Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar 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 amphitheater of low mountains. Maharana followed the advise of the hermit and founded the city in 1559 A.D.
Tourist Attractions in Udaipur
City Palace The magnificent palace started by Maharana Udai Singh II and completed in a long time lag is the largest palace complex of Rajasthan. Built in glittering granite and marble it majestically towers high on the Pichola Lake. The main gates to the palace are 'Hathi Pol', 'Bara Pol' and Tripolia gate'. Many enclosures inside the palace offer good views of the city or the lake. The 'mahals' include the 'Barri Mahal' (Garden Palace) which has a garden and twin water tanks, Dilkhush Mahal (Palace of Joy) renowned for its frescoes, 'Moti Mahal' (Pearl palace) decorated with mirrors, 'Mor Chowk' (Peacock Courtyard) a visual delight in glass laid mosaics of peacocks which decorate its walls. The 'Chini Chitrasala' is remarkable for its blue and white ceramics, 'Manak Mahal' (Ruby Palace) with figures of porcelain and glass and 'Zenana Mahal' are some of them.
Lake Pichola Lake Pichola with breathtaking scenic beauty is surrounded by hills, embankments, bathing ghats, shrines and palaces. The lake was expended further by Maharana Udai Singh II after he founded the city. Nearly 5 kms in length and 3 kms in width, the magnificence of the lake is enhanced by beautiful Lake Palaces, Jag Niwas and the Jag Mandir. The cruises in the motor boat can be arranged for the lake as well as Jag Niwas Palace.
jagdish Temple Built in 1651 by Maharaja Jagajti Singh I, this Indo-Aryan temple is the larges and the most beautiful temple of Udaipur with noteworthy sculpted images.
Saheliyon - Ki Bari This garden of the maids of honour with numerous fountains brings the unique life style of the royal ladies who once strolled here.
Pratap Memorial A bronze statue of Maharana Pratap is placed at Magari overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake.
Fateh Sagar Built by Maharaja Fateh Singh, this elegant lake is surrounded on three sides by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. Two island palaces, Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas on the lake are of breathtaking magnificence.
How to Reach
By Air Udaipur is well connected by regular flights with Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur and Jaipur.
By Rail Udaipur is well connected by rail with major cities in north and west India. Udaipur is also covered by the prestigious luxury train - Palace On Wheels.
By Road Udaipur has a good network of roads. The city is well connected by frequent Rajasthan State Transport buses from major cities and towns of Rajasthan and north India.