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 The city of
Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure water lake,
hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravallis. A vision in white
drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend
of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the
imagination of poets, painters and writers. Its kaleidoscope of
fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes
strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past,
epitomizing valour and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid
waters of the Lake Pichhola is an enticing sight. Udaipur is the
jewel of Mewar-a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200
Years. The foundation of the city has an interesting legend
associated with it. According to it, Maharana Udai Singh, the
founder, was hunting one day when he met a holy man meditations
on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichhola. The hermit blessed the
Maharana and advised him to build a palace at this favorable
located spot with a fertile valley watered by the stream, a
lake, an agreeable altitude and an amphitheatre of low
mountains. Maharana followed the advise of the hermit and
founded the city in 1559 A.D.
Overlooking the
aquamarine expanses of the Lake Pichhola stands the splendid
City Palace-a marvel in granite and marble. Of the original
eleven gates of the Udaipur City, only five remain. The Suraj
Pol the original or Sun Gate on the eastern side is the main
entrance to the city. Exquisite lake palaces of Udaipur
shimmering like jewels on Lake Pichhola are overwhelming in
splendor. Several places of interest around Udaipur, including
the majestic, Chittaurgarh, the mountain fortress of Kumbhalgarh,
beautiful Jain temple of Ranakpur, Eklingji and Nathdwara and
the cool retreat of Mt. Abu, make the visit to Udaipur a
memorable one.
Transportation
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Air : I. A. connects
Udaipur with Bombay, Delhi, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Aurangabad.
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Rail : Udaipur is
connected by rail with Ahmedabad, Chittorgarh, Bombay via
Ahmedabad, Delhi and Jaipur.
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Road : By road Udaipur
to Ahmedabad 262 km, Bombay 739 km, Delhi 670 km, Jaipur
407 km, Chittorgarh 115 km and Mount Abu 185 km.
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Bus : Regular bus
services connect Udaipur to Ahmedabad, Chitorgarh, Eklingji,
Falna, Jaisamad, Kankroli, Mt. Abu, Nathdwara, Ranakpur &
Rishabhdeoji.
What to see
City Palace: A majestic architectural marvel towering
over the lake on a hill surrounded by crenellated walls, it is a
conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors,
rooms and hanging gardens.
 Lake Pichhola: The picturesque lake that entranced
Maharaja Udai Singh. It was later enlarged by the founder. The
lake is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and
embankments. Two island palaces, Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas (Lake
Palace) on the lake are of breathtaking.
Jag Mandir: In the middle of Lake Pichola is the island
palace where Prince Khurram (Shah Jahan) sought refuge from his
father, the Emperor Jehangir.
Saheliyon-ki-Bari: This small ornamental garden was a
popular relaxing spot where royal ladies came for a stroll and
hence the name. The garden has many fountains in its four
delightful pools, chiseled kiosks and marble elephants.
Gulab Bagh: A spectacular rose garden laid out by
Maharana Sajjan Singh. A library in the garden has a rare
collection of ancient handwritten manuscripts and books.
Fateh Sagar: A beautiful lake, overlooked by a number of
hills 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 boat shaped café
accessible by an enjoyable boat ride.
Excursions
Kankroli 64 km, Eklingli 21 km, Haldighati 42 km (RSTDC Rest
House) Jaisamand Lake 50 kms ( RSTDC Hotel Jaisamand ),
Nathdwara 42 kms ( RSTDC Hote Gokul ), Ranakpur 90 kms ( RSTDC
Hotel Shilpi ), Rishabhdeo 65 kms ( RSTDC Hotel Gauri ).
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