About Udaipur
Stretching over an area of around 37 sq kms, Udaipur was made
the capital of the Mewar kingdom (Sisodia dynasty) soon after it was founded
by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 AD. Udaipur or the ‘City of Dawn’
is hugely unlike the other barren places of Rajasthan. Its location in the
midst of forested hills makes it look like an oasis in the desert region.
The history and legends associated with the land as well as it breathtaking
scenic beauty makes Udaipur one of the most sought after destination in the
state of Rajasthan.
No matter what interests the tourists, Udaipur makes sure that its guests
do not go back disappointed and dejected. It has so many attractions in
store that tourists invariably find one or the other place or activity which
suits their taste and budget. The hues and colours of the city is completely
delightful and a tourist visiting this city cannot help marvelling at its
wonderous beauty.
Attractions
Lake Pichola - Lake Pichola is
the most important attraction in the city of Dawn not only because of its
excellent beauty, but also because it has a historical significance attached
to it. It was this lake that prompted Maharana Udai Singh to shift his age
old capital from Chittorgarh which was situated atop a hill. The lake got
its name from the little village that inhabited its bank in those times.
Occupying an area of 1.5 sq kms, this lake shimmers when the beaming sunrays
touch the water body. Its beauty at any point of time is simply awe
inspiring. With the Aravali hills enhancing its beauty, the lake offers its
visitors numerous bathing ghats, shrines and palaces which are located not
only around the lake, but also in the middle of it. These palaces and
shrines contribute to increase the spectacular image of the lake. The lake
can be best enjoyed by taking a boat cruise.
City Palace - The
most famous attraction around lake Pichola is the City Palace. The City
Palace dominates the Lake Pichola and was built by Maharana Udai Singh.
Entrance to this gorgeous palace is through many gates, though the most
famous of all is the Hati Pol or the Elephant Gate. Within its premises, the
palace houses various other arches, courtyards, overlapping pavilions,
terraces, corridors and hanging gardens. The interiors of the palace is
richly carved with mirror work, glass work and colourful murals. Outside the
palace, the colourful lawns add to the beauty and colour of this splendid
palace. This white marble palace, because of its exquisite beauty has
attracted numerous tourists from not only India but also from abroad.
Lake Palace
- Right in the middle of the lake Pichola stands the Lake Palace. A
beautiful white marble structure, this palace seems to emerge from the pure
water of the lake. Built by Maharana Jagat Singh in the year 1754, the
island is situated on the rocky island of founded and named by the same
Maharana. The beauty of the palace, as it appears during the day or moon lit
night is unparalleled. The palace has now been converted into a heritage
hotel where the tourists receive a royal treatment while on their trip ti
the magnificent city of Udaipur.
Bhartiya
Lok Kala Museum - A visit to this museum is a must for all those
tourists who wish to know more about the history and culture of Rajasthan on
the whole. Established by Padmashree Devilal Samar in the year 1952, the
museum is a storehouse of dresses, dolls, masks, musical instruments,
paintings and the famous puppets of Rajasthan. This museum provides a deep
insight into the life and culture of the native people.
Gulab Bagh - Considered by many as the best garden in
India, Gulab bagh offers its visitors a colourful spectacle to adore. Laid
down on the orders of Maharana Sajjan Singh in the 18th century, the garden
encloses within its boundary, a library and a zoo. The former is a
repository of valuable handwritten manuscript while the latter provides a
home to animals like tigers, leopards and chinkara. To sum up in a word, a
visit to this garden is simply unforgettable.
Reaching There
» By Air - Dabok Airport is the nearest airport
which is 24 kms away from Udaipur. Flights from this airport connect to all
major cities like New Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, Aurangabad and
Mumbai.
» By Rail - Railways connect Udaipur to and from
Chittrogarh, Ajmer, Jaipur and Delhi.
» By Road - Frequent bus services are available to
take tourists to and from Udaipur. The cities connected to Udaipur by road
include Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Delhi, Jaipur ,Chittrogarh, Indore, Kota, Mount
Abu and Mumbai.
Cities
of Rajasthan
