Udaipur

The royal state of Rajasthan encapsulates Indian culture and heritage within its periphery. One cannot get a glimpse of true India without visiting the states and the cities of Rajasthan. A similar grandeur is represented by its Udaipur, one of the main cities of Rajasthan, which is known for its lakes and palaces that reverberate its eminent historical glory.

The romantic city of Udaipur still manages to capture the 'old world charm' with the presence of marble temples, exquisite palaces and pale white and cream buildings in the old city. The main attraction is the beautiful Lake Palace, which seems to be an artist's dream. Lakes such as Udai Sagar, Fateh Sagar, Swaroop Sagar and Pichola add to the scenic attraction of the place making it seems like a beautiful painting amidst the Aravallis. Udiapur is also famous as a centre of art and crafts, especially for the miniature paintings and puppetry.

History:
Udaipur was an important capital for the Mewar rulers. When Mughal Emperor Akbar conquered Chittorgarh, Maharaja Udai Singh II fled to Udaipur to form his new capital in 1568 AD. It is believed that the place was discovered by him many years before the conquest of Chittorgarh. Legend has it that once the king came for hunting in the forests surrounding the Pichola Lake when a sage suggested him to build his new capital at the same site to build his fortune. It was well protected by Aravallis, and forest cover, so the Maharaja agreed and built a shrine at the spot called Dhuni Mata, to mark the area where he later built his palace.

His son Maharana Pratap courageously defended his territory from the Mughals for several years. He also faught the Battle of Haldighati in 1576. After Mughals, it was the Marathas who attacked the capital. In 19th century, the Britishers intervened to end up the continuous battles between kingdoms to attain control of Udaipur. After independence, like other princely states, Udaipur too became a part of democratic India.

Orientation:
Situated at a distance of 406 km from Jaipur and 275 km from Jodhpur in Rajasthan, lies the green city encircled by picturesque valleys and sparkling lakes. It is bounded by remnants of an old city wall. From the railway station, the main city is just 4 km away. Bus Stand is also situated close to the city. The nearest airport is Dabok is at a distance of 21 km.

Information:
Tourist Information Couters are available at the train station and the airport. Apart from these, the main Tourist Reception Centre is located in Fateh Memorial Building, 1 km from bus stand. In Bagore ki Havel, Out and About Tourist Office is also an important source of information.

The main post office of the city is located at the Chetak Circle, in the north of Old City. To exchange currency, you can approach Thomas Cook in City Palace Complex, LPX Forex at Lake Palace Road or Bank of Baroda. Internet Access is widely available in the city like at Lal Ghat and Durga Sadan.

Dangers and Annoyances:
If you have any troubles or complaints, including problems relating to hotels or taxis, you can report them to the Tourist Reception Centre or call the local police.

Sights:
Pichola Lake:
The star attraction of Udaipur is the Pichola lake, that mirrors the beautiful city. The 4 km long lake is flooded with water during the monsoon season. The lake was created by Maharaja Udai Singh II, by constructing a dam called Badipol to flood water in the area surrounding the Pichola village. Boating trips are available here from the ghats to the lake islands.

Jagniwas & Jagmandir Islands:
These islands are situated on lake Pichola. The former one spans in an area of 1.5 km and has a beautiful palace within its precincts. This creamy palace is a creation of Maharaja Jagat Singh who built this exquisite edifice in 1754. Today this lake palace serves as a heritage hotel, one of the best in India. Its magnificent exteriors and royal interiors makes it appear like a floating extravaganza. On Jagmandir Island too you will find a palace, one built by Maharaja Karan Singh in 1920. There is also a museum exhibiting marvels of history.

City Palace:
The City Palace complex on lake Pichola is the largest one in the whole of Rajasthan. The towering edifice showcases a brilliant piece of architectural design and location which leaves visitors awestruck. Though its construction was commenced by Maharaja Udai Singh II, each successive ruler added a unique mark to enhance its elegance, maintaining the structure's integrity. The palace is gifted with terraces, cupolas, balconies and a splendid view of the lake.

City Palace Museum:
A major part of the City Palace houses a museum that showcases exquisite mosaic work, miniature paintings, glass figures, etc. On the lower floor is the armory section. The museum also includes Zanana Mahal, Mor Chowk, Krishna Vilas, Bari Mahal, Durbar Hall, Chini Mahal and Surya Chopar that have their own unique importance in the history and architecture of the palace.

Crystal Gallery:
An amazing collection of crystal showpieces and furnitures has been put on display in this gallery which include fountains, vases, crockery, etc. These items were ordered by Maharaja Sajjan Singh in 1877, but he died before the shipment arrived. It was only in 1994 that these were exhibited in the Fateh Prakash Palace Hotel for public viewing.

Jagdish Temple:
Jagdish Temple is one of the famous temples of Rajasthan, built by Maharaja Jagat Singh in 1651. It is devoted to Lod Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The main attraction of this Indo-Aryan temple is its stone idol of Lord Jagannath and a brass image of Garuda. The temple is ornamented with spires, mandaps, porches and sculptures.

Saheliyon-Ki-Bari:
This ornamental garden is situated beneath the Fateh Sagar Lake, in the north of the city. It is well laid out with fountains, a beautiful lotus pool and large marble elephants. It was built by Sangram Singh II in 1710, as a leisure retreat for the maids of the palaces.

Activities:
You can enjoy trekking in the outskirts of the city to explore the village and tribal life. Horse Riding and Safaris are also available in the city. Kumbha Palace arranges such excursion trips and safaris. For some rest and relaxation, try out ayurvedic massages at the Ayurvedic Body Shop at Lal Ghat.

Sleeping:
Being an important tourist destination of India, Udaipur has a wide range of accommodation options to choose from. You will find most of the budget and mid-range hotels in the Lal Ghat area like Hotel Udai Niwas and Hotel Gangaur Palace at Gangaur Ghat Road and Mughal Palace in Lal Ghat that come under the budget segment while some of the mid range hotels include Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel, Lake Ghat Guest House and Hotel Sai Niwas. The luxury hotels of Udaipur include the names of Lake Palace Hotel, Shiv Niwas Palace Hotel and Trident Hotel.

Entertainment:
For some fun and entertainment you can go to the Meera Kala Mandir at Heeran Magari, that hosts folk music and dance performances daily at 7 pm (except Sunday). Don't miss out on Dharohar at Gangaur Ghat, in which traditional Bhil and Mewari dance performances will make you tap your feet or enjoy a step with the decked up dancers.

Shopping:
There are many good options to shop for in Udaipur. You can pick up local handicrafts, miniature paintings, embroidered textiles, block printed fabric, wood and marble work, silver jewelery, idols of deities, wooden figures, carpets and other pretty stuff that will add color to your home ambiance as well as your wardrobes. Some popular shopping areas are Lake Palace Road, Bara Bazaar, Battiyani and Mandi Market.

Getting There & Away:
Air: From Debock Airport in the city, regular flights are available for Delhi, Mumbai, Jodhpur, Jaipur and Aurangabad.

Rail: The train centre is located just 4 km from the city centre. It connects Udaipur to major cities of the area like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer, Chittorgarh and Ahmedabad. Chetak Express connects Udaipur to Delhi via Jaipur and Ajmer. Lake City Express connects the city to Jaipur via Chittor and Ajmer. Ahmedabad Express links it with Gandhinagar in Gujarat.

Road: Wide network of roads and plethora of buses are available that connect Udaipur to other major cities like Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Mount Abu. State Transport Buses, Private Buses, Deluxe Coaches, taxis and cabs are all available easily for and from Udaipur.

Getting Around:
You can take a taxi from the Airport, which will cost you around Rs 200. Prepaid autorickshaws are easily available for a city sightseeing tour from the bus stand or the train station. Motorbikes and cycles can also be hired to explore the place at your own pace.