to the early medieval period. There are several handwritten manuscripts from the ancient past on display at the Gulab Bagh Museum. Exotic Gulab Bagh houses a tiny zoo that offers a habitat to wild animals like the chinkara, leopards and tigers apart from a number of feathered species.
Pichola Lake
Read more...This lake is the centre-piece around which Udaipur revolves. It started off as a small pond built by a banjara, who dammed up the waters of a mountain stream by building a dyke. Maharana Udai Singh extended this pond, creating the exquisite Lake Pichola. The lake lies to the immediate west of the ridge on which the City Palace of Udaipur stands. Maharana Udai Singh built a masonry dam, known as Badi Pol, and the lake is now 4 km long and 3 km wide. Amusingly, the water of the lake belongs to the Government of India whilst the land under water belongs to the royal family.
Fatehsagar Lake
Read more...North of Pichola Lake, this water body is overlooked by a number of hills and parks. It was originally built in 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh, but reconstructed by Maharana Fateh Singh after heavy rains destroyed the dam. A pleasant drive winds along the east bank and in the middle is Nehru Park, a popular garden island with a cafe shaped like a boat. You can get there by boat from near the bottom of Moti Magri. Paddle boats are available. You can also enjoy a speed boat ride or water scooter ride in Fateh Sagar.
Doodh Talai
Read more...Dudh Talai is a dainty lake in Udaipur studded with enhancements of human pleasures. The lake beautifies the south-east part of Lake Pichola and has an affable view from the twinkling places like City Palace, Jag Mandir etc. The small inlet of this lake, contributes its water to the larger lake Pichola. This place is unique with the presence of conspicuous view of Shiv Niwas Palace on its southern side and is adorned by two parks which adds grace to its shore. Manikya Lal Verma Garden and Pandit Deen Dayal Musical Fountain Park are showcase of modern architecture and allows one to stroll along its beauty.
Sukhadia Circle
Read more...Sukhadia Circle, also known as Sukhadia square, is a majestic turn around in Panchwati, the Udaipur city's northern suburb. It is a popular landmark in Udaipur and provides a beautiful view with the illumination of lights. This square, opened in 1970, has a magnificent three tiered fountain in the center and a structure representing the prosperity. This place is used as a evening relaxation place with beautiful gardens and a nice pond. This square attracts many, especially children. Children make funs in the lawns and float toy boats in the pond. There are some duck shaped paddle boats for children's amusement.
Saheliyon Ki Bari
Read more...Maharana Sangram Singh built this Garden in the mid-18th century. The 'Garden of the Maidens' brings to mind the lifestyle of the ladies of the court. These delightful gardens reflect their discreet and impeccable tastes. There are four pools with dainty kiosks. All around are flowerbeds, lawns, pools and fountains protected by a series of walls and trees offering plenty of shade. The fountains of the Sahelion ki Bari function solely by water pressure and no pumps are used. The garden has a lotus pool and a sitting room decorated with paintings and glass mosaic. The whole ambience is flavored by reminiscence of those beautiful belles enjoying themselves in lavish environs.
Pratap Smarak
Read more...Maharana Pratap Memorial is a historic site that is dedicated to the gallant Maharana Pratap. Situated at the top of Moti Margi or Pearl Hill, the memorial overlooks the Fateh Sagar Lake. In Hindi, memorial is known as "smarak" which is made in the memory of loved ones. Maharana Pratap Memorial was constructed with the initiative taken by Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar with the help of a public trust.The memorial comprises a life-sized bronze statue of Maharana Pratap balanced on his loyal and favorite horse, Chetak. It is believed that Chetak was a faithful horse who was extremely protective towards Maharana Pratap and stood by his master till his last breath.
Lok Kala Mandal
Read more...Visit the Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal Museum. An excellent museum of all folk collection from Udaipur and elsewhere in Rajasthan. This facility offers insight into the rich folk traditions of the area. The collection includes masks, Typical Dress, Puppets and Musical instruments. There are regular opportunities to attend a traditional Puppet show - a delightful experience for children.
Nehru Garden
Read more...Named after Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, Nehru Island Park alias Nehru garden is an oval shaped i-sland, located at the middle of Fateh Sagar Lake. Inaugurated on 14th November 1967, Nehru park, covering the area of 41 acres (170,000m2) of land is a perfect place to spend the leisure time. Nehru park contains a small zoo especially designed for kids, beautiful garden with a lily pond and few small restaurant, mainly a boat shaped floating restaurant. Besides these, the garden is enclose a pyramid shaped water fountain which resembles the Brindavan garden of Mysore.
Aravali Vatika
Read more...Its a nice lovely Garden which has several levels like Aravalli Mountains.There's no ticket for entry,garden is lush green with lovely flower beds and brick and rock stairs leading to it. Aravalli Vatika is a small landscaped orchard on the bank of the Fateh Sagar Lake in Udaipur. This garden is about 12 m high with paved steps leading to the top. The rocks found in the vatika are part of the Aravalli Hills.
Sajjangarh Palace
Read more...Perched on top of a distant mountain like a fairy-tale castle, this melancholy, neglected late 19th-century palace was constructed by Maharana Sajjan Singh. Originally an astronomical centre, it became a monsoon palace and hunting lodge. Now government owned, it is recently been restored and renovated so now visitors stream up here for the marvellous views, particularly at sunset. It’s 5km west of the old city as the crow flies, about 9km by the winding road.
Shilpgram
Read more...Shilpgram - the Rural Arts and Crafts Complex is situated 3 kms west of Udaipur near the Hawala village. Spread over an undulating terrain of 130 bighas (70 Acres) of land and surrounded by the Aravalies, the Rural Arts and Crafts Complex is conceived as a living ethnographic museum to depict the lifestyles of the folk and tribal people of the Western Zone of India. Within this complex, huts of the member states are constructed incorporating traditional architectural features of different geographical and ethnic groups residing within the Western Zone of India comprising of five Federal States.
Rajiv Gandhi Park
Read more...Rajiv Gandhi Park is a beautiful park located at Rani Road on Lake Fatehsagar. A popular local attraction, the view from the park of the lake and the Monsoon Palace is spectacular and gives immense pleasure and peace. Children also enjoy coming here as it has spacious gardens for children to play around. It also has some fun slides for kids. The design of garden is such that most part can be seen from distant place. It was constructed in the remembrance of the late Prime Minister of India Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, whose statue is also located within the park.
Bagore Ki Haveli
Read more...This is a very congenial old building built right on the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangaur Ghat. Amir Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar built it in the eighteenth century. The palace has over hundred rooms and some very interesting display of costumes and modern art. The glass and mirror in the interiors of the Haveli delicate work and well preserved too. It also preserves a fine example of Mewar Painting on the walls of Queen's Chamber. The two peacocks made from small pieces of colored glasses are fine examples of glasswork.
Ekling Ji
Read more...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.
Ghasiyar
Read more...ShreeNathji settled in Nathdwara and all were happy with the area and surrounding.But soon there was a problem created by the Scindia army. They wanted 3 lakh mudras or else threatened to loot the Haveli. As soon as the Maharana of Udaipur heard this he immediately made arrangements to move Shreeji to Udaipur for safety. Shreeji stayed in the Udaipur Haveli for nearly 10 months till His new Haveli was built at a place called Ghasiyar. This scenic place is situated in the Gokunda Mountains.
Haldighati
Read more...Haldighati which is located towards the south west of Nathdwara, is historical site which witnessed the great legendry battle fought between Maharana Pratap and the Mughal Emperor -Akbar in 1576 AD. The vast terrain that was supposedly covered with blood (the sand turned Red in colour) evokes a chill in the spine till date and envelopes a feel of nostalgia, this was the place where the heroic Chetak the gallant charger with his dedicated loyalty towards his chivalrous master (the Maharana Pratap) proved his worth by co-operating till his last breath.
Nathdwara
Read more...Shrinathji of Nathdwara is 48 km from Udaipur. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna with the diety's image carved out of a single block of black marble. The temple is set amidst idyllic hills, it is known to be the second richest temple in the world. The structure of this temple is simple, but the aesthetic appeal of this temple is ceaseless. The image of Shrinathji is worth seeing and feeling the celestial beauty of the God. Lord Shrinathji symbolizes a form of Lord Krishna, when he lifted the 'Govardhana' (a hill). In the image, the lord is revealed with his left hand raised and the right is bunged in a fist.