Udaipur Tour in India
Udaipur is one of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan. Also known as the city of lakes the city; the marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and the lakes make Udaipur like an oasis in the desert..
The founder of Udaipur was Maharana Udai Singh, who shifted his capital from his old capital of Chittaurgarh to the banks of Lake Pichola to save the Rajput empire from the repeated attacks of the Mughal armies. Thus evolved the city Udaipur which was named after him. The major tourist places in Udaipur are:
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.
LAKE PALACES
Jag Nivas palace was build in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II as a summer residence of the rulers which is now converted to Lake Palace Hotel. The beautiful white-marble and granite building stands in the middle of the Pichola lake. The palace covers an area of 4 acres exemplifying the Mughal-Rajput architecture. Boats are available from the jetty and at the base of City Palace Museum.
The Jag Mandir Palace stands on an island at the southern end of the lake. A three storied building, built of yellow sandstone and marble slabs with a dome resembling a crown. The interior is decorated with coloured stones. There is a spacious circular apartment built elegantly in white and black marble, murals and paintings. Built by three Maharanas - Amar Singh, Karan Singh and Jagat Singh; the palace is named after Maharana Jagat Singh. There is also a small mosque in memory of saint-Madar inside the palace.
Fateh Sagar Lake
This artificial lake was built in 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh. After heavy rains destroyed it the reconstruction took place under the guidance of Maharana Fateh Singh. The Nehru Park and a fountain are situated amidst the lake.
City Palace Museum
The museum is at the City palace complex built by Udai Singh and extended by subsequent Maharanas. The palace converted into a museum houses memoirs of archaeology and history with a fascinating collection of coins, portraits of former rulers of Mewar; narrative wall paintings, armoury and a the turban of Khurram (Emperor Shah Jahan).
Saheliyon ki Bari
Built by Maharana Sangram Singh, Saheliyon ki Bari or Garden for the Maids of Honour of the queen, is at Saheli Marg on the eastern banks of lake Fateh Sagar. The garden has beautiful fountains, pools with delicately chiseled kiosks and elephants in marble. There is a delightful Lotus pool and a sitting room decorated with paintings and glass mosaics too.
