Udaipur Rajasthan
Udaipur is one of the most beautiful cities of Rajasthan, it is located on the banks of lake Pichola, also known as a 'Je
wel of Mewar'. The most romantic city of India can take the tourist into paroxysm of heaven. The center of attraction vibrates around the shimmering blue waters and the royal white marble palaces constructed with unique artistic insight. This remarkably chiseled out Lake Palaces shines like a jewel on Lake Pichhola certainly enchants the tourist and overwhelms them with its charm.
History
Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar 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 amphitheater of low mountains. Maharana followed the advise of the hermit and founded the city in 1559 A.D.
Best Time to visit: Oct to March
Weather : In Summer: 38.3 C (Max) - 28.8 C (Min) In Winter: 28.3 C (Max) - 8 C (Min) Rainy Season from July to Mid Sept, and very humid (upto 90%).
Places To See In Udaipur
1. City Palace
The largest Palace complex of Rajasthan it is a completely white structure standing majestically on a hill surrounded by crenellated walls on the bank of Lake Pichola. 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 maharanas were weighed under the gate in gold, the the equivalent amount of which was distributed among the populace. The suraj Gokhada, the balcony of the sun, is where the suryavansi 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 and Dutch inlaid tile work, Manak Mahal for glass and porcelain figures and Krishna Vilas for miniature painting.
2. Jagdish Temple
Built in 1651A.D. By Maharana Jagat Singh, this Indoarmy temple is the largest and the most beautiful temple if Udaipur with noteworthy scupted images.
3. Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum
The interesting collection exhibited by this Indian folk arts museum includes folk dresses ornaments puppets masks dolls folk musical instruments folk deities and paintings.
Saheliyon Ki Bari (Garden of the maids of Honor )
This small ornamental garden was a popular relaxing sport 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.
4. Fateh Sagar
Located north of the Pichola Lake, this lake is overlooked by a number of hills. It was originally built by Maharana Jai Singh in 1678 but after heavy rains destroyed the dam, it was reconstructed by Maharana Fateh Singh. In the middle of the lake is Nehru Park, a popular garden island. Boating facilities are also available.
5. Ahar
Located about 2km east of the city, there are remains of an ancient city. There is an impressive cluster of royal cenotaphs of the maharanas of Mewar. There is also a museum, which exhibits old earthen pottery, iron objects and other art items excavated in the re
gion.
6. Jaisamand Lake (48 km)
A stunningly situated artificial lake, built in the 17th century A.D. by Maharana Jai Singh is the second largest in Asia. Graceful marble chhatris flank the embankment and beautiful summer palaces of the Udaipur queens are built on either side of the lake. Jaisamand Island Resort is also worth visiting. A trip to Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary allows a close encounter with the rich wildlife in their natural habitat. The fauna includes panther,wild boar,deer,four honed antelope, mongoose and various species of migratory birds.
7. Lake Palace
In the middle of Lake Pichola stands the exquisite fairy tale Lake Palace, seemingly afloat on the tranquil waters that reflects the rugged hills that surround it. Designed to beat the heat and dust of summer, the Lake Palace or the Jag Niwas also known as Jagmahal was built by Maharajah Jagat Singh II in 1754. The pretty white marble palace is now a luxury hotel that attracts thousands of guests each year.
Deogarh - located about 135km north of Udaipur is a small town known for its wonderful castle that has now been converted into a hotel. It makes an ideal stopover between Udaipur and Jodhpur, Ajmer or Jaipur. There is also an extraordinary cave temple, the Anjaneshwar Mahadev, dedicated to Lord Shiva and said to be 2000 years old.
