There is no place in India which appeals more to the imagination
of poets and painters, travellers and writers, than Udaipur, the
lovely lake side capital of Mewar. The Udaipur inherent romance
and beauty, and its remarkable past, bristling with episodes of
heroism and splendour, continue to enthrall the visitor. Udaipur,
the City of Dawn, looms up like a vision in white. Udaipur
is surrounded by hills and mountains, and set on the edge of three
lakes, which give on to a fertile plain, it is bewitching in all
its details - narrow streets lined by vivid coloured stalls, gardens,
temples and palaces - every feature mirrored in the placid blue
waters of lake Pichhola.
Udaipur Places of Interest
City Palace Udaipur
Completely white and majestic, the City Palace Udaipur
stands on a hill surrounded by crenellated walls. City Palace
Udaipur main entrance is through the triple arched gate, the Tripolia,
built in 1725. The Suraj Gokhada, the Balcony of the Sun, where
the Suryavanshi Maharanas of Mewar, presented
themselves in times of trouble to the people to restore their
confidence, is another fascinating monument. The Chini
Chitrashala is noteworthy for its blue and white ceramics.
Jagdish Temple Udaipur
Jagdish Temple is built in 1651 A.D., by Maharaja Jagat
Singh I, it is the largest and most splendid temple in Udaipur.
Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum Udaipur
This Indian folk arts museum displays a rich collection
of folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls musical instruments
and paintings.
Saheliyon ki Bari Udaipur
This garden of the maids of honour, brings to the fore,
the unique lifestyle of the royal ladies, who once strolled through
these gardens. This spectacular garden has numerous fountains
in four pools, embellished with delicately chiselled kiosks and
elephants.
Fateh Sagar Udaipur
Fateh Sagar is built by Maharana Fateh Singh, this elegant
lake is surrounded on three sides by hills, and the Pratap Memorial
on the north. One can indulge in boat rides on the rippling waters,
and row across to the Nehru Park - an island garden.
Pichhola Lake Udaipur
The legendary Pichhola lake Udaipur that entranced Maharana
Udai Singh, it is surrounded by hill palaces, temples, bathing
ghats and embankments.
Jag Mandir Udaipur
Jag Mandir lies towards the south of the lake and was
completed by Maharana Jagat Singh I (reigned 1628-1652). However,
the Jag Mandir palace was developed by Rana Karan Singh (1620-28).
Eight elephant statues face Jag Niwas from Jag Mandir and the
empty island with its domed pavilion. This pavilion on the island
better known as the Gul Mahal and built between 1625-7 was started
by Karan Singh (1620-28). It is one of the few examples of Mughal
styled architecture in the state and now houses some exquisite
Mughal paintings and murals.
Shiv Niwas Palace Udaipur
The debonair Shiv Niwas Palace Udaipur was first opened for the
shooting of the 007 Bond film Octopussy. This
crescent shaped palace was originally the annexe to the Shambhu
Palace near the southern end of the Pichola Lake. Shiv Niwas Palace
Udaipur was built sometime in the beginning of the century by
Maharana Fateh Singh for nearly Rs 6,00,000, a very great sum
in those days. Shiv Niwas Palace Udaipur style and design of the
building is purely European although it has retained some of the
distinctive traditional Hindu elements seen in Udaipur. Shiv Niwas
Palace Udaipur is a beautiful combination of Hindu tradition and
European elegance.
Ahar Udaipur
In the crumbling remains of Ahar, stand the royal cenotaphs
of the Maharanas of Mewar, remarkable pieces of architecture.
A small government museum houses a rare collection of antiquities,
including earthern pots and some iron objects.
Sajjan Garh Udaipur
This Monsoon Palace dominates the skyline, and is visible
from most parts of the city. Sajjan Garh Palace Udaipur affords
a spectacular view of the city - its lakes, palaces and the surrounding
countryside.
Gulab Bagh Udaipur
Few gardens in India offer such spectacular beauty, as
this rose garden. Gulab Bagh Udaipur also houses a library with
a rich collection of old handwritten scripts and books.
AMENITIES
