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Royal Capital of a divine dynasty, languid lake city or ‘city of sunrise’,
Udaipur, was founded in 1567 by Maharana Udai Singh, a descendant of the legendary Sisodias of Mewar. Dotted with marble palaces, hibiscus - laden gardens and fountain pavilions, Udaipur appeals to the imagination of poets and painters, travellers and writers like no other city in the country. The city's inherent romance and beauty and its remarkable past redolent with episodes of heroism and splendour, continue to enthral the visitor even today. Udaipur, the City of Dawn, looms up like a vision in white. Surrounded by hills and mountains and set on the edge of three lakes which lead on to a fertile plain - it is a truly enchanting city. Narrow streets lined with vividly coloured stalls, gardens, temples and palaces mirrored in the placid blue waters of Lake Pichhola, add to the magic of Udaipur. Area: 37 sq. km. City Palace The well-fortified City Palace is a majestic white monument perched high up on a hill. The main entrance, a triple arched gate named the Tripolia, built in 1725, is a marvel worth seeing. 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.
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 chiselled kiosks and elephants.
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.
The legendary lake that entranced Maharana Udai Singh, it is surrounded by hill palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. Jagniwas Island (Lake Palace Hotel) Jagniwas, the Lake Palace island, is about 1.5 hectares in size. The palace was built by Maharana Jagat Singh II in 1754 and covers the whole island. Once the royal summer palace, it was converted into a hotel in the 1960s by Maharana Bhagwat Singh. The Lake Palace and two other palaces in Udaipur, the Shiv Niwas Palace and the Monsoon Palace, appeared in the James Bond film Octopussy. Jagmandir Island The other island palace, Jagmandir, was commenced by Maharana Karan Singh, but takes its name from Maharana Jagat Singh (1628-52), who made a number of additions to it. It is said that the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, derived some of his ideas and inspiration for the Taj Mahal from this palace after staying here in 1623-24 while leading a revolt against his father, Jehangir. Sajjan Garh or Monsoon Palace Was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh, deserted today and owned by the government, has sensational views over Udaipur. |
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