Udaipur - Rajasthan
From Travel Information and Popular Attractions: TravelName.com
Udaipur, located around the shimmering clear blue water lakes is also known as - the city of lakes. It was founded in 1567 A.D. by Maharana Udai Singh who on the advice of a sage shifted his capital to the banks Lake Pichola, and named it after his name - Udaipur. Some have dubbed it as the Venice of the East. In his Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, Colonel James Tod described
Location:
In the north Indian state of Rajasthan. 337 Km (207 mi) southeast of Jodhpur.
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Udaipur Attractions And Sightseeing:
Udaipur attracts tourists from all around the world, some of the most popular tourist attractions of Udaipur are:-
The City Palace:
Erected by Maharaja Udai Singh, the elegant City Palace is a marvel in marble, situated on the banks of Lake Pichola and is the largest palace in Rajasthan. The three mahals - Baari, Dilkush and Moti, the Suraj Gokhada of the Sun Balcony, the Mor Chowk Known for its beautiful peacock Mosaics ; the shrine of Dhuni Mata and the Museum of Rana Pratap are the highlights of this complex. It's a perfect fusion of Medieval European and Chinese architecture.
The Lake Palace:
You can't leave Udaipur without seeing the stunningly romantic palace that has been featured in many Indian and foreign films. This marble palace, occupying an island in the midst of Lake Pichola, appears to be floating on water and is undoubtedly the main attraction of Udaipur. Now a luxury hotel, this palace can be accessed by boat from the city palace which overlooks it.
Lake Pichola:
Embraced amongst hills, gardens, havelis, temples and ghats, Lake Pichola is the picturesque highlight of Udaipur. The lake sports two island palaces - Jagniwas (popularly known as Lake Palace) and Jagmandir. Visitors can enjoy boat rides, which can be extremely pleasurable in the backdrop of the setting sun.
Jagdeesh Temple:
Close to the City Palace is the Jagdish Temple which houses some imposing sculpted figures and heavily ornamented interiors. The tale goes on to say that Jagmandir was the inspiration behind the world-renowned Taj Mahal, which Shah Jahan built in the memory of his departed wife, Mumtaz.
Sahelion-Ki-Bari:
Don't miss Udaipur's famous "Garden of the Maidens", founded in the 18th century by Maharana Sangam Singh for the 48 young ladies waiting to be sent to the royal house as dowry. The garden is planted with exotic flowers and theme fountains, with carved pavilions and monolithic marble elephants.
Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal:
This folk-art museum displays a collection of puppets, dolls, masks, folk dresses, ornaments, musical instruments and paintings. The museum is famous for its cultural performances - Puppet shows by world renowned puppeteers.
Neemach Mata:
This hilltop temple, dedicated to the goddess of the mountain, has a good view of Udaipur. Because no taxis or cars are allowed, you will have to make a 20-minutes walk to the temple, but it is worth it. Udaipur is a remarkable travel and tourism destination.
EXCURSIONS:
Sajjan Garh Fort, Eklingi Temple (22 km), Haldighati (40 km), Kumbhalgarh Fort (40 km), Jaisamand Lake (48 km), Shipgram, Deogarh Maha, Devigarh Fort (28 kmm), Karni Fort (50 km) and Ranakpur.
Shopping
Local arts and crafts and numerous shops flood the markets of Udaipur. The tourists love to buy hand painted fabrics, folk toys, silver jewellery, turbans, colorful tie-dye and batik saris and clothes, miniature paintings done in Rajput style and 'Pichwais', the brightly dyed and themed wall hangings. One may shop for impressive metal images of gods and goddesses that are made in the nearby village of Molalla. The popular shopping spots are a constellation of stalls on the Lake Palace road, near Rang Niwas Palace Hotel and Jagdish Temple. Clock Tower, Hathipole, Chetak Circle and Bapu Bazaar are other favorite places to shop from.
Where To Eat
Sunset Terrace:
Overlooking Lake Pichola from the mainland, this cafe benefits from a constant breeze and first-rate service, sitting on the terrace feels as if you've joined the aristocracy and have unlimited leisure. The menu includes Indian, European and Chinese dishes.
Neel Kamal:
This fancy restaurant at the lake Palace Hotel focuses on regional cuisine. The interior is ethnic and the dishes are cooked over a wood fire in clay pots. This restaurant has he largest wine list in India, with more than 120 wines to offer.
Ambrai:
This popular place is situated on the bank of Lake Pichola opposite to Lal Ghat and gives a stunning view of City Palace and the Lake Palace. It serves Indian, Continental, and Chinese food, and is a pleasant place for a leisurely evening.
Jagat Niwas Palace Terrace Restaurant:
This open air restaurant is a converted Haveli on Lal Ghat and has retained the mansion's lovely design. It has spectacular views of Lake Palace and the city, especially at night. The place specializes in Continental and Indian food.
Santosh Dal Bhati:
If you are looking for traditional Rajathani food, Santosh Dal Bhati is the best bargain. It is a little difficult to find but has fantastic food.
Shilpi:
This is a garden restaurant which serves standard Indian and Chinese food.
Where To Stay
Lake Palace:
This beautiful white marble palace, now converted into a hotel is situated in the center of Lake Panchola. Today, it is run by the Taj Group and is 250 years old. Most rooms have a lake view, and are specious and comfortable. The hotel has its own restaurant too.
Fateh Prakash Palace:
This grand palace was built in the 20th century by Maharana fateh singh. The palace has excellent views and is located next to the City Palace. The suites are elegantly decorated with heavy drapes and brass furniture.
Oberoi Udaivilas:
Udaivilas is one of the most luxurious and exclusive hotels in India. With numerous domes, a massive marble lotus pond in the courtyard, and elegantly furnished rooms, this is a contemporary palace in its own right. It has its own restaurant specializing in Indian and Continental food.
Shiv Niwas Palace:
Laid out like a white crescent moon around a large pool is this erstwhile royal guest house. The regal suites are gorgeous, with molded ceilings, elaborate canopied beds and original paintings and furniture.
Hilltop Hotel Palace:
Perched on a hilltop overlooking Fateh Sagar Lake is this Hotelwith splendid views of Udaipur. It is a modern hotel, with spacious marble lobby, a glass elevator, elegant garden and a number of rooftop terraces.
Some of the other good hotels in and around Udaipur are:- Laxmi Vilas Palace, Triden Hilton, Jaisamand Island Ressort, Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel, Udai Kothi, Lake Pichole Hotel, Kankarwa Haveli, Shikarbadi and Paras Mahal.
