Location
: In Rajasthan
Language : Rajasthani, Hindi, Considerable % of People speaks
English.
Climate : Moderate
Best time to Visit : Through out the year
Speciality : Lovely antique silver jewelry
The Lake City
One of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur is also known as the
city of lakes. The marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and the
lakes make Udaipur seem almost like a mirage in the desert.
The founder of Udaipur
Maharana Udai Singh, was overcome by the misfortunes that his old capital
of Chittaurgarh had to face due to repeated attacks by the Mughal armies. On
the advice of a holy man, Udai Singh shifted his capital to the banks of
Lake Pichola- the city was named Udaipur after him.
Coming to Udaipur
By Air : Indian Airlines daily connects Udaipur with
Jodhpur,
Jaipur,
Aurangabad, Mumbai and
Delhi. Dabok
Airport is 21 Km. from the city centre.
By Rail : Udaipur is on the Western Railway meter gauge
network. The Railway Station is about 4 Km. from the city centre. Udaipur is
directly connected by rail with Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer, Chittaur, Jodhpur and
Ahmedabad.
By Road : Udaipur is connected by National Highway No. 8,
the major road link between Mumbai and Delhi. The Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar
Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh Road Transport Corporation operate buses to
Udaipur from various regions. Private bus companies also operate in the
region during night hours. The State Transport Bus Stand is on City Station
Road, NH 8, Udiapole.
The Suraj Gokhada: The balcony of the
sun, is where the Suryavanshi Maharanas of Mewar presented themselves to the
people in time of trouble to restore their confidence. The ‘Mor Chowk’
known for its exquisite peacock mosaics in glass and the ‘Chini
Chitrashala’ noted for its blue and white ceramics are other
attractions in the palace.
Fateh Sagar: Built by Maharana Fateh Singh, this elegant
lake is surrounded on three sides by hills and the Pratap Memorial on the
north. One can indulge in boat rides on the rippling waters, and row across
to the Nehru Park - an island garden.
Pichhola
Lake: The picturesque lake that entranced Maharaja Udai Singh. It was
later enlarged by the founder. The lake is surrounded by hills, palaces,
temples, bathing ghats and embankments. Two island palaces, Jag Mandir and
Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) on the lake are of breathtaking magnificence.
Not to Overlook - Excursions
Jaisamand Lake : Some 49 km from Udaipur. A stunningly
situated artificial lake, built in the 17th century A.D. by Maharana Jai
Singh is the second largest in Asia.
Ranakpur : Some 90 km from Udaipur. Nestled in the
Aravalli ranges, near the village of Sadri lies the Ranakpur temple complex,
one of the biggest and the most important cluster of Jain temples in India.
The Chaumukha Temple, or Four Faced Temple, is the main temple in the
complex and dates back to the 15th century. Built in marble, the temple has
29 halls supported by more than 1400 pillars, all distinctly carved, no two
of which are alike.
Kumbhalgarh Fort : The Fort is about 84 km from Udaipur.
The second principal fortress in Rajasthan after Chittaurgarh, it is perched
atop the Aravallis.Built in the 15th century by Maharana Kumbha, it extends
over 12 km and enclose many temples, palaces and gardens.The fort was
renovated in the 19th century.
