UDAIPUR : THE VENICE OF EAST

The city of Dawn, Udaipur is lovely land around the Azure water lakes, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravalis. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udiapur is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experiences – an inspiration for the imanigation 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 velour 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 meditating on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichhola.

The hermit blessed the Maharana and advised him to build a palace at this favourable 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.

Over looking 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 on the eastern side is the main entrance of the city.

Exquisite lake palaces of Udaipur, shimmering like jewels on Lake Pichhola are overwhelming 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 Mount Abu, make the visit to Udaipur a memorable one.

PRIME SITES

City Palace : A majestic architectural marvel lowering over the lake on a hill surrounded by crenellated walls, it is a conglomerated of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. The main entrance is through the triple arched gate, the `Tripolia’ with eight marble porticos. The maharanas were weighed under the gate in 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 Chitrashala’ 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 noteworth sculpted images.
Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum : The interesting collection exhibited by this Indian fol, arts museum includes folk dresses, ornaments, folk deities and paintings.
Sahelion-ki-Bari (Garden of the maids of honours) : This small ornamental garden was a popular relaxing spot where royal ladies came for a stroll and hence the name. The garden has many fountains in its four delightful pools, chiseled 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 café accessible by an enjoyable boat ride.

EXCURSIONS

Eklingji (22 kms.) : Built in 734 A.D. is the beautifully sculpted temple complex with 108 temples within its high walls. The temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of Mewar rulers. The walled complex encloses an elaborately pillared hall o `mandap’ under a large pyramidal roof and has four-faced image of Lord Shiva in black marble.
Nagda (23 kms.) : The ancient site dating back to the 6th century A.D. is renowned for the Sas-Bahu temples (9th-10th century A.D.) with interesting architecture and carvings. The splendid Jain temples of Adbudji are also worth a visit.
Haldighati (40 kms.) : 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.