About Udaipur
Located in the southernmost region of Rajasthan,
Udaipur has been the real essence of India’s heritage.
Famed as the City of Lakes, Udaipur has redefined the
usual definitions of a heritage city. So much so, that
the city is crowned as one of the most romantic spots
across the globe. The city has so much to brag about,
starting from the iconic Rajput-era palaces, the vintage
hotels to the shimmering waters of its beautiful lakes.
Often termed as ‘Venice of the East’, Udaipur is a hot
spot for tourists from all around the globe.
The history of Udaipur roots back to the time of the
16th century, when it was a fertile valley along the
Banas river. It was founded by Maharana Udai Singh II
and was the first capital of Mewar kingdom.
The beautiful city of Udaipur is all about palaces and
lakes. Settled on the banks of Lake Pichola is a series
of royal Palaces. The most prominent among them is the
Vintage City Palace. This Palace has been the real deal
for foreigners travelling in the region. Right from the
balcony of the City Palace, one can have a panoramic
view of Jag Niwas, which is a premium world renowned
heritage hotel. From the entrance, the City Palace leads
to a series of courtyards, terraces, corridors and
garden. The Mor Chowk, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal and
Krishna Vilas are quite noteworthy in the Palace
premises.
Other attractions of Udaipur include the very famous Jag
Mandir. This Palace is built on an island on Lake
Pichola. With the construction credited to the three
Maharanas of Sisodia Rajputs, the Jag Mandir comprises
an impressive series of structures. These structures are
named as Gul Mahal, Bara Patharon ka Mahal and the
Zenana Mahal.
Lake Palace
Lake Palace is a superfluity 5 star hotel having 83 suits and rooms highlighting the walls of white marble. Located on the island of Jag Niwas, this refurbished heritage was earlier known as Jag Niwas that was luxury palace of Maharana Jagat Singh II. 4 acres are traversed by the natural foundation of this Palace located in Lake Pichola. A speed boat is operated by the hotel for the transport convenience of guests.
City Palace
A perfect example of the grandeur enjoyed by the
Mewar rulers eras ago is City Palace of Udaipur and it
still has appearance that is just magnificent. Located
on Lake Pichola’s eastern banks, City Palace boosts the
splendid fusion of European, Rajasthani, Mughal and
Chinese architecture that makes it one of the most
appealing factors of Udaipur. Lush green Aravali
Mountains encircle the complex of City Palace that
provides it a dazzling background and the monuments such
as Neemach Mata temple, Jagdish Temple, Monsoon Palace,
Jag Mandir, Lake Palace housed in it makes this palace
the most appealing destination for the tourists.
City Palace is completely made with granite and marble
and several other factors are there that adds grace to
beauty of City Palace such as wall paintings, attractive
entreaty of marble work, inlay work, murals, silver
work, mirror work.
Fateh Sagar Lake
After Jaisamand lake, the second artificial lake of
Udaipur is Fateh Sagar Lake named after Maharana Fateh
Singh of Mewar and Udaipur. The lake is constructed in
1680’s to Lake Pichola’s north and North West of Udaipur.
With three channels for intake and one channel for
overflow, Fateh Sagar Lake is very well organized.
Usually, in the rainy season, the overflow channel is
brought into play. Area of about 1 sq. km. is covered by
the lake in the monsoons. Three small islands embroider
Fateh Sager Lake that could be accessed while enjoying
boating in the lake. Nehru Park is the lake’s largest
island that is developed into a park. A small zoo and
boat-shaped restaurant are also embraced in this garden.
For most of the travelers, this island serves as the
famous spot for picnic.
Lake Pichola
Situated in the city of Udaipur, Lake Pichola is an artificial lake of fresh water named after the Picholi village. Within Lake Pichola are located two island known as Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas and to offer the enthralling views of lake, several palaces have been developed on these islands. Lake Pichola is also counted among the vital identity of the city of Udaipur. One must not miss the boat ride that starts from City Palace’s Rameshwar Ghat on Lake Pichola to get the memorable traveling experience. Two more popular islands are also there on Lake pichola: One is Arsi villas, built by Udaipur’s Maharanas which is a small palace and was formerly an ammo depot. This island also serves as a century for variety of birds such as coots, ducks, terns, ducks, kingfishers, cormorants, egrets etc. Another one is Mohan mandir from where the annual celebration of Gangaur festival was enjoyed by the king.
Gulab Bagh and Zoo
Gulab bagh was built and conceptualized by Maharanba Sajjan Singh and it is also popular as Sajjan Niwas garden. A large assortment of well-preserved roses is housed inside the garden that covers about 100 acres area. Located on Pichola lake’s bank, Gulab bagh is named after the roses that propagate here serves as the main attraction for the place. Several interesting animals are also there in the zoo of which, the ones that are must see are tigers, female leopards and chinkaras. Some huge owls and exceptional parakeets are also there in the bird section inside the zoo. Kids can also have fun and enjoy their visit to Gulab bagh since it also has a small toy train. This train could also be opted by those who don’t want to walk but check the whole park.
Sahelion ki Bari
One of the very famous tourist space and a major garden in Udaipur is Saheliyon-ki-bari. Buit by Rana Sangram Singh, Saheliyon ki bari lies in city’s northern part. Garden of the Maidens is the meaning of the word Saheliyon ki bari and one can enjoy the of marble elephants, pool of lotuses, beautifully carved kiosks and number of fountains in this place. Any observer could be mesmerized by the breath taking view of garden’s splendid architecture. The loving ambience of this bravura garden is enhanced further by the pavilions of marble, flowerbeds and lush green lawns. It is believed that this garden was built by Maharana Sangram Singh and he has offered it to his wife as a gift. The first thing that the tourists can enjoy in this beautiful place is a leisurely stroll through the garden while getting the glimpse of wonderful fountains and sculptures, each having a unique quality that provides pleasurable experience.
Sajjangarh Palace
A hilltop luxurious residence in Udaipur city is Sajjangarh Palace that is also popular as Monsoon palace. It is believed that to get the view of his inherited home in Chittorgarh, this palace was built by Maharana at the hilltop. A panoramic view of city’s palaces, lakes as well as the surrounding countryside is offered by the palace. To get the view of the mountain clouds, this palace has been built by Maharana and this is the reason why the palace is also popular as Monsoon Palace. In the evening, beautiful look of sunset could be enjoyed from the palace. At present, Government of Rajasthan’s forest department has the control of Sajjangarh Palace that was formerly owned by the royal family of Mewar. A golden orange glow is reflected by the palace in the evening after lights are illuminated. The beautiful look is enough to mesmerize anyone and fill his senses.
Moti Magri
The history of Udaipur city is vast and runs in depth along with Mewar dynasty’s implausible culture and architecture. One of the popular place of the city of dawn, Udaipur that attracts number of tourists is Moti Magri. On the top of Moti Magri is situated Maharana Pratap’s statue. The eye catching view of Fateh Sagar Lake could be enjoyed from Moti magri that is also popular as pearl hill. For the purpose of paying tribute to Maharana Pratap, the fabulous Rajput hero, his statue was built with Chetak, his horse on the top of Moti Magri. This famous statue is prepared in bronze. The height of the statue of Maharana Pratap is 11 feet and its weight is 7 tonnes. To enjoy the serene view of the city of Udaipur, Moti Magri is a perfect spot.
Doodh Talai
A small pond that is located adjacent to Lake Pichola is Doodh Talai Lake, a very famous tourist destination located in the heart of the city of town, Udaipur. A common link is shared between Doodh talai lake and Lake pichola which is another popular destination of tourists. One can enjoy boat ride, horse and camel rode and delicious food options offered by Doodh talai lake. Small hillocks hosting the Deen Dayal Upadhyay park surrounds Doodh talai lake. This place is widely popular for its managed and compact shape. While traveling to Udaipur, one must not miss to explore Doodh Talai lake, the place offering scenic beauty and greenery to make the experience memorable. One can enjoy the glimpse of several beautiful spots such as the ropeway, deen dayal upadhyay park, lake pichola, manilya lal verma garden (musical fountain or rock garden) from doodh talai lake.
