Udaipur is Known as “The city of lakes”. It is popular tourist destination among all over world. This city is built in 1553 A.D. by Maharaja Udai Singh and has been described as the most romantic city of Mewar Region. Often referred to as the 'Venice of the East', the city of lakes Udaipur is located around azure water lakes and is hemmed in by lush green hills of Aravallis. It is also home to Jaisamand Lake, claimed to be the second largest man-made sweet water lake in Asia. It is believed that a saint meditating on a hill near Lake Pichola guided him to establish his capital here as it is surrounded by Aravallis, forests and lakes that makes it a safer place than Chittorgarh. His heir Maharana Pratap was a legendary hero who is still revered for his valor and chivalry and being the most ferocious Rajput warrior who gave a tough time to the Mughals all his life.
Attractions And Palaces To Visit In Udaipur –
City Palace –
The City Palace towers is situated over Lake Pichola. The main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum displaying a large and diverse array of artefacts. Down steps from the entrance is the armoury museum exhibiting a huge collection of protective gear, weapons including the lethal two-pronged sword. The rooms of the palace are superbly decorated with mirror tiles and paintings.
Lake Palace –
Lake Palace is situated in a island between Lake Pichola. Now a hotel but was originally called Jagniwas and served as a summer palace. Built between 1743 and 1746. The palace was built by the Maharaja Jagat Singh. The various architectural features of the palace are also something that has a lot of appeal towards the tourists. The unique themes that reflect the rich handicrafts and textiles of the Udaipur are something to watch out for.
Jag Mandir –
Jagmandir is a palace built on an island on the Lake Pichola. Also called the ‘Lake Garden Palace’, the construction for this began in 1620 and was completed around 1652. T he royal family used the palace as its summer resort and for hosting parties. Interestingly, Prince Khurram - later Emperor Shah Jahan - was given shelter here when he rebelled against his father Emperor Jahangir. The Palace had such an impact on Emperor Shah Jahan that it went on to become the inspiration for one of the most magnificent Wonders of the World, The Taj Mahal.
Jagdish Temple –
The Jagdish temple is situated in the center of Udaipur city in Rajasthan. Formerly called the Jagannath Rai temple, it is now known as Jagdish-ji temple. It was built in 1651 and flaunts a hall with two stories. The style of temple architecture is quite similar to Indo - Aryan designs. This is most famous temples in and around Udaipur. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the structure is an architectural marvel with carved pillars, graceful ceilings and painted walls.
Saheliyon Ki Bari –
Saheliyon Ki Bari the fountain garden Built by Maharana Sangram Singh II as a garden for Royal womens, Saheliyon-ki-Bari or the Garden of the Maidens is a popular tourist destination. Along with a small museum, it has several attractions such as marble elephants, fountains, kiosks and a lotus pool.
Monsoon Palace -
Monsoon Palace is Situated just outside Udaipur, this 19th-century palace is built on top of Bansdara hills. Used as a monsoon palace and hunting lodge, its builder, Maharana Sajjan Singh, originally planned to make it an astronomical center. The plan was cancelled with Maharana Sajjan Singh's premature death. It is still an awe-inspiring sight on the Udaipur skyline and offers spectacular views of the city and the areas around.
Lake Pichola –
Lake Pichola is the situated between the Udaipur city. Udaipur city palace is situated on the bank of lake Pichola . Picholi was the name of a village that lent its name to the lake. A boat ride in the lake around sunset offers a breathtaking view of the Lake and City Palace.
Fateh Sagar Lake -
This delightful lake, bordered by hills and woodlands, lies to the north of Lake Pichola. This artificial lake is connected to Lake Pichola by a canal. The lake houses the beautiful Nehru Island as well as an islet on which stands the Udaipur Solar Observatory. It was inaugurated by the Duke of Connaught and was initially called Connaught Bundh.
Bagore Ki Haveli –
Bagore-ki-Haveli is located by Lake Pichola, at Gangaur Ghat. Amar Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar, built it in the 18th century. The massive palace has over a hundred rooms that display costumes and modern art. The glass and mirrors in the interiors are structured in classical haveli style.
Haldi Ghati –
Haldighati is a famed mountain pass in the hills of the Aravalli Range. The pass, about 40 kilometres from Udaipur, connects the districts of Rajsamand and Pali. The pass gets its name from the yellow-coloured soil of the region (turmeric is called haldi in Hindi). The mountain pass has gone down the annals of history as the site where the Battle of Haldighati was fought in 1576 between MahaRana Pratap Singh of Mewar and Raja Man Singh of Amber who was the general of the Mughal emperor Akbar. The site of the battle lies at the south-west side of Nathdwara. Maharana Pratap fought a brave war, but his loyal horse, Chetak, gave up his life as the Maharana was leaving the battlefield. In 1997, the Government of India proposed and constructed the Maharana Pratap National Memorial, and it is today dedicated to the spirit and valour of the Rajput King. The memorial, a cenotaph with white marble columns, displays a bronze statue of the Maharana riding Chetak. Besides the battle, Haldighati is known around the world for its charity rose products and mud art of Molela.
Shopping In Udaipur –
Jodhpur offers shopping experience with extremely rich in its royal heritage artifacts including textiles, sculptures and much more, also the sellers are hospitable and friendly that makes it a smooth shopping experience.