Rajasthan Holidays - Rajasthan City Guide - Udaipur City Guide

Udaipur City Guide

The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure water lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravallis. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valour and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichhola is an enticing sight. Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar-a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years. The foundation of the city has an interesting legend associated with it. According to it, Maharana Udai Singh, the founder, was hunting one day when he met a holy man meditations on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichhola. The hermit blessed the Maharana and advised him to build a palace at this favorable located spot with a fertile valley watered by the stream, a lake, an agreeable altitude and an amphitheatre of low mountains. Maharana followed the advise 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 the original or Sun Gate on the eastern side is the main entrance to the city. Exquisite lake palaces of Udaipur shimmering like jewels on Lake Pichhola are overwhelming in splendor. Several places of interest around Udaipur, including the majestic, Chittaurgarh, the mountain fortress of Kumbhalgarh, beautiful Jain temple of Ranakpur, Eklingji and Nathdwara and the cool retreat of Mt. Abu, make the visit to Udaipur a memorable one.

Udaipur Fast Facts:

Also Known as : Lake City, City of Sunrise, Venice of East, Romantic City, Jewel of Mewar
State : Rajasthan
Founder : Maharana Udai Singh II
Location : Situated in southern Rajasthan
Distance : Ajmer (290 km), Ahmedabad (255 km), Bijapur (160 km), Bundi (280 km), Chittorgarh (112 km), Devigarh (140 km), Jaipur (425 km), Jodhpur (275 km), Kumbhalgarh (85 km), Kishangarh (315 km), Kota (275 km), Luni (250 km), Mount Abu (185 km), Nathwada (50 km), Pushkar (301 km), Ranakpur (90 km)
Area : 37 sq. km.
Population : 3, 66,000 (approximately)
Temperature : Summer: Max 38.3 C- Min 28.8 C Winter: Max 28.3 C - Min 11.6 C
Languages : Hindi, English, Marwari and Rajasthani
Major Attractions : City Palace Complex, Lake Pichola, Lake Palace, Jagdish Temple, Udaipur Solar Observatory
Excursions : Kumbhalgarh Fort & Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Ghanerao Castle,
Best Time to Visit : October to March

Udaipur Information

Udaipur is one of the most worth visiting cities of Rajasthan, India. The city of Udaipur still preserves its old charm in form of its historical monuments, stunning havelis, elegant palaces and terrific temples. These all depict the culture and history of Udaipur. While you will travel in Udaipur as part of tours to Rajasthan, India, you will observe that there is much more in Udaipur to offers you mesmerizing experience. Udaipur plays a major role in the boom of Rajasthan Tourism. In fact, Bharatpur tour is itself a major attraction of tourism in Rajasthan. One cannot imagine complete tours to Rajasthan, India, without have a travel in Udaipur. Resting on the bank of lovely Pichola Lake, the city of dawn Udaipur, is popularly described as with many names such as Romantic City, Venice of the east, and City of Lakes. It is known as one of the most romantic cities of the world. Apart from breathtaking Pichola Lake you will also have opportunity to see some other beautiful lakes during your travel in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. During visit to Fateh Sagar Lake you will see two islands. One has a Solar Observatory and the other one has Nehru Garden. Pichola Lake also has two magnificent island palaces, Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir. Here you will see elegant Lake Pichola.

Some Major Attractions in UdaipurLake Palace:

The Lake Palace (also known as Jag Niwas) is the major landmark of Udaipur. It is located in the middle of Pichola Lake. Built by Maharana Jagat Singh II in 1754, the wonderful island palace seems to be emerging out of the gleaming blue water on the lovely Pichola Lake. The combination of the Lake Palace and the Pichola Lake creates the romantic ambience especially during the time of Sunset. City Palace: Another major land mark of Udaipur city is the imposing City Palace. It is considered as one of the largest royal complexes in Rajasthan, India. The palace complex is situated on peninsula of breathtaking Pichola Lake. The palace complex also houses 11 elegant palaces within the palace complex. The palace overlooks the exceptional vista of Pichola Lake. The palace also contains a museum that shows a rich collection of artifacts. Jag Mandir: Besides Lake Palace or Jag Niwas, Jag Mandir is another beautiful island palace on breathtakingly beautiful Lake Pichola. This outstanding palace was built by Maharaja Karan Singh in the year of 1615 AD. During your visit to Jag Mandir, you will see a colossal statue of elephants and imposing cenotaphs which affix to its beauty. Saheliyon-Ki- Bari: This beautiful garden was built in the 18 century. It was built as oasis for the royal ladies to spend their leisure time. A visit to Saheliyon-Ki-Bari provides you an opportunity to see beautiful lotus pool, enchanting fountains in the shape of birds, marble pavilions, flowerbeds, and the lush green lawns. Apart from these attractions, Jagdish Temple, Fateh Sagar, Maharana Pratap Memorial, Rose Garden, Shilp Gram, Monsoon Palace, and Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum are also worth visiting attractions of Romantic City.

How to Reach Udaipur

By Air: Udaipur is well-connected by daily flights with Jaipur, Jodhpur, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Aurangabad and Mumbai. Udaipur Airport (Dabok Airport) is just 24 km from the main city.

By Rail: The city of sunrise – Udaipur is also well connected by rail from all the major cities of India. The city of Udaipur can be also covered by the prestigious Palace on Wheels train.

By Road: There is a good network of roads to arrive in the romantic city of Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. The city is well connected by bus services form the cities like Jaipur, Delhi, Jodhpur, Kota, Mount Abu, Chittorgarh and Mumbai.