Udaipur

Introduction

Udaipur, Rajasthan, is often known as the ‘Venice of the East’. Located around the Aravalli Ranges, with a backdrop of towering hills and beautiful lakes, the city is alluring. Named the city of lakes’, Udaipur tops the list of the best romantic getaways for tourists across the globe. The lake city is highly sought-after for destination marriages and honeymoons. It’s the hub for crafts, performing arts, and distinguished miniature paintings.

Maharana Udai Singh II founded Udaipur in 1568 after his fortress at Chittorgarh was axed by Mughal Emperor Akbar. After his demise in 1572, Maharana Pratap fought the Mughals courageously and was throned as the successor of Udaipur. Maharana Pratap is the most esteemed Rajput icon to date.

The mythology script states that Udai Singh was guided by a divine man on the mountain hill near Pichola Lake to establish his empire.

Details

Maharanas built many structures and palaces to retain the uniformity of layout. Most of the structures were custom-built, using gold and silver as per tradition. Towers, cupolas, and balconies around the palace give a fantastic view. An armory museum presents a huge collection of weapons and protective gear, plus the famed, lethal two-pronged blade. The rooms of the palace are decorated with colorful mirrors, tiles, and paintings. This deeply depicts the intricate legacy of complex designs created during the ancient period.

Place of interest:

Lake Pichola: Lake Pichola was built in 1362 AD and was expanded by Rana Udai Singh II in the 16th century. The picturesque lake is surrounded by huge hills, grand palaces, temples, and bathing centers. The islands in Lake Pichola offer varied tourist attractions, like the sunset spot for enjoying the stunning display of the sky. Boating on a cruise captures the elegant town gorgeously, especially in the evenings. As you watch, the sun becomes an ideal place for the night sky to emerge naturally.

City Palace: Udaipur City Palace was built around 1559 by Maharana Udai Mirza Singh on the coasts of Pichola Lake. The palace is a combination of European, Chinese, and medieval styles of architecture. The palace is a subset of many courtyards, pavilions, terraces, and hanging gardens, leaving tourists awestruck.

Everything about the palace is incredible, be it the architecture, the antique pieces, or the exclusive wall paintings hanging on the side panels.

Jagdish Temple: Erected in 1651, Jagdish Temple is Udaipur’s gigantic temple. An estimated 1.5 million INR was spent on building this magnificent Indo-Aryan structural wonder. Primarily dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it has shrines devoted to Lord Shiva, the Sun God, Ganesha, and Goddess Shakti. The temple should be on your list of places to visit, not only to worship the deities but also to see the beautiful ancient wall carvings, sculptures, and remarkable edifice.

Vintage Car Museum: The Royal Vintage Car Museum is a must-visit for all motor fanatics. It was created in February 2000 and has become a popular tourist stop. The museum has many well-known vintage cars, like the 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom used in the Bond film Octopussy and the limited Rolls-Royce models. The calm and cheerful atmosphere makes us reminiscent.

Lake Palace: Lake Palace Udaipur, or Jag Niwas, is an architectural wonder. It’s a symbol of Udaipur tourism and a popular wedding destination hotspot.

The palace is located on the island of Jag Niwas in Lake Pichola and was built in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II. The Taj group of luxury resorts later took ownership of the place and renovated it into a tourist lodging property. The famous location has been featured in several Bollywood and Hollywood movies.

Nagda Eklinji: Eklingji Temple is one of the most well-known temples in Rajasthan. Devoted to Hinduism’s deity, Lord Shiva, it is situated in the city of Eklingji, earning its name from the famous temple. The city of Eklingji, or Kailashpuri, is a striking valley on the soil of Rajasthan, home to India’s finest temples.

The temple is located at a distance of 22 kilometers to the north of Udaipur city.

Jag Mandir: Lake Garden Palace, or Jagmandir, is said to have served as an inspiration for the Taj Mahal when Shah Jahan took refuge here in his younger days. The palace has a rich history and is considered a status symbol of friendship between the Rajputs and Mughals. A sequence of remarkable structures radiates a splendid atmosphere, giving visitors a worthwhile time inside.

Moti Magri: Moti Magri is a cherished tribute to the memory of Maharana Pratap and his beloved horse Chetak.

The place has a striking bronze statue of Maharana Pratap on his horse, Chetak. It is situated on a hilltop, giving a view of Fateh Sagar Lake, and offers many gorgeous towering spots. Visit Moti Magri to learn about the remarkable legacy of events associated with Maharana Pratap. Don’t forget to capture some beautiful pictures of nature’s paradise.

Bagore Ki Haveli: Bagore Ki Haveli is near Pichola Lake. The 18th-century construction was built by Amir Chand Badwa and was revamped into a museum to conserve royal heredity. The museum represents the culture of the Mewar dynasty. The antique collections contain items used by Rajputs, such as copper vessels, jewelry boxes, hand fans, and many more. The building has over 100 rooms and looks impressive with its distinct style of architecture.

Saheliyon Ki Bari: Saheliyon Ki Bari (Garden of Companions) was built by Sangram Singh II as a gift to the queen and maids. The garden is a wonderful sight to behold. The king designed the garden as a relaxing place for the queen and her 48 maids. The garden still fulfills its purpose and is a peaceful site to escape the daily mayhem of our lives.

Sajjan Garh (Monsoon Palace): Sajjan Garh, or Monsoon Palace, is one of the glorious monuments of Udaipur, Rajasthan.

Built-in white shades, with domes at the top showing architectural design, make it a palace of golden history. It was used as a residential palace for royal dignitaries, but now it is under the control of forest authorities.

Referring to the native Mewar Royal Dynasty, it’s a prime choice for sunset photography.

Nearby Attractions:

Ranakpur: Ranakpur is famous for its noteworthy Jain temple, which was built around the 15th century citing divine intervention. It pays homage to Adinath, the first Tirthankar, according to Jain cosmology and history. It is recognized for its classic marble carvings and startling architecture, earning it the title of India’s most renowned Jain temple.

Nathdwara: Nathdwara is an important Hindu pilgrimage site for the devotees of Lord Krishna. It is commonly called Shrinathji, after the presiding deity. A famous legend is linked with the Shrinathji temple, so streams of followers come here to pay their respect. Apart from being a pilgrimage station, Nathdwara is popular for a specific style of paintings dedicated to Shrinathji and offers mouth-watering cuisine for food lovers. The cultural beauty of the town has ushered in its being called ‘ The Apollo of Mewar’.

Kumbhalgarh Fort: This massive fort has gained the glory of having the second-largest wall in the world, after the Great Wall of China. A tour of Rajasthan would be incomplete without seeing Kumbhalgarh Fort‘s astounding architecture and intriguing history. The magical sights across the fort make you spend more time at the castle. A bonus is a sound and light show, organized for tourists to make their evening memorable.

Haldighati: The tales of Maharana Pratap’s valor are still told in the hills of Haldighati and history textbooks. It makes us recall the major historical battle between the troops of Maharana Pratap and Mughal Emperor Akbar. The Haldighati Museum exhibits this golden event proudly.

Private Boat Ride on Lake Pichola: A private boat ride on Lake Pichola is the best tourist attraction in Udaipur City. The boat rides cover approximately 3km to give the tourist a closer look at ghats, banks, temples, and Havelis. Its 45-minute ride gives you details about Udaipur’s history and pride by keeping you afloat in the freshwater lake. The scenic beauty of the city leaves you mesmerized.

Candlelit dinner at Jagmandir Palace: The candlelit spot is exactly located in the middle of Lake Pichola, giving you the much-needed ambiance of serenity. You can easily book tables for a candlelit dinner without any qualms, blessing yourself with a lifelong, cherishable memory.

Where to stay:

Udaipur, Rajasthan, has a lot of accommodations to make tourist visits memorable. Most of the hotels reflect the designs and structures of the city’s rich heritage. The facilities in the hotels are world-class, leaving no stone unturned to make guests feel at home. We have listed a few hotels that treat you like a king or queen. Please check it out; you will be surprised by their service.

Hotels to avail:

Taj Lake Hotel Palace: The icon of Udaipur, Taj Lake Palace, has cabins that make you feel like royalty. The hotel is afloat above the lake, presenting you with scenic views of courtyards and ponds and a dashing breeze of air that softly passes through your room. The rates are based on the deck you choose. The costliest is the mural-decked suite, which presents you with king-type amenities.

Oberoi Udai Vilas: Located across Pichola Lake, this 5-star hotel spreads over 30 acres, interconnecting corridors, domes, and gardens. The Oberoi Udaivilas has its signature cuisine with dashing varieties. The guest is entitled to use yoga sessions and spa therapies for their well-being.

Leela Palace: The Leela Palace Udaipur is a modern palace hotel that projects the majestic Land of the Mewar. All 80 rooms open up to scenic views of the historic city and mountain valleys. The dusks are filled with romantic boat rides, enjoying local music, and folk dance in the big spanning courtyard. You can munch and dine at Sheesh Mahal which gives you a direct look at the grand lake. Whether you are in Udaipur for a family vacation or business trip, a stay at the Leela Palace Udaipur truly guarantees a captivating home.