Udaipur

UDAIPUR

Udaipur is often called ‘Venice of the East’. It is also the ‘City Of Lakes’, the most romantic city in Rajasthan this city of lakes boasts of its rich Rajput architecture and heritage. Udaipur is located in the southern region of Rajasthan.

Maharana Udai Singh founded Udaipur in 1559 AD.  The pleasant climate of the city offers a welcome respite from the harsh climate of Rajasthan. From lakes in midst of the sandy terrain to green forested hills, the city offers many surprises that will leave you mesmerized.

Best time to visit- The best time to visit Udaipur is the winter season. The temperature remains comfortable and is apt for visiting the monuments and other places of interest in Udaipur. The best months to visit are September to March. Though in monsoon (June-September) the lush greenery of Udaipur is also worth visiting.

How to reach Udaipur

By Road :: There are well connected by road to all over India with National Highway & State Highway, come here from various places of India. Deluxe – Volvo Buses are operator for all places.
By Rail :: There are well connected to all over India with Various Express – Special – Ac Trains, M Frequently run Train for all major Station in India i.e. South / East / West / North India.
By Air :: Regular flights are available to/from all major designations like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur & Jodhpur. The nearest airport is the Dabok Airport i.e. 25 kms away.

MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTION

1. City Palace

City Palace towers over the Pichola Lake. The largest palace complex in Rajasthan, City Palace was built over 400 years by the Mewar rulers. It offers magnificent courtyards, museums, balconies, and panoramic views of Lake Pichola. The entry to the Palace is from the Hati Pol, the Elephant Gate. The Bari Pol or the Big Gate brings you to the Tripolia, the Triple gate. Balconies, cupolas and towers of the palace give a wonderful view of the lake. Suraj Gokhada (or the balcony of the sun) is where the Maharana would grant public audiences.

2. Fateh Sagar Lake

The picturesque Fateh Sagar Lake, located north of Lake Pichola is overlooked by a number of hills on the three sides and Pratap Memorial on the north, was built by Maharana Fateh Singh. It is a medium-sized reservoir constructed by the rulers of former Mewar State . Nehru Park, an island park in the lake, is a popular spot for relaxation.

3.Jag Mandir

A beautiful island palace on Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir was built by the Mewar kings and is known for its marble architecture and peaceful surroundings.

4.Jagdish Temple

A 17th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, admired for its intricate carvings and Indo-Aryan architecture.

5.Gulab Bagh

Gulab Bagh (Sajjan Niwas Garden) is the largest garden in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. It is spread over 100 acres of land. The garden has innumerable varieties of roses. Gulab Bagh gets its name from the abundance of rose flowers it has. There are numerous things within the garden like Lotus Pond, and many prominent trees. Inside the Garden Zoological park, there various rare species of animals & Birds & Toy Train rides for Kids.

6.Doodh Talai

Doodh Talai Lake or Dudh Talai lake, is a small pond located adjacent to the Lake Pichola, near Shiva Niwas Palace, in the heart of Udaipur, Dudh Talai Musical Garden also known as Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay park, is a magnificent rock garden in Duddhtalaii. From Dudh Talai Musical Garden, one can see the picturesque view of Jag Mandir, Lake Pichola, City Palace and Udaipur city. This garden is the perfect example of modern architecture.

7.Moti Magri (Pearl Hill / Chetak Smarak)

Atop the Moti Magri or Pearl Hill is the memorial of the Rajput hero Maharana Pratap, that sits perched upon the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake. The memorial shows Maharana Pratap atop his loyal horse Chetak, which has a bronze statue and even with the many great architectural marvels of Udaipur, The light and sound show at Moti Magri (Maharana Pratap Memorial) in Udaipur, known as the "Bharat Darshan" show, is a 18-minute presentation that showcases India's rich cultural heritage, geographical landmarks, and the history of Maharana Pratap. It is held in the evenings at Pratap Gaurav Kendra, typically starting around 7:30 PM in winter and 8:15 PM in summer, with tickets priced at approximately ₹50 per person

8.Nehru Garden

Nehru Garden is named after the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. Inaugurated on his birth anniversary on 14th November, 1967, it is an oval shaped island. Located in the centre of Fateh Sagar, it overlooks the ancient Moti Mahal of Maharana Pratap. Within its area of 4.5 acres, the park contains flower gardens and a lily pond. In Evening enjoy water fountain. the fountains are of channel type. In the north-west of the park lies a boat-shaped floating restaurant. By boats, tourists can reach this park from one side of the lake.

9.Pichola Lake

An artificial freshwater lake built in 1362 AD, Lake Pichola is famous for its scenic boat rides and beautiful views of City Palace, Jag Mandir, and Lake Palace.

10.Sahelion-Ki-Bari

Saheliyon-ki-Bari or the 'Garden of the Maids of Honour'.A royal garden built for the queen and her companions, featuring fountains, lotus pools, marble pavilions, and lush greenery

11.Ropeway

Ropeway is newly introduced and is most important tourist attraction. It is installed between two mountains right on the bank of Lake Pichola. The view from the Gondolas is breath taking and if you have passion for photography you must not miss this. It is from here that you can click best view of Udaipur including Lake Pichola, Lake Fateh Sagar, magnificent City Palace complex, Sajjangarh Fort and above all artistic landscaped Aravali mountains on the other side of the lake.

12.Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum

The interesting collection exhibited in this small museum which is a foundation for the preservation of folk arts includes dresses, dolls, masks, musical instruments and paintings it’s major point of the exhibits are the puppets.

13.Sas Bahu Temple

The 10th century Saas-Bahu temples dedicated to the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law are rated among the best temples in India

14.Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace)

Built on a hilltop by Maharana Sajjan Singh, this palace offers spectacular sunset views and overlooks the lakes and Aravalli Hills.

Surrounding Excursions from Udaipur :

Eklingji (22Km.)

Eklingji- means Shiva, the city dotted with temples, is located about twelve miles to the North of Udaipur in Rajasthan. 22 kms from Udaipur, Eklingji is a complex of 108 ancient temples, incised out of sandstone and marble.

Shree Nath Ji- Nathdwara

Nathdwara lies 48 kms from Udaipur and literally means the gateway to the Lord. This great Vaishnavite shrine was built in the 17th century dedicated to Lord Krishna. The legend has it that the image of Lord Krishna was being shifted to a safer place from Vrindavan in order to protect it from being desecrated and vandalized by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. When the image reached the spot where the temple exists, the wheels with the axle of the bullock cart carrying the image sank deep into mud. Human efforts failed to move the cart further so the accompanying priest interpreted this as the Lord's indication to be installed at this spot.

Haldighati

The historical site of Haldighati, situated towards the south west of Nathdwara, witnessed the great legendary battle fought between Maharana Pratap and  the mighty Mughal army in 1576 AD. Museum built over here help us imagine the battle fought at that time. Haldhighati war& Maharana Pratap History are depicted with Light & Sound show.

Kumbhal Garh Fort (84Km.)

Kumbhalgarh Fort was built by Maharana Kumbha in the 15th century. Kumbhalgarh Fort is one of the five hill forts of Rajasthan that were declared the UNESCO world heritage site in 2013. Constructed on the foothills of Aravalli ranges, it is surrounded by thirteen hill peaks of the ranges and is perched at an elevation of 1,914 m. The magnificent fort is situated in the middle of a forest which has been turned into a wildlife sanctuary. It is the second largest and the most important Mewar fort of Rajasthan after Chittorgarh palace.

The fortifications of the fort extend to the length of 36 kilometers and this fact has made this fort to be in the international records. It is stated to be the second longest wall in the world, the first being ''the Great Wall of China''.

Ranakpur

Beautifully sculptured Jain temples mark the glory of this renowned place. Considered as one of the five holy places for the Jain community, these were created in the 15th century during the reign of Rana Kumbha. These are enclosed within a wall. The central Chaumukha [four faced temple] is dedicated to Adinathji. The temple is an astounding creation of architectural splendor with 29 halls and 1,444 pillars all distinctly carved, no two pillars being alike. Every hall of temple has inconceivable surface carved with equal delicacy. Facing the main temple are the  temples -Parasvanath - Neminath with exquisite figure carving which look similar to that of Khajuraho sculptures.

Jaisamand (48Km.)

Jaisamand Sanctuary is situated 50-km south of Udaipur, the picturesque 'City of Lakes'. It is on the bank of Jaisamand Lake, the second largest artificial Lake in Asia.

Rajsamand Lake (66Km)

On the way to Kumbhalgarh lies the magnificent dam - the Rajsamand Lake. The royal lake, was built in 1660 AD by Rana Raj Singh. From here, one can have a spectacular view of the sunset with beautiful 'torans' or arches and 'chhatris' adorning the embankment. The lake has a Rest House of the Irrigation Department on the embankment below.