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Udaipur

One of the most romantic cities in all of Rajasthan, Udaipur is better known as the city of lakes. The marble palaces, the beautiful gardens and the placid blue lakes enhance the beauty of this city. It was founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh II. The Lake Palace is certainly the best late example of this unique cultural explosion, but Udaipur is full of palaces, temples and havelis ranging from the modest to the extravagant. It's also proud of its heritage as a centre for the performing arts, painting and crafts.

Places To See
City Palace : The City Palace over the lake is the biggest palace in Rajasthan. The construction of this palace was originally commenced by Maharana Udai Singh, the city' founder. Later on, many buildings were added. In spite of this, the uniformity of design is maintained. The palace has many balconies, towers and cupolas. The upper terraces offer a beautiful view over the lake and the city. The main part of the palace is now converted into a museum. Among the items displayed is the Mor Chowk with beautiful mosaics of peacocks, the Manak or Rudy Mahal with glass and porcelain figures. Krishna Vilas has a remarkable collection of miniatures. Beautiful mirror work is displayed in the Moati Mahal. Other exhibits include the princely Rolls-Royces

Lake Palace : In the state of vast stretches of sand is situated Udaipur, with enchanting lakes and lush greenery. This places oozes with beauty and is a symbol of romance, the most appealing place for poets, painters, travelers and writers. This fascinating capital of Mewar is surrounded by hills and is situated on the edge of three lakes. This city full of enchanting tales has a remarkable past, with episodes of heroism and splendor. This mesmerizing place is lived by narrow streets with coloured stalls, gardens, temples and palaces. Udaipur which means the city of Dawn, the beauty of this place is breath-taking

Mewar Festival : The Mewar Festival is celebrated to welcome the advent of spring. It coincides with the festival of Gangaur in Udaipur and has a unique charm about it. It is time for cultural events where Rajasthani culture is portrayed through songs, dances and other programmes. The festival culminates with an impressive fireworks display.

Sas Bahu Temple : The 10th century Saas-Bahu temples dedicated to the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law are rated among the best temples in India

Govt Museum - Udaipur : The Government Museum of Udaipur was originally located in Gulab Bagh and was called the Victoria Hall Museum. It has now been shifted to Karan Vilas Mahal within the precincts of the City Palace

Archaeological Museum : The museum at Ahar has a varied collection of findings from excavations at the mound of Dhulkot. It is believed to be the site of a 4,000 year old township.

Ahar : This place which now remains in ruins, displays fantastic pieces of architecture. The remains hold the royal cenotaphs of the Maharanas of Mewar. A small government museum displays a collection of antiques as well as earthern pots and some iron objects

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.

Lake Pichola : 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.

The Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum : The Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum is a good exhibition of puppets. Saheliyon Ki Bari (Garden of the Maids of Honour) is a small ornamental garden with fountains, kiosks, marble elephants and a lotus pool. Ahar Museum, to the east of Udaipur has a small museum and the cenotaphs of the Maharanas of Mewar. Twenty two km from Udaipur is Eklingi, a little village with a number of temples. The Shiva temple here dates back to 734 AD. The walled complex of the temple includes an elaborately pillared hall under a large pyramidal roof. There is a four-faced Shiva idol of black marble here

Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandir: The interesting collection exhibited by this Indian folk arts museum includes folk dresses,ornaments,puppets,masks,dolls,folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings

Fateh Sagar : With hill on three sides and the Pratap Memorial on the north. This lake enthralls the visitors by the boat rides to Nehru Park an island garden. This lake was built by Maharana Fateh Singh

Saheliyon-ki-bari : This garden which means 'Garden of Maidens' is a symbol of the fascinating lifestyle of the royal ladies, who once strolled through these gardens. Housing a number of fountains in the four pools, ornated with delicately carved kiosks and elephants, this garden offers a mesmerizing view

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

Excursion

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.

Haldighati (40 km): A historical site, witness to a great battle fought between Maharana Pratap and the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1576 A.D. The 'chhatri' of Mahrana's horse-Chetak is noteworthy

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.

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.
Rishabhdeoji (65Km.)Popularly known as Kesariyaji because of the large saffron offerings, this temple is dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara Rishabhdeoji.

Rajsamand Lake (66 km): Close to Kankroli is the dam built by Maharana Raj Singh in 1660 A.D. Many ornamental arches and chhatris adorn the embankment

How to get there
Air: I. A. connects Udaipur with Bombay, Delhi, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Aurangabad.
Rail: Udaipur is connected by rail with Ahmedabad, Chittorgarh, Bombay via Ahmedabad, Delhi and Jaipur.
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