Udaipur is the glimmering star on Rajasthan’s map. Its many lakes and its environs soaked in Mewar history are attractions that people from all over the world come to visit. There are many places to visit in Udaipur and many around it. There is a reason the city is known as the Venice of the East. There are many big and grand lakes as well as several smaller ones in the city.Close to the Lake City are other attractive lakes, most notably Jaisamand Lake. The Ahar River also flows through Udaipur. Located in the desert of Rajasthan, Udaipur is a beautiful paradox. The many palaces around the city add to the glamour. There is no worthier reflection for a glassy lake than a marble palace after all. The best time to visit Udaipur is undoubtedly during the winter months. The summer heat is too high for you to subject yourself to voluntarily. The winter months are perfect to visit Udaipur. Udaipur is easily approachable from all the important cities of India including Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur. So, if you are exhausted of your restless plans and daily routine, then plot a trip to the city of lakes.A tour to the extravagant city of Udaipur would absolutely become a memorable part of your life and you will treasure these memories throughout your life.
The Lake Palace in Udaipur is located on the Jag Niwas Island on a sprawling 1.5 hectare land. This magnificent structure was built on the Lake Pichola by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1734. Once a summer palace for the royalty of Udaipur, it has now been converted into a heritage hotel. Still retaining the grandeur, it resembles a fairy tale kingdom. Enhancing the magical aura are the rippling waves and beautiful sunset. The intricate craftsmanship and aesthetic handicrafts and textiles add to the beauty this place. The elegant white marble palace is a fantasy as it arises softly from the blue waters. 4 acres of rock have been used to lay the foundation of this palace and was known as Jag Niwas after its founder. The palace highlights include fountains, gardens, pillared terraces, painted mirrors, pink stone work, lotus leaves and cusped arches. Dhola Mahal, Bada Mahal, Phool Mahal, Ajjan Niwas and Kush Mahal are some of the apartments in here. There are various facilities available in the palace for the guests like swimming pool, bar, restaurants, café and conference hall. There is also a 24 hour business center and 8 meeting rooms with fully updated equipment for corporate meetings and conferences. In here are 12 banquet halls for cocktail parties, wedding and other related functions.
The City Palace in Udaipur in the state of Rajasthan has a lot in its store to reveal the age-old history it possesses. The royal building is a huge complex with plenty of rooms and pillars inside. It took more than 300 years to complete the structure properly. Started during the time of Maharana Udai Singh II. The lake Pichola nearby is the highlight when you get ready for a tour of the greatest places to visit in Udaipur. Since it is the biggest building in Udaipur it is considered as one of the best sightseeing destinations. The flamboyant structure with a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architectural style dominates other famous palaces and buildings around the city very authentically. It is located on a hilltop where you can enjoy a real panoramic view of lake Pichola and the Lake Palace on the banks of this particular lake.
Known as Lake Garden Palace, Jag Mandir has been built on the island of Lake Pichola. The construction of this structure has been credited to the three Maharanas of Mewar. This palace was started by the Maharana Amar Singh in the year of 1551 and was later carried on by Maharana Karan Singh and completed by Maharana Jagat Singh. Hence it is called Jagat Mandir or Jag Mandir. Serving as a summer resort and pleasure area for the royal family of Mewar, this place is also famous for holding parties and wedding functions. In here you will find Gul Mahal, Darikhana, Garden Courtyard, Bara Patharon ka Mahal, Zenana Mahal, and Kunwar Pada ka Mahal. Jag Mandir is the main palace and it includes the Gul Mahal. The towers at the corner are octagonal in shape and have cupolas on the top. Residential suites, reception halls and internal courts adorn the palace. The architecture of the building reflects Mughal and Rajput style. The Zenana Mahal is constructed adjoining to the main temple and the Kunwar Pada ka Mahal is located at the western end of the structure. The Gul Mahal was built by Maharana Amar Singh and it was developed by Maharana Jagat Singh for housing the Mughal prince Khurram. The palace has been built with sandstone, black marble, and has a crescent of Islam fixed on the dome of the structure.
Saheliyon ki Bari is a beautiful garden in the city of Udaipur and is one of the popular Udaipur tourist places. Fountains, marble art and the lush lawns attract the public each time. Saheliyon ki Bari in English means the ‘garden of maids’. This garden represents a green retreat of Maharana Sangram Singh in the desert lands and was built in the 18th Century for the royal ladies of Mewar. It is situated on the banks of the lake Fateh Sagar and is one of the stunning places to visit in Udaipur. According to the legend here, the garden was personally designed by the king and gifted to his queen. The queen had 48 maids accompanying her after the marriage and to offer them peace and happiness away from the regular life, this garden was built. There are four water pools, marble elephants, fountains and kiosks around the here. The bird fountains and the lotus pool are very popular. The stunning and romantic view of the garden makes it a special place for lovers. Rain fountains were added to the garden later by Maharana Bhopal Singh.
Lake Pichola :-
This is one of the most important places to visit in Udaipur. Lake Pichola is the reason we call Udaipur the ‘City of Lakes’. Built in 1362, and extending 3 miles in length and 2 miles in breadth, this lake is an essential part of Udaipur and far by its best feature. Astonished and amazed by the beauty of Lake Pichola, Rudyard Kipling once wrote: “If the Venetian owned the Pichola Lake, he might say with justice, `see it and die'”. Take Kipling at his word and visit Lake Pichola when in Udaipur, both in the day and at night. the lake takes on a whole new character depending on the time of the day. In the morning, lake and palaces are quiet. The lake is speckled with tourist boats and people clicking selfies line the shores. As night creeps in, all the Palaces around the lake light up and illuminate the lake. No boats, no birds, nothing to see except the lit-up palaces as they stand impressively around the lake. It is an awe-imposing spectacle. The iconic sites around the lake include Udaipur City Palace, Mohan Mandir, Eklinggarh Fort, Jag Mandir, Pichola Palace etc. The Sitamata Game Sanctuary is located on its western shore.
Bangore ki haveli is a beautiful palace in Udaipur on the waterfront of Lake Picholi and is an amusing spot among the tourist places in Udaipur. It was built during the 18th century and still holds the pride and majestic attitude of the royal family of ancient rulers in a perfect manner. It consists of more than a hundred rooms along with the displays of costumes and modern art. It houses the famous paintings of the Mewar regime inside the Queen’s chamber. In addition, the palace is filled with pieces of art on glass. Wide corridors, windows and spacious rooms enhances the attractiveness of the palace to a higher level. The Rajput clans’ presence is still preserved inside the palace in the forms of jewellery boxes, hukkas, pan boxes and the furniture items used during that period. This is a perfect place to witness the proper Rajput architectural styles displayed very well.
Shilpgram (meaning “craftsmen’s village”) is a rural arts and crafts complex, located three kilometers from Udaipur and set up by the government in 1986. It showcases rural life and traditions from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa. The complex has huts from each of the states, incorporating their distinctive architectural features. Artisans also sell their wares and perform folk dances. Horse rides and camel rides are offered as well. The complex really comes alive during the 10 day Shilpgram Arts & Crafts Fair in late December. Otherwise, although it’s a great concept, it tends to be sadly rather lackluster.
Eklingji Temple :-
The Eklingji Temple Complex is one of the architectural sights you need to put on your list of places to visit in Udaipur. It is a complex whose foundation dates back to 734 AD. The first temple of the complex was built back then by Bappa Rawal and dedicated to Eklingji. Eklingji is a form of Shiva and the complex is full of figurines of Shiva along with figurines of Parvati, Saraswati, Ganesh, Kartik and Nandi. Over the time, the complex has grown to house 108 temples, all of them are made out of marble and granite with complex designs cut into the stone. The sole temple of the Lakulish sect in India, known simply as the Lakulish Temple and built in 971 is also housed here. This complex is a not just a place for history enthusiasts and people who want to pay their respects in the temple. It is a place full of memories of a distant past; a time when modern technology could not aid in the construction of complicated buildings. The main temple, built in the 15th century, has a structure topped with elaborate domes that will boggle your mind. Appreciation for the marvellous stone work will be the overwhelming sentiment you experience when you walk around the 108 temples. You can understand the time at which the temples were built through the plaques outside the respective temple or you could hire a local guide to walk you around the complex.
