Udaipur, the capital of the former princely state of Mewar is a beautiful city in Rajasthan, India. Udaipur city is also referred to as the “Venice of the East”, the “Most Romantic City of India” and the “Kashmir of Rajasthan”. Udaipur the “City of Lakes” is one among the most romantic and most beautiful cities of India. 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 city of Rajasthan state is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds, and experiences – an inspiration for the imagination of the poets, painters, and writers. Udaipur’s kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls carry the flavor of heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of Lake Pichhola is an enticing sight.

 

Udaipur is a popular tourist destination in India. The lakes, palaces and lively workspaces and culture attract foreign and domestic visitors. It is a favorite marriage destination. Many celebrities, including film stars, business families, politicians chose Udaipur to hold marriage ceremonies and parties. Udaipur has three interconnected lakes – the Fateh Sagar Lake, the Lake Pichhola and the smaller Swaroop Sagar Lake; along with forts, palaces, temples, gardens, mountains and narrow lanes lines withdrawn with stalls, relives the reminisces of a heroic past, valor and chivalry. Udaipur city is easily accessible from all the major cities of India including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur

Lake Palace

The Lake Palace was built in 1743-1746. It is made of marble and is situated on Jag Niwas island in Lake Pichola. It was originally built as a royal summer palace, but is now a luxury 5 Star hotel, operating under the “Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces” banner.

City Palace

Standing on the east bank of Lake Pichola is a massive series of palaces built at different times from 1559. The balconies of the palace provide panoramic views of the “Jag Niwas. They also have views of Jag Mandir on one side and the city of Udaipur on the other. Its main entrance is through the triple-arched gate – the Tripolia, built-in 1725. The way now leads to a series of courtyards, overlapping partitions, terraces, corridors, and gardens. There is a Suraj Gokhda, where the maharanas of Mewar presented themselves in times of trouble to the people to restore confidence.

 

The Mor-chowk (Peacock courtyard), gets its name from the mosaics in glass decorating its walls. The chini chitrashala is noteworthy while a series of wall paintings of Krishna are on display in Bhim Vilas. There are numerous other palaces such as Dilkhush mahal, Sheesh mahal, Moti mahal, and Krishna Vilas – in memory of a princess of striking beauty who poisoned herself to avert a bloody battle for her hand by rival princes. Now the palace contains many antique articles, paintings, decorative furniture and utensils and attracts thousands of visitors every day.

Fateh Sagar Lake

Fateh Sagar Lake is situated in the north of Lake Pichola. It was originally built by Maharana Jai Singh in the year 1678 AD, but later on, reconstructed and extended by Maharana Fateh Singh after much destruction was caused by heavy rains. In 1993-1994, the water vanished from the lake, but in 2005-2006, the lake regained its water.

Lake Pichola

Lake Pichola has two islands, Jag Niwas and the Jag Mandir. This lake is 4 km long and 3 km wide, originally built by Maharana Udai Singh II. There are many ghats, like bathing and washing ghats, which can be approached through boats from the City Palace of Udaipur (Bansi Ghat). In the heart of the lake, the Lake Palace stands, which is now converted into a heritage palace hotel. The lake remains fairly shallow even during heavy rains and gets dry easily in times of severe drought.

Gulab Bagh and Zoo

A rose garden laid out by Maharaja Sajjan Singh is situated near the palace on the east side of Lake Pichhola. A library in the garden has a collection of ancient handwritten manuscripts and books. Some of the parts of the Satyarth Prakash have been written in this library. Styarth Prakash stup is situated in Gulab Bagh. Within the garden, there is a zoo with tigers, leopards, Chinkara gazelle, birds, and many wild animals. Children can enjoy the mini train, track of Nehru Garden on an island in Fatah Sagar Lake which covers the main part of the garden and the zoo.

Sahelion ki Bari

Maharana Sangram Singh built this garden in the mid-18th century. The ‘Garden of the Maidens’ brings to mind the lifestyle of the ladies of the court. These delightful gardens reflect their discreet and impeccable tastes. There are four pools with dainty kiosks. All around are flowerbeds, lawns, pools, and fountains protected by a series of walls and trees offering plenty of shade. The fountains of the Sahelion ki Bari function solely by water pressure and no pumps are used. The garden has a lotus pool and a sitting room decorated with paintings and glass mosaics. The whole ambiance is flavored by the reminiscence of those beautiful belles enjoying themselves in lavish environs.

Sajjangarh Palace

Monsoon Palace or Sajjangarh Palace is a hilltop palace located at Bansdara Mountain peak at about 944 meters above sea level. Maharana Sajjan Singh constructed it in 1883 for using it as a summer retreat for Mewar Kings. Another big purpose for its construction is to watch the progress of Monsoon clouds.

This Monsoon Palace is situated at such an altitude that it presents magnificent views of Lake Pichola, Aravalli mountains and surrounding countryside. Visitors also love the sunset of Sajjangarh Palace. There is also Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary which encircles the palace. Now it is a forest department property and opens for visitors.

Moti Magri

Moti Magri is one of the interesting tourist attractions of Udaipur, the city of dawn. You will see a statue of Maharana Pratap on the top of the Moti Magri Udaipur. Moti Magri or the Pearl Hill is a beautiful hill from where you can enjoy the bird-eye view of the Fateh Sagar Lake. The statue of erstwhile Rajput ruler Maharana Pratap Singh with his horse Chetak or Pratap Memorial was built to pay homage to this legendary Rajput hero. The statue in this Pratap Memorial on the top of Moti Magri Udaipur is made of bronze.

Doodh Talai

Dudh Talai is a dainty lake in Udaipur studded with enhancements of human pleasures. The lake beautifies the south-east part of Lake Pichola and has an affable view from the twinkling places like City Palace, Jag Mandir, etc. The small inlet of this lake contributes its water to the larger lake Pichola. This place is unique with the presence of a conspicuous view of Shiv Niwas Palace on its southern side and is adorned by two parks that add grace to its shore. M.L Verma Garden and Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park are the showcase of modern architecture and allow one to stroll along with its beauty.