Introduction:
The "City of Sunrise," often described as the most
romantic city in India, was built around four lakes, the placid
blue waters reflecting ethereal white palaces and temples,
beyond which shimmer the distant Aravalli Hills. Udaipur has
a real sense of space and peace, and the city is mercifully
free of the kind of intense capitalist hucksterism that so
marks the Indian street experience. Several places of interest
around Udaipur, including the majestic Chittaurgarh, the mountain
fortress of Kumbhalgarh, beautiful Jain temples of Ranakpur,
Eklingji and Nathdwara and the cool retreat of Mt. Abu, make
the visit to Udaipur a memorable one. Udaipur, the 'City of
Lakes' was founded in 1599 by Maharana Udai Singh. The city
hailed as the 'Venice of the East' set amidst the Aravalli
hills of South Rajasthan, is one of the most romantic destinations
in India. Udaipur has a profusion of marble palaces, lakes,
temples, cenotaphs and rugged hills. It's also proud of its
heritage as a centre for the performing arts, painting and
crafts. Famous historical personalities like Maharana Pratap,
Rani Padmini and Meera Bai, the poetess and devotee of Lord
Krishna hail from here. The enchanting marble palaces and
scenic beauty makes it a most fantastic place for leisure.
Udaipur Fair & Festivals :
Craft Bazaar :- The Shilp Gram (Craft Bazaar) is situated
just 3 km off Udaipur and is a great place to see the art
and craft of all the states of western India. The Directorate
of Tourism organizes a 10-day festival from December 15 every
year, which is a treat for the visitors interested in village
crafts.
Mewar Festival :
The onset of spring brings the Mewar festival on
April 7-8. A traditional welcome to spring, this festival
is a visual feast with Rajasthani songs, dances, processions,
devotional music and firework displays. It is celebrated in
the romantic city of Udaipur during the Gangaur Festival.
A procession of colorfully attired women carrying images of
the goddess Gauri makes its way to Lake Pichola. A procession
of boats on the lake offers a fitting finale to this splendid
celebration.
Location :
Udaipur is located in the North Western corner of India and
part of Rajasthan. The city is a part of Aravalli Hills that
gives it a sense of vegetation and a welcome respite from
the arid land that Rajasthan is. Udaipur is well connected
through air, rail, and road to other important cities of India
like Jaipur, Delhi, and Mumbai.
Sightseeing:
City Palace:
The imposing City Palace, towering over the lake, is the largest
palace complex in Rajasthan. The palace is surmounted by balconies,
towers and cupolas and there are fine views over the lake
and the city from the upper terraces. The palace stands along
the shores of Pichola.
Lake Palace:
Founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh, the Lake city of Udaipur
is often referred as the 'Venice of the East'. Studded with
extravagant palaces, hilltop fortresses, awe-inspiring temples
and romantic gardens filled with blossoming trees, this 'City
of Dreams' is, not surprisingly, a favourite with travellers,
both Indian and Foreign. A fantasy island palace shimmering
on mirror-calm Lake Pichola, the Lake Palace is one of the
most romantic hotels in the world.
Saheliyon- Ki- Bari:
Saheliyojn-Ki-Bari was designed by Maharana Fateh Singh on
the embankment of Fateh Singh Lake, towards the north of Lake
Pichola. A Lotus pool, flowerbeds, lawns, fountains and marble
pavilions in Rajputana style, all combine to make it an enchanting
place. The hill top Sajjangarh Palace fort in the west of
Udaipur is a vantage point, from where a magnificent view
of the city, its lakes and palaces can be enjoyed.
Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal:
This is a museum of folk arts which has rich collection of
folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical
instruments and paintings. World famous puppeteers put shows
here on request in advance.
Lakes of Udaipur:
Udaipur is known as the 'city of lakes'. The two most scenic
and famous lakes of the city are Lake Pichola and Lake Fateh
Sagar. Lake Pichola is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples,
bathing ghats and has two island palaces- Jag Niwas and Jag
Mandir.
Lake Fateh Sagar:
It lies to north of Pichola and was built by Maharana Jai
Singh but it got the name of Fateh Singh who rebuilt its dam.
Both the lakes are breathtakingly beautiful and one can take
a cruise on their waters. The Sunset over these lakes are
moments to be cherished.
Jagdish Temple:
In the midst of the lake stands another piece de resistance,
Jag Mandir. It a lake retreat built by the Maharana as a refuge
for Prince Shahjahan. The Palace, made in red sandstone of
translucent thinness, was once laid with jasper, jade and
rubies. It has spacious courtyards, a beautifully proportioned
white marble dome, high ceiling rooms, majestic cupolas, arched
pavilions and a garden planted with trees and flowering creepers.
A beautiful structure here is the temple of universe. With
stone colonnades, it is dedicated to the lord of the universe.
The temple of Jagdish is built in
classical style and is dedicated to Vishnu. It was built by
Jagat Singh I in the midst of the city, on the street that
leads to the palace. Its walls are covered with bas-relief,
friezes of makar (crocodiles), elephants, carved dancers statue
of Garuda. | |
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