Lake view, Udaipur

Udaipur is popularly known as city of lakes. It is a tourist destination of choice across the world. Udaipur is in Rajasthan , approx 400 kms from Jaipur.

We went to Udaipur from Delhi overnight by train. Our stay was at The Rajputana resort. It was little distance away from Lake Pichola as we wanted peaceful surroundings. It was a nice resort with mostly all facilities. I could see many international tourists there. Resort used to host cultural nights in the evening on a big stage.

Cultural nights at Rajputana Resorts in Udaipur

Some travelers try to cover whole of Rajasthan in a 7 day trip , with two days each in Jaisalmer , Udaipur, Jaipur and a day in Jodhpur. We had planned for a six day vacation in Udaipur itself since we wanted to have a feel of city from close quaters. Udaipur was historic capital of Mewar state in undivided India, founded by Raja Udai Singh.

Apart from its history and rich culture ,Udaipur is known for its Rajput – era palaces. Most of palaces have now been converted to Luxury hotels.

We decided to do long excurtions and short trips of city , nearby places on alternate days. This helped us cover most of Udaipur without much exertion.

Lakes

Lake Pichola

We went to the famous Lake Pichola on the first day of our trip. It is named after the village Pichola. Lake is almost 4 km long and 3 km wide.
This beautiful and picturesque lake encloses the Jag Niwas Island and Jag mandir. The City palace extends along its eastern banks. It is one of the most beautiful experience to see sunset on boat cruise around lake Pichola.

The view of lake pichola from a five star hotel “Udai Vilas” is outstanding. We planned a lunch there during our stay and viewed this outstanding property from inside.It is one of the top most luxurious hotels in world with few rooms offering adjacent private swimming pool having backdrop of lake Pichola.

Udai Vilas drive way

FatehSagar lake 

This amazing lake is bordered by hills and was constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh in north side of lake Pichola. It is an artificial lake, reconstructed by Raja Fateh Singh.
A canal links the two,via Swaroop Sagar and Rang Sagar lakes. The beautiful Nehru island is in the centre and most travelers visit this lake as well. An islet bearing a solar observatory is also notable here.

Jaisamand lake

Almost 50 km away from the city is this picturesque artificial lake. It is second largest lake in India. The lake has elegent steps leading to the lake , with marble Chhatri on its banks. There is a Shiv temple and palaces for Kings and Queens on either side. We saw this lake on our trip to north Udaipur which also included temple visits as described later.We sat for a while on the banks of lake and admired the serene view.

Rajsamand lake 

It is a again beautiful lake with a magnificient dam on the way to Kumbhalgarh fort. We saw this place for a while and combined it with our Kumbhalgarh fort visit.

Magnificent pillars at Rajsamand lake in Udaipur

Rajsamand Lake, Udaipur

Captivating view at Rajsamand lake, Udaipur

View at Rajsamand lake, Udaipur

In the City

• Bagore ki haveli is right on the waterfront of lake pichola at Gangotri ghat.
• Maharana Pratap Memorial is an amazing bronze statue of Maharana on his favorite and loyal horse “Chetak”who stood by him , stands on Moti Magri , overlooking Fateh sagar lake. Chetak was killed in epic battle of Haldighati , serving and protecting his Master.

Statue of Maharana Pratap on his horse Chetak

Sunset at Maharana Pratap Memorial

Beautiful view from Maharana Pratap Memorial

Maharana Pratap Memorial, Udaipur

Another view from Maharana Pratap Memorial

View from Maharana Pratap Memorial

Maharana Pratap on his horse

•  A Japanese rock garden is also nearby. It gives a birds eye view of the city and backdrop of Fateh Sagar lake makes it even more special. It also offers light and sound show.
• Saheliyon ki badi – (courtyard of maidens ) is a major garden which has fountain, kiosks and lotus pool. Marble elephants was laid for group of 48 young women attendents of princess of Udaipur. This is located on the banks of Fateh Sagar lake and fountains are fed by water from the lake Fateh Sagar. It was a place used by queen to spend time with her friends. King used to visit the place for leisure. It is a beautiful place with fountains , lots of flowers and a small meuseum.

Palaces

City Palace

City Palace is a towering palace over lake Pichola. We got the tickets from the Badi pol (Big gate) / Tripolia gate ( Triple gate ) . The main enterence to the palace is Hathi pol
( Elephent gate ). Main part of the palace is now preserved as museum. Entrance is through Ganesh Deori ( door of lord Ganesha) . Ganesh Deori leads to Rajya Angan ,the royal courtyard. The Manak mahal (Ruby palace) , Krishna Vilas , Moti mahal, Chini mahal , Zenana mahal are palaces to visit inside the main fort complex. We took a guide who told us about all the places in detail.

Lake palace

Lake Palace located on Jag Niwas island in the middle of lake Pichola. Built by Maharaja Jagat singh as a royal summer resort , it is now a five star hotel. The serenity and magical view of this palace , makes it one of the most beautiful palaces in the world.
Arising out of natural foundation of a rock , its presence is unique since it looks like a white pearl embedded in turquoise water of lake Pichola. It now has various coffee shops and resturaunts with all amenities. One can enter the place only if one has booking for stay.

Excurtions

Kumbhalgarh Fort is located 60 km north of Udaipur & along with Chittorgarh , it forms two most important forts / citadel of mewar region. It was made by Rana Kumbha , and due to its hostile topography , it remaind unconquered. Craddled in cluster of 13 mountain peaks of Arravalis , its also unexplored. It is Maharana pratap’s place of birth and Nanihal , hence holds sentimental importance for locals. The fort’s wall extends to almost 36 km and is one of the longest walls in India. It is a difficult drive and the place even offers wildlife visits and safaris.

We missed out on a visit to Haldighati and Chittorgarh in this visit.

Temples

Ranakpur

Ranakpur, Jain Temple in Udaipur- Rajasthan, India

Beautiful sculptured jain temples mark the glory of this excurtion.
These are one of five holy places for Jain faith .The beauty of this place is astounding because of 1444 pillars, all unique in carvings and almost 29 halls . The central main temple is “Chaumukha” , four faced temple it enshrines four faced image of Adinath. This is a masterpiece of great architecture.

View at Ranakpur Jain temple at Udaipur

Nearby Ranakpur Temple is Surya temple – dedicated to sun God.

Ekling ji 

Popuarly known as Meera temple , It is believed to be ruling Daity of Mewar State & form of lord Shiva , is located 22 kms north of Udaipur. It consists of 108 temples within walled complex. As its popular for Meerabai , a devout of lord Krishna , used to come here and sing religious songs or bhajans.

Around 1 km from this place , Nagda town is famous for its Sas-Bahu Temple .

Srinathji temple , Nathdwara

It is a temple of Hindu God ,Sri Krishna in child (Balak) form. Nathdwara is located 48 km from Udaipur. On account of popularity of Srinathji temple , the town is also called as Srinathji. Also known as Devdaman – Conquoror of Gods , referring to defeat of God Indra by lifting of Goverdhan parvat. The icon at the temple symbolizes this act , with left hand raised , right hand resting at waist & large diamond placed beneath the lips. The temple is also called “haveli” and consists of various chambers. As a matter of respect and honour, Srinathji is also referred to as ThakurJi in local area.

The view on the way to temple offers lots of marble factories where one can buy different products as soverniours. Our visit to all temples and Jaisamand lake was a single day long excurtion.

Devi Garh Palace

On the way back we stopped at another Dream destination , Hotel Devi Garh Palace, almost 28 kms from Udaipur . Located amidst Aravalli hills, it is a quite and peaceful place with an outstanding view of vast terrains. In fact it is a relatively unexplored destination which shot to limelight with movie “Eklavya” being shot here.

Our visit was a extended one since I love to visit different places. The place can be combined with visits to Jaisalmer & Jodhpur in a six day visit itself. The stay & excurtions in Udaipur can be planned in advance according to time frame.

I would recommend Udaipur to all travelers around the world for its unique and diverse experience.

Nidhi KM

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