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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 possesed 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.
City Palace:
The City Palace built in granite and marble, the grand edifice rests
on the crest of an elevated ridge
parallel to Lake Pichola.
imposing octagonal towers surmounted by cupolas add excellence to the
east terrace affods a panoramic view of the city .
The palace built at different periods of time measures 1,500 by 600
to 800 feet and is as such the largest in Rajasthan and
comparable in magnificence to Windsor Palace of United Kingdom.
ZenanaMahal:
It is built for the queens by Maharana Karan around 1620 AD.it is
the situated to the south of City Palace Museum and is supported by
100 feet high towers emanting from lake side. Orginal name was "
Ramala". The Mahal has also RangBhawan
Laxmi Chowk , Badal Mahal.
Lake Palace:
The Lake Palace situated at the Lake Pichola bank the palace is
800 feet and is area of four acres. It built by marble and
granite and was raised by Maharana Jagat Singh - II in 1746. The Palace
has fountains, bath reservoirs, royal furniture and columns.
Mor Chowk:
Peacock yard has a visual delight in glass laid mosaics of peacock and
nowhere else in India
Visiting Timing -: 9 AM. to 4:30 PM.
Sahelion-Ki-Bari: On the shores of Fateh Sagar Lake was built
a garden for the 48 young girls waiting to be sent to the royal house
as part of dowry. This garden is laid with extensive lawns, fountains
and shady walking lanes. There are four pools with dainty kiosks and
fountains with elephant trunks for spouts. These gardens appear discrete
and impeccable in taste.
City Palace Museum:
A major portion of the city palace is a museum of archaelogy and
history . The museum has collection of the coins; portrait
of former rulers of Mewar
Visiting Timing -: 10 AM. to 5 PM.
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.
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.
Ahar Museum:
It is situated the fast crumbling ruins of the ancient townsip of Ahar.
In the museum special mention are the cenotaphs of Maharana Amar Singh
I and Maharana Sangram Singh II.
Visiting Timing -: 10 AM. to 5 PM
Dhulkot Museum:
In east of Ahar another city situated named Tambawati Nagari. It is
said that ancestor of Vikramaditya resides here before
the Hindu conquered Ujjain .
Jagdish Temple: Dedicated to Vishnu, this temple was built in
1651 AD by Maharana Jagat Singh.
Jagat Mandir: A temple
of 10th century in in village Jagat dedicated to Ambika Devi approchable
via Kurabad. The shrine sculptures of Khajuraho
Eklingji: 22 kms from
the city is a temple complex of 108 temples enclosed by high walls.
Built in 1734 AD, the temples are dedicated to the royal deity Ekling
ji. The complex has been chiselled out of sandstone and marble. It has
an ornate 'mandap' or pillared hall, the canopy of a huge pyramidical
roof composed of hundreds of knots. more...
Nathdwara: This temple
is one the most celebrated Vaishnava shrines of Lord Krishna or Nathji.
Thousands of pilgrims visit this shrine during the festivals. Foreigners
are not allowed in the temple and photography is prohibited. It is located
48 kms from Udaipur. more...
Kankroli: Known as Dwarkadhish,
this temple is an important Vaishnava temple and ranks very high among
the temples of the Vallabhacharya. 65 kms from the city.
Ranakpur: (98 Kms) Famous
for the beautiful Jain temples.more...
Jagat (58 Kms): The tenth
century Ambika Mata Temple is well preserved in all its splendour.
Rishabhdeoji (65 Kms):
Popularly known as Kesariyaji because of the large saffron offerings,
this temple is dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara Rishabhdeoji. { Book
Temple Tours }
Nagda: This ancient place in Mewar is famous for their intricate
carvings of the graceful 'apsaras'. 23 kms from the city.
Haldighati: This place,
40 kms from Udaipur, has immense historical importance. It was at Haldighati
in 1576 AD that armies of Maharana Pratap and Mughal Emperor Akbar clashed.
A 'chhatri' with delicate white marble columns is dedicated to the indomitable
hero and his loyal charger. { Book City Tours }
FORTS
Kumbhal Garh Fort: 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. more.
LAKES
Lake Pichola : is surrounded
by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and has two island palaces-
Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir. Lake Fateh sagar lies to north of Pichola
and was built by Maharana Jai Singh but it got the name of Fateh Singh
who rebuilt its dam. Both the lakes are breathtakingly beautiful and
one can take a cruise on their waters. The sunset over these lakes is
a sight to be cherished.
Jaisamand lake: 48 kms from the city, this artificial lake was
built in 17th century by Maharana Jai Singh. The marble 'Chhatris' along
the embankment add grace to this second largest lake in Asia. On either
sides of the lake were built the palaces for the favourite queens of
the King. People of the Bhil tribe still inhabit the islands in Jaisamand
lake.
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