Saturday, November 22, 2008

Udaipur Travel Guide

Udaipur, the white city built around the clear lake Pichola, is also popularly known as the city of lakes or, even more suggestive, as the Venice of the East. Some people say that it is the most romantic city in India. And it undoubtedly has its charm. You can take a boat trip on the water and visit the island and the former palace in the middle of the lake (maybe you know it from one of those James Bond films). You can walk around the picturesque town and look at the women doing their laundry at one of the ghats. See how in the morning the water seems to be afire because of the many little floating candles that are offered to the gods. The large city palace houses a fine museum as well.

Udaipur has some interesting sights in its vicinity. The Kumbhalgarh Fort is one of the most important forts in this area and from the top, you can have a good over view of the surroundings. In Ranakpur you can visit one of the most impressive Jain temples. A good option is also renting a bike for a day and set off for one of for one of other lakes in the vicinity or Shilpgram, an ‘ethnographic crafts village’. The Nathdwara temple is located at 48 Kms from Udaipur and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Inside is a Statue of Lord Krishna ('Shrinathji') in black marble.

Udaipur History
Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years. The foundation of the city has an interesting legend associated with it. According to it, Maharana Udai Singh, the founder, was hunting one day when he met a holy man meditations on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichhola. The hermit blessed the Maharana and advised him to build a palace at this favorable located spot with a fertile valley watered by the stream, a lake, an agreeable altitude and an amphitheater of low mountains. Maharana followed the advise of the hermit and founded the city in 1559 A.D.

Tourism Attractions of Udaipur

Lake Palace
Lake Palace or Jag Niwas was built in 1754 by Maharana Jagat Singh II who gave his name to this elegant white building. The Lake Palace Udaipur is a palace on an island in the middle of Lake Pichola girdled by hills, was the summer residence of the rulers of Mewar. Today this pleasure palace is a luxury hotel like none other in the world. Staying at Lake Palace is the ultimate privilege, affording the pleasures of a long gone age of princes. Arrive by boat and spend a lovely holiday amidst slender carved columns, filigreed screens, swimming pools, fountains - all created in the most beautiful marble.

City Palace
The City Palace amidst the Lake Pichola is a collection of rooms, corridors, terraces, pavilions, hanging gardens and courtyards. The City Palace of Udaipur built in 1559 is a must-visit for the tourists arriving in Udaipur. The tourists can have a panoramic view of the "Jag Niwas" (Now the Lake palace hotel) and "Jag Mandir". The Mor-Chowk (Peacock courtyard) and the Chini Chitrashala are the most noteworthy features of City Palace with a series of wall paintings of Krishna. The other palaces within the precincts of the City Palace include Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal and Krishna Vilas. Today, the palace has an exclusive collection of antique articles, decorative furniture, paintings, and utensils.

Jag Mandir
Jag Mandir is another must visit locale in Udaipur tourism. Jag Mandir is an island palace that is located in Pichola Lake and was constructed by Maharana Karan Singh for the hideout of prince Khurram. It highlights the best form of carvings including rows of elephants that flank the main entrance.

Fateh Prakash Palace
A perfect example of luxury and style, Fateh Prakash Palace is another must in Udaipur Tour. Maharana Fateh Singh was the real occupant of this palace and stayed there between 1884 and1935 A.D.

Crystal Gallery
It is located in the Fateh Prakash Palace and maintains huge number of crystal items. Maharana Sajjan Singh has ordered these crystals from the F & C Osler England. It includes all sorts of items such as couches, sofa sets, dinning table, dressing tables, fountains and beds.

Excursions Around Udaipur

Shilpagram
The latest addition to the Udaipur tour is a visit to Shilpagram. Shilpagram is designed on the concept of village. Built up on 70 Acres of land in the vicinity of Arravallies, the place is famous for its terracotta work that is mainly done in dark brown and dark red sand material.

Ranakpur
A must visit tourism destination; Ranakpur is known for its sculptured Jain temples. These were built during the reign of Rana Kumbha that have as many as 29 halls and 1,444 pillars.

Haldighati
40 km from Udaipur, Haldighati has secured its place in history forever. It was at Haldighati in 1576 that Maharana Pratap had a fierce battle with Mughal Emperor Akbar. Since then, the place has turned in to a tour destination.

Ekling Ji
22 km from Udaipur, high walls surround a temple complex of 108 temples that is known as Ekling Ji. Built completely out of red sandstone, in the year 1734, the temples are devoted to the regal deity Ekling Ji.

Nathdwara
Located 48 kilometers from Udaipur, this temple is one the most distinguished Vaishnava shrines of Lord Krishna and a not-to-miss destination during Udaipur tour. Thousands of pilgrims visit the shrine during the festivals.

Kumbhal Garh Fort
Located 84 km from Udaipur, Kumbhalgadh fort was built by Maharana Kumbha. It is the second most important fort in Mewar region after the Chittaurgarh Fort. Crowning the Arravallies, the fort was tough to conquer because of the seven great gates that guard its entrance.

Jaisamand Lake
48 km from Udaipur, it is an artificial lake built in 17th century by Maharana Jai Singh. The marble 'Chhatris' along the shores adds elegance to this second largest manmade lake in Asia.

How to Reach Udaipur

By Air
Debock Airport is 24 km from the city center; Daily flights connect Udaipur with Jodhpur, Jaipur, Aurangabad, Mumbai and Delhi.

By Rail/Train
Udaipur is directly linked by rail with major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Lucknow and Agra.

By Road
Udaipur is connected to major cites such as Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Mathura and Jaisalmer through A/C and deluxe coaches.nomous state.

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