“The city of Lakes”
Udaipur Tourism
Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes, is one of the most visited tourist places in Rajasthan. Located around stunning water lakes and enveloped by the Aravalli Hills in all directions, Udaipur is known for its azure lakes, magnificent palaces, vibrant culture and delectable food. Along with being a must-visit destination, it is also one of the best places to experience luxury in India.
Boating through the shimmering Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful sights and highlights of every Udaipur trip. Also known as the “Venice of the East”, Udaipur is inarguably one of the most romantic cities in India. Visit its larger than life havelis and monuments, stroll through the bustling street markets, ride through one of the seven lakes of the city or relax in one of the extraordinary hotels, and you will discover the charm of Udaipur.
Lake Pichola, Jaisamand Lake, City Palace, Monsoon Palace, Jagmandir, Fateh Sagar Lake, Jagdish Temple and Saheliyon ki Baari are some of the popular tourist places in Udaipur. The city was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the new capital of the Mewar kingdom. The grandeur of the Rajput era is still prevalent in the city’s architecture. A trip to Udaipur is often combined with a visit to nearby Kumbhalgarh (80km) and Mount Abu. The revered Nathdwara temple is about 60 km from Udaipur.
Places To Visit
Jag Mandir Palace
Jag Mandir Palace (or ‘The Lake Garden Palace’), is a glorious palace located on the southern island of Lake Pichola in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The palace is three-storied and the structure is made out of marble and yellow sandstone. It would be a delight to see eight life-sized elephants carved out of pure white marble that seems to guard the palace. It was completed in the early years of the 17th century by Maharana Jagat Singh. The construction was started in 1551 by Maharana Amar Singh and continued by Maharana Karan Singh where it was served as a hiding place for Shah Jahan and was finally completed by Maharana Jagat Singh I.
City Palace, Udaipur
Built on the banks of Lake Pichola, the City Palace in Udaipur is considered to be the largest royal complex in Rajasthan. The magnificent palace was built in the year 1559 by Maharana Uday Singh and served as the main seat of power, where the Maharanas lived and administered the kingdom from. Subsequently, the palace was made even more splendid by his successors, who added a number of structures to it. The Palace now has an assortment of Mahals, courtyards, pavilions, corridors, terraces, rooms and hanging gardens. There is a museum here as well that showcases some of the finest elements of Rajput arts and culture – from colourful paintings to the typical architecture found in Rajasthani palaces.
Lake Pichola
The Lake Pichola is an artificial lake located in the heart of Udaipur, Rajasthan. The oldest and one of the largest lakes of the city, the Lake Pichola observes lakhs of tourists because of its tranquillity and beauty. Flanked by lofty hills, heritage buildings and bathing ghats, it is a dream come true for peace and nature lovers. A visit to the Lake Pichola is incomplete without a boat ride, especially in the dawn. During evenings, it seems the entire place has been dipped in gold as you can see the heritage buildings and the pristine water turning golden with the sun’s reflection. The enthralling views will take you to a different world of stillness and will also bring out your romantic side.
Built by Pichhu Banjara during the ruling period of Maharana Lakha in 1362 AD, the Pichola lake is 3 miles in length, 2 miles in width and has a depth of 30 feet. Maharana Udai Singh, enchanted by the charm of the lake enlarged it and also constructed a dam on the shores of this lake. The lush green hills in the backdrop with many royal palaces along its banks is a cherry on the cake. The beautiful City Palace of Udaipur adorns the eastern banks while the Mohan Mandir is situated in the north-east corner. The renowned Lake Palace is perfectly perched in the middle, and there is the Jag Mandir on Jag Island.
