THE CITY OF LAKES AND PALACES
Udaipur
Frequently referred to as the 'Venice of the East', the city of lakes, Udaipur is located around azure water lakes and is hemmed in by lush green hills of Aravallis. The famous Lake Palace, situated in the center of Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful sights of Udaipur. It is also home to Jaisamand Lake, claimed to be the second largest man-made sweet water lake in Asia.The beautiful City Palace and Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace) add to the architectural beauty and the grandeur of the metropolis. The metropolis is too recognized for its profusion of zinc and marble. Solar observatory in Lake Fateh Sagar is the only observation tower in India located on an island and has been built on the pattern of Big Bear Lake in Southern California. The ten-day Shilpgram Festival, which begins from 21 Dec to 30 Dec pulls in a great number of people interested in arts and trades.
Udaipur was founded in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the new capital of the Mewar Kingdom. It is sited in the fertile, circular Girwa Valley to the southwest of Nagda, which was the foremost capital of Mewar.
Udaipur City Palace
The City Palace towers over Lake Pichola. The balconies, cupolas, and towers of the palace give a fantastic panorama of the lake and the surrounding metropolis. This complex actually consists of four major and several minor palaces that collectively make the splendid City Palace.
Lake Palace
At present a hotel, but was originally called Jagniwas and served as a summer castle. Constructed between 1743 and 1746 on the island near Jagmandir in Lake Pichola, the castle, which faces east, is a wondrous sight to lay eyes on.The walls made of grim and white marbles are adorned with semi-precious stones and ornamented niches.
Jag Mandir
Jagmandir is a castle built on an island in the Lake Pichola. Also visited the ‘Lake Garden Palace’, the construction of this began in 1620 and was discharged about 1652. The imperial family used the castle as its summer resort and for hosting parties.Interestingly, Prince Khurram - later Emperor Shah Jahan - was given shelter here.
Monsoon Palace
Located just outside Udaipur, this 19th-century palace is constructed on top of Bansdara hills. Employed as a monsoon palace and hunting lodge, its builder, Maharana Sajjan Singh, originally designed to cook it an astronomical center.The design was cancelled with Maharana Sajjan Singh's premature death.
Ahar Museum
Ahar Museum is in near proximity to an impressive cluster of cenotaphs of the Maharanas of Mewar. The museum holds a modest, but rare collection of earthen pottery. You can too browse through sculptures and archaeological discoveries, a few dating back to 1700 BC.
Jagdish Temple
An instance of the Indo-Aryan style of architecture, Jagdish Temple was established in 1651 and continues to be one of the most renowned synagogues in and close to Udaipur. Devoted to Lord Vishnu, the social system is an architectural marvel with carved columns, graceful ceilings and painted walls.
Fateh Sagar Lake
This delightful lake, bordered by hills and woodlands, lies to the north of Lake Pichola. This artificial lake is connected to Lake Pichola by a canal. The lake houses the beautiful Nehru Island as well as an islet on which stands the Udaipur Solar Observatory.
Lake Pichola
Piccolo was the epithet of a small town that lent its name to the lake. The islands of Jagniwas and Jagmandir are housed in this lake. On the easterly banks of the lake lies the City Palace.
Saheliyon Ki Bari
Built by Maharana Sangram Singh II as a garden for women, Saheliyon-ki-Bari or the Garden of the Maidens is a popular tourist destination.Along with a small museum, it has several attractions.
Gulab Bagh And Zoo
Gulab Bagh (Sajjan Niwas Garden) is the biggest garden in Udaipur. Spread over 100 acres, the garden proudly displays innumerable species of pink wines, from which it also takes its figure.
Sukhadia Circle
Sukhadia Circle lies to the north of Udaipur. It contains a small pool that also houses a 21 ft tall, three-tiered marble fountain. Adorned with beautifully carved motifs, the fountain looks spectacular at night when it is lit up.
Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal
Dedicated to the study of folk art, culture, songs and festivals of Rajasthan, Gujrat and Madhya Pradesh, Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal is a cultural institution in Udaipur. Besides propagating folk culture, it also puts up a museum.
Bagore Ki Haveli
Bagore-ki-Haveli is situated by Lake Pichola, at Gangaur Ghat. Amar Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar, built it in the 18th century. The massive palace has over a hundred rooms that display costumes and innovative artwork. The glass and mirrors in the interiors is structured in classical Haveli style.
Shilpgram
Situated 7 kilometers west of Udaipur near Lake Fateh Sagar is the Centre's Shilpgram - the Rural Arts and Crafts Complex. Spread over 70 acres, and hemmed in by the Aravallis, the Rural Arts and Crafts Complex have been conceived as a living museum to depict the life styles of the tribe and tribal people of the west zone.
Doodh Talai Lake
The road that guides visitors to Pichola Lake has another popular destination – the Doodh Talai Lake. The lake is nestled between several small hillocks which themselves are tourist attractions. The Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park and the Manikya Lal Verma Garden are part of the Doodh Talai Lake Garden.
Jaisamand Lake
Jaisamand Lake is known for being the second largest man-made sweet water lake in Asia. It is popular among the locals as a weekend picnic destination. Locals allege that the lake was constructed to stop the waters of Ruparel River. This lake boasts of a large island, which is home to several species of birds, at its center.