Udaipur
is a city in Rajasthan state of India. It is the
historic capital of the former kingdom of Mewar, and the
administrative headquarters of Udaipur District. The
city was established by Maharana Udai Singh, who on the
advice of a holy man shifted his capital to the banks of
Lake Pichola, and named it after his name -
Udaipur.Udaipur is located in the mountains of Aravalli
Range. It is located in the southern part of Rajasthan
near the Gujarat border.Udaipur is famous around the
world as the City Of Lakes . The Pichola Lake, Udai
Sagar, Fateh Sagar and Badi Sagar in this city are
considered some of the most beautiful lakes in the
state.The city is also known for its Rajput-era palaces.
Particularly famous is the Lake Palace, which entirely
covers a small island in the Pichola Lake.
Hotel
Devigarh Palace
Address: Post Box No. 144, Delwara, Nathdwara, Udaipur, Rajasthan.
Rooms:
29 Rooms
Location: 27 kms. from Maharana
Pratap Airport, 30 kms. from Udaipur City Railway Station.
The lake is the
centre-piece around which Udaipur revolves. The lake is surrounded
by hills, palaces, temples bathing ghats and embankments. Two island
palaces, jag Mandir and Lake Palace on the lake are of breathtaking
magnificence. It started off as a small pond built by a banjara, who
dammed up the waters of a mountain stream by building a dyke.
Maharana Udai Singh extended this pond, creating the exquisite Lake
Pichola. Maharana Udai Singh built a masonry dam, known as Badi Pol,
and the lake is now 4 km long and 3 km wide.
An amazing
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 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 are another attraction in the
palace.
The most famous
tourist attraction of Udaipur, the Lake Palace (also known as Jag
Niwas) is a beautiful island palace built by Maharana Jagat Singh II
in 1754. Situated on picturesque Lake Pichola, the white marble
structure appears like emerging out of the shimmering blue waters on
the lake, creating a spellbound effect on visitors.
Jagdish Temple
Gulab Bagh
Fateh Sagar
Jagdish Temple is the largest and the most beautiful temple in
Udaipur, built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651 AD. Dedicated to lord
Vishnu, the temple is famous for its beautiful sculpted images and
towering Shikara.
This rose Garden was
laid out by mharana Sanjjan Singh. A library in the garden has a
rare collection of anicient handwritten manuscripts and books.
It is a beautiful
lake, overlooked by a number of jills 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
boar shaped cafe ,accessile by an enjoyable boat ride.
How to reach
Udaipur
By Air
By Rail
By Bus
Debock Airport is
24 km from the city centre. There are some frequent flights to
Udaipur from New Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, Aurangabad
and Mumbai.
Udaipur is directly connected by rail with major cities.
Udaipur can be easily reached by road as well. There are
well-maintained roads connecting it to tourism destinations in
Rajasthan and adjacent states of Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and
Madhya Pradesh.
Events in
Udaipur
Gangaur Festival
Mewar Festival
Shilpgram Fair
Gangaur festival
falls in the month of March - April is popular among women who pray
to the goddess Parvati. A procession of caparisoned horses and
elephants accompanying the image of Lord Shiva is the major
attraction. During this festival women carry the idols of goddess
Parvati also called Gauri in form of a procession to Gangaur Ghat
which is one side of Pichola lake.
The Festival is
celebrated to welcome the advent of spring. During the festival, the
tradition and culture of Rajasthan dominates every other thing in
one's mind.
Shilpgram, a
craftsmen's village 3km west of Fateh Sagar, has displays of
traditional houses from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Goa and Maharashtra.
There are also demonstrations by musicians, dancers, or artisans
from these states. The 10 day festival is a treat for the visitor to
an array of exquisite art and craft. Shilpgram hosts the festival.
Weather
Due to lakes
surrounding Udaipur climate of the city is pleasant than in any
other city in Rajasthan. The summers are hot and winters are
cold but the temperature does not rise to extremes. The best
time to visit Udaipur is between September & March.
Last Minute Guide
Shopping At Udaipur
Shooping in Udaipur
is a nice experience. Udaipur is famous for it's leather products,
jewellery, rug weaving and marble work. You also find Art Galleries
in Udaipur.A captivating collection of exquisite dainty folk toys,
brightly coloured garments, hand printed textiles, batiks and tie &
dye sarees and fabrics can be bought here. Craftsmanship at its best
can be seen in the rustic and chunky silver jewellery and wooden
toys. The animated colours and themes painted on the pichwais or the
wall hanging are world renowned. The main shopping places being
Rajasthan Government Handicraft emporium , Chetak Circle, Bapu Bazar,
Chetak Circle, Hathipole and Lake Palace Road.
Cuisines of Udaipur
Udaivilas has two
fabulous restaurants, Surya Mahal and Udai Mahal, serving fine
Indian and Continental cuisine.The hotel Trident Hilton features a
multi-cuisine restaurant, serving an elaborate à la carte menu and
extensive buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner.The hotel Shiv
Niwas Palace serves Indian and Continental cuisine. The hotel also
has bar that serves choicest of wines and cocktails. You can enjoy
Indian and Continental food at Paantya.The Gallery Restaurant of
Hotel Fateh Prakash Palace specializes in Continental cuisine.
