UDAIPUR

Udaipur

GENERAL INFORMATION
Area : 37 sq. km.
Altitude : 577 metres
Best Season : September-March
Rainfall : 62 cms.
Clothing : Summer light tropical or cotton Winter Woollen.
Languages : Mewari, Hindi, English

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

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

Excursions from Udaipur
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

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.

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