General Information Area: 39 sq. km.
In Summer: 38.3 C (Max) and 28.8 C (Min) In winter: 28.3 C (Max) and 8 C (Min) Rainfall: 62cms. Best Season: September to March Languages: Hindi, Marwari, English
Udaipur, the gorgeous lakeside capital of Mewar - The City of Dreams - is perhaps the most romantic city in Rajasthan. Bordered by hills and mountains and set on the edge of three lakes, Udaipur is truly mesmerizing in all its details. Narrow streets lined by flamboyant colored stalls, gardens, temples and palaces with every aspect being reflected in the serene crystal clear blue waters of Lake Pichhola. Udaipur's innate romance and beauty and its remarkable past brimming with episodes of gallantry and grandeur continue to beguile the visitors. Today, many of Udaipur 's palaces, have been converted into some of the most extravagant hotels in India.
» Udaipur History
Maharana Udai Singh II founded Udaipur in 1568 after his fort Chittorgarh was sacked by Mughal Emperor Akbar. According to legends, Udai Singh was guided by a holy man meditating on the hill near Pichola Lake to establish his capital on this very spot. Glittering with lakes and forests and protected by the contiguous Aravali Ranges, this area was less receptive to danger than Chittorgarh had been, so the king did not hesitate and thus the new capital of Mewar, Udaipur was born. Maharana Pratap, a revered Rajput icon, famous for his fierce battles fought against the Mughuls at Haldighati, succeeded Maharana Udai Singh. His successors also gallantly defended Udaipur from successive Mughal attacks. As history played out the kingdom of Mewar was attacked many times over by foreign forces until it came under the protection of the British rule.
» Tourist Attractions in Udaipur City Palace: The City Palace is a stately architectural masterpiece placed over the lake on a hill encircled by crenellated walls. The palace presents an interesting compilation of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors rooms and hanging gardens. The main entrance is through the triple arched gate. The Tripolia is with eight marble porticos. The Maharanas were weighed under the gate in gold, the equivalent amount of which was distributed among the populace. The Suraj Gokhada, the balcony of the sun, is where the Suryavansi Maharanas of Mewar presented themselves to the people in time of trouble to restore their confidence. The MorChowk renowned for its delicate peacock mosaics in glass and the ChiniChitrashala prominent for its blue and white ceramic objects are another attraction in the palace. Lake Pichola: Sightseeing tour along the city of Udaipur, Rajasthan is incomplete without a visit to Lake Pichola. Maharana Udai Singh II enlarged this placid lake after he founded the city. He erected a masonry dam, known as the Badipol and the lake which is now 4km in length and 3km wide. Hills, palaces, temples bathing ghats and embankments surround the lake. The lake has two islands - Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir. Boat rides on the lake especially in the evenings are very popular. A handful of crocodiles are believed to inhabit the remotest parts of the lake, near the uninhabited sections of the shore. The City Palace sprawls over a long stretch along the east bank of the lake.
Jag Mandir: Jag Mandir is the other island palace on Lake Pichola. Its construction was begun by Maharana Karan Singh, but it takes its name after Maharana Jagat Singh who made a number of additions to it. It is said that the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan derived some of his inspiration for the Taj Mahal from this palace after staying here in 1623-24 while leading a revolt against his father Jahangir. Lined by a row of massive stone elephants, the island has an impressive chhatri (cenotaph) carved from grey blue stone. The view of the city across the lake is a scene of exceptional beauty.
Fateh Sagar Lake: Fateh Sagar Lake, a man made lake, occupies a place of pride in the landscape of Udaipur. Raja Jai Singh constructed the lake in the year 1678. Owing to some heavy damage due to incessant rains, the lake had to be reconstructed by Raja Fateh Singh after whom the lake is named. You can enjoy a boat cruise on the shimmering Fateh Sagar Lake that overlooks the green pictorial countryside. The Nehru Park, situated on the banks of Fateh Sagar provides you with delicacies that you'll cherish forever. An exotic restaurant shaped like a boat is located nears the lake.
Saheliyon Ki Bari: Designed exclusively as a park for fun and frolic, Saheliyon ki Bari served as a place of entertainment for the ladies of the household. Later a pavilion of 'rain fountains' within the Saheliyon ki Bari was also built. The idea was to give the feel that rain itself was dancing along with the dancing maids. You cannot help but be wonderstruck at the deftly engraved marble pavilions. The royal splendor is very much evident as you walk along the marble pathways complimented by life size marble sculptures of elephants and lions through which water flows into the pools. According to legends, this place was built for the 48 girls who were to be sent with the queen as part of the dowry.
Jagdish Mandir: Maharana Jagat Singh I built the Jagdish temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, in 1651. The largest temple in Udaipur, the Jagdsh Mandir accommodates an image of Lord Vishnu in black stone, along with a brass image of Garuda, his carrier. Covering the exterior and the platform are a base relief of alligators, elephants, horsemen and traditional musicians, rising in rows.
Bagore ki Haveli: Flankedon the Gangori Ghat on the banks of the glittery Lake Pichola, Bagore ki Haveli was constructed by Amir Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister at the Mewar royal court during his time. This medieval haveli with more than 100 rooms was left ignored till it was refurbished in the year 1986 when the West Zone Cultural Centre was set up here. After Amir Chand Badwa passed away the haveli became the property of the royal state of Mewar.
Suraj Gokhada: The balcony of the sun is where the Suryavanshi Maharanas of Mewar presented themselves to the people during trials to restore their confidence. The MorChowk known for its exquisite peacock mosaics in glass and the ChiniChitrashala noted for its blue and white ceramics are other attractions in the palace.
Gulab Bagh: Spectacular, convoluted and flamboyant, the Gulab Bagh in Udaipur is a ecstatic pleasure garden sprawling over 100 acres. Laid by Maharana Sajjan Singhji in the 18th century, Gulab Bagh is also known as Sajjan Niwas Garden and presents comforting vistas with exotic rose beds, fruit trees, orchids and appealing plants. Eperience and appreciate delightful diversions at Gulab Bagh, Udaipur as you pass along on the Aravalli Express or the luxury toy train that takes you around the park.
» Udiapur Fairs & Festivals Craft Bazaar: The Shilp Gram (Craft Bazaar) is situated just 3 km off Udaipur and is a great place to see the art and craft of all the states of western India. The Directorate of Tourism organizes a 10-day festival from December 15 every year, which is a treat for the visitors interested in village crafts.
Mewar Festival: The onset of spring brings the Mewar festival on April 7-8. A traditional welcome to spring, this festival is a visual feast with Rajasthani songs, dances, processions, devotional music and firework displays. It is celebrated in the romantic city of Udaipur during the Gangaur Festival. A procession of colorfully attired women carrying images of the goddess Gauri makes its way to Lake Pichola. A procession of boats on the lake offers a fitting finale to this splendid celebration.
» Shopping in Udaipur
Udaipur is a retreat for art enthusiasts, paintings, miniatures, contemporary art, marble handicrafts, metal furniture, jewelry, fabric, carpets and rugs and much more can be found in its shopping arcade. The main shopping centers are the Rajasthan Government Handicraft emporium, Chetak Circle, Bapu Bazar, Chetak Circle, Hathipole and Lake Palace Road.
» Udaipur Fairs & Festivals Craft Bazaar: The Shilp Gram (Craft Bazaar) is situated just 3 km from Udaipur. It is a great place to see the art and craft of all the states of western India. The Directorate of Tourism organizes a 10-day festival from December 15 every year, which is a treat for the visitors interested in village crafts.
Mewar Festival: The onset of spring unfolds the Mewar festival on April 7-8. The Mewar festival is a traditional welcome to spring. It presents a treat to the eyes with Rajasthani songs, dances, processions, devotional music and firework displays. The festival is celebrated in the romantic city of Udaipur during the Gangaur Festival. A cavalcade of colorfully attired women carrying images of the goddess Gauri proceeds to Lake Pichola. Also, a parade of boats on the lake proffers attributes the splendid celebration to its zenith.
» How to Reach Udaipur By Air: The airport at Udaipur links it with other major cities of India like Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Aurangabad, and Mumbai. By Rail: The railway network connects Udaipur with Delhi, Chittor, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Ajmer, and Jodhpur. By Road: Udaipur can be easily reached by road as well. There are well-maintained roads linking it to tourism destinations in Rajasthan and neighbouring states of Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Area: 39 sq. km.
Lake Pichola: Sightseeing tour along the city of Udaipur, Rajasthan is incomplete without a visit to Lake Pichola. Maharana Udai Singh II enlarged this placid lake after he founded the city. He erected a masonry dam, known as the Badipol and the lake which is now 4km in length and 3km wide. Hills, palaces, temples bathing ghats and embankments surround the lake. The lake has two islands - Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir. Boat rides on the lake especially in the evenings are very popular. A handful of crocodiles are believed to inhabit the remotest parts of the lake, near the uninhabited sections of the shore. The City Palace sprawls over a long stretch along the east bank of the lake.
Bagore ki Haveli: Flanked on the Gangori Ghat on the banks of the glittery Lake Pichola, Bagore ki Haveli was constructed by Amir Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister at the Mewar royal court during his time. This medieval haveli with more than 100 rooms was left ignored till it was refurbished in the year 1986 when the West Zone Cultural Centre was set up here. After Amir Chand Badwa passed away the haveli became the property of the royal state of Mewar.