Place to Visit: Udaipur

Heavenly Palaces Of Lake Pichola

Rajasthan, India

So romantic is Udaipur that it is known as the Venice of the East. Its network of interesting back streets lead down to the lovely Lake Pichola whose shores are graced with mansions and palaces, including the country’s most romantic palace hotel seemingly floating on Jag Niwas Island. Come to Udaipur for a look at the splendour of the Maharajas, enjoy some of the most stunning architecture in India and to relax in the most amazing of surroundings.

Great Reasons To Visit

  • Explore the palaces and backstreets and enjoy picking up souvenirs.
  • See the temples of Ranakpur and Eklingji
  • Visit Kumbalgarh’s fort and wildlife sanctuary and visit Sajjan Garh for great views

Background

Maharana Udai Singh II founded Udaipur in 1568 after his citadel at Chittorgarh was sacked by Mughal Emperor Akbar. Legend says that Udai Singh was guided by a holy man meditating on the hill near Pichola Lake and told to establish his capital on this very spot. Surrounded by the Aravalli Hills, forests and lakes the location is stunning and this has only been added to by the lineage of Maharaja’s that followed who build sumptuous palaces around the lakes.

Relaxing

There are many places to relax and enjoy various views of the lake, perhaps from rooftop cafes. Shopping too is excellent here and there are some great souvenirs to be had with some friendly haggling.

Udaipur

The Lake Palace (now the Lake Palace Hotel) on Jag Niwas Island in the centre of Lake Pichola is the finest example of the architectural and cultural excellence that the Mewar kings developed, whilst the grand City Palace – a major draw in its own right - on the banks of the lake compliments the Lake Palace. They are both overlooked by the Monsoon Palace, Sajjan Garh, on the hill above the city.

Visit the ghats early in the morning, see Jagdish Temple, the Bagore ki Haveli (a splendid mansion), the Bartikaya Lok Kala Museum, dedicated to folk arts, the craft village of Shilpgram and the cenotaphs at Ahar.

Not too far away are the temples at Eklingi and Nagda, though the stunning Jain temple complex at Ranakpur are perhaps more dramatic and should not be missed. Kumbalgarh a couple of hours away is home to both an impressive fort and wildlife sanctuary

Udaipur - Ahar

Ahar

Rajasthan, India

At Ahar an impressive cluster of many cenotaphs of the Maharanas of Mewar form an impressive sight, their umbrella like chhatris sat atop pillars of marble are both striking and beautiful. The best ce...

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Udaipur - Bagore Ki Haveli

Bagore ki Haveli

Rajasthan, India

This stunning old building sits right on the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangori Ghat. Built in the 18th century by Amir Chand Badwa, then Prime Minister of the Mewar state it has over a hundred roo...

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Udaipur - Bartikaya Lok Kala Museum

No Image

Rajasthan, India

Established in 1952 the small yet fascinating Bartikaya Lok Kala focuses on the folk art of the Mewar region with interesting displays of traditional dress, dolls, musical instruments and puppets. The...

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Udaipur - Eklingji and Nagda

Eklingji Temple

Rajasthan, India

Nagda lies some 2 km from Eklingji and is the site of some interesting 10th and 11th century Jain temples, one of which – Abduji – holds a black, marble image of Shati Nath, a Jain tirthankar (a man o...

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Udaipur - Jagdish Temple

Jagdish Temple

Rajasthan, India

Easily spotted in the centre of Udaipur, Jagdish Temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singh I in 1651.It holds a black stone image of Lord Vishnu and a brass image of Garuda the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. ...

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Udaipur - Lake Palace Hotel

Lake Palace Hotel with locals

Rajasthan, India

For sheer romantic luxury the Lake Palace Hotel is hard to beat. One time palace of a Maharaja and floating in the middle of Lake Pichola the hotel is the place to stay in Udaipur for the discerning.T...

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Udaipur - Ranakpur

Jain image

Rajasthan, India

Ranakpur is home to some of the best examples of Jain temple construction anywhere in the world. One of the five holy places for the Jain community, these magnificent temples were created in the 15th ...

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Udaipur - Sajjan Garh

Sajjan Garh

Rajasthan, India

Sat high on a hilltop 15km west of Udaipur lies the dramatic 18th century ‘Monsoon Palace’, from whose battlements breathtaking views of the Mewar countryside can be enjoyed. Built by Maharana Sajjan ...

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Udaipur - Shilpgram

Shilpgram

Rajasthan, India

Translating as "Craftsmen's Village" Shilpgram is a living ethnographic museum depicting the enormous diversities in craft, art & culture between various Indian states. Rather manufactured the vil...

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