The
Lake City
One of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur is also known as the
city of lakes. The marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and the
lakes make Udaipur seem almost like a mirage in the desert.
The founder of Udaipur
Maharana Udai Singh, was overcome by the misfortunes that his old capital
of Chittaurgarh had to face due to repeated attacks by the Mughal armies. On
the advice of a holy man, Udai Singh shifted his capital to the banks of
Lake Pichola- the city was named Udaipur after him.
City Palace
Well fortified City Palace stands white and majestic on a hill. The main
entrance, a triple arched gate named the Tripolia, built in 1725, is a
marvel. 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.
The Suraj Gokhada
The balcony of the sun, is where the Suryavanshi Maharanas of Mewar
presented themselves to the people in time of trouble to restore their
confidence. The ‘Mor Chowk’ known for its exquisite peacock
mosaics in glass and the ‘Chini Chitrashala’ noted for its blue
and white ceramics are other attractions in the palace.
Fateh Sagar
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
The picturesque lake that entranced Maharaja Udai Singh. It was later
enlarged by the founder. The lake is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples,
bathing ghats and embankments. Two island palaces, Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas
(Lake Palace) on the lake are of breathtaking magnificence.
Not to Overlook - Excursions
Jaisamand Lake
Some 49 km from Udaipur. A stunningly situated artificial lake, built in
the 17th century A.D. by Maharana Jai Singh is the second largest in Asia.
Ranakpur
Some 90 km from Udaipur. Nestled in the Aravalli ranges, near the village
of Sadri lies the Ranakpur temple complex, one of the biggest and the most
important cluster of Jain temples in India. The Chaumukha Temple, or Four
Faced Temple, is the main temple in the complex and dates back to the 15th
century. Built in marble, the temple has 29 halls supported by more than
1400 pillars, all distinctly carved, no two of which are alike.
Kumbhalgarh Fort
The Fort is about 84 km from Udaipur. The second principal fortress in
Rajasthan after Chittaurgarh, it is perched atop the Aravallis.Built in the
15th century by Maharana Kumbha, it extends over 12 km and enclose many
temples, palaces and gardens.The fort was renovated in the 19th century.
Location : In Rajasthan
Language : Rajasthani, Hindi, Considerable % of People speaks
English.
Climate : Moderate
Best time to Visit : Through out the year
Speciality : Lovely antique silver jewelry
Getting There
By Air : Indian Airlines daily connects Udaipur with
Jodhpur,
Jaipur,
Aurangabad, Mumbai and
Delhi. Dabok
Airport is 21 Km. from the city centre.
By Rail : Udaipur is on the Western Railway meter gauge
network. The Railway Station is about 4 Km. from the city centre. Udaipur is
directly connected by rail with Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer, Chittaur, Jodhpur and
Ahmedabad.
By Road : Udaipur is connected by National Highway No. 8,
the major road link between Mumbai and Delhi. The Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar
Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh Road Transport Corporation operate buses to
Udaipur from various regions. Private bus companies also operate in the
region during night hours. The State Transport Bus Stand is on City Station
Road, NH 8, Udiapole.
Related Storie(s)
Udaipur-The Heart of Rajasthan-
By Kitu Bhardwaj
Rajasthan- The Royal State
Of Rajasthan- By Shahnawaj Ahmed Ansari
