Things to See in Udaipur

Fascinating Facts:
Udaipur always remain unconquered by the Mughals, in spite of much pressure.
Former capital of kingdom of Mewar in Rajputana Agency.
Udaipur is renowned as “City of Lakes” due to Pichola lake, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar lake.
Highlights of Udaipur are Lake palace, City Palace, Jag Palace, Jag Mandir and Sahelion-ki- bari

Introduction:-
If you have the desire to spend a romantic vacation in India than just go for Udaipur in Rajasthan. Its for sure that Udaipur won't let you down. The very moment when you step into this picture perfect city of Rajasthan, you will feel the essence of romance in the air.

Popularly known as the “Venice of the East”, Udaipur is one of the most spectacular city of India. This lovely city is surrounded by the lush green Aravalli hills and some tranquil lakes. Thanks to the huge and splendid palaces, temples, havelis, museums and luxurious heritage hotels, Udaipur has emerged as a jewel of India's tourism industry.



Location of Udaipur:
Udaipur, considered as an oasis amidst the harsh desert land Rajasthan is located in the southern part of Rajasthan at a height of above the sea level. This magnificent city was founded by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1568 A.D and houses four most beautiful and placid lakes of Rajasthan namely Pichola lake, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar lake. Due to these tranquil lakes, Udaipur is popularly known as the “City of Lakes”.

Charm of Udaipur;
The real charisma of Udaipur lies in its tranquil lakes, grandiose palaces, fantastic hilltop forts and beautiful gardens, which very well reveals the grandeur and richness of past royal eras of Rajasthan. Udaipur has some outstanding collection of monuments that will captivate your attention at the very first sight such as -

Lake Palace: One of the most alluring tourist attraction of Udaipur is the Lake Palace. This dazzling palace was built by Maharana Jagat Singh II in the year 1754. Constructed in the entire area of Jagniwas island (1.5 hectares) of the Lake Pichola, this magnificent piece of architecture has been converted into a luxury hotel by the Maharana Bhagat Singh in 1960's.

City Palace: City palace is another prominent attraction of Udaipur. This largest palace complex of Rajasthan, stands on a crest overlooking Lake Pichola. Its construction was started by Maharana Udai Singh II of Sisodia Rajput clan in 16th century. But the successive rulers has completed it. Although, it is a conglomeration of buildings added by different Maharanas at various time periods, it has successfully maintained a uniformity in its design. Unlike its exterior architecture, City Palace has a famine touch in its interior design. Manak Mahal, Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal and Dilkush Mahal are some of the major attractions of City Palace.

Jag Mandir: Jag Mandir is another beautiful island palace on Lake Pichola, built by Maharaja Karan Singh in 1615 AD. The palace once sheltered the Mughal prince Khurram (later Emperor Shah Jehan, who built the world-famous Taj Mahal) who rebelled against his father Jehangir in the 1620's. The Palace has a giant stone sculpture of elephants and an impressive chattri (cenotaphs) that add to its beauty.

Jagdish Temple: Built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651 A.D, Jagdish Temple is the largest and the most beautiful temple in Udaipur. Dedicated to lord Vishnu, the Jagdish temple is famous all over the India for its beautiful sculpted images and towering Shikara.

Fateh Sagar: Positioned in the precinct of the famous Saheliyon-ki-Bari Garden, this beautiful lake was built by Maharana Fateh Singh in 1678. This beutiful lake is connected to Lake Pichola by a canal built at the beginning of the 20th century. Nehru Park, a popular garden island with a boat-shaped café, built amidst this lake, is an added attraction.

Other must-visit tourist attractions in Udaipur are the Sahelion-ki-bari, Maharana Pratap Memorial, Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum, Monsoon Palace, Shilpgram, Rose Garden, and many more.

Attractions Around Udaipur:
Although, Udaipur has a wide range of tourist spots, many vacationers love to venture around Udiapur's nearby excursion places. Some of the most sought after excursion places of Udaipur are

Kumbhalgarh Fort- This huge bastion is situated just 64 km north of Udaipur in the deep vegetation of Aravali hills in the Mewar region. This is the second most important fort of Mewar region after Chittorgarh fort. This 15th century fort was constructed by Rana Kumbha, always remained unconquered due to its hostile topography.

Chittorgarh Fort- This magnificent citadel stands on an 180 m high hill encompassing an area of 240 hectares. This fort is the symbol of Rajputana valor and chivalry. Till date, each and every nook and corner of Chittorgarh fort very well reveals the tales of heroism and sacrifice of Rajputana ladies and the stories of their mass jauhar.

Haldighati- Haldighati is another historical site situated towards the south-west of Nathwdara. This place has witnessed the legendary war of 1576 A.D, fought between Maharana Pratap and Mughal Emperor Akbar.

Ranakpur-Ranakpur is famous for the beautifully crafted 15th century Jain temples, which are highly revered by the people of Jain community. pilgrimage site for the Jain community. These temples are constructed during the reign of Rana Kumbha.

Some more nearby excursion places to Udaipur are Nathdwara, Sajjangarh, Ghanerao, Kankroli, Eklingji, Jgat, Nagda and Jaisamand lake.

Access to Udaipur
By Air:- Udaipur is well connected to some of the major Indian cities like Jodhpur, Jaipur, Aurangabad, Mumbai and Delhi by airlines. Daily flights ply from Debock Airport which is situated at a distance of 24 km from Udaipur to these cities.

By Rail:-Indian Railways joins Udaipur to rest of India.

By Road:-The vast network of smooth roads joins Udaipur to Agra (630km), Ahmedabad (262 km) Jaipur (406 km), Jodhpur(275km) and Mount Abu (185km).