Palace on the lake

Udaipur city is well known as city of lakes. It is located in Southern Rajasthan and very close to Gujarat. One can reach here easily by road and rail. Udaipur is famous for its lakes, gardens, palaces (many of which are now converted into luxury hotels), arts, crafts and about its miniature paintings. Every year many foreign and domestic tourists visit it.

There are lots of options available to reach Udaipur like Buses, Trains, Taxi. Distance is approx 674 Km.We choose the comfortable one...yup its train. We choose the train journey because its 12 hr long journey and train is the good, Comfortable & Cheapest option. We started our journey from Gurgoan Railway Station. Train (Chetek Express) arrived around 08:10PM and expected to reach Udaipur at 08:00AM. It’s an overnight train journey. Early morning when we awake up train was going to enter into Udaipur it seems that beauty itself comes to explore. When train reaches Udaipur station, luxury train was standing over there. Train was “Palace on Wheels”. One of the luxurious train journey offers by the Indian Government.

We check in into the hotel and asked the manager what are the Places to Explore? How to Explore? He suggests us the places & offers us the Taxi to explore the Places. He provides us the contact number of the Taxi Service Provider. We booked a taxi for entire day. Here is the list of places one must visit in Udaipur:-

1: Ropeway

Ropeway in Udaipur is newly introduced and is most important tourist attraction. It is installed between two mountains right on the bank of Lake Pichola. The view from the Gondolas is breath taking and if you have passion for photography you must not miss this.

From here that you can click best view of Udaipur including Lake Pichola, Lake Fateh Sagar, magnificent City Palace complex, Sajjangarh Fort and above all artistic landscaped Aravali mountains on the other side of the lake. Do not miss the sun setting across lush green Aravali Hills across Lake Pichola.
It takes no time to visit ropeway being in the heart of the City. It is located in the main tourist area and can be best visited in the evenings followed by mouth watering cuisines served to your taste at very affordable rates at the Sun set point a top Machhala Hill.Ropeway cabin has a sitting capacity of 6 persons at one time. It takes around 4 min to reach other side.

2: Fateh Sagar Lake & Nehru Park

Fateh Sagar Lake said to be the pride of the City of Lakes of Udaipur, it is an artificial lake constructed by Maharana in north of Lake Pichola in 1678 and to the north-west of Udaipur. A beautiful lake, overlooked by a number of hills on the three sides and the Pratap Memorial on the north was built by Maharana Fateh Singh. In the middle of the lake is Nehru Park - a lovely garden island with a boat shaped cafe accessible by an enjoyable boat ride. One can enjoy the speed boat ride in fateh sagar lake. Blue waters of the lake and the backdrop of green has given the soubriquet of the Udaipur.Fatehsagar Lake recently overflowed on 13 September 2014.

3: City Palace

It is located on the banks of Lake Pichola. City Palace is one of the most-visited tourist attractions of Udaipur. Maharana Uday Singh initiated in the construction of this palace which was later added by several palaces and structures by succeeding Maharanas. City Palace comprises 11 wonderful palaces. The Palace has various towers, domes and arches.

City Palace has several gates. The entry to the Palace is from the Hati Pol (Elephant gate). The Bara Pol which leads to the Tripolia gate which is close to the Main ticket office. Between these two gates, eight marble arches or Toranas are erected. It is said that the Maharanas used to be weighed here with gold and silver, which was then distributed among the local people. Following the Tripolia gate is an arena in front of the Toran Pol and the facade palace, where elephant fights were staged in the past to test their prowess before starting on war campaigns.Guides are easily available which can take you with the audio tour for getting familiar with the events and historic happenings of this beautiful monument.The Palace has large collection of royal paintings, jewelry, crockery, photographs and beautiful silver “Shadi Ka Mandap” covered with glass wall. The palace has an old history which has many kings and rulers and there details, photographs and belongings can be seen in the different areas and rooms of the palace. The new small museums of silver, sculptures and music instrument were great.

4: Pichola Lake

Pichola Lake is one of the most beautiful and picturesque lakes of Rajasthan, India. Located in the heart of the city, Pichola Lake is the oldest and one of the largest lakes of Udaipur. In 1362, the beautiful lake was built by Pichhu Banjara during the ruling period of Maharana Lakha. Pichola Lake is extended to 3 miles in length, 2 miles in width and has depth of 30 feet. Lake Pichola comprises several islands that accompany the calm waters of the lake. The world-renowned Lake Palace is perfectly located on the Jag Island of this tranquil lake. Even the Jag Mandir, another destination of tourists, is located on an island of this lake. Above all, a trip to Pichola Lake would be incomplete with a boat ride. The pristine blue waters of the lake leave a soothing impact on the spectator. At the time sun-set, a boat ride in this lake is sufficient to enthrall anyone. The picturesque lake is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples Ghats Two island palaces, Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) on the lake are of breathtaking magnificence. One can easily enjoy the lake with the help of paddle boats or steamer.

5: Vintage Car Museum

The Vintage & Classic Car Collection, The Palace Udaipur was unveiled in its entirety to the general public. This inauguration allowed visitors to appreciate this astonishing collection of cars for the first time. The Vintage & Classic Car Collection is a car collection and a museum with a difference. All the vehicles on show have belonged to the Maharanas of Mewar both past and present. Despite some vehicles being over seventy years old, each one has been painstakingly restored so that they are in working order.

6: Saheliyon Ki Bari

It’s a small but well maintained garden. The place gets its name as it’s a popular relaxing spot where royal ladies came along with their friends for a leisurely walk and spend time with them. The garden was built for the royal ladies by Maharana Sangram Singh (in the 18th century). It’s a major tourist destination in Udaipur. Entry fee is very nominal and one can get enjoy a good time in the garden with family. The garden is famous for its lush green lawns, fountains, marble elephants and one can find a good place to captured beautiful pictures.

7: Dudh Talai

Dudh Talai favorite place of the locals and It is a Popular Relaxing Spot of City Udaipur.
Dudh Talai is situated on a small hill from which one can enjoy the sunset view in Lake Pichola and can view old city of Udaipur.

8:) Sajjan Garh Palace

It’s also known as Monsoon Palace. It offers a panoramic overview of the city’s lakes, palaces and the surrounding. There is a small museum in it and water harvesting system from the beginning and during the monsoon, rain water is collected stored for daily use.

How to Reach:

Udaipur is easily access able by Road, Rail & Air.