daipur
in a singular fashion represents Rajasthan's great combination of history,
chivalry, opulence, culture and arts. The beautiful laid-back city deserves
spending several days to explore, soaking in the culture and spending
relaxed evenings at rooftop restaurants watching its incredibly beautiful
palaces.
The city's many lakes and palaces that seem straight out
of fantasies, definitely make it the most romantic city of the world.
Surrounded by hills and verdant greens; Udaipur is certainly an Oasis in the
landscape of Rajasthan.
Udaipur has been the capital of the world's longest ruling dynasty- the
Sisodias of Mewar. The defiant and fiercely independent Rajputs of Udaipur
had always displayed courage and chivalry against the rulers of Delhi.
Udaipur
was formed when Maharana Udai Singh shifted the capital of Mewar from
Chittaurgarh to this safer and naturally protected place. While Mewar's
history is loaded of tales of bloody battles and honored deeds, it also
narrates a story of the most vibrant lifestyle and opulent living.
The Lake Pichola is the central attraction of Udaipur. All palaces are
located on its banks or over its waters. It is quite rare to find any other
water body in the world having so many historic buildings as part of its
premises.
A relaxing boatride in the evening can be the most
memorable experience of watching all these white buildings gleaming in the
setting sun.
Udaipur's palaces seem straight out of fantasies. The City Palace is the
largest palace complex of Rajasthan formed by continuous additions by
several generations of the Maharanas. It is also a fine piece of
architecture; noteworthy are its narrow passages and corridors deliberately
made to restrict the free movement of enemy soldiers. The long palace
overlooking the lake also has two fine heritage hotels - Shiv Niwas Palace
and Fateh Prakash Palace. While Shiv Niwas Palace houses extraordinary
suites such as the imperial suite, Fateh Prakash Palace has the grand durbar
hall and unique Crystal Gallery. The sunset terrace of the palace, which
gives unrestricted views of the Lake Palace, is ideal for enjoying one's
evening tea accompanied by live Indian classical music.
The
Lake Palace seemingly afloat on the Lake Pichhola is a complete destination
in itself. The hotel is ultimate in opulence. It seems as the ideal venue
for a romantic love story. Another island is Jagmandir that has a
palace and a cute little garden. To the north of the lake is Gangaur Ghat,
used by common people for bathing and washing. The ghat is also the venue
for the annual Gangaur festival. Surrounding the Gangaur ghat is the old
city of Udaipur. The old city is a complete contrast being a hive of
activities. The interesting labyrinths run up and down as the city is
supposedly settled on a mound. The interesting feature is that all houses
are painted white with colorful elephant paintings flanking the main doors.
Nothing seems to have changed in this part of Udaipur. One can even see
several craft items being produced and sold including the famed Udaipur
miniatures. The Jagdish temple is the prominent landmark in the center of
the town.
Another lake in Udaipur, known as Fateh Sagar, has a pleasant driveway
around it. Overlooking the lake is a hillside garden known as Moti Magri, on
the spur of the hill is the statue of legendary Maharana Pratap seated over
his favorite horse, Chetak. Nearby is Saheliyon ki Bari, a beautiful garden
with fountains made for the royal princesses and their maids to play.
Out
of the town in a hilly location is Shilpgram - a folk arts and crafts center
created in a village theme. The imposing Sajjangarh fort (monsoon palace)
overlooks the Lake Pichhola. The views of the city from the fort are
fantastic. The fort is illuminated at night.
Udaipur has dozens of tourist spots within a small radius. The temple of
Eklingji, the patron deity of Udaipur royal family is worth visiting and so
are the nearby Sas-Bahu temples at Nagda.
Nathdwara is the town famous for the temple of Shri Nathji (Lord Krishna).
The highly revered deity here is dressed in different costumes during the
whole day combined with dozens of interesting rituals. Nathdwara is also
famous for its Pichhwai style of miniature paintings depicting Lord Krishna
as the central character.
;)
;)
Udaipur
was formed when Maharana Udai Singh shifted the capital of Mewar from
Chittaurgarh to this safer and naturally protected place. While Mewar's
history is loaded of tales of bloody battles and honored deeds, it also
narrates a story of the most vibrant lifestyle and opulent living. ;)
The
Lake Palace seemingly afloat on the Lake Pichhola is a complete destination
in itself. The hotel is ultimate in opulence. It seems as the ideal venue
for a romantic love story. Another island is Jagmandir that has a
palace and a cute little garden. To the north of the lake is Gangaur Ghat,
used by common people for bathing and washing. The ghat is also the venue
for the annual Gangaur festival. Surrounding the Gangaur ghat is the old
city of Udaipur. The old city is a complete contrast being a hive of
activities. The interesting labyrinths run up and down as the city is
supposedly settled on a mound. The interesting feature is that all houses
are painted white with colorful elephant paintings flanking the main doors.
Nothing seems to have changed in this part of Udaipur. One can even see
several craft items being produced and sold including the famed Udaipur
miniatures. The Jagdish temple is the prominent landmark in the center of
the town. ;)
Out
of the town in a hilly location is Shilpgram - a folk arts and crafts center
created in a village theme. The imposing Sajjangarh fort (monsoon palace)
overlooks the Lake Pichhola. The views of the city from the fort are
fantastic. The fort is illuminated at night.
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