Firmly known as "The Venice of East", "The City of Lakes" and "The Capital of Rajput Kingdom in Mewar" - Udaipur is a true fairytale city with its palaces, narrow streets, rooftop cafes, crystal museum, and Lakes.
Four years back, we fell in love with this romantic city and everything it has to offer. Situated in the lap of Aravalli hills with the lush green ranges, Udaipur in Rajasthan is also famous for its rich history, local food, Lavish hotels and diverse culture.
The Majestic City Palace, mesmerizing Lake Palace, blissful Jag Mandir, Delightful Fateh Sagar Lake, Breathtaking Lake Pichola, Attractions of Saheliyon-Ki-Bari, Cultural folk dances at Bagore Ki Haveli enhances grandeur to the city.
Here, we take you on a photo ride of this astonishing city of Rajasthan & make you spend few days in the lap of nature & culture.
== Lakes in Udaipur ==
Lake Pichola : Lake pichola is one the finest and beautiful lakes, Surrounded by hills, gardens, temples and Havelis. Being One of the most -sought tourist attraction in Udaipur, The Lake Pichola offers most scenic views of the majestic city palace complex.
A visit to the Lake Pichola is incomplete without a boat ride, especially in the dawn. Holding Lake Palace hotel in the middle of it, during evenings Lake Pichola dips in golden as the palace complex and pristine water turn golden with sun's reflection. The fascinating views will take you to a diverse world of quietness and tranquility.
Fateh Sagar Lake: One of the four beautiful lakes in the city, Fateh Sagar Lake is an artificial lake and is one of the major tourist spot in Udaipur. Sprawled over an area of 1sq.km and bifurcated into three islands, Fateh Sagar Lake is sparkling beauty with calm and serene views over Aravalli hills.
There are three small islands situated amidst the lake. The Nehru Park is the largest of all the islands and is a popular garden with a restaurant and a zoo. During Sunset, this lake give enormous beauty to the nature and the sight is to be hold for life.
Jaisamand Lake: Jaisamand Lake is renowned for being the second largest artificial lake in Asia. Located at 48 kms from the city of Udaipur, Jaisamand Lake is also known as Dhebar. This lake was created in 17th century by Maharana Jai singh.
Surrounded by Aravalli hills and number of palaces along on the bank, this lake is a nature's abode and peaceful heaven for tourists. There are 11 islands on this lake, some of which provide sanctuary inhabited by several species of migratory birds.
== Palaces in Udaipur ==
City Palace: On the Banks of Lake Pichola, Lies this massive and one of the largest complex in Rajasthan, 'The City Palace".
An accumulation of several buildings with towers, balconies and cupolas built all over, the City Palace also dynasties a museum and crystal gallery, which asserts the finest elements of Rajput arts and culture and the world's largest private collection of crystal.
Jag Mandir Palace : Sitting Majestically on an island on Lake Pichola, the palace is an architectural prodigy decorated with marble structures of eight elephants, roomy courtyards and glossy white marble tiles.
During sunset, the views surrounding the palace are spectacular and picturesque.
Bagore Ki Haveli: Bagore-Ki-Haveli is one of the old building constructed on the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangori Ghat.
This palace has over hundred rooms and displays some unique and interesting modern art. In the evenings, this place is well known for the cultural Rajasthani dance shows and music.
== Museums in Udaipur ==
Vintage Classic Car museum: Are you a Car lover? If So, then this museum is a must visit for you. Located just a few kilometers away from the splendid City Palace, Vintage Car Museum is an awesome place for automobile and car lovers.
The Rolls Royce Phantom, The Cadillac's, Chevrolet, Morais, The Mercs and the Austin's are some of the cars that you can look forward to seeing which are absolutely riding well. This museum has cars which are almost 70 years old belonging to the royal highness of Udaipur.
Shilpgram museum: Situated 3 kms west of Udaipur near the Havala village is the Centre’s Shilpgram – the Rural Arts and Crafts Complex. Factually meaning a “Craftsmen’s Village” is a living ethnographic museum portraying the enormous diversities in craft, art & culture between various Indian states. The Shilpgram Festival is organised every year from 21 December to December 31.
The Shilpgram Fair (Shilpgram Mela), a part of the festive celebrations, serves as a destination for hand woven clothes, embroideries, mirror works and handicrafts.
==Temples in Udaipur ==
Jagdish Mandir: Jagdish Mandir is one of the most famous temples in and around Udaipur dedicated to lord Vishnu. carved pillars, graceful ceilings and painted walls depicts the beautiful architectural style of Indo-Aryan structure. With Lord Vishnu’s Chanting, bells and music, you will be soaked here in divinity.
Other must visit temples nearby Udaipur : Nathdwara Temple and Ranakpur temple.
== Gardens in Udaipur ==
Saheliyon Ki Bari: Saheliyon Ki Bari is known as a garden for women or Gardens of the Maidens built by Maharana Sangram Singh II and is one of the popular tourist destination in Udaipur. Along with a small museum here, it has numerous attractions such as marble elephants, fountains, and a beautiful lotus pool.
Other Famous Gardens in Udaipur:
Nehru Island Garden Rajiv Gandhi Park. Gulab Bagh / Sajjan Niwas Garden
The Extravagant palaces, ancient temples and Long evening walks by the lakes, our trip to Udaipur was filled with both splendor and romance. We not only loved exploring the Rajputana architectural gems but also got impressed with the culture & splendid beauty this city holds.
Have you been to Udaipur and loved any such place? Share with us in comments.