Rajasthan’s Udaipur is the most romantic and picturesque city mostly known as “the city of dawn”, and “The city of lakes”. The city is surrounded on one side by the massive Aravalli Mountains and on the other by three lakes. It is a picture-perfect and stunning tourist destination because of the mountains and lakes. Without a doubt, the most stunning spots to see in Udaipur will be lined up and calling your name.
The city of lakes, Udaipur, thrives in the hard topography of the Aravalis’ hills and ravines. Pichola Lake, Fatehsagar Lake, and Udai Sagar Lake are the three lakes that makeup Udaipur City. These glistening blue water lakes convey a bygone era’s essence, making it a far more thrilling environment.
During Maharana Pratap’s renowned reign, Maharana Udai Singh II constructed Udaipur in 1568. On the advice of a guru, they discovered the city. As the last of the Mewar kingdom’s several capitals deteriorated. Despite its enchanted image, this city has a rich past filled with tales of bravery and grandeur. The city of Udaipur is regarded as the “Jewel of Mewar,” a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia Dynasty for 1200 years.
Because of its mesmerizing lakes, lasting palaces, wonderfully carved temples, and other old landmarks, Udaipur is well-known throughout India. In the Mewar style of miniature painting, you may also see delicate handicrafts. The colourful and enticing Udaipur Market streets are also not to be missed. Sarees, jewellery, couch/chair/pillow coverings, sculptures and paintings, and wall hangings, among other items, are very popular at markets.
Best Time to Visit Udaipur
Winter is the greatest season to visit Udaipur. This is a fantastic time to go sightseeing and explore. Temperatures will range from 11 to 29 degrees Celsius. The temperature will be cold (but bearable) during the day, a touch warmer during the day, and cool at night.
Furthermore, not only is winter ideal for tourism, but it is also when the Shilpgram Crafts Fair takes place. This is where the “but” comes in; the fact that it is peak season will put a strain on your wallet, and the city will be packed.
Top 15 Best Places to Visit in Udaipur
Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola is one of the most important things to see in Udaipur. Because of Lake Pichola, Udaipur is known as the “City of Lakes.” This 3 mile long and 2 mile wide lake was constructed in 1362. It is a significant part of Udaipur and its most prominent feature.
The lake’s distinctive feature is that it takes on an entirely different personality depending on the time of day. In the morning, the lake and castles are peaceful. On the lake, tourist boats abound, and photographers line the coastline. However, when night sets, the palaces surrounding the lake begin to glow. There are no boats, no birds, and just the lit palaces that proudly encircle the lake to be seen.
The Sisarma stream, a tributary of the Kotra River, drains a 55 square kilometer watershed from the Aravalli Mountains, contributing to the lake’s flows. The lake basin receives an average of 635 mm of rain each year (25.0 in). The lake is approximately 696 hectares in size. It is 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) long and 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) broad, with a depth ranging from 4.32 metres (14.2 feet) to 8.5 metres (28 ft). The Lake Palace, which has been turned into a heritage palace hotel, was erected in the middle of the Lake. This marble palace, erected in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, the 62nd monarch to the royal family of Mewar, spans 1.6 hectares (4 acres) and is said to rival the Taj Mahal in size. A dam was erected over a significant tributary at the southern end to allow Banjara tribesmen to ford the stream with animals carrying wheat. When Maharana Udai Singh II built the city of Udaipur around the gorgeous Lake in 1560, he reinforced the dam (to a height of 15.24 m). The old city wall, the minor fort of Eklinggarh, and the temple are all located on Machchala Magra hill, which is located to the south of the city palace complex. The lords of Mewar encouraged people to create water collecting devices, as evidenced by the fact that the Pichola lake was made by nomadic gypsies.
Lake Palace
Maharana Bhagwat Singh of Udaipur began repairing and reconstructing the Lake Palace in 1959. The Maharana considered Udaipur’s gorgeous Lake Palace as having immense potential to entice visitors with its lovely surroundings. During the reconstruction of the palace, the exquisite glass inlay panels were given first consideration.
The Taj Hotel Group was able to take over the administration of Lake Palace with the Maharana’s support, which was a crucial but necessary decision. Today, guests come from all over the world to stay at this world-famous hotel.
Jag Mandir
On the island of Lake Pichola, the Jag Mandir or Lake Garden Palace floats. The construction of this tower is attributed to the three Maharanas of Mewar. Maharana Amar Singh began building this palace in 1551, and Maharana Karan Singh continued it till Maharana Jagat Singh completed it. As a result, Jagat Mandir or Jag Mandir is the name given to it.
This location is well-known for hosting parties and wedding receptions. It also acts as a summer retreat and leisure place for the Mewar royal family. The architecture of the structure is influenced by Mughal and Rajput influences. The palace is composed of sandstone and black marble, and the dome is adorned with an Islamic crescent. Here you’ll find the Gul Mahal, Darikhana, Garden Courtyard, Bara Patharon ka Mahal, Zenana Mahal, and Kunwar Pada ka Mahal.
The main threat to the Mewar empire came from the raiding Marathas, who nearly destroyed it for many years. The prospect of survival was restored when the British came to their aid in 1817 with the “Treaty of Paramountcy,” which promised the restoration of all hereditary domains as well as protection from future incursions. Following it, the Mewar Kingdom experienced peace and prosperity. The Sisodia Rajputs’ dignity and prestige were totally restored.
Maharana Swaroop Singh (1842–1861) protected a number of European families from Neemuch during the insurrection in 1857, especially women and children, who were granted safety at the Jag Mandir Palace. The insurrection against the British Raj was known as the Sepoy Mutiny, and it was also known as the Indian Mutiny (or the first War of Independence).
On the initiative of Maharana Bhupal Singh, the Mewar kingdom united into the Indian union in 1949, along with other princely kingdoms of Rajasthan, after India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947.
City Palace
The beautiful City Palace of Udaipur, set on a hill, seems pristine white and royal. The palace’s facade is adorned with balconies, turrets, and cupolas, and the upper terraces offer breathtaking views of the lake and city. It is surrounded by battlements, and the entrance is guarded by the Tripolia gate, which was built in 1725 and has three arches.
The heart of the palace has been transformed into a museum. One of the attractions is the Mor Chowk, which features magnificent peacock mosaics. Both the Manak Mahal and the Krishna Vilas have excellent glass and mirror artistry collections. In the Bari Mahal, there is a wonderful middle garden. Another interesting construction is the Suraj Gokhada Monument (the balcony of the sun). The Maharanas of Mewar appeared in front of the people during these challenging times to re-establish faith. The blue and white pottery of Chini Chitrashala is magnificent.
5. Jaishmand Lake
The second largest man-made lake in India is Jaisamand Lake, also known as Dhebar Lake. It was constructed during Maharana Jai Singh’s reign in 1685 AD. The lake is around 48 kilometres from Udaipur’s city centre. The lake was made to make it easier to build a marble dam over the Gomti River.
Jaisamand Lake is a magnificent man-made wonder that encapsulates all of nature’s splendour. The two palaces, Hawa Mahal and Ruthi Rani Ka Mahal, as well as the Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary and the Jaisamand Island Resort, all give a unique and breathtaking experience, beginning with the hilly surroundings. Jaisamand Lake, in my opinion, has the potential to write a new chapter in Udaipur’s history.
6. Eling Ji Temple
Eklingji is a 20-kilometer drive from Udaipur and is notable for its 108 temple complex. Because it is located on the bank of a small Bagela lake surrounded by hills, it is also known as Kailashpuri, or Lord Shiva’s residence. The temple is one of the best locations to visit in Udaipur because of its stunning architecture.
Bappa Rawal built it on the side of a 72-roomed Jain temple in 728 A.D. with a four-faced figure of Adinath ji, the first Jain saint. White marble makes up the main temple. And Eklingji, a four-faced statue of Mahadev (a Lord Shiva emblem) constructed of black marble, is revered.
7. Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary
For those wishing to experience the best of Udaipur, the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, which surrounds the Sajjangarh or Monsoon Palace, is a famous tourist destination. You could see Sambars, wild boars, chitals, hyenas, jackals, panthers, hares, and blue bulls, among other unusual wild animals. And the Bansadra hill, which stands in the sanctuary’s background, will heal your heart.
Tiger Lake, sometimes called Bari Lake or Jiyan Lake, is a vital aspect of the sanctuary’s ecosystem. Panthers, hyenas, and jackals are just a few of the animals that may be seen there. The Jhar water hole is located on Bansadra Hill’s western side, where there is also a Shiva shrine. Near the sanctuary, Machla Magra has a fish-like slope from where you can observe the sanctuary’s collection of wild animals.
8. Sajjangarh Palace
The Monsoon Palace, also known as Sajjangarh Palace, is located on a mountainside with excellent views of Fateh Sagar Lake and the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary. This castle-like edifice seems like something out of a fairy tale and is an excellent example of Rajput rulers’ splendour. In fact, the palace was erected solely to enjoy the sight of monsoon clouds gathering in the sky, promising rain!
The Sajjangarh Palace, built in 1884 by Maharana Sajjan Singh, should be on your list of places to see in Udaipur, if only for the spectacular panoramic views of the city and its beautiful lakes, mountains, and castles. This majestic palace is a must-see, especially when the lights are turned on at night.
9. Saheliyon-ki-Bari
The Garden of Maidens, also known as Saheliyon ki Bari, is located beneath Fateh Sagar Lake. Maharana Sangram Singh II developed this garden as a pleasure garden and a summer retreat for the prince’s dowry’s 48 young maids in the early 18th century. According to legend, the garden was given to the emperor of Delhi as a token of goodwill. This garden, located on the shores of Fateh Sagar Lake, provides a verdant oasis among Rajasthan’s parched deserts. Maharana Sangram Singh constructed it for the royal ladies between 1710 and 1734.
According to legend, the monarch personally constructed the garden and gifted it to his queen. In her marriage, the queen was escorted by 48 maids. This garden was created to provide them with enjoyable times away from the court’s political machinations. The royal ladies used to enjoy this patterned garden as a peaceful retreat. The queen liked to come here for a promenade with her ladies and female acquaintances to pass the time.
A reservoir is surrounded by one of the garden’s four black marble cenotaphs and the garden’s solitary white marble cenotaph. Water fountains in the shape of birds, with small sprays of water spilling from their beaks, may be seen on the terraces of these cenotaphs. In fact, the garden’s ambience is soothing and may transport you to another planet.
10. Maharana Pratap Memorial
The Maharana Pratap Memorial, perched atop Moti Magri or Pearl Hill, offers spectacular views of Fateh Sagar Lake. Pratap Smarak, or Maharana Pratap Memorial, is a historically significant site. It is one of Maharana Bhagwat Singh’s largest Maharana Pratap monuments, built in the 18th century.
Maharana Pratap is considered one of India’s greatest warriors, renowned for his bravery and heroism. Pratap ruled Udaipur for nearly 27 years, from 1572 until 1597. The Battle of Haldighati was one of Pratap Singh’s Sisodia Rajput dynasty’s most magnificent battles.
One of the Memorial’s most thrilling features is a life-size bronze memorial of Maharana Pratap sitting on his loyal steed, Chetak. The sculpture may be seen from kilometres away. A big museum with a significant collection of artworks is also located on the grounds of the Memorial.
11. Fateh Sagar Lake
The city’s second-largest lake, Fateh Sagar Lake, is located on Lake Pichola’s northern side, directly across from Moti Magri Mahal. In 1678, Maharana Jai Singh built the lake and named it after Maharana Fateh Singh. The depth of this body of water is 11.5 metres, and it is 2.4 kilometres long and broad. There are three small islands in the lake that are easily accessible by boat.
On a large island in the lake, Nehru Park is a restaurant in the shape of a boat. Because it has a small zoo, this island is a favoured picnic site for residents. The second island in the lake, which is a gorgeous park with several water jet fountains, is managed by the state government.
The third island is managed by the Udaipur Solar Observatory. It is widely recognised as Asia’s most advanced solar observatory. Fateh Sagar Lake is one of Udaipur’s most popular tourist attractions. Beautiful hills around this glittering lake on all three sides, making it a tranquil setting.
12. Ahar Museum
The Ahar Museum, located near the exquisite cenotaphs of the Maharajas of Mewar, is one of Udaipur’s most well-known tourist attractions. This archaeological museum was constructed to house items uncovered during the state government’s ancient artifact excavations. The museum offers a fantastic collection of tenth-century artifacts.
Iron objects, clay pots, and other ancient relics can be found in these collections. Even if the collection isn’t extensive, it is distinct and intriguing. A metal figure of Lord Buddha from the 10th century, as well as an image of the Sun God, capture the visitor’s attention. There is a sculpture collection, the most spectacular of which is a Vishnu-Nag-Nathan figure. That’s not all, though. The museum also holds some of Udaipur’s most important historical antiquities, making it a must-see.
13. Vintage Car Museum
The Historic & Classic Car Collection, a museum of historic automobiles, is a must-see if you’re visiting the City of Lakes for the first time. Luxury historic wheels are on display at the museum, which is housed in the former Mewar State Motor Garage.
A 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II that was subsequently transformed into a pick-up truck for royal hunts, as well as another 1934 Rolls-Royce that was altered to transport the complete Mewar royal cricket team, are among the luxury antique wheels on display. Cadillacs, Mercedes-Benzes, Buicks, a Ford Model A, and a variety of other automobiles could be found. The museum’s feature is the Royal Shell Petrol Pump, which is still operational.
14. Bangore ki haveli
The Bangore ki Haveli palace in Udaipur is a renowned tourist spot on the banks of Lake Pichola. The palace, which was built in the 1800s, still breathes the majesty and dignity of previous rulers. There are almost a hundred rooms in the museum, as well as costume and modern art displays.
The famous Mewar era artworks may be seen in the Queen’s bedroom. The palace is also brimming with artwork, many of which are on display behind glass. The palace’s attractiveness is enhanced by its broad halls, enormous windows, and spacious suites. Jewelry boxes, hukkas, pan boxes, and other Rajput-era furniture may still be there. This is the spot to go if you’re interested in Rajput architecture.
This haveli was erected by Shri Amarchand Badwa, who served as Prime Minister of Mewar from 1751 to 1778, during the reigns of Maharanas Pratap Singh II, Raj Singh II, Ari Singh, and Hamir Singh. Following Amarchand’s death, the building passed to the Mewari Royal Family, and Bagore-ki-Haveli was occupied by Nath Singh, a relative of the maharana at the time. Maharaj Shakti Singh of Bagore, Sajjan Singh’s natural father, enlarged the haveli and erected the triple-arched doorway in 1878, and the property remained in Mewar State’s ownership until 1947.
After Independence, the Government of Rajasthan utilized the structures to house government personnel, but, like with other nationalized assets, deterioration and neglect remained unchecked, and the haveli’s state deteriorated to a dreadful amount for over forty years. The government was finally convinced to give up control of the haveli, which was given to the West Zone Cultural Centre in 1986
15. Jagdish Temple
Jagdish Temple is a magnificently constructed Hindu temple in Udaipur, Rajasthan. It is located near the Badi Pol entryway of the City Palace and is only a few steps away. Lord Vishnu is worshipped at this temple. In the mid-17th century, Maharana Jagat Singh (Maharana of Udaipur) was in charge of the construction of this Indo-Aryan Temple.
This temple is one of Northern India’s most significant Vishnu temples, with exquisite sculptures and four lesser shrines dedicated to other deities. You will be astounded by Lord Vishnu’s black stone statue, as well as the brass Garuda figure that stands in front of it. Sunset Aarti will be a spectacular experience here.
Finally, we’ve visited almost all of Udaipur’s prominent tourist attractions. This is one of the nicest spots in Rajasthan, and I don’t think any Rajasthani has missed it. And, if you ask me, I believe Udaipur is famous for a variety of reasons. Forts and castles, lakes and ponds, gardens and hotels, lively marketplaces and handicrafts are only a few examples.
The Mewar area of Rajasthan is brimming with bravery and fortitude stories. You may make the most of your time in Udaipur by going on exciting excursions to historic and religious sites. Excursions from Udaipur provide a plentiful opportunity to experience the rich Rajasthani culture. Chittorgarh, Bhilwara, Mount Abu, Palanpur, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Ajmer, and a number of other cities are among them.
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