Udaipur

Udaipur Rajasthan - Udaipur in Rajasthan is a beautiful city, situated in the midst of the Aravalli Ranges, at a distance of 405 Km from Jaipur. A natural oasis in a dry desert region, Udaipur is famous for its enchanting lake palaces that rise like pearls from the blue waters of Lake Pichola.

Maharana Udai Singh II founded Udaipur in 1568. Defeated by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and forced to leave Chittorgarh, Maharana Udai Singh was wandering through the desert when he met a sage mediating on a hillside near Lake Pichola. The sage told him to build a city there, for it would be impregnable, because of the natural defenses of the surrounding Aravalli Hills, the lake and the thick forest. Udaipur thus came into being and was later defended by the legendary Rajput leader Maharana Pratap, who is celebrated in song and legend even today.

Famous for its arts and crafts and the sumptuous architecture of its grand palaces, Udaipur is synonymous with Rajput grandeur. Some of the tourist attractions of Udaipur that you will see when you travel to Rajasthan, India are:

City Palace: The City Palace, which overlooks Lake Pichola, was built by Maharaja Udai Singh. Made of white marble, the City Palace, is a synthesis of Chinese and European Architecture, with elements of Rajput design such as ornate balconies and cupolas or chattris. With many picturesque balconies, arches and domes, and surrounded by landscaped gardens, the City Palace is a beautiful vision, which offers lovely views of Lake Pichola.

Lake Pichola: The beautiful Lake Pichola, is the located in the heart of Udaipur. Surrounded by the Aravalli Hills in the distance, wth gardens, temples and palaces on its banks and two beautiful palaces set on islands within the lake, Lake Pichola is an enchanting sight. Boat cruises on Lake Pichola, to the islands where the lake palaces are located, are a popular tourist attraction in Udaipur.

Lake Palace: Located on the Jag Niwas Island in Lake Pichola, the Jag Niwas Palace, is now known as the Lake Palace and is a grand heritage hotel. The summer residence of the royal family of Udaipur, the Lake Palace is a beautiful creation in white marble. The arches, carved windows, ornate decoration on the walls and cool interiors, where the sunlight filters through marble screens, make the Lake Palace a fairytale destination.

Jag Mandir Palace: Built by Maharana Karan Singhji in 1622, the Jag Mandir Palace is also located in Lake Pichola. Built as a palace meant for royal functions, the Jag Mandir provided refuge to the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, during his years in exile from the court of his father Jahangir.

Maharana Pratap Memorial: Located on Modi Magri or Pearl Mount, is an immense bronze statue of Maharana Pratap, the heroic Rajput warrior. This equestrian statue of Maharana Pratap, mounted on his valiant steed Chetak, is a popular tourist attraction, along with the nearby Udaipur Fort and Japanese Rock garden.

Shilpgram: The crafts village, in Udaipur is a treasure trove of handcraft items, artifacts and traditional textiles and clothes made by the skilled craftsmen of Rajasthan. You can shop for pottery, paintings, woodcarvings, furniture, fabric, silver jewellery and lots more at this crafts village in Udaipur, when you travel to Rajasthan. Shilpagram consists of 26 huts, spread over 70 acres of landscaped greenery at the foot of the Aravalli Hills.

Other attractions in Udaipur include the Fateh Sagar Lake, the Sahelion ki Bari gardens and the museum of folk art. A stroll around Udaipur to experience its relaxed ambience is sure to be a memorable experience, for the charm of Udaipur, the white city of Rajasthan, must be felt to be appreciated.