Udaipur, the city of the victorious Rajputs, the sight of paintworthy scenery, the dream of every traveller surely has to be in your travel list. Dig into it precisely to know why it's worthwhile and let us have a chance to plan it for you!! The easily accessible city of Udaipur, which once served as the capital of the Mewar Kingdom, is not so easy in its culture, heritage, traditions and architectural significance. The southernmost...
Udaipur, the city of the victorious Rajputs, the sight of paintworthy scenery, the dream of every traveller surely has to be in your travel list. Dig into it precisely to know why it's worthwhile and let us have a chance to plan it for you!! The easily accessible city of Udaipur, which once served as the capital of the Mewar Kingdom, is not so easy in its culture, heritage, traditions and architectural significance. The southernmost part of the desert state of Rajasthan, surrounded by the Aravali ranges, Udaipur is typically filled with artificial lakes and palaces constructed by the Maharanas of Rajput Presidency. Hence it is also renowned as "The city of Lakes and Palaces". Starting from the Mughal emperor Shahjahan who built the Taj Mahal to the Britishers, everyone admired the planning and design of the lake city and tried to possess it. The scenic beauty with authentic Rajasthani touch in the local foods and language, Udaipur is considered to be "The most romantic spot on the continent of India ''. The hidden state engulfed with craziness in history and uniquely global architecture, it is the "Venice of the East".
The history of Udaipur
As someone would not have known, Udaipur is enriched with ancient history and aesthetics. The magnificent history dates back to 2000 BCE when the Ahar River bank was inhabited. The Ahar culture is typically the aggregation of 2 cultures, Bheels tribe and the Rajputs. Rajputs got the ownership of the area for centuries and developed it beyond anyone's expectations.
Maharana Udai Singh II was the founder of the city and it is named after him for his greater contributions. Later he made Udaipur the capital of the Mewar Kingdom. The old city of Udaipur was built by the Maharana to save it from external attackers like the Mughals. He built a 6 km long wall with 7 gates covering it. Hence the old city is renowned as "The Walled City''. The emperrors of Mewar fought deadly wars to protect their thrones from Mughal and British possessions and became victorious.
Culture and festivals in Udaipur
Even though Udaipur has been exposed to modern civilization, it has still kept the rituals and traditions of past royality intact. Rajasthani music and folk dances are an integral part of the lives of people in Udaipur. Ghoomar has become one of the famous folk dances of the world which is performed by women on special occasions. The Sapera dancers perform Kalbelia dance with the Kalbeliya snake charmers' community. Kachchhi Ghodi is another distinguished dance form played with dummy horses, vibrant colours of clothes and is admired throughout the country. Tanpura, Sarangi, Naad are some of the local musical instruments that are known by a few artists. Now the government of India is taking major steps to bring the hidden skills of the city to limelight.
The people of Udaipur celebrate festivals with great excitement and exaggeration with friends and family. Gangaur is one of the famous local festivals celebrated by the Rajasthanis that symbolises marital happiness and companionship. Shilpgram Utsav, a 10 day festival, is observed in the Shilpgram crafts Village to show the young people the arts, crafts, heritage and history of the state. Jal-Jhulni Ekadashi is another Hindu festival celebrated with fun in the city.
Havelis/Palaces in Udaipur
When we think about Udaipur, the sight of a Luxurious Palace covered in greens and surrounded by water bodies comes to our mind first. Udaipur is the home of lakes and palaces and people visit here often to fill their hearts with rich vibes. Lake Pichola and Fatehsagar are 2 artificial lakes that are connected by a canal.
Boating on either of the lakes while admiring the beauty of the Havelis beside the lake is astounding. People love to take boat rides in the evening to enjoy sunsets with their loved ones. The legendary City Palace is one of its kind which has 11 palaces in total and will make you believe that you belong to the Royals. The Bagore Ki Haveli observes a show of Dharohar, the traditional Rajasthani dance which starts in the evening.
Shopping places in Udaipur
The shopaholics can not stay away from buying authentic Rajasthani products with vibrant and artistic colours. Bapu Bazar is one among the shopping places in Udaipur where real Khadi products are advertised and situated at Nada Khada. One of the oldest markets of the city, Bada Bazar is in the old city and is famous for Bandhani and Batik printed sarees. Stylish Juttis are available at Mochiwada Bazaar. Hathipole near the City Palace is the most popular among tourists. It is a heaven of fabrics like Bandhej, Leheriya, and Pichwai arts at affordable prices. Ghanta Ghar near Jagdish Chowk is mostly crowded for designer and handcrafted jewelleries with Meenakari, Polka, and Kundan works.
Places to visit in Udaipur
- City Palace: City Palace is one of the most significant places of the country and most travelled places to visit in Udaipur, situated on the banks of Lake Pichola. It is the largest royal territory of Rajasthan and was constructed by Maharana Uday Singh. Famous for its architectural beauty, this palace has shown in various movies and is visited by a large number of travellers.
- Lake Pichola: Lake Pichola is one of the most commonly visited places to visit in Udaipur situated at the heart of city. This is an artificial lake, and the oldest and one of the largest lakes of the city that attracts people all over the world to enjoy the scenic beauty covered by heritage and architecture.
- Sajjangarh Palace: Named after Maharana Sajjan Singh, the palace is on the hilltop of Aravali and screams the ancient history of the Mewar era. The intention of the palace was to observe the arrival and patterns of monsoon clouds and hence its other name "The Monsoon Palace''.
- Jag Mandir Palace: Jag Mandir Palace serves the natural beauty of Mewar architecture on Lake Pichola, formerly constructed by Maharana Amar Singh. The palace is a 3-storeyed building and contains gardens of roses, jasmines, and bougainvillea. The museum speaks of the fact of the Mewar era and beautiful places to visit in Udaipur.
- Fateh Sagar Lake: Named after Maharana Fateh Singh, this is an artificial lake in the northwest of Udaipur. The boating activity in the backdrop of the Aravali ranges is a must-do with the picturesque sunset. Nehru Park here has a boat-shaped restaurant that magnifies the beauty.
- Saheliyon Ki Bari: The amazing places to visit in Udaipur is of major historical importance, Saheliyon Ki Bari is located on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake and is filled with lush green environment and calming surroundings. This is one of the must-visit places of Udaipur and the cost of visit is only 5 rs.
- Jagdish Temple: Regarded as the place of serenity and beautiful places to visit in Udaipur. The temple is a tribute to Lord Vishnu and stands in the City Palace Complex. The main attraction is the 4 armed sculpture of the Lord carved out from a single stone.
- Bagore Ki Haveli: Constructed by the Maharana of Mewar, Amar Chand Badwa, on Lake Pichola, Bagore Ki Haveli is famous for its fantastic architectural design and paintings from the old. It is now a museum and you can feel the royal vibes of the queens, visiting their dressing rooms, bathrooms, bedrooms, etc. It has great mirror works that attract on the aesthetic view of aesthetics.
- Ahar Cenotaphs: The beautifully built archetype of the Ahar Museum and Cenotaphs are famous as the cremation ground of the Mewar Maharanas, situated 2 km east of Udaipur. This place contains a metal figure of Lord Buddha, an idol of Vishnu Nag Nathan, stone carvings, earthen pots, etc and is visited hugely.
- Ambrai Ghat: Ambrai Ghat, also known as the Manjhi Ghat and Hanuman Ghat is one of the popular places to visit in Udaipur and is located near the waterfront of Lake Pichola. The ghat is mostly visited by calm-needy people and offers magnificent views of City Palace, Lake Palace, Shiv Niwas, etc.
- Eklingji Temple: The Eklingji Temple, whose deity is Lord Shiva is situated 22 km from Udaipur and known for its remarkable architecture. The 4 faced black marble sculpture of the lord with a silver snake around his neck is the major attraction.
- Gulab Bagh and Zoo: Gulab Bagh, also known as the Sajjan Niwas Garden, is situated at the centre of the city and the largest park and most explored places to visit in Udaipur. Composed of various plants, library, lotus pond, the small zoo, Kamal Talai, Toy train, this park is visited the most and is spread over 100 acres.
- Menar: Menar is naturally a lake and bird sanctuary located 45 km from Udaipur. The best time to visit and birdwatch will be in winters as the Government holds a bird fair in December. The place is picturesque and rarely known by the tourists.
- Taj Lake Palace: Taj Lake Palace is one of the luxurious and exquisite hotels of the world floating on the waters of Lake Pichola. The hotel was once the summer palace of Maharana Jagat Singh II and now serves its inner attraction to the public.
How to reach Udaipur?
Udaipur is one of the picturesque and heavily visited tourist places of India and is well linked with other states.
- Airways: The Maharana Pratap International Airport or Dabok Airport is located 22 km from the city and is connected to all major cities.
- Roadways: Both private and government bus services are available here to the major cities of Rajasthan and its neighbouring cities. Bus fare is cheap and accessible.
- Railways: Udaipur Railway Station is 3 km from the city centre and connects hundreds of trains to the major cities of the country.
Best time to visit Udaipur
Udaipur falls in the region of a hot semi-arid climate. The city has pleasant sunny days, cool nights, major monsoon attractions, and the best winter in the country.
- Summer: March to June- 16°C to 46°C (very hot)
- Rainy: July to October- 20° C to 41°C (rainfall, dust and thunderstorms)
- Winter: December to February- 1°C to 30°C (pleasant days, cool nights)