Bharatpur city

The town was named Bharatpur after Bharata, a brother of Lord Rama, whose other brother Laxman is the family deity of the erstwhile royal family of Bharatpur. The name 'Laxman' was engraved on the arms, seals and other emblems of the state. The city and the fort of Bharatpur have been believed to be founded by Lord Aditya Consul in the early 17th century, the majesty established a state in the Mewat region south of Delhi, with its capital at Deeg. Leaders like Gokula, Raja Ram, Churaman and Badan Singh brought the Jats together and moulded them into a force to be reckoned with. In 1733 AD, Raja Badan Singh 's adopted son, Suraj Mal had shown signs of promise, when he captured the fort of Bharatpur from Khemkaran, the rival chief, whom he killed and thus laid the foundation of Bharatpur City. Maharaja Suraj Mal was the state's greatest ruler; he made the state a formidable force in the region. Suraj Mal took over the site of Bharatpur from Khemkaran, a son of Rustam, and established it as the capital of his state. He fortified the city by building a massive wall around it. Maharaja Suraj Mal displayed immense courage and carved a niche for himself in the midst of political disorder. Gathering around him fiercely martial Jat peasants, he went from one success to a Norther. He accompanied Emperor Muhammed Shah against Ali Muhammed Ruhela and in 1748 AD, at the battle of Bagru he led the Jaipur vanguard against the Marathas. He also defeated the commander-in-chief of the Mughal emperor. Despite being a very religious man he was secular. The history of Bharatpur dates back to the epic age, when the Matsya Kingdom flourished here in the 5th century BC The matsya were allies of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata war. According to tradition the name of Bharatpur is traced to Bharat, the brother of lord Rama of Ayodhya whose other brother Laxman was given the high place of family deity of the ruling family of Bharatpur. His name also appears in the state seals and coat-of-arms. Bharatpur, which is also called the Eastern gateway of Rajasthan, was found by Maharaja Suraj mal in 1733 AD. Raja Badan Singh’s adopted son, Suraj Mal had shown signs of promise, when he captured the fort of Bharatpur from Khemkaran, the rival chief, whom he killed and thus laid the foundation of Bharatpur City. Maharaja Suraj Mal displayed immense courage and carved a niche for himself in the midst of political disorder. Gathering around him fiercely martial Jat peasants, he went from one success to a Norther. He accompanied Emperor Mohammed Shah against Ali Mohammed Ruhela and in 1748 AD, at the battle of Bagru he led the Jaipur vanguard against the Marathas. He also defeated the commander- in –Chief of the Mughal emperor. He built numerous forts and palaces across the kingdom including the Pleasure Palace complex at Deeg. Bharatpur, is today known the world – over for its Keoladeo Ghana National Park.

Important places to visit

Udaipur City Palace
On the east bank of Lake Pichola, Udaipur City Palace is a glorious palace which comprises of four magnificent massive palaces and many small palaces. Each presenting a spell-biding architectural beauty with beautiful balconies, canopies and towers. The city palace complex also houses a museum.

Lake Palace
Also known as Jag Niwas, Lake Palace (Taj Lake Palace) is now a luxury hotel with more than 80 rooms and suites. A must place to visit through a Udaipur tour package, Lake Palace has been built on the island of Jag Niwas in Lake Pichola, which in turn guarantees a breath-taking surroundings. Built between 1743 to 1746 during the rule of Maharana Jagat Singh II,this palace turned hotel, still presents the grandeur of bygone eras. Its white and black marble walls, adorned with semi-precious stones, accompanied by lush green gardens, fountains, pillared terraces, etc. make your visit to this palace a memorable one.

Jag Mandir
Used as summer resort and for hosting parties by the royal family, Jag Mandir was built between 1151 to 1652. Its construction can be attributed to three Maharanas of Sisodia Rajputs from Mewar reign. This palace, located on an island in Lake Pichola, comprises of many beautiful structure that in itself are a popular tourist attractions. Gul Mahal, garden courtyard, Datikhana, Bara patharon ka mahal, Zenana mahal and Kunwar pada ka mahal are few of the buildings inside the complex of Jag Mandir. It has been built in the style of Rajput architecture.

Monsoon Palace
Built in 1884 by the Maharana Sajjan Singh, Monsoon palace was used as monsoon resort. It was also used as hunting lodge by the royals of Mewar Kingdom. Also known as Sajjan Garh Palace, it is constructed on the Bansdara hills and presents its visitors with a breathtaking view of Fateh Sagar Lake.

Ahar Cenotaphs and Ahar Museum
Constructed over 400 years ago, Ahar Cenotaphs is located in Ahar, just 3 km east of the Udaipur. A royal cremation ground, Ahar cenotaphs consist of around 372 cenotaphs of various kings and queens of Mewar Kingdom. The most captivating cenotaph here is of Maharana Sangram Singh (r 1710–34) while most the recent was built in 2004. It is the honour of last Maharana of Udaipur- Bhagwat Singh (r 1955–84). At a distance of just 150 meters from cenotaphs is the Ahar Government Museum which showcases a wide and rare collection of copper and earthen pottery, sculpture of Hindu Gods, Jain saints and many more.

Jagdish Temple
Built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh I, Jagdish Temple is another popular attraction to see in Udaipur. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple presents an mesmerising example of Indo-Aryan style of architecture. With carved pillars, intricately painted walls and alluring ceilings, this temple is not just a place for devotees but for every history and architecture lovers.

Lake Pichola
An artificial fresh water lake which was built in 1362 AD, Lake Pichola is impossible to miss when on an Udaipur Tour. On this lake are located some of the most popular places to visit in Udaipur such as the islands of Jag Niwas and Jagmandir. On the eastern bank of the lake stands the City Palace. A boat ride in the lake which offers an unforgettable view of the city is quite popular among visitors.

Fateh Sagar Lake
Artificial lake, named after Maharana Fateh Singh, Fateh Sagar Lake is located on the northern side of Lake Pichola to which it is connected through a canal. Surrounded by hills and woods, this lake makes for a delightful visit. In this lake stands the Nehru Island and a small islet consisting of Udaipur Solar Observatory, also known as Connaught Bundh.

Saheliyon-ki-Bari
Also known as the garden of maidens,Saheliyon-ki-Bari was constructed by the Mewar ruler, Maharana Sangram Singh II. An alluring site as build for the 48 women attendants who have accompanied a princess to Udaipur as a part of her dowry. This garden consisting of lotus pool, fountains, kiosks, marble elephants and a museum is a popular place to visit.

Bagore ki Haveli
Located at Gangaur Ghat, by the side of Lake Pichola, this magnificent palace was built in 18th century by the Prime minister of Mewar- Amar Chand Badwa. With more than 100 rooms showcasing a rich and rare collection of modern art and costumes, and the exquisite interiors which has been made with glass and mirror work, a trip to this haveli is worth planning. Apart from these top sightseeing places in Udaipur, you can plan a visit to places such as Gulab Bagh and Zoo, Shilpgram, Sukhadia Circle, Jaisamand Lake, Udai Sagar, Doodh Talai Lake, The Crystal Gallery, Badi Lake of the Jiyan Sagar, Lake, Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, and many more. For those looking for something extra, they can book one of the listed cab operators in Udaipur and visit to places such as Under the Sun Fish Aquarium, Vintage Car collection at the Garden Hotel, Wax Museum, Udaipur Biological Park, and Navlakha Mahal.

Best time to visit Udaipur
Although tourists can visit Udaipur at any time of the year as and when it suits their schedules, it is advisable to visit the city winter and post monsoon. The best time to visit Udaipur is from the month of September to March.

How to reach Udaipur
Udaipur is well connected by airways, roadways and railways. Hence reaching this wonderous city is easy and convenient to travellers of all age groups. The city has airport named Maharana Pratap Airport, which is also known as Dabok Airport. Regular flights operate between Udaipur airport and airports of Delhi and Mumbai. For those travelling by trains or buses, the city enjoys a good roadways as well as excellent railways, connecting it to cities and towns not only in Rajasthan but from other parts of the country too such as Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Agra, Chittorgarh, Ajmer, Sawai Madhopur, Jaipur, Delhi, Khajuraho and many more.