UDAIPUR TOUR
THE CITY OF LAKES AND PALACES
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. The famous Lake Palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful sights of Udaipur. It is also home to Jaisamand Lake, claimed to be the second largest man-made sweet water lake in Asia. The beautiful City Palace and Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace) add to the architectural beauty and grandeur of the city. The city is also known for its profusion of zinc and marble. Solar observatory in Lake Fateh Sagar is the only observatory in India located on an island and has been made on the pattern of Big Bear Lake in Southern California. The ten-day Shilpgram Festival which starts from 21 Dec to 30 Dec pulls in a large number of people interested in arts and crafts.
Udaipur was founded in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the new capital of Mewar Kingdom. It is located in the fertile, circular Girwa Valley to the southwest of Nagda, which was the first capital of Mewar.
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
UDAIPUR CITY PALACE
The City Palace towers over Lake Pichola. The balconies, cupolas, and towers of the palace give a wonderful view of the lake and the surrounding city.This complex actually consists several minor palaces.
LAKE PALACE
Now a hotel but was originally called Jagniwas and served as a summer palace. Built between 1743 and 1746 on the island near Jagmandir in Lake Picholathe palace, which faces east, is a wondrous.
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.The royal family used the palace.
MONSOON PALACE
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.
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.
LAKE PICHOLA
Picholi was the name of a village that lent its name to the lake. The islands of Jagniwas and Jagmandir are housed in this lake. Along the eastern banks of the lake lies the City Palace.
JAGDISH TEMPLE
An example of the Indo-Aryan style of architecture, Jagdish Temple was built in 1651 and continues to be one of the most famous temples in and around Udaipur. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
BHARATIYA LOK KALA MANDAL
Dedicated to the study of folk art, culture, songs and festivals of Rajasthan, Gujrat and Madhya Pradesh, Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal is a cultural in Udaipur.
THINGS TO DO
FOOD
Udaipur is one place where you won't have to go far looking for your kind of food. Some of the best places to eat in town include the Lake Palace's excellent dining terrace, the Shiv Niwas Palace Hotel, and Gallery Restaurant at the Fateh Prakash Palace Hotel. Amet-ke-Haveli is another place where you enjoy.
SHOPPING
Chetak Circle, Clock Tower, Hathi Pol, Palace Road and the City Market are some of the best places to shop in Udaipur. The Rajasthan Government Handicrafts Emporium is another good stop. Do try and make time for Shilpgram, the craft bazaar. It hosts a shopping extravaganza every year, commencing mid-December.
ENTERTAINMENT
Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated in February/ March and marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The Udaipur royal family hosts an elaborate function at the City Palace.When in Udaipur don't miss the ropeway from popular tourist spot Deen Dayal Park to Karni Mata Temple.