Paradise visited is the first thing which comes to your mind as soon as you reach Udaipur, it is also known as the city of lakes. There are five lakes and a potpourri of gardens, temples, forts, mansions and stunning royal palaces, which are reflected in the lake Pichola. The massive city place dominates this place in all its Grandeur.
This city was founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 and after the fall of Chittorgarh in 1567 Udaipur became the capital of Mewar. This amazing city is surrounded by a ring of hills with lakes and marble palaces adding to its luster.
The Sisodia clans of Rajputs were the rulers of Mewar. These Rajputs were the prime defenders of Rajput honor and they were fiercely independent as well.
A lovely mix of lush green forests and hills are covered in amazing greenery with the alluring water alongside is the main reason for a lot of Royal parties and film shoots which happen here every other day.
There were 11 gates to this magnificent place out of which 5 are still functioning, the main gate is the SUN GATE (Surajpole) on the east of the city.
The places to visit are:
City palace: Based on the eastern shore of the Pichola Lake it is an amazing combination of Mogul style of decorations and Rajput military style architecture, it is the largest palace in entire Rajasthan and covers a staggering 5 acres of land.
Over a period of 4 centuries from the 16th to the 20th over 20 Rajas added to the first building which was built here. The essence of the City Palace is that it is a complex of different palaces, some of which are hotels now; there is a museum also which houses the past in its full glory.
The entry to the City Palace Museum is through the Tripolia Gate, right above the entrance is a large Sun Face which is the crest of the Sisodia clan surrounded by Bhil and Rajput warriors, the entry tickets are sold near the Ganesh Deorhi Gate which leads into a courtyard, it has a marble statue of Lord Ganesha surrounded by glass and mirror work the entire courtyard is decorated with elephants and horse’s frescoes.
Rajya Angan Chowk is the next courtyard from where you are taken to one of the most beautiful Mahal known as the Chandra Mahal, there are amazing marble statues of Rajput women here, with the fretwork windows and striking columns. The view of Pichola Lake and its island palaces is something to die for. Taking one more flight of stairs we reach the Bari Mahal which is built on a hillside there are carved arches which recede into an enthralling pool made of marble. There are Neem trees all around to provide cool shade.
The next step will take us to Dilkushal Mahal which has two amazing chambers Krishna Nivas and Kanch Burj. Krishna Nivas has an astounding collection of Mewar miniatures and the Kanch Burj is inlaid with silver and red glass, towards the left are the Moti Mahal and the Mor Chowk it has beautiful mosaics of dancing peacocks built in the 19th century.
Towards the south end of the City Palace are three beautiful palaces Shiv Niwas was built as a guest house and the Queen Elizabeth the second also stayed here once it is semi circular in shape then there is the Fateh Prakash palace with its crystal furniture great portraits and a magnificent Durbar. Both of these are now luxury hotels. The Shambhu niwas is where the rulers still live.
Jag Mandir: The u.s.p of this place is its chambers made of marble, it is inlaid with colored stones, with lush gardens all around it; on the entrance you are greeted by eight elephants which are carved from stone.
Right nearby is the Jag Palace which was built in 1734 and was a favored summer retreat of the royal family, afterwards it was turned into a fantastic hotel. The famous bond flick Octopussy was primarily shot here.
Jagdish Mandir: The entrance to this mandir is flanked by elephants carved in stone; there is an image of Garuda caste in bronze which stands guard in front of the temple. This 17th century temple is dedicated to the lord Vishnu and has an image of Lord Vishnu carved on black stone.
Fateh Sagar Lake: It is situated north of Lake Pichola and over looks the Moti Magri hill where the statue of Maharana Partap Singh along with his steed Chetak, who have a history of bravery behind them.
Saheliyon Ki Bari: The literaltranslation is garden made for the maids of honor, this beautiful garden was made for Queen of Udaipur and her 48 maids to rest and to enjoy themselves in the privacy of this beautiful garden retreat.
Ahar: This is the final resting place of the Mewar rulers; there is an impressive Cenotaph of 19 rulers of Mewar. The archaeological museum here sheds a light on the history of this great place.
There is a vast variety of places to stay in Udaipur
Budget hotels
- Ashish Palace
- Baba Palace
- Caravan Serai
- Kajri - RTDC Hotel
- Hotel Lake end
- Oriental Palace Resorts
- Ram Pratap Palace
- Saheli Palace
- Sarovar on Pichola
- Shalimar Palace
- Swaroop Vilas
Deluxe hotels
- Hilltop Palace
- India International
- Lake Pichola
- Paras Mahal
- Raj Darshan
- Rajputana Resorts
- Shilpi Resort
- Trident Hilton
- Udai Kothi
- Vishnupriya
Heritage hotels
- Amet Haveli
- Fateh Prakash Palace
- Jagat Niwas Palace
- Kankarwa Haveli
- Laxmi NiwasPalace
- Mewar Haveli
- Rangniwas Palace
- Hotel Shikarbadi
- Shiv Niwas Palace
- Hotel Lake Pichola
- Amet ki Haveli
- Udai Kothi
- Jaiwana Haveli
- Rang Niwas Palace
- Rampratap Palace
- Hotel Sarovar
- Hotel Osheen Palace
Luxury hotels
- Taj Lake Palace
- Udaivilas
Home stays
Mountain Ridge
The things to do when you come to Udaipur are the camel safaris. The way to explore the city of Udaipur is on the Camel back as it takes you back in time and you can experience first hand the life of the kings and queens.
The climate
Winters: Max 28.3 degree C Min. 11.6 degree C
Summer: Max 38.3 degree C Min. 28.8 degree C
Rainfall: 51 to 61 cms
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