Udaipur nestles like a gem in a valley surrounded by the green Aravalli hills, reflected smooth and white in the clear blue waters of Lake Pichola. Located on National Highway 8, it is commonly referred to as the City of Dawn. In the sandy state of Rajasthan, there are numerous lakes in Udaipur. A series of canals connecting the several artificial lakes of Udaipur have dubbed it the Venice of the East. These beautiful lakes surround imperial palaces of marble and sandstone decorated with amber, colored glass and pale jade built in the seventeenth century. Courtyards, fountains, towers and Japanese styled gardens lend the palaces a truly majestic appeal.

History

The capital of the erstwhile Mewar State, Udaipur, takes its name from Maharana Udai Singh, who founded the city in 1568 after retreating from the third attack on the city of Chittaur by armies of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. One legend claims that he chose the present location of Udaipur for the capital after a sadhu, or wandering holy man, told him that if he built his capital on the edge of Lake Pichola, it would never be captured. It is likely that the strategic advantages of the surrounding terrain influenced his decision. Raised in the surrounding Aravalli hills, Maharana Udai Singh was familiar with this region. His ancestor and the founder of the Sisodia dynasty of Mewar, Bappa Rawal, had lived here eight centuries earlier.

Beautiful lakes surround imperial palaces of marble and sandstone decorated with amber, colored glass and pale jade built in the 17th century.

The old city within the fortifications is built on tiny hills. Narrow medieval roads and winding lanes with small temples at turnings, lend a charm to the city. Interspersed with old dwellings, temples and palaces are new and modern shops, houses, markets and down-to-earth bus-stands. Udaipur is home to various art and cultural centers as well as promoting and supporting rural and local crafts, including jewellery and fabrics. Udaipur is also a religious center having temples dedicated to various deities built at around the same time as were the palaces. Out of over thirty Jain temples, two are among the twenty- four sites of Jain pilgrimage.

Landmarks City Palace Balconies, towers and cupolas surmount the largest palace complex in Rajasthan and there are fine views over the lake and the city from the upper terraces. The grand Mor Chowk or Peacock Courtyard, with its walls covered with a dramatic glass mosaic relief of dancing peacocks, is a celebrated feature of the palace. A conglomeration of various palaces inside including Dilkhush Mahal, the Krishna Vilas and Moti Mahal, are all ornately decorated. The Manak Mahal with elaborate mirrors and coloured glasses on the ceiling, walls and even the floor is very imposing. It also includes the Chini Chitrashala. a collection of Chinese Porcelain. Housed in the City Palace is a museum which contains a wonderful collection of old Rajput weaponry including a suit of armour worn by Maharana Pratap, the most chivalrous of the Rajput rulers. This armour weighs as much as 165 pounds. Chetak was the Rana's equally famed horse whose armour, with a fake elephant trunk, is another notable feature here. Shiv Niwas Part of the City Palace complex it has played host not only to celebrities like Queen Elizabeth II, but has also been the location of a James Bond film, Octopussy. Fateh Prakash Smaller than the Shiv Niwas it has some of the most exquisite Mewar miniature paintings from the Maharana's private collection and the Crystal Gallery with Belgian glass furniture. Lake Pichola Situated on the western side of Udaipur, it derives its name from a nearby village Picholi. The lake is fifteen kms in area and has a depth of twenty-five feet. Udai Singh built a dam and since then the lake has become a meeting place for more than two hundred species of migratory and non-migratory birds. On a four-acre land at the centre of the lake is the Lake Palace built in white marble, which seems to float amongst the calm waters of the lake. One can take a boat ride and visit the numerous ghats. Lake Fatehsagar This lake was constructed in 1678 but was later was destroyed by floods. Balconies, towers and cupolas surmount the largest palace complex in Rajasthan and there are fine views over the lake and the city from the upper terraces.

Saheliyon ki Bari (Garden of Maids of Honour) It was designed by Maharana Fateh Singh in 1734 for the queen and her maids, and consists of beautiful gardens, lawns and fountains. Ornamental lotus pools, with finely sculpted cenotaphs of black stone surrounded by fountains, are the main theme. There are five main fountains, each one unique - which can be made to sprinkle water for a nominal fee of Rs.5.

Guru Govindsingh Park
This park has a rock garden, which overlooks Fatehsagar Lake. The sunset view is spectacular against the backdrop of the Aravalli hills.

Nehru Island Garden

Moti Magari

Sajjan Niwas Garden

Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal

Bazaars

Jagdish Chowk Road

Ghanta Ghar Road

Bapu Bazaar

Shil Gram

Eklingji and Nagda (22 km)

Jaisamund Lake ( 55 km)

Constructed by Rana Jai Singh in 1691, it is the largest manmade lake of Asia, being twenty-one square miles in area. There are beautiful "Chattris" around the dam each with an elephant in the front. The seven islands in the lake are home to tribal fishermen who still use traditional methods of fishing.

Shri Rishabdeoji (64 km)

This temple is important to both Jains and worshippers of Lord Vishnu. The idol is three feet high.

Kumbhalgarh (84 km)

Built by Maharana Kumbha in the 15th century, it is one of Rajasthan's principal fortifications. The seven great gates lead to Baadal Mahal or the Palace of Clouds.

Art and Craft

A centre for Rajasthan arts and crafts as well as more specifically regional art forms, Udaipur is home to various art and cultural centres, including a functioning artificial village designed to promote and support rural crafts development.

Entertainment

The Meera Kala Mandir has a one-hour daily entertainment programme of Rajasthani Folk Dance and Music performances and puppet shows.

General Information

Accommodation

The luxury hotels include the Lake Pichola Hotel, Trident, Lake Palace Hotel, Shiv Niwas Palace Hotel and the Fateh Prakash Palace Hotel. Among the mid-range hotels are Hotel Sai Niwas, Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel, Sang Niwas Palace Hotel, Hotel Raj Palace, and Udai Kothi.

There are a number of budget hotels around the lake, which include Hotel Gangaur Palace, Lalghat Guest House, Jheel Guest House and Hotel Badi Haveli. Apsara Hotel and Hotel Welcome are near the bus stand. Some decent budget hotels away from the heart of the city are the Lake Shore Palace, Hotel Natural, Pahadi Palace and the Mewar Inn.

The paying guest scheme in Rajasthan was pioneered in Udaipur with over 75 families participating. For details one can get in touch with the Tourist Reception Centre.

Places to Eat

Try the butter chicken in Berry's Restaurant. The Gallery Restaurant provides a good continental buffet. The lake Palace Hotel has a variety of cuisines, but a prior reservation and formal attire are suggested. The Sunset View terrace is a good place to try the pizza.. Check out the real percolated coffee at the El Parador. The Maxim's Café is a good place for some inexpensive Indian fare. There are several rooftop cafes for a budget meal as well as many top end hotels that offer excellent meals.

How to Get There

Air

Flights connecting Udaipur to Delhi, Jaipur, Aurangabad and Mumbai are available. The airport is 25 km from the city and one has to take an auto rickshaw or taxi to get to the city.

Rail

The Chetak Express is the major connecting link to Delhi. Being meter gauged, it is probably a better option to take a bus. The Mewar Fast Express also does the trip to Chittaurgarh.

Road

Udaipur is well connected by road to Jaipur, Ajmer, Kota/Bundi, Jodhpur, Reception Centre housed in Fateh Memorial Building, less then a kilometre from the Bus Stand is a valuable source of information and handy tips. There are also smaller tourist information centres at the train station, airport and the City Palace Complex.

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