In
the harsh terrain of the hills and ravines of Aravallis, flourishes the city
of lakes, Udaipur.
One of the most romantic places in India,
Udaipur is situated around the shimmering clear blue water lakes, which
whisper the mood of a bygone era. The city was
founded in 1567 AD by Maharana Udai Singh on the advice of a sage. Udaipur
was last of the numerous Mewar capitals. It was in Udaipur that
legendary Maharana Pratap was born. He was obsessed with Chittaur and the
past glories of the Sisodia clan possessed his mind. Maharana Pratap left
Udaipur to win back Chittaur from the Mughals. But he failed in his attempts
and Udaipur remained the capital of Mewar till India got her
independence.The memory of the failure of noble Pratap gives Udaipur its
pervading mood of nostalgic wistfulness.
The city acquires its
scenic beauty from the Aravallis. Three lakes- Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Udai
Sagar make it an oasis in the desert.
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Major Attractions of Udaipur |
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Sahelion-Ki-Bari : On the shores of Fateh Sagar Lake was
built a garden for the 48 young girls waiting to be sent to the royal house
as part of dowry. This garden is laid with extensive lawns, fountains and
shady walking lanes. There are four pools with dainty kiosks and fountains
with elephant trunks for spouts. These gardens appear discrete and
impeccable in taste
Jaisamand Lake : 48 kms
from the city, this artificial lake was built in 17th century by Maharana
Jai Singh. The marble 'Chhatris' along the embankment add grace to this
second largest lake in Asia. On either sides of the lake were built the
palaces for the favourite queens of the King. People of the Bhil tribe still
inhabit the islands in Jaisamand lake.
City
Palace : City Palace, the majestic white royal building towers itself on
a hill and is surrounded by crenellated walls. The palace was completed in
its present form by the contribution of many rulers. Originally started by
Udai Singh, the later additions were so carefully planned and integrated
with the original building that it becomes difficult to believe that the
building was not conceived as a whole. The city palace stands along the
shores of Lake Pichola.
Lake Palace : The Lake
Palace hotel amazes and delights you at every turn. Every inch of it is made
of pure white marble, slender carved columns, fountains, filigreed screens
and swimming pool, created for the private frolics of a princess. It is the
early morning musical cacophony of birds and white masses of bougainvillea
drooping over a rippling lily-pond that attracts the tourist.
Pratap
Memorial : Erected atop Modi Magri is this equestrian bronze statue
of the valiant hero, Maharana Pratap. Sajjan Garh, Gulab Bagh, Dudh Talai
Park, the Sunset point are also the places to be seen.
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Places to Stay in Udaipur |
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The Lake Palace Hotel is considered to be among the best
hotels around the world. The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation
provides various categories of rooms and dormitory at the Kajri Hotel. Apart
from the hotels, there are Tourist guest houses and municipal guest houses.
There are dharamshalas and the railway offers its retiring rooms at nominal
rates. Paying guest accommodations are also available.
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Shopping in Udaipur |
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Shopping can be a pleasure at the Hathipole, Chetak Circle,
Clock Tower, Palace Road and Bapu Bazaar. Rajasthan Government also has its
own Handicraft emporium. The shops of Udaipur have plenty of exquisite items
to offer. The dainty folk toys, brightly coloured garments, hand printed
textiles, batiks, and tie & dye sarees and fabrics to name few.
'Pichwais' or wall hangings painted on cloth are world renowned for their
vivid colours and themes. The craftsmanship is at its peak in the metal
images and chunky silver jewellery.
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How to Get there |
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Air : The City of Lakes is well connected
by air services. The Dabok Airport is 21 kms from the city centre.
Rail : Railway has trains from all over the country
to destination Udaipur. The Palace On Wheels covers this magnificent city
during its eight day package tour.
Road : There
are bus services from tourist places in Rajasthan , Gujarat and Delhi.