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Altitude
: 577metres, Climate : [ Summer : 38.3 degree
C 28.8 degree C ] [ Winter : 28.3 degree C 11.6 degree C ], Rainfall
: 61 cms, Best Season : September- March,
Clothing : Summer light tropical, Winter light woolen
Languages : English, Hindi, Mewari.
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Udiapur is the jewel of Mewar-a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty
for 1200 Years. 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 meditations on a hill overlooking
the Lake Pichhola. The hermit blessed the Maharana and advised him
to build a palace at this favorable located spot with a fertile valley
watered by the stream, a lake, an agreeable altitude and an ampitheatre
of low mountains. Maharana followed the advise of the hermit and founded
the city in 1559 A.D.
Udaipur
is a lovely land around the water lake, hemmed in by the lush hills
of the Aravallis. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty,
Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and
inspiration for the imagination of poets,painters and writers. Its
kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow
lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing
valour and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the
Lake Pichhola is an enticing sight. Overlooking the aquamarine expanses
of the Lake Pichhola stands the splendid City Palace-a marvel in granite
and marble. Exquisite lake palaces of Udaipur shimmering like jewels
on Lake Pichhola are overwhelming in splendor. Several places of interest
around Udaipur, including the majestic, Chittaurgarh, the mountain
fortress of Kumbhalgarh, beautiful jain temple of Ranakpur, Ekligji
and Nathdwara and the cool retreat of Mt. Abu, make the visit to Udaipur
a memorable one.
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PRIME
SITES
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City Palaces
A majestic architectural marvel towering 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 Maharana were weighed under the gate in the gold, the
equivalent amount of which was distributed among the populace.
The
Suraj Gokhada
The balcony of the sun, is where the Suryavanshi Maharanas of Mewar
presented themselves to the people in time of trouble to restore their
confidence. The ‘Mor Chowk’ known for its exquisite peacock
mosaics in glass and the ‘Chini Chitrashala’ noted for
its blue and white ceramics are other attractions in the palace.
Jagdish
Temple
Built in 1651 A.D. By Maharana Jagat Singh, this Indo-Aryan temple
is the largest and the most beautiful temple of Udaipur with noteworthy
sculpted images.
Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandir
The interesting collection exhibited by this Indian folk arts museum
includes folk dresses, ornaments,Puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical
instruments, folk deities and Paintings.
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
in its four delightful pools, chiseled kiosks and marble elephants.
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.
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 café accessible by an enjoyable boat ride.
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 magnificence.
Ahar
The ancient capital of Sisodias, 3 km from Udaipur,Ahar boasts of
a profusion of royal cenotaphs of the rulers of Mewar. A rare collection
of antiquities including earthen pots, iron objects and other art
items excavated in the region are displayed in a small Govt. museum.
Sajjan
Garh
Dominating the city’s skyline is the monsoon palace of Sajjangarh.It
offers a panoramic overview of the city’s lakes, palaces and
the surrounding countryside.
Gulab
Bagh
A spectacular rose garden laid out by Maharana Sajjan Singh. A library
in the garden has a rare collection of ancient handwritten manuscripts
and books.
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EXCURSIONS
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Eklingji (22 km)
Built in 734 A.D. is the beautifully sculpted temple complex with
108 temples within its high walls. The temples are dedicated to Lord
Shiva, the presiding deity of Mewar rulers. The walled complex encloses
and elaborately pillared hall or ‘mandap’ under a large
pyramidal roof and has four-faced image of Lord Shiva in black marble.
Nagda (23 km)
The ancient site dating back to the 6th century A.D. is renowned for
the Sas-Bahu temples (9t - 10th century A.D.) with interesting architecture
and carvings. The splendid Jain temples of Adbudji are also worth
a visit.
Haldighati (40 km)
A historical site, witness to the great battle fought between Maharana
Pratap and Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1576 A.D. The Chhatri of Maharana’s
horse-Chetak is noteworthy.
Nathdwara (48 km)
The most reverred 17th century shrine, dedicated Shrinathji or Lord
Krishna,attracts thousands of Pilgrims from all over the country,
especially during Diwali, Holi and Janmashtami when their number exceeds
a lak. Foreign tourists are not permitted inside and photographs is
prohibited.
Kankroli (65 km)
An important vaishnava temple popularly called Dwarikadish. It is
the most important temple of the Vallabhacharya sect, built to resemble
the famous Nathdwara shrine.
Rajsamand Lake (66 km)
Close to Kankroli is the dam built by Maharana Raj Singh in 1660 A.D.
Many ornamental arches and chhatris adorn the embankment.
Kumbhalgarh Fort ( 84 km)
The second 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 enclose many temples, palaces and
gardens.The fort renovated in the 19th century. The Badal Mahal or
Cloud Palace offers a spectacular bird’s eye view of the surrounding
countryside. Closeby is the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary with a
rich variety of wildlife. The Fort is accessible only by jeep from
Kelwara through the seven gates.
Jagat (58 km)
The splendid and well preserved 10th century temple of Ambika Mata
is known for its intricate carvings in the outer walls. Popularly
known as the Khajuraho of Rajasthan.
Jaisamand Lake (48 km)
A stunningly situated artificial lake, built in the 17th century A.D.
by Maharana Jai Singh is the second 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. A trip to Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary
allows a close encounter with the rich wildlife in their natural habitat.
The fauna includes panther, wild bear, deer, four honed antelope,
mongoose and various species of migratory birds.
Ranakpur (90 km)
The beautifully sculptured Jain temples lie in a tranquil valley of
the Aravallis. The main ‘Chaumukha Temple’ is dedicated
to the tirthankara Adinath and has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars,
all distinctly carved. Two jain temples dedicated to Neminath and
Parsvanath and a Sun Temple a little distance away, are also noteworthy.
