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The city
of Dawn, Udaipur is a 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, Udaipur
is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and
experiences- an inspiration for the imagination of
poets, painters and writers.
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 Pichola. 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 to the city.
General information
Best Season: October to March
STD Code: 0294
How to get there
Air
Udaipur is well connect with Bombay, Delhi, Jodhpur,
Jaipur, Aurangabad.
Rail
Udaipur is connected by rail with Ahmedabad, Chittorgarh,
Bombay via Ahmedabad, Delhi and Jaipur.
Road
Udaipur is connected to Ahmedabad 262 km, Bombay 739 km,
Delhi 670 km, Jaipur 407 km, Chittorgarh 115 km and
Mount Abu 185 km.
In and around
City Palace
A majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake
on a hill surrounded by crenulated walls, it is a
conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces,
corridors and hanging gardens. The main entrance is
through the triple arcade gate, the 'Tripolia' with
eight marble porticos.
Pichola lake
The picturesque lake that entranced Maharaja Udai Singh.
The founder later enlarged it. Hills, palaces, temples,
bathing ghats and embankments, surround the lake.
Jagdish Temple
Built in 1651 AD, by Maharana Jagat Singh, this
Indo-Aryan temples is the largest and the most beautiful
temple of Udaipur with noteworthy sculpted images.
Eklingji Temple
Built in 734 AD 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 or 'mandap' under a large
pyramidal roof and has four-faced image of Lord Shiva in
black marble.
Nathdwara
The most revered 17th century shrine, dedicated to
Shrinathji or Lord Krishna, attracts thousands of
pilgrims from all over the country, especially during
Diwali, Holi and Janmashtami when their number exceeds a
lakh.
Jaisamand lake
A stunningly situated artificial lake, built in the 17th
century AD. By Maharana Jai Singh is the second largest
in Asia. Graceful marble chhatris flank the embankment
and beautiful summer palaces of the Udaipur queens are
built on either side of the lake.
Rajsamand lake
Close to Kankroli is the dam built by Maharana Raj Singh
in 1660 AD. Many ornamental arches and chhatris adorn
the embankment |
