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.
Lake Palace
Climate: -
In Summer: 38.3 C (Max) - 28.8 C (Min)
In Winter: 28.3 C (Max) - 8 C (Min)
SIGHTSEEING:
City Palace: -
A majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake on a hill surrounded by
crenelated walls, it is a conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces,
corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. The main entrance is through the triple
arched gate, the ‘Tripolia’ with eight marble porticos. The Maharana were
weighed under the gate in the gold, the equivalent amount of which was
distributed among the populace.
Saheliyon-ki-Bari : -
This small ornamental garden was a popular relaxing spot where royal ladies came
for a stroll and hence the name. The garden has many fountains in its four
delightful pools,chiseled kiosks and marble elephants.
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.
Gulab Bagh : -
A spectacular rose garden laid out by Maharana Sajjan Singh. A library in the
garden has a rare collection of ancient handwritten manuscripts and books.
Fateh Sagar : -
A beautiful lake,overlooked by a number of hills on the three sides and the
Pratap Memorial on the north was built by Maharana Fateh Singh. In the middle of
the lake is Nehru Park-a lovely garden island with a boat shaped café accessible
by an enjoyable boat ride.
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
Kumbhalgarh Fort ( 84 km): -
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 renovated in the
19th century. The Badal Mahal or Cloud Palace offers a spectacular bird’s eye
view of the surrounding countryside. Closeby is the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife
Sanctuary with a rich variety of wildlife. The Fort is accessible only by jeep
from Kelwara through the seven gates.
Transportation: -
Air : I. A. connects Udaipur with Bombay, Delhi, Jodhpur, Jaipur,
Aurangabad.
Rail: Udaipur is connected by rail with Ahmedabad, Chittorgarh, Bombay
via Ahmedabad, Delhi and Jaipur.
Road: By road Udaipur to Ahmedabad 262 km, Bombay 739 km, Delhi 670 km,
Jaipur 407 km, Chittorgarh 115 km and Mount Abu 185 km.
Bus : Regular bus services connect Udaipur to Ahmedabad, Chitorgarh,
Eklingji, Falna, Jaisamad, Kankroli, Mt. Abu, Nathdwara, Ranakpur & Rishabhdeoji.
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