|
General
Information
Population: About three lakhs
Main Languages: Rajasthani, Hindi, English
Location: 115 km From Chittorgarh,
Rajasthan
Attractions: Lake Palace, City Palace
Famous As: City Of Lakes
Best Time To Visit: October To April
Udaipur is
situated around the shimmering clear blue water lakes, which whisper
the mood of a bygone era.
The city was founded in 1567 AD by Maharana Udai Singh on the advice
of a sage. Udaipur was last of the numerous Mewar capitals. It was
in Udaipur that legendary Maharana Pratap was born. He was obsessed
with Chittaur and the past glories of the Sisodia clan possessed his
mind. Maharana Pratap left Udaipur to win back Chittaur from the
Mughals. But he failed in his attempts and Udaipur remained the
capital of Mewar till India got her independence.The memory of the
failure of noble Pratap gives Udaipur its pervading mood of
nostalgic wistfulness.
The city acquires its scenic beauty from the Aravallis. Three lakes-
Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar make it an oasis in the desert.
RAJASTHAN
TRAIN TRAVEL
PALACE
ON WHEELS
Ever wondered what luxury in the royal times was all about! Welcome
to Palace On Wheels, a luxury train that carries with it an ambience
of the Rajputana era and an exciting fairytale journey, which takes
the visitor to the imperial cities of Rajasthan every single day.
The coaches also carry out an image of the Rajput states with
beautiful interiors. Last but not the least the "Royal
Treat" for the passengers on board include saloons, bar lounges
& libraries in every coach as well as restaurant and organized
shopping facilites.
ATTRACTIONS
 Udaipur
is known as the ' City of Lakes'. The two most scenic and famous
lakes of the city are Lake Pichola and Lake Fateh Sagar.
Lake Pichola is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples,
bathing ghats and has two island palaces- Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir.
Lake Fateh sagar lies to north of Pichola and was built by Maharana
Jai Singh but it got the name of Fateh Singh who rebuilt its dam.
Both the lakes are breathtakingly beautiful and one can take a
cruise on their waters. The sunset over these lakes is a sight to be
cherished.
PALACES
 City
Palace: This majestic white royal building towers itself on a
hill and is surrounded by crenellated walls. The palace stands along
the shores of Pichola.
Lake Palace: This former summer residence of the royal family
has now been converted into a fabulous hotel.
GARDENS
Sahelion-Ki-Bari: On the shores of Fateh Sagar Lake was built a
garden for the 48 young girls waiting to be sent to the royal house
as part of dowry. This garden is laid with extensive lawns,
fountains and shady walking lanes. There are four pools with dainty
kiosks and fountains with elephant trunks for spouts. These gardens
appear discrete and impeccable in taste.
MUSEUMS
Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal: This is a museum of folk arts,
which has rich collection of folk dresses, ornaments, puppets,
masks, dolls, folk musical instruments and paintings. World famous
puppeteers put shows here, on request in advance.
Pratap Memorial: Erected atop Modi Magri is this equestrian
bronze statue of the valiant hero, Maharana Pratap. Sajjan Garh,
Gulab Bagh, Dudh Talai Park, the Sunset point are also the places to
be seen.
TEMPLES
Jagdish Temple: Dedicated to Vishnu, this temple was built in
1651 AD by Maharana Jagat Singh.
EXCURSIONS
TEMPLES
 Eklingji:
22 kms from the city is a temple complex of 108 temples enclosed by
high walls. Built in 1734 AD, the temples are dedicated to the royal
deity Ekling ji. The complex has been chiselled out of sandstone and
marble. It has an ornate 'mandap' or pillared hall, the canopy of a
huge pyramidical roof composed of hundreds of knots.
Nathdwara: This temple is one the most celebrated Vaishnava
shrines of Lord Krishna or Nathji. Thousands of pilgrims visit this
shrine during the festivals. Foreigners are not allowed in the
temple and photography is prohibited. It is located 48 kms from
Udaipur.
Kankroli: Known as Dwarkadhish, this temple is an important
Vaishnava temple and ranks very high among the temples of the
Vallabhacharya. 65 kms from the city.
Ranakpur: (98 Kms) Famous for the beautiful Jain temples.
Jagat (58 Kms): The tenth century Ambika Mata Temple is well
preserved in all its splendour.
Rishabhdeoji (65 Kms): Popularly known as Kesariyaji because
of the large saffron offerings, this temple is dedicated to the Jain
Tirthankara Rishabhdeoji.
CITIES
Nagda: This ancient place in Mewar is famous for their
intricate carvings of the graceful 'apsaras'. 23 kms from the city.
Haldighati: This place, 40 kms from Udaipur, has immense
historical importance. It was at Haldighati in 1576 AD that armies
of Maharana Pratap and Mughal Emperor Akbar clashed. A 'chhatri'
with delicate white marble columns is dedicated to the indomitable
hero and his loyal charger.
FORTS
Kumbhal Garh Fort: Kumbhalgarh Fort was built by Maharana
Kumbha in the 15th century. Perched on the Aravallis, this is the
second most important fort in Rajasthan after the Chittaurgarh Fort.
Nearby is the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
LAKES
Jaisamand lake: 48 kms from the city, this artificial lake
was built in 17th century by Maharana Jai Singh. The marble 'Chhatris'
along the embankment add grace to this second largest lake in Asia.
On either sides of the lake were built the palaces for the favourite
queens of the King. People of the Bhil tribe still inhabit the
islands in Jaisamand lake.
Rajsamand lake (66 Kms): This is dam built by Maharana Rai
Singh in 1660.
 HOW
TO GET THERE
Air: The
City of Lakes is well connected by air services. The Dabok Airport
is 21 kms from the city centre.
Rail: Railway has trains from all over the country to
destination Udaipur. The Palace On Wheels covers this magnificent
city during its eight day package tour.
Road: There are bus services from tourist places in Rajasthan
, Gujarat and Delhi.
PLACES TO
STAY
The Lake
Palace Hotel is considered to be among the best hotels around
the world. The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation provides
various categories of rooms and dormitory at the Kajri Hotel. Apart
from the hotels, there are Tourist guest houses and municipal guest
houses. There are dharamshalas and the railway offers its retiring
rooms at nominal rates. Paying guest accommodations are also
available.
FAIRS
& FESTIVALS
Shilpgarm
Festival - The 10 day festival is a treat for the visitor to an
array of exquisite art and craft. Shilpgram hosts the festival.
Mewar Festival - The onset of spring brings the Mewar
festival. During the festival, the tradition and culture of
Rajasthan dominates every other thing in one's mind.
SHOPPING
Shopping can
be a pleasure at the Hathipole, Chetak Circle, Clock Tower, Palace
Road and Bapu Bazaar. Rajasthan Government also has its own
Handicraft emporium. The shops of Udaipur have plenty of exquisite
items to offer. The dainty folk toys, brightly coloured garments,
hand printed textiles, batiks, and tie & dye sarees and fabrics
to name few. 'Pichwais' or wall hangings painted on cloth are world
renowned for their vivid colours and themes. The craftsmanship is at
its peak in the metal images and chunky silver jewellery.
TOURIST
INFORMATION CENTRES
Tourist
Office - Tourist Information Bureau (Govt. of Rajasthan) Kajri
Tourist Bungalow, Udaipur, Rajasthan.
CLIMATE
The lakes
surrounding Udaipur regulates the climate, which is pleasant than in
any other city in Rajasthan. The summers are hot and winters are
cold but the temperature does not rise to extremes. The rainfall is
less, around 61 cms annually.
|
