Udaipur city

The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure 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. Udaipur 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 amphitheatre of low mountains. Maharana followed the advise of the hermit and founded the city in 1559 A.D.

Overlooking the aquamarine expanses of the Lake Pichhola stands the splendid City Palace-a marvel in granite and marble. Of the original eleven gates of the Udaipur City, only five remain. The Suraj Pol the original or Sun Gate on the eastern side is the main entrance to the city. 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, Eklingji and Nathdwara and the cool retreat of Mt. Abu, make the visit to Udaipur a memorable one.

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.