Udaipur is one of the most visited tour destinations of Rajasthan. The city offers unique opportunity of attractions and places to visit in Udaipur. As a tourists you are spell bound to see the following palaces and attractions in your tour.
1. City Palace Udaipur – One of the Top Places to visit in udaipur
The city palace complex is situated on the eastern bank of Lake Pichola. Udaipur is known as Venice of the east. The picture of towering cupolas of white city palace etches a never to forget memory. The palace is situated at an elevation of approximately 600 meters from sea level.
History of City Palace : – Udaipur the house of the Sisodia Rajput clan is probably one of the oldest Rajput houses of Rajasthan, the foundation was laid in 568 AD at a place approximately 30 KMS from Udaipur(Nagda). Maharana Udai Singh II the father of iconic Maharana Pratap build the palace at a place as guided by a hermit (1537). The successive kings of Mewar added their bit to the royal palace and the construction carried on for the next approximately 400 years. The interesting point to note is that though 400 years is a long period the basic design and style of architecture remained the same. The first pavilion built in the city palace area was the “Raj Angan” which literally means a pavilion of the ruler.
A tour of the city palace will sure take you to a bygone era and you will be able to witness the splendor and lifestyle of the kings of Mewar. The palace has been entirely built from white marble and granite stone. The balconies and cupolas of the 30 meters tall structure situated on the bank of river Pichola are picture-perfect.
The palace has eleven separate enclosures or palace inside and were made during the reign of different rulers but by far the architectural design maintains a homogeneity.
The city palace is perhaps the largest palace in desert state of Royal kings (Rajasthan) the palace exhibits a very detailed array of period paintings. Scenes of battles, the elephant fights, the darbar sessions all have been very well portrayed inside the palatial complex some very well known artists such as Raja Ravi Verma are on display. City palace has also fascinated the movie world. Famous James bond movie octopussy was filmed over here and made the city of Udaipur famous abroad.
The glass work is astonishing so are the real life caricatures . The depiction of a dancing peacock in coloured glass in triplet is worth an applaud. The entire hall adorned in assortment of colored glass is breath taking. The courtyards overlooking and displaying the mural of sun and dancing peacock are signatures of royalty.
The series of palaces like sheesh Mahal (a palace of colored glass), series of Gates which eventually lead to the main palace, Amar Vilas a courtyard and a sort of pavilion leading to the palatial complex, Bhim vilas, chini chitra shala, Durbar hall Krishna vilas laxmi vilas chowk Mandir Mahal, Noor Mahal are the names of the palaces inside the city palace courtyard.
In nut shell a tour of city palace gives you an opportunity to spend time with the royal past of Udaipur. The kings of Udaipur how they lived their rich lives, the legacy, the flamboyance, the royalty every where is on display, you can click some excellent photographs for instagram with lake Pichola in the bank ground.
2. Location of Lake Palace: – In the midst of lake pichola on an island is situated the famous Star hotel lake palace.
History: – King Jagat Singh in the eighteenth century made a palace on an island of Lake Pichola. It is fabled that young King Jagat Singh had sought permission from his father Maharana Sangram Singh to use his favorite palace. The king retorted that if the Kunwar(prince) desired such he should build a palace for his personal use. Young Jagat Singh took the arduous way and went on to transform an island on Lake Pichola into a fabulous palace. This palace was named Jay Niwas by the name of Maharana Jagat Singh. Today this fabulous palace is a five-star hotel operated and managed by the Taj group of hotels. The hotel lake palace was made famous by the famous James bond movie octopussy shot over here in the year 1983. This famous movie made the lake palace hotel a very sought-after destination. The hotel is a historic property designed in classic indo Islamic and Rajputana style of architecture with classical cusped arches and small domes on the top. You can relive the bygone era of luxury and splendor by booking a room at the lake palace hotel. Apart from 65 luxurious rooms the hotel also has 18 grand suites. There are restaurants inside the hotel serving delicious cuisine not only from India. The hotel is a marque of luxury and if you desire to stay at the best location in this eastern Venice(Udaipur) then this palace is your destination.
Suggested Tour Packages: –
- Rajasthan Tour
- Rajasthan Tour Packages
- Off Beat Rajastha Tour
- Incredible Rajasthan Tour
- Golden Triangle Tour with Colourful Rajasthan
3. Saheliyon Ki Badi
If you love green then this is the monument for your taste, settled in the midst of plush green gardens which are very taste fully maintained. The garden of maidens was initially conceptualized by the Maharaja Sangram Singh later Maharaja Bhopal Singh added a novel concept of rain fountains. The fountains were laid working on simple laws of gravity these fountains create an atmosphere very identical to natural rains. The queen surrounded by her maidens used to come over here and enjoy the nature,drenched by continuous tinkling water droplets falling through the multiple fountains. Even now the tourists very much enjoy the simple and tasteful setting of the garden of Maidens( Saheliyon Ki Badi) the marble elephants and the fountains shaped like birds in the midst of small pool transform and transfer you to a dream state. If you are making a tour of Udaipur then Saheliyon Ki Badi is a must visit for sure.
4. Fateh Sagar Lake – Another top places to visit in Udaipur
The city of Udaipur is a sort of oasis in the sun parched desert state of Rajasthan. People compare Udaipur city with venice and it is called as venice of the east. If you are interested you can enjoy a boat ride at fateh sagar lake and can enjoy a sunset riding a boat. Because of its serenity this lake is compared with Dal lake of Kashmir, there are four islands at Fateh Sagar lake these island are shaped up as public parks, you sure must visit them. One of them has a solar observatory. The name of the lake fateh Sagar is named after the king Maharana Fateh Singh. You can also enjoy a motor boat and speed boat at lake fateh sagar.
5. Jagdish Temple – One of the top places to visit in udaipur
Jagdish temple is situated at a walking distance from the famous city palace right in the midst of old Udaipur city. The effigies of elephants in welcome stage greet the devotees as they take the flight of steps to the temple.
History – Maharana Jagat singh who was born in the Sisodia Suryavashi Rajput clan made the Jagdish temple in year 1651. Suryavanshi are known to be descendants of lord Rama. Lord Rama is said to be an incarnation of lord Vishnu – the sustainer amongst the trinity of Hindu Gods Brahma – Vishnu- Mahesh. Being descendants of lord Rama the royalty worshipped lord Vishnu and a temple dedicated to lord Vishnu was crafted on orders of Maharana Jagat Singh.
The temple has been built with white marble and is known for amazing hand crafted sculptures. The temple is a two storied structure with a flight of 32 steps taking devotees to a lofted Mandapa (Hall). The shikhara rises to around 80 feet and was once the tallest structure in old Udaipur city. The statue inside is of lord Jagannath – also an incarnate of lord Vishnu.
Small idols dedicated to lord Ganesha, Goddess and lord shiva circumambulate the main statue. As a tourist you can join the evening arti at lord Jagdish temple.
6. Sajjangarh Palace – Another top places to visit in Udaipur
Location- The Sajjangarh fort is located at one of the high peak of Aravali hills surrounding Udaipur city. The hill rises to a stupendous 3100 feet above sea level. The way to approach the palace is by road. The Sajjangarh palace is situated on the western side of the lake Pichola and city palace.
History – Maharana Sajjan Singh who ruled just for a brief span of ten years (1874-1884) built this palace. Its said that Sajjangarh palace was constructed to enjoy the monsson months in Udaipur. Monsoons bring the desired rainfall in Udaipur Sajjangarh palace is nestled right in the midst of clouds so rightly is said to be the monsoon palace.
The palace is a marble structure that was initially conceived to be a nine-story structure but the untimely demise of Maharana Sajjan Singh was responsible for a change and the palace was eventually completed by his successor Maharana Fateh Singh. The turrets are a striking example of the architecture of the Sajjangarh Palace.
Suggested Tour Plan:-
- Golden Triangle Tour Packages
- Golden Triangle Tour
- Golden Triangle Tour 5 Days
- Golden Triangle Tour 7 Days
- Taj Mahal Tour Packages
- Agra Tour Packages
7. Karni Mata Temple
Location – On the eastern side hill of lake pichola is situated the Karni Mata temple.
Karni Mata is the famous deity of the Rajput Kings of Rajasthan. the Goddess is also revered by the Rathore clan of Rajput of Bikaner and Jodhpur. The temple also has rats which are revered by the devotees similar to the rat temple at Deshnokh near Bikaner. The way to the Karni Mata temple is through a cable rope way. The devotees have to buy ticket for the rope way. The rope way offers excellent view of the Udaipur city as the devotees ascend up to the temple. Very near to the Karni Mata temple is the shrine of a sufi saint “Top wale baba” devotees also pay their reverence at this shrine. The view from shrine is that of the other side of Udaipur and is picturesque.
8. Jag Mandir Palace – One of the top places to visit in Udaipur
Location – This garden palace is situated on an island of lake pichola. You can explore the garden using a boat.
The construction of the palace was completed by Maharana Jagat Singh so the name of the king was given to the palace. Even during the reign of father of Maharana Jagat Singh the palace had existed. This palace become famous as Maharana Karan Singh the father of Maharana Jagat Singh had provided a safe refuge to the Mughal prince Khurram. Later prince Khurram becomes the mughal emperor Shahjahan. Prince Khurram stayed at Jag Mandir and was once very inspired by its architecture. Later Maharana jagat singh also added a lot to the then existing structure.
9. Maharana Pratap Memorial – Top Places to visit in Udaipur
Location – The memorial is situated at approximate distance of 5 kms from the Udaipur city palace and railway station, the scenery is lush green on the bank of fateh sagar lake.
Maharana Pratap is an iconic figure of the Rajput folklore. Maharana is still remembered for his legendary fight for the freedom of Mewar. Maharana also laid the foundation of Udaipur city. His tall effigy atop his favorite horse greets the tourist at the museum. The museum enumerates the history and travails of the maharana as he fought Mughals. There is also a light and sound show held over here every evening.
10. Lake Pichola – This lake is perhaps the most iconic of all the lakes in Udaipur with a beaming city palace on its eastern flank, the Lake Pichola is the lifeline of Udaipur. This lake is said to be man-made, dug in the 14th century by an aborigine nomadic tribe of this area. The famous lake palace hotel is situated at one of the islands of Lake Pichola. Jag Mandir is another famous island landmark of lake Pichola. You certainly can enjoy a boat ride at lake Pichola and can visit Jag Mandir or Arsivilas an island which has a sort of bird sanctuary. The city of Udaipur surrounds the lake Pichola.
