Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar - a 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 meditating on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichhola.
The hermit blessed the Maharana and advised him to build a palace at this favourably
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.
Of the original eleven gates of the Udaipur City, only five remain. The Surajpole
or Sun Gate on the eastern side is the main entrance to the city.
Exquisite Lake Palace of Udaipur, shimmering like jewel on Lake Pichhola are overwhelming
in splendour.
Several places of interest around Udaipur, including the majestic Chittaurgarh,
the mountain fortress of Kumbhalgarh, beautiful Jain temples of Ranakpur, religious
townships of Eklingji and Nathdwara and the cool retreat of Mount Abu, make the
visit to this region a memorable one.
Udaipur tourist attractions
Gulab Bagh Garden & Zoo
This is the largest garden of Rajasthan, which covers 100 acres of land. It was
built by Maharaja Sajjan Singh (1874-1884). A library and a zoo are also situated
in this garden.
Verma Park & Rope way
Udaipur Ropeway is Between popular tourist spot Deen Dayal Park on the top of hill
near lake pichola and Machhala Hill Top near Karni Mata temple.
Pichhola Lake
Pichhu Banjara built it during the reign of Maharaja Lakha in 1362. It is the oldest
lake of Udaipur. It is 3 miles long 2 miles wide and 30 feet deep. Two palaces are
situated in the middle of lake on two islands, which are known as Jag Nivas and
Jag Mandir.
Lake Palace (Jag Nivas)
This famous palace was built by Maharaja Jagat Singh in 1746. At present there is
a hotel, known as Hotel lake palace.
City Palace
Maharana Udai Singh started building the biggest palace of Rjasthan on the Shore
of Pichhola Lake in 1559. Rai Angan is the oldest portion of this palace, which
was built by Maharana Udai Singh in 1565. Every Maharana was crowned here for the
first time.
Jagdish Temple
This beautiful temple is situated on 25 high platforms and is about 200 feet from
the Raj Mahal Palace. It was completed by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1653. This temple
contains the idols of Lord Vishnu and Godess Laxmi.
Aravali Vatika
Its a nice lovely Garden which has several levels like Aravalli Mountains.There's
no ticket for entry,garden is lush green with lovely flower beds and brick.
Pratap Memorial
It is situated on Moti Magari in the city. There is a bronze statue of Maharana
Pratap risidin his horse Chetak. There are some ruins behind this statue, which
were built by Maharaja Udai Singh in 1554 A.D. for his residence. Panoramic view
of Udaipur city can be seen from this place.
Fateh Sagar Lake
Maharaja Jai Singh built it in 1679 and Maharaja Fateh Singh got it rebuilt in 1884
A.D.
Nehru Island Park
It beautiful garden is situated in the middle of Fateh Sagar Lake on an island.
Beautiful flowers and fountains make it an ideal place for tourists. Boats are available
to take visitors to the island.
Saheliyon ki Bari
Maharaja Sangram Singh built it first but it way destroyed by heavy rains then Maharaja
Fateh Singh rebuilt this place. This place has five beautiful fountains, which are
called Swagat Fountain, Savan Bhadon, Kamal Talai, Raslila and Bin Badal Barsat.
In the old times this place was meant for queens and their friends so it is called
Saheliyon ki Bari.
Sukharia Circle
Sukhadia Circle (Square) is a large roundabout in the city's northern suburb of
Panchwati, on the road to Ranakpur and Mt. Abu. The Circle is a popular for Mumbaiya
Market and Boating in Sukhadia Circle.
Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal
Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal was founded by Padma Shri Devilal Samar in 1952. The main
objective of this Institute is to conduct studies on folk art, culture, songs and
festivals of regions like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh etc. and to revive
a vanishing folk culture.
Sajjan Garh
It was built by Maharaja Sajjan Singh 1884. It is situated on the highest peak of
Udaipur. It was completed by Maharaja Fateh Singh. The city of Udaipur can be seen
from here.
Shilpgram
Situated 3 kms west of Udaipur near the Havala village is the Centre's Shilpgram.
An attraction no less of the Rural Arts and Crafts Complex is the open air Amphitheatre
with a seating capacity of approximately 8000. Besides the major theatre festivals
which the Centre hold here, it is hoped that this facility would motivate the local
community as well as outside visitors to take a keener interest in theatre and the
traditional folk performing arts.
Tourist Places near Udaipur
Eklingji
The temple of Ekling ji is 30 kms away from Udaipur. Maharaja Bappa Rawal built
the temple of Ekling ji. Ekling ji is said to be presiding deity of Mewar Empire
and every government work was done by the name of Ekling ji. There are four-mouthed
black idol of Shiva in the temple. The height of the temple is 60 feet and diameter
is 50 feet. The architecture of the temple represents different aspects of architecture.
Nathdwara
Nathdwara is 55 km from Udaipur. Devoted to Lord Krishna, Shrinathji Temple houses
a black stone image of lord Krishna. Legend goes that that the statue was brought
from Vrindavan in 1669 to protect it from Aurangazeb. The wheels of the cart carrying
the statue were stuck in the deep mud while passing through Nathdwara, and consequently
the Srinathji temple was built on the spot with the permission of the then Rana
of Mewar at Nathdwara.
Haldi ghati
It is the place where the famous battle Haldhi Ghati was fought between Akbar and
Maharana pratap in 1576. In this battle Chetak (Maharana Pratap's legendry horse)
breathed his last. The tomb of Chetak is also here. The soil of this place is red
and yellow.
Chittorgarh Fort
Chittaur evokes memories of great heroism and sacrifice by Rajput men and women
in the intermittent battles that they had to fight against invaders from Northwest
or Delhi. Chittaur witnessed both the ravages of war and the triumphs of the spirit.
Allaudin Khilji who coveted Queen Padmini of Chittaur, invaded the city in 1303
A.D. Queen Padmini and the women of the court sacrificed themselves in a pyre of
fire rather than submit to anybody. This supreme sacrifice has been called 'Jauhar'
and epitomises the fiery spirit of the Rajputs of the day. The city stands strewn
with monuments and battlements as evidence of the blood and gore that it went through
in medieval times.
Sanwaria Ji Temple
Sanwaliya Seth is Avatar of Lord Krishna. Sanwaliyaji also known as sanwariyaji
or sanwariya seth or sanwara seth or setho ke seth.This temple is very famous in
north india especially in Rajasthan, Gujrat, Maharashtra,Uttar Pradesh & Madhya
Pradesh.
Jaisamand Lake
This huge lake is 58 kms away from Udaipur .it is also known as Dhebar. It was built
by, Maharaja Jai Singh in 1691. It is 10 miles wide, 6 miles long and 100 feet deep.
The islands in this lake are inhabited by the Bhils (tribals). They use traditional
wood boats to travel. This lake is a part of game sanctuary established by the state
government.
Kumbhalgarh Fort
Kumbhalgarh Fort is the second most important fort of Rajasthan after Chittorgarh.
Located at a distance of 64 kms from Udaipur in Rajasmand district, Kumbhalgarh
Fort is easily accessible from the city of Udaipur. This unconquerable fortress
is secured under the kind protection of the Aravali ranges. Kumbhalgarh Fort was
built by Maharana Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. The fort derived its name from
the same factor.
The Jain temple Ranakpur
This temple is 95 km from Udaipur. It is a unique specimen of art and architecture.
Being surrounded by the Arawali hills, it is famous all over the worked. It was
built by Dham Shah Porval Jain during the reigns of Maharaja Kumbha in 1432. Maharaja
Kumbha loved architecture and he helped to complete this temple.
Mt Abu
Mount Abu situated at a average height of 1,219 mtr's above sea level is the oasis
in the deserted land of Rajasthan and posses the honor of being the only hill-station
in Rajasthan as well as north-west India, The world famous tourist destination is
known for its Delwara Jain temples and natural beauty world over, situated amidst
lush green forested hills on the highest peak in the Aravali range is also the summer
capital for the Indian state of Rajasthan, home to lakes, waterfalls and green forests,
the hill retreat, has a very cool and soothing climate thanks to its rich flora
covering the entire hillside that includes coniferous trees and flowering shrubs.
Climate and Best Time to visit
The climate of Udaipur is hot and dry during summer. The summers start in month
of April and last till end of September. Winters are pleasant with temperature dropping
upto 3ºC during the night. The best time to visit city of lakes is during the months
of October to March.
How to reach Udaipur
By Road
Udaipur is connected by major road link between Mumbai, Delhi and Ahmedabad. The
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh road transport corporation
operate buses to Udaipur from various region.
By Rail
Udaipur is on the western railway network. The railway station is about 1 km from
the Hotel Padmini Palace. Udaipur is directly connected by rail with Delhi, Mumbai,
Kolkata, Jaipur, Ajmer and Jodhpur.
By Air
Indian Airlines Daily connects Udaipur from Jodhpur, Jaipur, Mumbai and Delhi. Dabok
airport is 21km away from the city.