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Udaipur
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 ). |
