City Of Lakes
In
the harsh terrain of the hills and ravines of Aravallis, flourishes the city
of lakes, Udaipur. One of the most romantic places in India, Udaipur is
situated around the shimmering clear blue water lakes, which whisper the
mood of a bygone era.
The city was founded in 1567 AD by Maharana Udai Singh on the advice of a
sage. Udaipur was last of the numerous Mewar capitals. It was in Udaipur
that legendary Maharana Pratap was born. He was obsessed with Chittaur and
the past glories of the Sisodia clan possessed his mind. Maharana Pratap
left Udaipur to win back Chittaur from the Mughals. But he failed in his
attempts and Udaipur remained the capital of Mewar till India got her
independence.The memory of the failure of noble Pratap gives Udaipur its
pervading mood of nostalgic wistfulness.
The city acquires its scenic beauty from the Aravallis. Three lakes-
Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar make it an oasis in the desert
Govt Museum - Udaipur
The Government Museum of Udaipur was originally located in Gulab Bagh and
was called the Victoria Hall Museum. It has now been shifted to Karan Vilas
Mahal within the precincts of the City Palace.
Lake Palace
This former summer residence of the royal family has now been converted
into a fabulous hotel.
Mewar Festival
The Mewar Festival is celebrated to welcome the advent of spring. It
coincides with the festival of Gangaur in Udaipur and has a unique charm
about it. It is time for cultural events where Rajasthani culture is
portrayed through songs, dances and other programmes. The festival
culminates with an impressive fireworks display.
Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum
The interesting collection exhibited in this small museum which is a
foundation for the preservation of folk arts includes dresses, dolls, masks,
musical instruments and paintings. The high point of the exhibits are the
puppets.
City Palace (Udaipur)
City Palace, the majestic white royal building towers itself on a hill and
is surrounded by crenellated walls. The palace was completed in its present
form by the contribution of many rulers. Originally started by Udai Singh,
the later additions were so carefully planned and integrated with the
original building that it becomes difficult to believe that the building was
not conceived as a whole. The city palace stands along the shores of Lake
Pichola.
City Palace Museum
The main part of the City palace, Udaipur is now preserved as a museum with
a large and varied collection. It was established in 1890 AD and is one of
the earliest museums of the state.
Fateh Sagar Lake
The picturesque Fateh Sagar Lake, located north of Lake Pichola is
overlooked by a number of hills on the three sides and Pratap Memorial on
the north, was built by Maharana Fateh Singh.Lake It is a medium-sized
reservoir constructed by the rulers of former Mewar State
Gulab Bagh
Few gardens in India are as bewitching as this rose garden. Having roses
from all over the world, in all fathomable hues and colours, this garden is
a virtual feast to the enthusiastic as well as the weary souls.
Pichola Lake
The panoramic lake that enraptured Maharaja Udai Singh, Lake Pichola is
surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and has two island
palaces- Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir. It was later enlarged by the founder.
Sahelion-Ki-Bari
Saheliyon-ki-Bari or the 'Garden of the Maids of Honour', so called because
the royal ladies came here for a stroll, is a well laid out garden, with
extensive lawns and shady walks.
Sas Bahu Temple
The 10th century Saas-Bahu temples dedicated to the mother-in-law and
daughter-in-law are rated among the best temples in India
Shilp Gram Museum
Shilpgram is located near Fateh Sagar Lake, 6 kms from the City Palace,
Udaipur. It gives a glimpse of the tribal life of Rajasthan.
Archaeological Museum
The museum at Ahar has a varied collection of findings from excavations at
the mound of Dhulkot. It is believed to be the site of a 4,000 year old
township.
Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal
This is a museum of folk arts, which has rich collection of folk dresses,
ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments and paintings.
World famous puppeteers put shows here, on request in advance.
Jagdish Temple
Dedicated to Vishnu, this temple was built in 1651 AD by Maharana Jagat
Singh.
Nagda
This ancient place in Mewar is famous for their intricate carvings of the
graceful 'apsaras'. 23 kms from the city.
Pratap Memorial
Erected atop Modi Magri is this equestrian bronze statue of the valiant
hero, Maharana Pratap. Sajjan Garh, Gulab Bagh, Dudh Talai Park, the Sunset
point are also the places to be seen.
Eklingji(22Km.)
Eklingji, the city dotted with temples, is located about twelve miles to
the North of Udaipur in Rajasthan. 22 kms from Udaipur, Eklingji is a
complex of 108 ancient temples, incised out of sandstone and marble.
Kumbhal Garh Fort (84Km.)
Kumbhalgarh Fort was built by Maharana Kumbha in the 15th century. Perched
on the Aravallis, this is the second most important fort in Rajasthan after
the Chittaurgarh Fort. Nearby is the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
Nathdwara (48Km.)
Nathdwara enshrines Shrinathji - an image of Krishna, which was originally
enshrined at the Vraja Bhoomi at Mount Govardhana near Mathura.The name
Nathdwara means 'Gate of the Lord'.
Haldighati (40Km.)
The scene of the famous battle of 1576 AD fought between Rana Pratap, the
heroic son of Udai Singh and the massive forces of the Mughal Emperor Akbar.
A beautiful 'Chhatri' with white marble columns, dedicated to Rana Pratap
stands here.
Jagat (58Km.)
The tenth century Ambika Mata Temple is well preserved in all its splendour
Jaisamand (48Km.)
Jaisamand Sanctuary is situated 50-km south of Udaipur, the picturesque
'City of Lakes', succulent valleys and hills. It is on the bank of Jaisamand
Lake, the second largest artificial Lake in Asia.
Kankroli (65Km.)
An important Vaishnava temple popularly called “Dwarkadhish” is
located here. It is the most important temple of the Vallabhacharya sect,
built to resemble the famous Nathdwara shrine.
Rajsamand Lake (66Km.)
On the way to Kumbhalgarh lies the magnificent dam - the Rajsamand Lake.
The royal lake, was built in 1660 AD by Rana Raj Singh. From here, one can
have a spectacular view of the sunset with beautiful 'torans' or arches and
'chhatris' adorning the embankment. The lake has a Rest House of the
Irrigation Department on the embankment below. The Rest House has a
beautifully laid out garden interspersed with exquisite sculptures excavated
from the ruins nearby. The town of Kankroli nearby with a marvellous temple
and a pretty palace on the hill top offers a scenic view.
Rishabhdeoji (65Km.)
Popularly known as Kesariyaji because of the large saffron offerings, this
temple is dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara Rishabhdeoji.
Amidst
the sand dunes and thorny vegetation of Thar desert towers a fort, 120
metres above the plain. The fort overlooks the imperial city of Jodhpur,
which is a part of the Desert Tourist Triangle. The old Jodhpur city is
surrounded by a 10 km long wall with eight gates serving as entrances. The
new city is settled around this walled area. The Maruthal or 'land of death'
, came into life when the Rathores of Kanauj moved in. But the city of
Jodhpur was founded by Rao Jodhaji in 1459 AD. This city was on the silk
route of the 16th century and hence was host to a number of travellers.
In Jodhpur, the genius of its sculptors comes to life in its exquisite
palaces, forts, temples and havelis, which stand testimony to the imperial
grandeur. The most alluring part of Jodhpur is the traditional lifestyle,
festivity and the smiling people who treasure this former princely state.
Government Museum - Jodhpur
This museum has a rich collection of weapons, textiles, miniature
portraits, local crafts and images of Jain Tirthankars. It is situated in
the middle of the Umaid public gardens.
Marwar Festival
Marwar Festival is held every year in memory of the heroes of Rajasthan.
The festival is held in the month of Ashwin (September-October) in Jodhpur,
for two days during the full moon of Sharad Poornima.
Mehrangarh Fort
Situated on a steep hill, Mehrangarh fort is one of the largest forts in
India. The beauty and the grandeur of numerous palaces in the fort narrates
a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri
sculptures.
Umaid
Bhawan Palace
The only palace built in 20th century under the famine relief programme,
has now been converted into a hotel with some parts being retained as a
museum.
Mehrangarh Fort Museum
This is an excellent museum with rare and interesting artifacts, textiles,
painting transport items etc laid out with utmost care and thought. The
Palanquin Gallery and Howdah Gallery display a superb collection of old and
costly specimens of great historical value.
Clock Tower & Sadar Market
In the old city, clock tower is a prominent land mark. But main attraction
is the Sadar Market. The market has kept alive the old 'haat bazaar'
culture.
Jaswant
Thada
The 19th century royal cenotaph is built in white marble, in commemoration
of Maharaja Jaswant Singh. Some rare portraits of the rulers of Jodhpur are
also displayed here.
Umaid Bhawan Museum
Recently the ruling family of Jodhpur has converted a part of the gigantic
Umaid Bhawan Palace as the palace museum.
Mandore (8Km.)
Situated 9-kms north of the city of Jodhpur, is Mandore which, was the
capital of Marwar prior to the foundation of Jodhpur.Today, its extensive
gardens with high rock terraces make it a popular local attraction. The
gardens also contain the cenotaphs of Jodhpur rulers.
Ossian (65Km.)
65-km from Jodhpur, lie ruins of an ancient city called Ossian. This city
is famous for Brahmanical and Jain temples, which belong to 8th and 11th
century.
Sardar Samand Lake (55Km.)
Nestled in the vicinity of the city of Jodhpur, is the astoundingly scenic
Sardar Samand Lake. The lake lies 60-kms south-east of Jodhpur off the
Jodhpur-Pali route.
Balsamand Lake & Palace (7Km.)
This picturesque artificial lake is 7 kms from the main city. Summer
palaces along the embankment and a bird sanctuary has made it a picnic spot.
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