Rajasthan Travel Guide

Udaipur - the Lake City of India
Nestled among the lush hills of the Aravallis, it has inevitably been dubbed the 'Venice of the East'. It is a kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carries the flavor of the heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Founded in 1568 A.D by Maharana Udai Singh, the city is a harmonious Indian blend of whitewashed buildings, marble palaces, lakeside gardens, temples and Havelis. Udaipur is perhaps the most beautiful city of Rajasthan and must visit destination of Rajasthan travel and tourism. The city enjoys several fabulous nicknames due to various reasons. Some popular nicknames in praise of this city are White City, Romantic City, City of Lakes, City of Palaces, City of Dawn, etc. The city is considered as one of the most romantic cities in the world. Udaipur is also base to visit several other destinations and attractions like Kumbhalgarh Fort, Chittorgarh Fort, Ancient Jain Temples at Ranakpur, and nature blessed Mount Abu - the only hill station of the state.

Places Of Interest:
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. 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 museum in the palace articulates it's history and is an exquisite gallery of the arts of that time. 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.

Jag Mandir Island - The lovely palace was built by Maharan Karan Singh as a hideout for Shah Jahan ( Prince Khurram), This palace inspiried him to built the lovely Taj Mahal. It is located in the lake Pichola, it has lovely garden & has exquisite carving which worth to see. You can visit the palace (Entry fee - Rs. 175/-) & have dinner there. Its better to book the dinner in advance.

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.

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

Bagore-Ki Haveli - It was built in 18th century, It a museum having 100 rooms, houses rajasthani costumes, modern art, paintings and have few bullock carts & every evening you can enjoy the folk dance organised by West Zone Cultural Center. ( Time: 19.00 to 20.00 Tickets: Adult Rs. 60 /child Rs. 30. )

Moti mangri :: Maharana Pratap Memorial - The beautiful hilltop garden is located on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake. It has a stunning bronze statue of Maharana Pratap with his reliable horse "Chetak". It has beautiful gardens, fountain, few shops and has wonderful view of the lake & mountains.

Sahelion Ki Bari - The lovely garden was built in 18th century by Maharana Sangram Singh for the ladies of the court. It has four pools including 1 lotus pool, fountains, the huge trees with lush green lawns.

Sajjangarh - The Monsson Palace or Sajjangarh was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh. It is situated on the top of a hill along Sajjangarh Wild Sanctuary. The Palace is best to see the Arial view of the city & the Sunset.

Lake Pichola - It is the best lake of Udaipur, the old city is located around the lake, The lake has three palace : Jag mandir, Jag Niwas Palace(Lake Palace) & Mohan mandir.

Shilpgram - Located in the heart of Aravallis, just 15 mins away from the city, the ethnic village is devoted to Rajasthani craft & it means craftsmen's village. It covers an area of 70 acres & has museum, art gallery, traditional Rajasthani huts & shops, It as a huge outdoor auditorium called "Mukta Kashi". Every year in the last week of December West Zone cultural center organises a huge 10 day cultural festival called Chirmi, where artist & craftsmen from all across India displays their artwork. Its really a must visit attraction.


Excursions:
Jaisamand Lake :: The lake is second largest lake of Asia. Located just 51 kms from Udaipur, the artificial lake was built by Maharana Jai Sigh. The lake has cenotaphs & temple on its bank. You can spot few rare migratory birds in the lake & Panthers, deers & antelopes in the wildlife sanctuary around the lake, Jeep safari is the best option for it. You can stay at the lovely Island Resort.

Rajsamand Lake :: Located 65 kms away from Udaipur, the huge lake has a dam, lovely pavilions with wonderful artworks.

Haldighati :: Located just 44kms away from Udaipur, the land tells the story of the great battle between Maharana Pratap & Akbar. The battle was so mortal that the sand got red, by the blood.

Kumbhalgarh:: The formidable medieval citadel- Kumbhalgarh stands a wary sentinel to the past glory. Rising from a prominent ridge, 1914 meters high from the sea level, the fort was built in 15th century A.D by Maharana Kumbha and is the principal fortification after Chittaurgarh, lying 90kms northwest of Udaipur. The massive fort, encompassed by 36kms long wall (2nd largest wall after the great wall of China) has seven majestic gates and seven ramparts, one within the other. Rounded bastions and soaring watch towers strengthen the crenellated walls of the fort making it an impregnable structure.

Ranakpur:: The world renowned state of the art temple was built in 15th century and is just 90 kms away from Udaipur. The temple is located in the gorgeous Aravali ranges. It is one of the most important pilgrim among the five prilgrims of the Jainism. It is perhaps the most Byzantine and massive of Jain temples in India, the area of the temples is about 40,000 square feet. The most dazzling highlight of this temple is the countless, forty feet high pillars. every one of those pillars are individually carved with its own design, and the resulting effect is nothing less than spectacular. Standing in this huge marble structure, complete with a centuries-old tree growing right inside, you are overcome with awe at its intricacy and beauty. The complex also contains several smaller temples, also fantastically carved. All of these temples are in daily operation as religious buildings, so you'll need to be respectful. Shoes and leather objects are forbidden inside.

Kankroli 64- kms, Eklingji- 21 kms, Haldi Ghati- 42 kms, Jaisamand Lake- 50 kms, Nathdwara- 42 kms, Ranakpur- 90 kms, Rishabhdeo- 65 kms.

Reach -
By Air: Well linked with major cities of India.
By Rail: Well connected with major towns.
By Road: Ahmedabad- 262 kms, Bombay- 739 kms, Delhi- 670 kms, Jaipur- 407 kms, Chittaurgarh- 115 kms and Mount Abu- 185 kms.