UDAIPUR
-VENICE OF THE EAST
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.
Udiapur 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 ampitheatre
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.
PRIME
SITES
City
Palaces: A majestic architectural
marvel towering over the lake on a hill
surrounded
by crenallated walls, it is a conglomeration
of courtyards,pavilions,terraces,corridors,rooms
and hanging gardens. The main entrance is
through the triple arched gate, the Tripolia
with eight marble porticos. The Maharana
were weighed under the gate in the gold,the
equivalent amount of which was distributed
among the populace.
The Suraj
Gokhada, the balcony of the sun,
is where the Suryavanshi Maharanas of Mewar
presented themselves to the people in time
of trouble to restore their confidence.
The Mor Chowk known for its exquisite peacock
mosaics in glass and the Chini Chitrashala
noted for its blue and white ceramics are
other attractions in the palace.
Jagdish
Temple: Built in 1651 A.D. By Maharana
Jagat Singh, this Indo-Aryan temple is the
largest and the most beautiful temple of
Udaipur with noteworthy sculpted images.
Saheliyon-ki-Bari
(Garden of the maids of Honour): 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.
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.
Pichhola
Lake: 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 magnificence.
EXCURSIONS
Eklingji
(22 km): Built in 734 A.D. is the beautifully
sculpted temple complex with 108 temples
within its high walls. The temples are dedicated
to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of Mewar
rulers. The walled complex encloses and
elaborately pillared hall or mandap under
a large pyramidal roof and has four-faced
image of Lord Shiva in black marble.
Nagda
(23 km): The ancient site dating back to
the 6th century A.D. is renowned
for the Sas-Bahu temples (9t - 10th
century A.D.) with interesting architecture
and carvings. The splendid Jain temples
of Adbudji are also worth a visit.
Haldighati
(40 km): A historical site, witness to the
great battle fought between Maharana Pratap
and Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1576 A.D. The
Chhatri of Maharana s horse-Chetak is noteworthy.
Nathdwara
(48 km): The most reverred 17th
century shrine, dedicated Shrinathji or
Lord Krishna,attracts thousands of Pilgrims
from all over the country,especially during
Diwali, Holi and Janmashtami when their
number exceeds a lak. Foreign tourists are
not permitted inside and photographs is
prohibited.
Kankroli
(65 km): An important vaishnava
temple popularly called Dwarikadish. It
is the most important temple of the Vallabhacharya
sect,built to resemble the famous Nathdwara
shrine.
Kumbhalgarh
Fort ( 84 km): The second principal
fortress in Rajasthan after Chittaurgarh,
it is perched atop the Aravallis.Built in
the 15th century by Maharana
Kumbha, it extends over 12 km and enclose
many temples,palaces and gardens.The fort
renovated in the 19th century.
The Badal Mahal or Cloud Palace offers a
spectacular bird s eye view of the surrounding
countryside. Closeby is the Kumbhalgarh
Wildlife Sanctuary with a rich variety of
wildlife. The Fort is accessible only by
jeep from Kelwara through the seven gates.
Ranakpur
(90 km): The beautifully sculptured Jain
temples lie in a tranquil valley of the
Aravallis. The main Chaumukha Temple
is dedicated to the tirthankara Adinath
and has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars,
all distinctly carved.
Two jain temples
dedicated to Neminath and Parsvanath and
a Sun Temple a little distance away ,are
also noteworthy.
GENERAL
INFORMATION
Area
: 37 sq. km.
Altitude : 577metres
Climate : Mean Max. Mean Min.
Summer : 38.3 degree C 28.8 degree C
Winter : 28.3 degree C 11.6 degree C
Rainfall : 61 cms.
Best Season : September- March
Clothing : Summer light tropical
Winter light woolen
Languages : English, Hindi, Mewari.
