Udaipur is a beautiful city housing enchanting lakes and surrounded by the lush hills of the Aravalis. Udaipur was a jewel of Mewar kingdom which was ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 years.
There is an interesting legend associated with the foundation of the city which says that Maharana Udai Singh, the founder of the city, went on hunting one day when he came across a holy man meditating on a hill facing the Lake Pichola. The hermit showered his blessings on the Maharana and advised him to build a palace at this suitably located spot with a fertile valley watered by the stream, a lake, an favourable altitude and an amphitheatre of low mountains. Thus, Maharana founded the city in 1559 AD and today, the splendid city of Udaipur stands gracefully reflecting the enchanting architectural glory of the gone era.
Attractions in Udaipur
City Palace : The City Palace was originally built by Maharaja Udai Singh when he founded Udaipur. His successors later added to the original structure and today, the City Place proudly claims to be the largest royal complex in entire Rajasthan. The magnificent palace that overlooks Lake Pichola has other palaces, a crystal gallery, a museum and a durbar hall within its premises. Each part of the palace is reflective of either Rajput architecture or Mughal architecture. The palace is richly ornate with mosaics, miniatures, mirror works and motifs. A place worth visiting for every tourist.
Lake Palace : The Lake palace, situated amidst Lake Pichola, was built by Maharana Jagat Singh and served as a summer palace for the royal family. This white marble structure is a fascinating beauty that attracts numerous tourists round the year. Today, the palace serves as a luxury hotel and provides its visitors an insight into the royal past of Udaipur.
Jag Mandir : Jag Mandir is an island palace which was built by Maharana Jagat Singh and is named after him. Later Rana Karan Singh developed it further. The palace is significant because it is here that prince Khurram stayed after he decided to revolted against his father Emperor Jahangir.
Sahelion ki Bari : Better known as the ‘garden of the maids of honour’, Sahelion ki Bari was laid down by Maharana Sangram Singh as a pleasure garden for the 48 maids who constituted the dowry of the prince. The garden is perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Lotus pool, lawns, flowerbeds and fountains.
Book NowFort - Udaipur» Jagdish temple : Built in 1651 AD, the Jagdish temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath. Maharana Jagat Singh spent lavishly to construct this temple. The three storeyed temple has a richly decorated and towering spire that gives it a magnificent look. Inside the temple rich carvings enhance the beauty of the temple.
The temple also houses shrines dedicated to various other gods and goddesses like Lord Ganesh, Shiva, the Sun God and Goddess Shakti.
Fateh Sagra Lake : Fateh Sagra Lake is not a natural lake. It was dug up by the orders of Maharana Jai Singh and later developed by Maharana Fateh Singh. It is connected to the other lake of Udaipur, Lake Pichola by means of a canal. The lake houses three important islands out of which the largest one is a park while the second largest one has a solar observatory. The island with a park is a wonderful place for picnic with a boat shaped cafe.
Getting There
By Air : Dabok Airport, is the nearest airport from Udaipur and is located 21 km from the city centre. A well developed network of air services link Udaipur to New Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, Aurangabad and Mumbai.
By Rail : Udaipur Railway station is 4 km from the focal point of the city. A well organised system of railways link Udaipur with all the major cities of India such as Chittaurgarh, Ajmer, Jaipur and Delhi. Palace On Wheels is a foremost attraction of course which is itself a tourist attraction.
By Road : National and state highways connect Udaipur to various major cities of India such as Delhi, Jaipur, Chittrogarh, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Indore, Kota, Mount Abu and Mumbai. There are bus service to and from Gujarat, Delhi and major cities of Rajasthan that end at the bus terminal, 2 km from the railway station.
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