Udaipur
Udaipur is a very popular tourist destination in India and also one of the most sought-after cities for destination weddings. Udaipur attracts numerous visitors from all over the world due to its historic heritage and rich culture. The City Palace, Lake Palace, Bagore Ki Haveli, Pichola Lake, Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Palace, Jag Mandir Palace, Jagdish Temple, Sajjan Garh, Saheliyon Ki Bari, and Eklingji Temple are some popular attractions of Udaipur. Kumbhalgarh Fort, Chittorgarh Fort, Nathdwara, Sas-Bahu Temple, Ahar, and Ranakpur are the nearest attractions. Mewar festival and Gangaur festival are popular festivals celebrated in Udaipur and have a unique charm. The festival of Gangaur is very significant for the women of Rajasthan. This festival is a visual feast with Rajasthani songs, dances, processions, devotional music, and fireworks displays. The Directorate of Tourism organizes a 10-day Craft Bazaar at Shilpgram in December.
History of Udaipur
The previous kingdom of Mewar, Udaipur is one of the culturally rich Cities in India. The city possesses great pride and glorious history. In the year 1958, Mughal emperor Akbar the Great overtook Chittorgarh, and Rajput King Udai Sing was forced to flee from there. After leaving Chittorgarh, Udai Singh established the city of Udaipur. Until the British reign started in the country, Udaipur served as the capital of the Mewar clan. In 1818 when the British gradually started spreading their wings throughout the country, the city of Udaipur was then declared the princely state. In 1947, when India gained Independence Mewar kingdom was integrated into the state of Rajasthan. Being situated around the artificial lakes the city is called as the City of Lakes. Udaipur is ornamented with other names such as the City of Palaces and Venice of the East perfectly justifying its scenic beauty and majestic historical background.
Tourist Places in Udaipur
Udaipur is a city of great historical importance and religious relevance. Also known as the ‘Venice of the East’, it is a city that bears remnants of the glorious past of Rajasthan. The architectural grandeur and royal lineage of the city have never failed to appeal to tourists across the globe. Usually, it is considered that its majestic charm is difficult to appreciate through words.
As the tourism industry has expanded its horizons, the palaces, temples, havelis and countless narrow, crooked, timeless streets of this city have gained immense popularity worldwide. People from all walks of life wish to get a glimpse of the traditional heritage that Udaipur has preserved against all odds of time. To experience the reflections of antiquity in contemporary times. reminds us of the roots that have strengthened our existence. The aesthetic beauty, ecological richness and tranquil atmosphere provide a combination that every travel connoisseur wishes to explore.
Some of the popular tourist places in Udaipur include City Palace Museum, Sajjangarh Fort, Jagdish Temple and Lake Pichola. Apart from offering a chance to discover the ethnicity and historicity of the city, it also provides an opportunity to savour local Udaipur cuisines. Gatte ki Subzi, Ker Sangri, Papad ki Sabzi, Dil Jaani and Dal Bati Churma are some of the delicious delicacies that travellers can relish during their excursion to the City of Dawn.
Between October and March, it is considered the best time to visit Udaipur. During these months of the calendar, the weather in Udaipur remains salubrious. Travellers can also visit the city in the Monsoon season to witness the wind sighing and flirting with the tracery of lush green surroundings. With much to explore, there is no chance to miss a visit to the following well-known places to visit in Udaipur:
• Lake Pichola
• City Palace
• Doodh Talai Musical Garden
• Gulabh Bagh and Zoo
• Maharana Pratap Smarak
• Bada Mahal
• Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum
To plan a well-researched Udaipur itinerary, travellers can access the information provided by the Udaipur travel guide on the official website of Udaipur Tour Planner. Some of the Udaipur packages provided by Udaipur Tour Planner for a hassle-free journey are Rajasthan: Architectural and Natural Wonders, Amazing Udaipur, Udaipur and Jaipur Sojourn and Colorful Rajasthan.
Monuments in Udaipur
Udaipur Palaces and Monuments are renowned for their artistic architecture. The superb architecture of these monuments boasts the rich taste of Royalty. The Royal kings built massive palaces and monuments for their comfort, but today these monuments have become a testimonial of the bygone era. The imperial legacy of the ancestral kings, in the form of these monuments, attracts tourists from all over the globe. The noble Kings were inclined towards beauty and to fulfill their passion, they built lavish structures. Raised in the picturesque surroundings of Udaipur, these monuments are worth spending a few moments with your loved ones.
Many Palaces of the Imperial age have been converted into heritage hotels to offer the same luxurious comfort that used to be part of the majestic lifestyle. Lake Palace, City Palace, and Jag Mandir Palace are the major Palaces of Udaipur, famous for their outstanding architecture. Besides this, Bagore Ki Haveli is another structure that has been preserved to a great extent. The monument of Maharana Pratap Memorial is famous for its life-size statue of Pratap Singh. In this section, we will discuss in detail these monuments and palaces that are unquestionably the tour de force of Udaipur.
One of the major attractions of Udaipur is the City Palace of the Maharanas. It stands astride a low ridge along the shores of the Pichola Lake, an impressive complex of buildings in granite and marble flanked by octagonal corner towers surmounted by cupolas. A blend of Rajput and Mughal styles, the City Palace is a colossal series of buildings that, beyond the edge of the natural bedrock, are carried on huge stone arches and are a continuation of the city walls. The whole exterior is faced with white plaster. The entrance is via the Hari Pol or Great Gate (1600), which contains the royal drums, and on to the Tripolia Gate (1725). Between the two are eight carved Toranas, arches under which the rulers were weighed against gold and silver, which was then distributed to the poor. In the court beyond Tripolia elephant fights were staged. The Ganesh Deori Gate leads to the Rai Angan or royal courtyard (1571), on the east side of which is the Jewel Room. The central pavilion, the Choti Chitra Shali, is enriched with brilliant blue mosaics. The Jagdish Temple (1640) is an imposing building about 400 m from the City Palace.
Two of the most beautiful palaces found among the monuments of Udaipur are the island palaces – Lake Palace and Jag Mandir – located along the banks of the Pichola Lake. Lake Pichola was formed in the 14th century. Fringed with green hills and studded with ghats and gardens, the lake provides a transcendental beauty to Udaipur. The Lake Palace Hotel (mostly 1754 AD, with recent additions) is simply one of the most beautiful hotel palaces in the world like a serene ocean linet perpetually moored in the center of the lake. The hotel is a complex of palaces, built from the mid-17th century onwards, interspersed with courts, fountains, trees, and gardens. Once the summer residence of the Ranas of Mewar, the former royal banquet rooms are now used as reception suites and bars.
The Jag Mandir, on the southern island, was built in 1551. The domed pavilion or Gul Mahal, which is its greatest landmark, was commenced by Karan Singh (1621-8). It is one of the few examples of Mughal-style architecture in the state. In 1623 Prince Khurram, the future Emperor Shah Jahan lived here when in revolt against his father, Jahangir, and it is maintained that the pietra dura work on the interior later inspired the detailing of the Taj Mahal. European refugees fleeing the Mutiny were given sanctuary in this palace in 1857. Most of the buildings are of 18th-century origin. Sometimes it is called Jagannath, the Lord of the World, after the temple within the walls of this water-garden palace.
A number of the smaller islands contain pavilions and small palaces. The Mohan Mandir, in the northeast corner of the lake, was built by Jagat Singh between 1628 and 1652. The road along the east side of the lake leads to Khas Odi, built by Sir Sajjan Singh between 1874 and 1884 as a shooting box. The lake palaces and Khas Odi are visited by boat.
The Bagore ki Haveli is a very old congenial building located at the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangori Ghat. It was built in the 18th century by Amin Chand Badwa. The Haveli has over one hundred rooms, with delicate glass and mirror work in the interiors. There is a fine display of costumes and modern art found here, with some fine exhibits of Mewar paintings on the walls of the Queen’s Chamber. The building became the property of the State of Mewar after the death of Badwa. It went on to be occupied by Maharana Shakti Singh of Bagore, and it acquired the name of Bagore ki Haveli, the house of Bagore. It was the Maharana who built the palace of the three arches here in 1878. The Haveli now holds entertainment programs of traditional song and dance for tourists and visitors.
Some other beautiful palaces are found strewn all over Udaipur. These exotic palaces are very beautifully decorated, each of them adorned with some unique artistry.
The Sheesh Mahal has inlaid mirrors; the Krishna Vilas, painted miniatures, were installed by Raja Bhim Singh in 1805 after his daughter Krishna Kumari chose suicide rather than marriage to a rival prince. The Manak Mahal or Ruby Palace has glass and porcelain; the Moti Mahal or Pearl Palace, mirrors, the Chini-Ki-Chitra Mahal (1711-34) has lovely Dutch and Chinese tiles counterpointed with inlaid mirror work. The Bari Mahal (1699-1711), has a delightful garden as a centerpiece.
The Karan Vilas and Khush Mahal are two other palaces found lying to the west of the Tripola Gate at Udaipur. The Khush Mahal is a pleasure Palace built for European guests sometime in the mid-19th century. Found herein is an extraordinary mixture of European, Rajput, and Mughal detailing. Lying to the South is the Shambhu Niwas Palace, to which the Shiv Niwas was later added. The latter is now a hotel. One room has a suite of crystal furniture. The interiors, with mosaic and mirror, tile and glass, enamel and inlaid stones, are a glorious celebration of the power and opulence of the premier Rajput dynasty. North of the Shambhu Niwas is Minto Hall, a large Durbar Hall erected in the late 19th century and named after the Viceroy, Lord Minto.
North of the Pichola Lake a canal leads to Fateh Sagar built in 1678 with an embankment added by Fateh Singh in 1889. The road along its shores is very picturesque. The former British Residency, now a Circuit House, also has lovely gardens. The island garden is called Nehru Park and has a restaurant at its center. West of the city Sajjangarh Hill 335 m (1,100 ft) over Fateh Sagar Lake, is crowned by the Monsoon Palace, which commands a panoramic view of the lakes and palaces of the city below.
Moti Magri, overlooking the lake, has an equestrian statue of Maharana Pratap Singh, the Rajput hero. It is a gallant site dedicated to the brave Rajput hero, Maharana Pratap. Known in Hindi as the ‘Smarak’, the memory was constructed with the initiative of Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar. The memorial consists of a life-sized bronze statue of Maharana Pratap, seated on his favorite horse Chetak. Found at Ahar, lying two miles to the East of the city is the Royal cremation ground. There are elegant cenotaphs of the Rajahs here, interspersed among the trees. The Chatri of Rana Amar Singh I (1621) has a four-faced statue in the center and panels of bas-reliefs of ranis who chose Sati. There is a small local museum with some excellent exhibits of 10th-century sculpture.
The monuments of Udaipur are known the world over for the grandeur and majesty they exude, a throwback to the Rajput era.
Bagore-ki-Haveli is right on the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangori Ghat. Amar Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar, built it in the eighteenth century.
City Palace towers over the Pichola Lake. Maharana Uday Singh initiated in the construction of the palace but succeeding Maharanas added several palaces
A splendid creation of yellow sandstone and marble, the Jag Mandir Palace is built on the banks of Lake Pichola in Udaipur. The history of this marvelous structure highlights.
Located in close proximity with striking cenotaphs of the Maharanas of Mewar is Ahar Museum. This archeological museum is a repository of antiques, sculptures and artifacts.
Located on Jag Niwas Island in the middle of the Lake Pichola the Lake Palace is a mesmerizing view. It is spread across an area of 1.5 hectare of island. The palace was built.
The ultimate rural arts and crafts complex, Shilpgram is located in Havala Village near Udaipur. The Shilpgram Village of Udaipur is spread over 70 acres of lands and.
Saheliyon-ki-Bari is a major garden and a popular tourist space in Udaipur in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It lies in the northern part of the city and has fountains and kiosks, a lotus pool and marble elephants. It was built by Rana Sangram Singh.
Constructed as a relief project in Rajasthan, the Rajsamand Lake is one of the five popular lakes in Udaipur. Being built by Maharana Raj Singh in 1660, the water body.
Located 22km away from Udaipur, Eklingji temple is one of the popular temples in Rajasthan. In this temple, Hindu Lord Shiva is worshipped. According to historical records.
Situated in the northeast of Udaipur, the Nathdwara temple is one of the most revered and sacred places in Rajasthan. Nathdwara is actually a small town in Rajasthan.
Among the renowned temples of Udaipur, Jagdish Temple is much talked about for its architectural brilliance. The temple is situated in the center of Udaipur city in Rajasthan.
One of the best heritage hotels of India, Fateh Prakash Palace is highly praised for its traditional Marwari hospitality which oozes out luxury in its pure form.
Lake Pichola, situated in Udaipur city in the Indian state of Rajasthan, is an artificial fresh water lake, created in the year 1362, named after the nearby Picholi village. It is one of the several contiguous lakes, and developed over the last few centuries in and around the famous Udaipur city.
Maharana Pratap Memorial is a historic site that is dedicated to the gallant Maharana Pratap. Situated at the top of Moti Margi or Pearl Hill, the memorial overlooks the Fateh Sagar Lake. In Hindi, memorial is known as “smarak” and smarak is always made in the memory of loved ones.
Chetak Smarak, also called Chetak Samadhi, is a memorial to Maharana Pratap’s famed steed Chetak, in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The horse died of battle wounds after helping the Rana effect a miraculous escape from the Battle of Haldighati. The memorial is said to have been built at the spot that Chetak died.
The Monsoon Palace, also known as the Sajjan Garh Palace, is a hilltop palatial residence in the city of Udaipur, Rajasthan in India, overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake. It is named Sajjangarh after Maharana Sajjan Singh of the Mewar dynasty, whom it was built for in 1884.
Haldighati is a historical mountain pass between Khamnore and Balicha village situated at the Aravalli Range of Rajasthan in western India which connects the Rajsamand and Udaipur districts.
Located around 15 kms from the city centre of Udaipur, Bahualli hills stands tall on the not so famous Badi Lake. . Especially, the place has become hotspot amongst those who are looking for pre-wedding shoots. The 360° views of the Badi Lake with Aravalli range in the backdrop is so soothing to eyes.
Udaipur Taxi Fare Chart
Also view our:
- Udaipur to City Palace
- Udaipur to Raj Samand Lake
- Udaipur to Eklingji Temple
- Udaipur to Nathdwara Temple
- Udaipur to Jagdish Temple
- Udaipur to Haldighati
- Udaipur to Bahubali Hills
Taxi model:
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Etios Cab
Innova Cab
Crysta Cab
Tempo Traveller
Fortuner
Capacity:
4 Guests
4 Guests
6 Guests
6 Guests
9-20 Guests
6 Guests
Fare:
₹11
₹11
₹16
₹18
₹20-22
₹25