about

Udaipur

The City of Lakes

Often referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’, the city of lakes Udaipur is located around azure water lakes and is hemmed in by lush green hills of Aravallis.

The famous Lake Palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful sights of Udaipur. It is also home to Jaisamand Lake, claimed to be the second-largest man-made sweet water lake in Asia. Solar observatory in Lake Fateh Sagar is the only observatory in India located on an island and has been made on the pattern of Big Bear Lake in Southern California.

CITY PALACE
The gigantic City Palace, towering over the Pichola Lake, is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. It extends a considerable distance along the east bank of the lake. South of the palace, a pleasant garden runs down to the shore. The original structure was built in the sixteenth century. Thereafter, each successive generation of rulers in Udaipur made its architectural mark on the City Palace complex. By the end of the nineteenth century the Maharana’s Palace was a city in itself, with storehouses, stables, wells and farms within it’s walls. Inspite of being a conglomeration of buildings added by various rulers, the palace complex manages to retain a surprising integrity of design. The palace has numerous balconies, towers and cupolas and there are stunning views over the lake and the city from the upper terraces.
JAGDISH TEMPLE
Jagdish Temple is one of the famous temples of Udaipur. Located in the City Palace complex of Udaipur, this temple is made in the Indo-Aryan style of architecture. In 1651, Jagdish temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singh, who ruled Udaipur during 1628-53. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Laxmi Narayan), the preserver of the Universe. It is celebrated for being the largest temple in the city of Udaipur. The gateway of this temple can be sited at a distance of 150 meters from the Bara Pol of the City Palace.
BAGORE KI HAVELI
This is a very congenial old building built right on the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangaur Ghat. Amir Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar built it in the eighteenth century. The palace has over hundred rooms and some very interesting display of costumes and modern art. The glass and mirror in the interiors of the Haveli delicate work and well preserved too. It also preserves a fine example of Mewar Painting on the walls of Queen’s Chamber. The two peacocks made from small pieces of colored glasses are fine examples of glasswork.
PICHOLA LAKE
This lake is the centre- piece around which Udaipur revolves. It started off as a small pond built by a banjara, who dammed up the waters of a mountain stream by building a dyke. Maharana Udai Singh extended this pond, creating the exquisite Lake Pichola. The lake lies to the immediate west of the ridge on which the City Palace of Udaipur stands. Maharana Udai Singh built a masonry dam, known as Badi Pol, and the lake is now 4 km long and 3 km wide. Amusingly, the water of the lake belongs to the Government of India whilst the land under water belongs to the royal family.
DOODH TALAI (ROPEWAY)
Dudh Talai is a dainty lake in Udaipur studded with enhancements of human pleasures. The lake beautifies the south-east part of Lake Pichola and has an affable view from the twinkling places like City Palace, Jag Mandir etc. The small inlet of this lake, contributes its water to the larger lake Pichola. This place is unique with the presence of conspicuous view of Shiv Niwas Palace on its southern side and is adorned by two parks which adds grace to its shore. Manikya Lal Verma Garden and Pandit Deen Dayal Musical Fountain Park are showcase of modern architecture and allows one to stroll along its beauty.
GULAB BAGH
Laid by Maharana Sajjan Singhji in the 18th century, Gulab Bagh also known as Sajjan Niwas Garden creates soothing vistas with exotic rose beds, fruit trees, orchids and attractive looking plants. The Saraswati Bhawan Library at Gulab Bagh is a storehouse of volumes that deal with topics such as history, archaeology, Indology and quite a few very old manuscripts that can trace their origin to the early medieval period. There are several handwritten manuscripts from the ancient past on display at the Gulab Bagh Museum.
VINTAGE CAR COLLECTION
Udaipur is blessed with a vintage car museum that showcases antique heritage cars. It is a treat for all the automobile lovers to pay a visit to a place filled with fascinating vehicles that can be explored and studied. The museum was inaugurated on 15th February 2000. The founder of National Motor Museum England – Lord Montagu of Beaulieu was the Chief Guest in the inauguration ceremony. The Vintage Car Museum was initially a Mewar State Motor Garage located in the premises of a belonging of HRH Group – Garden Hotel and restaurant. The museum contains several cars of the Maharanas (Kings/Custodians) of Mewar from the past and also from the present. The Museum also houses a shell petrol pump that is still in the working condition. All the cars exhibited in the museum are in working condition, in spite of some cars being more than 70 years old.
LOK KALA MANDAL
Visit the Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal Museum. An excellent museum of all folk collection from Udaipur and elsewhere in Rajasthan. This facility offers insight into the rich folk traditions of the area. The collection includes masks, Typical Dress, Puppets and Musical instruments. There are regular opportunities to attend a traditional Puppet show – a delightful experience for children.
SUKHADIA CIRCLE
Sukhadia Circle, also known as Sukhadia square, is a majestic turn around in Panchwati, the Udaipur city’s northern suburb. It is a popular landmark in Udaipur and provides a beautiful view with the illumination of lights. This square, opened in 1970, has a magnificent three tiered fountain in the center and a structure representing the prosperity. This place is used as a evening relaxation place with beautiful gardens and a nice pond. This square attracts many, especially children. Children make funs in the lawns and float toy boats in the pond. There are some duck shaped paddle boats for children’s amusement.
SAHELIYON KI BARI
Maharana Sangram Singh built this Garden in the mid-18th century. The ‘Garden of the Maidens’ brings to mind the lifestyle of the ladies of the court. These delightful gardens reflect their discreet and impeccable tastes. There are four pools with dainty kiosks. All around are flowerbeds, lawns, pools and fountains protected by a series of walls and trees offering plenty of shade. The fountains of the Sahelion ki Bari function solely by water pressure and no pumps are used. The garden has a lotus pool and a sitting room decorated with paintings and glass mosaic. The whole ambience is flavored by reminiscence of those beautiful belles enjoying themselves in lavish environs.
FATEHSAGAR LAKE
North of Pichola Lake, this water body is overlooked by a number of hills and parks. It was originally built in 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh, but reconstructed by Maharana Fateh Singh after heavy rains destroyed the dam. A pleasant drive winds along the east bank and in the middle is Nehru Park, a popular garden island with a cafe shaped like a boat. You can get there by boat from near the bottom of Moti Magri. Paddle boats are available. You can also enjoy a speed boat ride or water scooter ride in Fateh Sagar.
PRATAP SMARAK
Maharana Pratap Memorial is a historic site that is dedicated to the gallant Maharana Pratap. Situated at the top of Moti Margi or Pearl Hill, the memorial overlooks the Fateh Sagar Lake. In Hindi, memorial is known as “smarak” which is made in the memory of loved ones. Maharana Pratap Memorial was constructed with the initiative taken by Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar with the help of a public trust.The memorial comprises a life-sized bronze statue of Maharana Pratap balanced on his loyal and favorite horse, Chetak. It is believed that Chetak was a faithful horse who was extremely protective towards Maharana Pratap and stood by his master till his last breath.
NEHRU GARDEN
Named after Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, Nehru Island Park alias Nehru garden is an oval shaped i-sland, located at the middle of Fateh Sagar Lake. Inaugurated on 14th November 1967, Nehru park, covering the area of 41 acres (170,000m2) of land is a perfect place to spend the leisure time. Nehru park contains a small zoo especially designed for kids, beautiful garden with a lily pond and few small restaurant, mainly a boat shaped floating restaurant. Besides these, the garden is enclose a pyramid shaped water fountain which resembles the Brindavan garden of Mysore.
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 and rock stairs leading to it. Aravalli Vatika is a small landscaped orchard on the bank of the Fateh Sagar Lake in Udaipur. This garden is about 12 m high with paved steps leading to the top. The rocks found in the vatika are part of the Aravalli Hills.
RAJIV GANDHI PARK
Rajiv Gandhi Park is a beautiful park located at Rani Road on Lake Fatehsagar. A popular local attraction, the view from the park of the lake and the Monsoon Palace is spectacular and gives immense pleasure and peace. Children also enjoy coming here as it has spacious gardens for children to play around. It also has some fun slides for kids. The design of garden is such that most part can be seen from distant place. It was constructed in the remembrance of the late Prime Minister of India Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, whose statue is also located within the park.
SHILPGRAM
Shilpgram – the Rural Arts and Crafts Complex is situated west of Udaipur near the Hawala village. Spread over an undulating terrain of 130 bighas (70 Acres) of land and surrounded by the Aravalies, the Rural Arts and Crafts Complex is conceived as a living ethnographic museum to depict the lifestyles of the folk and tribal people of the Western Zone of India. Within this complex, huts of the member states are constructed incorporating traditional architectural features of different geographical and ethnic groups residing within the Western Zone of India comprising of five Federal States.
SAJJANGARH (BIOLOGICAL PARK)
Sajjangarh Biological Park is a zoological garden located in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. This biological park is situated just beneath the Monsoon Palace (also known as Sajjangarh Palace), around 12 km from the city center. The zoo has different varieties of animals and birds which have been brought from different parts of world. At present, it houses 60 animals of 21 species including tigers, panthers, lions, ostriches, alligators, rhesus monkeys etc.
PRATAP GAURAV KENDRA
PRATAP GAURAV KENDRA RASHTRIYA TIRTH is a new Tirth at Manoharpura, Badgaon 10 km away in Udaipur city center in the Rajasthan state of Bharat. Started by the Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap Samiti, This project aims at providing information about historical idol maharana pratap of mewar and its past. This project aims at providing details about ancient heritage with the help of modern instruments. Pratap Gaurav Kendra is aimed at providing detailed information about the history and achievements of the king of mewar Maharana Pratap.
BADI LAKE
Jiyan Sagar is another striking lake, located in the village of Badi. Built by Maharana Raj Singh, Jiyan Sagar was built to deal with the problem of famine in the area. The lake was named after Jana Devi, mother of Raj Singh. Jiyan Sagar is also known as Badi Ka Talab. It sprawls in an area of 155 sq. km. and the embankment of the lake extends to the length of 180 meters and width of 18 meters. Jiyan Sagar also adores three artistic kiosks (chattris).
HALDIGHATI
Haldighati which is located towards the south west of Nathdwara 42 km from Udaipur, is historical site which witnessed the great legendry battle fought between Maharana Pratap and the Mughal Emperor -Akbar in 1576 AD. The vast terrain that was supposedly covered with blood (the sand turned Red in colour) evokes a chill in the spine till date and envelopes a feel of nostalgia, this was the place where the heroic Chetak the gallant charger with his dedicated loyalty towards his chivalrous master (the Maharana Pratap) proved his worth by co-operating till his last breath.
EKLING JI
Eklingji Temple is one of the most famous temples of Rajasthan. Located in the town of Eklingji (Kailashpuri), the place got its popular name from the temple. Eklingji Temple is positioned at a distance of 22 km in the north of Udaipur, on the national highway no. 8. Eklingnath Temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva of the Hindu religion. Initially, the temple was built in 734 A.D. by Bappa Rawal. Since that time, Eklingji has been the ruling deity of Mewar rulers.
NATHDWARA
Shrinathji of Nathdwara is 48 km from Udaipur. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna with the diety’s image carved out of a single block of black marble. The temple is set amidst idyllic hills, it is known to be the second richest temple in the world. The structure of this temple is simple, but the aesthetic appeal of this temple is ceaseless. The image of Shrinathji is worth seeing and feeling the celestial beauty of the God. Lord Shrinathji symbolizes a form of Lord Krishna, when he lifted the ‘Govardhana’ (a hill). In the image, the lord is revealed with his left hand raised and the right is bunged in a fist.
KUMBHALGARH
Nestled amidst the lush green forest and surrounded by the mighty hills of Aravallis, the Kumbhalgarh Fort is the second most important fort after Chittorgarh in the state of Rajasthan in India. It is also the 2nd largest fort in Rajasthan after the Chittorgarh fort. The Kumbhalgarh fort gets its name from Maharana Kumbha who built it during 15th century AD. It was renovated by Maharana Fateh Singh during the 19th Century and is 100 Km from Udaipur.
RANAKPUR
Ranakpur is a village located in Desuri tehsil near Sadri town in the Pali district of Rajasthan in western India. It is located between Jodhpur and Udaipur. 162 km from Jodhpur and 91 km from Udaipur, in a valley on the western side of the Aravalli Range. The Nearest Railway Station to reach Ranakpur is Falna Railway station. Ranakpur is one among the most famous places to visit in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Ranakpur is easily accessed by road from Udaipur.