VENICE OF THE EAST

The city of the dawn, Udaipur is lovely and around the azure water lakes, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravalis.A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty. Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experiences an inspiration for the imagination of poets,paints and writers.

Its kaleidoscope of fairy –tale palaces,lakes,temples,gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls,carry the flavor of a heroic past,epitomising valour and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichhola is an enticing sight.

The hermit blessed the Maharana and advised him to build a palace at this Favorably located spot with a fertile valley watered by the stream,a lake, an agreeable altitude and an ampitheatre of low mountains. Maharana followed the advice of the hermit and founded the city in 1559 A.D.

Overlooking the aquamarine expanses of the Lake Pichhola stands the splendid City Palace – a marvel in granite and marble.

Of the original eleven gates of the Udaipur City,only five remain. The Suraj Pol or Sun Gate of the eastern side is the main entrance to the city.

Exquisite lake places of Udaipur,shimmering like jewels on Lake Pichhola are overwhelmimg in splendour.

Several places of interest around Udaipur,including the majestic Chittaurgarh,the mountain fortress of Kumbhalgarh,beautiful Jain temples of Ranakpur,Eklingji and Nathdwara and the cool retreat of Mt Abu,make the visit to Udaipur a memorable one.

PRIME SITES

City Palace : A majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake on a hill surrounded by crenellated walls,it is a conglomeration of courtyards,pavillions,terraces Corridors ,rooms and hanging gardens. The main entrance is through the triple arched gate, the ‘Tripolia’ with eight marble porticos. The maharans were weighed under the gate in the gold,the equivalent amount of which was distributed among the populace.

The Suraj Gokhada,the balcony of the sun,is where the Suryavanshi Maharanas of Mewar presented themselves to the people in time of trouble to restore their confidence. The ‘Mor Chowk’ known for its exquisite peacock mosaics in glass and the ‘Chini Chitrashals’ noted for its blue and white ceramics are other attractions in the Palace.

Jagdish Temple : Built in 1651 A.D by Maharana Jagat Singh,this Indo-Aryan temple is the largest and the most beautiful temple of Udaipur with noteworthy sculpted images.

Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum : The interesting collection exhibited by this Indian folk arts museum includes folk dresses,ornaments,puppets,masks,dolls,folk musical instruments,folk deities and paintings.

Saheliyon-ki-Bari (Garden of the maids of Honor) : This small ornamental garden was a popular relaxing spot where royal ladies came for a stroll and hence her name. The garden has many fountains in its four delightful pools,chiselled kiosks and marble elephants.

Pratap Memorial : Atop the Moti Magri or pearl hill,overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake is the memorial of the Rajput hero Maharana Pratap with a bronze statue of the Maharana.

Fateh Sagar : A beautiful lake, overlooked by a number of hills on the three sides and the Pratap Memorial on the north was built by Maharana Fateh Singh.In the middle of the lake is Nehru Park – a lovely garden island with a boat shaped cafe accessible by an enjoyable boat ride.

Pichhola lake : The picturesque lake that entranced Maharaja Udai Singh.It was later enlarged by the founder. The lake is surrounded by hills,palaces,and temples bathing ghats and embankments. Two island palaces,Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas(Lake Palace) on the lake are of breathtaking magnificence.

Ahar : The ancient capital of Sisodias,3 Km from Udaipur,Azhar boasts of a profusion of royal cenotaphs of the rulers of Mewar.A rare collection of antiquities including earthen pots, iron objects and other art items excavated in the region are displayed in a small govt. museum.

Sajjan Garh : Dominating the city’s skyline is the monsoon palace of Sajjan Garh.It offers a panoramic overview of the city’s lakes,palaces and the surrounding countryside.

Gulab Bagh : A spectacular rose Garden laid out by Maharana Sajjan sing. library in the garden has a rare collection of ancient handwritten manuscripts and books.

EXCURSIONS

Eklingji(22 Km) : Built in 734 A.D is the beautifully sculpted temple complex with 108 temple Complex with 108 temples with it's high walls. The temple are dedicated to Lord Shiva,the presiding deity of Mewar rulers. The walled complex encloses an elaborately pillared hall or ‘mandap’ under a large pyramidal roof and has four-faced image of Lord Shiva in black marble.

Nagda(23 Km) : The ancient site dating back to the 6 th century A.D is renowned for the Sas-Bhau temples(9th-10th century A.D) with interesting architecture and carvings. The splendid Jain temples of Adbudji are also worth a visit.

Haldighati(40 Km) : A historical site,witness to the great battle fought between Maharana Pratap and the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1576 A.D.The "chhatri" of Maharana’s horse -Chetak is noteworthy.

Nathdwara(48 Km) : The most revered 17 th century shrine,dedicated to Shrinathji or Lord Krishna, attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over the country,especially During Diwali,Holi and Janmashtami when their number exceeds a lakh. Foreign tourists are not permitted inside and photography is prohibited.

Kankroli(65 Km) : An important vaishnava temple popularly called Dwarikadhish.It is the most important temple of the Vallabhacharya sect,built to resemble the famous Nathdwara shrine.

Rajsamand Lake(66 Km) : Close to Kankroli is the dam built by Maharana Raj Singh in 1660 A.D.Many ornamental arches and chhatris adorn the embankment.

Kumbhalgarh Fort (84 Km): The second principal fortress in Rajasthan after Chittaurgarh, it is perched atop the Aravallis. Built in the 15 Th century by Maharana Kumbha, it extends over 12 Km and encloses many temples, palaces and gardens. The fort was renovated in the 19 Th century. The Badal Mahal or Cloud Palace offers a spectacular bird’s eye view of the surrounding countryside. Closeby is the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary with a rich variety of wild life. The Fort is accessible only by jeep from Kelwara through the seven gates.

Jagat (58 Km): The splendid and well preserved 10 th century temple of Ambika Mata is known for its intricate carvings in the outer walls. Popularly known as the Khajuraho of Rajasthan.

Jaisamand Lake (48 Km): A stunningly situated artificial lake, built in the 17 th century A.D by Maharaja Jai Singh is the second largest in Asia.Graceful marble chhatris flank the embankment and beautiful summer palaces of Udaipur queens are built on either side of the lake. Jaisamand Island Resort is also worth visiting. A trip to Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary allows a close encounter with the rich wildlife in their natural habitat. The fauna includes panther, wild boar, deer, four horned antelope, mongoose and various species of migratory birds.

Ranakpur (90 Km): The beautifully sculptured Jain temples lie in a tranquil valley of the Aravalis.The main ‘Chaumukha Temple’ is dedicated to tirthankara Adinath and has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, all distinctly carved. Two Jain temples dedicated to Neminath and Parsvanath and a Sun Temple a little distance away are also noteworthy.

Shopping: Udaipur has countless shops and many interesting local crafts that make it a one-of-its-kind shopping experience. A plethora of items like folk toys, colourful tie-and-dye-sarees and clothes, turbans, hand painted fabric, silver jewellery, wall hangings and miniature paintings in Rajput style are the favorite buys. The beautiful images of gods and goddesses made in the nearby Mollela village near Nathdwara are not to be missed. The shopping spots include a cluster of stalls on the Lake Palace Road next to the Rang Niwas Palace Hotel and others around the Jagdish Temple.

The Mewar Festival in March-April is the ceremonial welcome to spring and is dedicated to goddess Parvarti. A procession of colorfully attired women, carrying images of the goddess to the Gangaur Ghat of the Lake Pichhola is the major highlight. Songs, dances and fireworks displays mark the festivities.

Gangaur Festival in March-April is popular among women who pray to the goddess Parvarti.A procession of caparisoned horses and elephants accompanying the image of Lord Shiva is the major attraction.

Teej in July-August is the festival celebrating the advent of monsoon.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Air: Dabok Airport is 24 Km from the city centre. Daily Indian Airlines flights connects Udaipur with Jodhpur, Jaipur, Aurangabad, Mumbai and Delhi.

Rail : Udaipur is directly linked by rail with major cities.Some important train connections are

• 9643 Express(Udaipur-Himatnagar)
• 9616 Express(Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Jaipur-Ajmer-Chittaurgarh-Udaipur)

Road : A wide network of bus services link Udaipur with several destinations.Some of the important distances are

Local Transport : Unmetered taxis,autorickshaws,tongas,city bus.Regular city bus service is available for Dabok airport,Badi Lake,Bedala and Saheliyon Ki Bari.

WHERE TO STAY

Dinning :Dal Bati Choorma,is a local speciality.Most hotels have good restaurants that serve Indian and international dishes.Other restaurants recommended include

• Berry’s and Kwality at Chetak Circle
• Park View at Town Hall Road
• Natraj At Bapu Bazar
• Shilpi at Shilpgram.

OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

• Rama Studio,Bapu Bazar ,
• Tak Studio Station Road,Kalpana Studio,
• Bapu Bazar ,Shrimal Studio,Surajpol.

Tourist Reception Center

Approved guides for local sightseeing can be hired through the Tel:411535

Tourist Officer,Tourist Reception Centre,Fateh Memorial,outside

Suraj Pole

Daily tours conducted by Rajasthan Tourism Development Tel:410501-3

Corporation start from RTDC Hotel kajri , Shastri Circle.

1: Pratap Memorail-Fateh Sagar Lake,Saheliyon Ki Bari,

Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal Mueseum,City Palace,Jagdish

Temple,Timings:0800 hrs to 1300 hrs.

(Rs 40 per head)

2: Haldighati 4–Nathdwara-Eklingji,Timings:1400 hrs to 1900

hrs.

(Rs 70 per head)

• Bharitya Lok Kala Mandal Near Chetak Circle,
• MeeraKala Mandir,City Station Center
• ShilpGram,Fateh Sagar,Rani Road

Clubs in Udaipur that offer various activities are

• Field Club
• Rotary Club
• Rotary Club
• Lions Club.

For enthusiastic anglers,the Jaisamand Lake is open Tel:411535

for Fishing.License can be obtained from the Fisheries

Department.For assistance please contact the

Dy.Director/Tourist Officer,Tourist Reception Center

Facilities are offered by the Lake Palace Hotel on the

prior permission from the Management.Other places

with a swimming pool are

• Hotel Laxmi Vilas Palace
• Shikarbadi
• Lakend Hotel
• Hotel Shiv Niwas Palace
• Shilpi Restaurant

GENERAL INFORMATION