Udaipur- City of lakes

 

Udaipur is in Southern Rajasthan, Northwestern India. It is also known as " City of Lakes". 

History of Udaipur

It is the historic capital of the Kingdom of Mewar in the former Rajputana agency. It was founded in 1559 by Udai Singh 2 of the Sisodia clan of Rajput's, when he shifted his capital from the city of Chittorgarh to Udaipur after Chittorgarh was besieged by Akbar. It remained as the capital city till 1818 when it became a British princely state, and thereafter The Mewar province became a part of Rajasthan when India gained Independence in 1947. 

Udaipur (city of Sunrise) was made the capital of the princely state of Udaipur in 1568 by Maharaj Udai Singh after the sack of Chittorgarh. 

Geography of Udaipur?

The city is located in the southernmost part of Rajasthan, near the Gujarat border. It surrounded by Aravalli Range, which separates it from the Thar Desert. The city covers an area of 64 km2 and lies at an altitude of 598.00 m above sea level.

Why is Udaipur famous?

Besides lakes, Udaipur is also known for its historic forts and palaces, museums, galleries, natural locations and gardens, architectural temples, as well traditional fairs, festivals and structures. It is popularly known as the 'City of Lakes' after the numerous lakes that fill up most of the area, adding to the charm of the place.  Due to the several lakes present here, it is sometimes dubbed " Venice of the East".  The top attractions here are undoubtedly the lakes and the sights around the lakes. Lake Pichola, Lake Fateh Sagar and a few other artificial lakes provide for of the entertainment and water activities in Udaipur , apart from the scenic beauty of the numerous gardens that flank these water bodies.

Places to Visit Udaipur?

Lake Pichola



Lake Pichola is actually is actually an artificial lake built in 1362 A.D. Inside Lake Pichola, there are 4 islands namely Jag Mandir, Mohan Madir, Jag Niwas and Arsi Vilas each of which has a beautiful palace resting on it. The luxurious taj Mahal Palace sits on the Jag Niwas island. These islands can only be reached via boat (10am to 5 pm).The lake looks particularly splendid during and after sunset.

City Palace and the Government Museum


Built  beside lake Pichola, the city palace is a huge palace complex which encompasses some halls, galleries and other palaces that are attraction on their own. The entire complex took around 400 years to be fully built. The construction was started by the ruling king of Mewar- Maharana Udai Singh 2 in 1553. By the time city palace was fully built, it saw 22 generations of Sisodia Rajput's.  

The main museum inside the city palace was once the Zenana Mahal or the ladies chamber. In 1974 this was revamped into the city Palace Government Museum. Every year, The World Living Heritage Festival is held at the museum. The Musuem is open on all days between 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.  Fee is INR 250 and if you wish to take your camera along, then 250 again.

Jag Mandir Island


 The Jag Mandir Island Palace appears to float Pichola. Construction of this building was started by Maharana Amar Singh in 1551 and finished in the era of his grandson Maharana Jagat Singh 1. The palace is therefore actually named Jagat Mandir after him. It is open on all days 10AM to 6 PM.

Bagore Ki Haveli



It was built by the 18th century Prime Minister of Mewar. There are more than a hundred rooms in Bagore Ki Haveli. each decorated lavishly with mirror work and murals on the walls and doors.

Lake Fateh Sagar

Fateh Sagar Lake is the second artificial lake of Udaipur. It is named after Maharana Fateh Singh of Udaipur. The offering of tis water body in the form of beauty, tranquility and composure are unmatchable and fill everyone with contentment. The stillness of water reflects the tranquility of nature.

Timing: 8 AM to 6 PM

Sajjangarh Palace




Sajjangarh Palace derived its name from Maharaja Sajjan Singh, one of the bravest rulers of the Mewar dynasty. Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a salient part of Sajjangarh palace built in 1884. This is also called Monsoon palace.

and many more places like Maharana Pratap Memorial, Crystal gallery, Garden of the Maidens/ Sahelion Ki Bari, Haldighati Museum etc.

Which time is best for Udaipur trip?

The best time to visit Udaipur is winter in the months from September till March when the weather is pleasant and perfect for sight-seeing and temperature ranges from 11*C to 26*C. 

Is Udaipur trip expensive?

You can Manage two days trip at the minimum amount of Rs 10000/-.

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