Located around the shimmering clear blue water lakes, Udaipur also know as the Lake City of India is a delightful blend of sights, sounds and experiences. Carrying a distinct identity of being a romantic city, Udaipur is an inspiration for the imagination of the poets, painters and writers. The exquisitely carved marble palaces, impressively laid out gardens and the beautiful blue lakes make Udaipur seem almost like a mirage in the desert. Established by Maharana Udai Singh, who on the advice of a holy man shifted his capital to the banks of Lake Pichola, and named it after his name - Udaipur. Udaipur not only offers an array of tourist attractions, but it is also shopper's paradise. The terrain of the hills and ravines of Aravallis give Udaipur a totally unique charm that distinguish it from any other destination in India.

Fair & Festivals in Udaipur

Mewar Festival (11th-12th April, 2005)
A festival to welcome the spring season. There is song, dance, processions, devotional music and fireworks where almost everybody participates.

Places to See in Udaipur

The City Palace
City Palace is a real joy to see in Udaipur. A fine work of marble and granite, the City Palace is the largest palace in Rajasthan. The Palace Overlooking the lake Pichola its exceptional worksmanship makes it a must on every visitor's itinerary. The three mahals - Baari, Dilkush and Moti, the Suraj Gokhada of the Sun Balcony, the Mor Chowk Known for its beautiful peacock Mosaics; the shrine of Dhuni Mata and the Museum of Rana Pratap are the highlights of this palace complex.

The Lake Palace
This marble palace that seems to be floating on the Lake Pichola is no doubt the most remarkable attraction of Udaipur. Now a luxury hotel, this palace can be accessed by boat from the city palace which overlooks it.

Jagdeesh Temple
Close to the City Palace is the Jagdish Temple which displays some commanding sculpted figures and elaborately ornamented interiors. At a short distance is the Sahelion-ki-Bari or the Garden of Maidens which has four pools and delicately carved kiosks and elephants in marble. Built in the early 18th century, this is now a popular tourist spot.

Ahar
Archaeological ruins that date back to 4000 B.C. are found here. A museum stands next to the excavation site. Also of interest are the beautiful cenotaphs of kings near the Gangabhairu tank

Lake Pichola
The beautiful Lake Pichola derives its name from a nearby village Picholi. Udai Singh built a dam and from then the lake has become a meeting place for more than two hundred species of migratory/non migratory birds.

Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal
A museum of folk art. Puppeteers regularly put up shows here.

Saheliyon Ki Bari (Garden of the Maids of Honour)
A most lovely place in Udaipur. Designed by the Maharana Fateh Singh. Consists of beautiful Lawns, gardens and fountains.

Excursions near Udaipur

Eklingji Temple - (22 kms)
Chiseled out of sandstone and marble, a complex of 108 temples enclosed by high walls. Built in 734 these Hindu temples are devoted to the family deity of the rulers of Mewar.

Nagda - (26 kms)
The ancient and prosperous capital of Mewar. Even after countless assaults by invaders the two temples of Jas and Bahu still stand.

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

Jaisamand Lake - (51 kms)
Constructed by Rana Jai Singh in 1691. This artificial lake is considered to be the worlds 2nd largest artificial lake. There are beautiful marble "Chhatris" around the dam each with an Elephant in the front. Nearby is a wildlife sanctuary. 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.

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.

Jag Mandir
In the middle of Lake Pichola is the island palace where Prince Khurram (Shah Jahan) sought refuge from his father, the Emperor Jehangir.

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

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.

How to Reach Udaipur

Air: Dabok Airport is 24 km. from Udaipur city. Linked by daily Air Service from New Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, Aurangabad and Mumbai.
Rail: Udaipur is connected to and from Chittorgarh, Ajmer, Jaipur and Delhi.
Road: A wide network of bus services link Udaipur from various destinations like Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Delhi, Jaipur, Chittorgarh, Indore, Kota, Mount Abu and Mumbai.

Shopping in Udaipur

Udaipur has countless small shops and many interesting local craft, particularly paintings in the Rajput - Mugal style. There's a good cluster of these shops on Lake Palace Road, next to the Rang Niwas Palace Hotel, and others around the Jagdish Temple.

Hotels in Udaipur

- Quality Inn Vishnupriya - Shiv Nivas Palace - Rajdarshan - Laxmi Vilas Palace - Oberoi Trident - Heritage Resort

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