About Udaipur: Udaipur Travel guide RajasthanThere is no place in India which appeals more to the imagination of poets and painters, travellers and writers, than Udaipur, the lovely lake side capital of Mewar. The Udaipur inherent romance and beauty, and its remarkable past, bristling with episodes of heroism and splendour, continue to enthrall the visitor. Udaipur, the City of Dawn, looms up like a vision in white. Udaipur is surrounded by hills and mountains, and set on the edge of three lakes, which give on to a fertile plain, it is bewitching in all its details – narrow streets lined by vivid coloured stalls, gardens, temples and palaces – every feature mirrored in the placid blue waters of lake Pichhola.
Udaipur Places of Interest
City Palace Udaipur
Completely white and majestic, the City Palace Udaipur stands on a hill surrounded by crenellated walls. City Palace Udaipur main entrance is through the triple arched gate, the Tripolia, built in 1725. The Suraj Gokhada, the Balcony of the Sun, where the Suryavanshi Maharanas of Mewar, presented themselves in times of trouble to the people to restore their confidence, is another fascinating monument. The Chini Chitrashala is noteworthy for its blue and white ceramics.
Jagdish Temple
Jagdish Temple is built in 1651 A.D., by Maharaja Jagat Singh I, it is the largest and most splendid temple in Udaipur.
Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum
This Indian folk arts museum displays a rich collection of folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls musical instruments and paintings.
Saheliyon ki Bari
This garden of the maids of honour, brings to the fore, the unique lifestyle of the royal ladies, who once strolled through these gardens. This spectacular garden has numerous fountains in four pools, embellished with delicately chiseled kiosks and elephants.
Lake Fateh Sagar
Fateh Sagar is 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.
Lake Pichhola
The legendary Pichhola lake Udaipur that entranced Maharana Udai Singh, it is surrounded by hill palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments.
Jag Mandir Palace
Jag Mandir lies towards the south of the lake and was completed by Maharana Jagat Singh I (reigned 1628-1652). However, the Jag Mandir palace was developed by Rana Karan Singh (1620-28). Eight elephant statues face Jag Niwas from Jag Mandir and the empty island with its domed pavilion. This pavilion on the island better known as the Gul Mahal and built between 1625-7 was started by Karan Singh (1620-28). It is one of the few examples of Mughal styled architecture in the state and now houses some exquisite Mughal paintings and murals.
Shiv Niwas Palace
The debonair Shiv Niwas Palace Udaipur was first opened for the shooting of the 007 Bond film Octopussy. This crescent shaped palace was originally the annexe to the Shambhu Palace near the southern end of the Pichola Lake. Shiv Niwas Palace Udaipur was built sometime in the beginning of the century by Maharana Fateh Singh for nearly Rs 6,00,000, a very great sum in those days. Shiv Niwas Palace Udaipur style and design of the building is purely European although it has retained some of the distinctive traditional Hindu elements seen in Udaipur. Shiv Niwas Palace Udaipur is a beautiful combination of Hindu tradition and European elegance.
Ahar Civilization and Museum
In the crumbling remains of Ahar, stand the royal cenotaphs of the Maharanas of Mewar, remarkable pieces of architecture. A small government museum houses a rare collection of antiquities, including earthern pots and some iron objects.
Sajjan Garh Fort [Monsoon Palace]
This Monsoon Palace dominates the skyline, and is visible from most parts of the city. Sajjan Garh Palace Udaipur affords a spectacular view of the city – its lakes, palaces and the surrounding countryside.
Gulab Bagh Garden
Few gardens in India offer such spectacular beauty, as this rose garden. Gulab Bagh Udaipur also houses a library with a rich collection of old handwritten scripts and books.
Sukhadia Circle
Sukhadia Circle, also known as Sukhadia square, is a majestic turn around in Panchwati, 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 and toy trains for children’s amusement.
Ropeway (Karnimata Temple)
The ropeway to Karnimata temple was constructed to enable a large number of devotees who visit Karnimata Temple and other historic sites at Machhala Hill. The foot pathway, normally used by people, provides access to the top through a steep gradient. The Ropeway system has made it possible for all to visit the historical sites.
Ropeway in Udaipur is newly introduced and is most important tourist attraction. It is installed between two mountains right on the bank of Lake Pichola. The view from the Gondolas is breath taking and if you have passion for photography you must not miss this.
It is from here that you can click best view of Udaipur including Lake Pichola, Lake Fateh Sagar, magnificent City Palace complex, Sajjangarh Fort and above all artistic landscaped Aravali mountains on the other side of the lake. Do not miss the sun setting across lush green Aravali Hills across Lake Pichola. It takes no time to visit ropeway being in the heart of the City. It is located in the main tourist area and can be best visited in the evenings followed by mouth water cuisines.