Udaipur

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UDAIPUR - City of lakes or Venice of The East
Best Tourist Season (September - March)
Airport: 24 kms from city centre. Well connected from Aurangabad, Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Mumbai.
Railway: Udaipur is directly linked by rail with Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Chittaurgarh, Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur.
Road: Agra 630 kms, Ahmedabad 262 kms, Ajmer 264 kms, Chittaurgarh 112 kms, Delhi 685 kms, Dungarpur 120 kms, Jaipur 425 kms, Jodhpur 275 kms, Kota 275 kms, Mt Abu 185 kms, Pushkar 301 kms.

Introduction / Geography / Area / Climate / Demographics / Sightseeing / Excursions / wildlife

Introduction
A lake city was founded in the 16 century. Udaipur, the capital city of Ranas of Mewar , is known for its fairytale palaces that nestle along the banks of a lake, or completely cover islands in its midst.

The lovely lake side capital of Mewar is also known as city of lakes. One of the most popular destination of Rajasthan, India among all. The Pichola Lake, Fateh Sagar, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar in this city are considered some of the most beautiful lakes in the state.

Udaipur, the enchanting City of Dawn, looms up like a vision in white. Surrounded by hills and mountains and set on the edge of three lakes which give on to a fertile plain, it is bewitching in all its details-narrow streets lined by vivid coloured stalls, gardens, temples and palaces-every feature, mirrored in the placid blue waters of lake pichola.

Geography
Udaipur located at 24.58 degree N 73.68 degree E.
Average elevation 598 mtrs (1961 feet).
Located at the foothills of the Aravalli Range.
Udaipur lies in southern Rajasthan near Gujrat and Madhya Pradesh borders.

Area
Udaipur is just 36.27 sq. km.

Climate
Udaipur is tropical with the mercury staying between
Summer maximum of 42.3°C and minimum 28.8°C
Winters maximum 28.8°C and minimum 2.5°C
Railfall 61 cm (annual)

Demographics
Population 550,000 (as of 2001 India census)
Males 53%
Females 47%
Udaipur has an average literacy rate of 77%, higher than the national average of 59.5%.

Sightseeing in Udaipur
City Palace: The City Palace, completely white and majestic, stands on a hill surrounded by crenellated walls and standing on the east bank of Lake Pichola. Balconies of the City Palace give panoramic views of Jag Niwas - the world famous Lake Palace hotel. Its main entrance is through the triplearched gate, known as Tripolia Gate - built in 1725. There is a Suraj Gokhda - where the maharaja of Mewar presented themselves in the times of trouble to the people to restore confidence. The Mor-chowk (Peacock courtyard), gets its name from the vivid mosaics in glass decorating its walls. The chini chitrashala is noteworthy while a series of wall paintings of Krishna are on display in Bhim Vilas. There are many other palaces such as Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal and Krishna Vilas - in memory of a princess of striking beauty who poisoned herself to avert a bloody battle for her hand by rival princess. Now the palace has many antique articles, paintings, decorative furniture and utensils.
Jagdish Temple: The largest and most splendid temple in Udaipur, built in 1651 A.D. by Maharana Jagat Singh-I. Jagdish Temple is a big tourist attraction, situated in the middle of the city Udaipur.
Saheliyon-ki-Bari: The 'garden of the maidens', brings to mind the unique life-style of the royal ladies who once strolled in these gardens. The garden has numerous fountains in four pools embellished with delicately chiselled kiosks and elephants.
Jag Mandir: Another island in Pichola Lake - known for its beautiful garden courtyard.
Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum: An excellent Indian Folk arts museum displays a rich collection of folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings.
Maharana Pratap Memorial or Moti Magari: A bronze statue of Maharana Pratap is placed on the top Moti Magari or Pearl Hill overlooking Fateh Sagar Lake.
Fateh Sagar: Built by Maharana Fateh Singh, the Fateh Sagar Lake is surrounded on three sides by hills and the Pratap Memorial on the north. One of the most romantic vicinity for young lovers. It is the most peaceful and relaxing place to spend leisures.
Lake Pichola: This beautiful shimmering lake is 4 km long and 3 km wide, originally built by Maharana Udai Singh-II after he discovered the jewel of Rajasthan "Udaipur".
Sajjan Garh Fort: This Monsoon Palace dominates the sky line and is visible from most parts of the city. The palace had an ingenious way to collect rain water for consumption all year round. It affords a spectacular view of Udaipur City - its lakes, palaces and the surrounding countryside.
Gulab Bagh & Zoo: A spectacular rose garden, situated near the palace on east side of Lake Gulab Bagh & Zoo, laid by Maharana Sajjan Singh. An elegant building, it houses a library with a rich collection of hold handwritten mainscripts and books.
Ahar: 2 km east of Udiapur is an impressive cluster of cenotaphs of the Maharanas of Mewar, remarkable pieces of architecture. There are about nineteen cenotaphs of Maharanas cremated there. The most striking cenotaph is that Maharana Amar Singh , who reigned from 1597 to 1620. A small government museum houses a rare collection of antiquities including earthen pots, iron objects etc. excavated here and various other art objects. Some pieces date back to 1700 BC and a 10th century metal figure of Buddha is a special attraction.

Excursions:
Eklingi: 22 kms from Udaipur on National Highway no 8. This temple of Eklingi was built in 734 A.D. A complex of 108 temples enclosed by high walls is devoted to the presiding deity of the Maharanas of Mewar. It has an ornate "mandap" or pillored hall, under the canopy of a huge pyramidical roof.
Nagda:23 kms from Udaipur on National highway no. 8. This ancient site in Mewar, dating back to the 6th century A.D., is famous for the Sas-Bahu temple (9th - 10th century) resplendent in their intricate carvings. Also worth visiting are the splendid Jain Temples of Adbadji.
Haldighati: 40 kms from Udaipur. This place is famous for memorable battle between Maharana Pratap and Mughal Emperor Akbar, fought in 1576 AD. There is a Chhatri dedicated to the faithful horse of Maharana Pratap - Chetak.
Nathdwara: 48 kms from Udaipur on national highway no. 8. Built in 18th century, this is the most celebrated of the Vaishnava Shrine of Shri Nathji or Lord Krishna. Thousands of pilgrims from all parts of India visit this shrine everyday, and the member exceed a lakh during Hindu festival like Diwali, Holi and Janmashtmi (birthday of Lord Krishna). Foreign tourists are not permitted inside and no photography is allowed.
Kankroli: 65 kms from Udaipur. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, an important Vaishnava temple and ranks very high among the temples of the Vaishnavacharya sect. It is popularly known as Dwarkadhish and resembles the famous Nathdwara Shrine.
Rajsamand Lake: 66 kms from Udaipur. A dam built by Maharana Rai Singh in 1660 AD, situated close to Kankroli. Exquisite arches and chhatris adorn the embankment.
Kumbhalgarh Fort: 84 kms from Udaipur on Ranakpur Road. 2nd most important fort in Rajasthan after Chittaurgarh Fort. Peached atop the Aravalies, it was built by Maharana Kumbha in the 15th century, ony accessible by jeep from Kelwara through the seven great gates.
'Badal Mahal' or the Cloud Palace at the top offers a scenic view of the surrounding country side. Renovated in the late 19th century, a few temples here are of great beauty and interest. The Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary nearby is worth a visit.
Jagat: 58 kms from Udaipur. Ambika Temple, 10th century, is well preserved in all its splendour. It is popularly referred to as the 'Khajuraho of Rajasthan', for intricate erotic carvings on its outer walls.
Jaisamand Lake: 48 kms from Udaipur. The 2nd largest largest artificial lake in Asia, built by Maharana Jai Singh in 17th century. Graceful marble chhatris festoon the embankment and summer palaces for the king's favourite queens are built on either side.
A trip to Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary makes an exciting visit. The animals in their natural habitat can be observed at close range. Wildlife here includes panther, wild boar, deer, four-horned antelope, mongoose and various species of migratory birds.
Ranakpur: 98 kms from Udaipur on the way to Jodhpur. Popular for its superbly carved Jain Temples. The main 'Chaumukha Temple is dedicated to the tirthankara Rishabji. There are 1,444 intricately carved pillars no two being alike.