UdaipurTravel Guide
Udaipur
is known as the Venice of the east. It is also called the city of lakes. The
Lake Palace on Jag Niwas Island in the middle of Pichola Lakes is the finest
example of its architectural and cultural explosion. The grand City Palace on
the banks of the lake compliments the palace along with the Monsoon Palace (Sajjan
Garh) on the hill above. Udaipur is also the centre for performing arts, craft
and its famed miniature paintings.The Shilp Gram festival is a center of attraction
during the season.
Maharana Udai Singh II founded Udaipur in 1568 after his citadel Chittorgarh
was sacked by Mughal Emperor Akbar. The legends says that Udai Singh was guided
by a holy man meditating on the hill near Pichola Lake to establish his capital
on this very spot. Surrounded by Aravali Ranges, forests and lakes this place
was less vulnerable than Chittorgarh. Maharana Udai Singh died in 1572 and was
succeeded by Maharana Pratap who valiantly defended Udaipur from subsequent
Mughal attacks. Maharana Pratap is the most revered Rajput icon and gallantly
fought the Mughal at the Haldighati in 1576. Mewar continuously defied foreign
invaders and has a history of bloody battles until the British intervention
in the nineteenth when a treaty was signed to protect Udaipur. Upon independence
Udaipur merged in the union of India.
The city of Dawn,Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure water lake,hemmed
in by the lush hills of the Aravallis. A vision in white drenched in romance
and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences
and inspiration for the imagination of poets,painters and writers.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces,lakes,temples,gardens and narrow lanes
strewn with stalls,carry the flavor of a heroic past,epitomizing valour and
chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichhola is an enticing
sight.
Udiapur is the jewel of Mewar-a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200
Years. The foundation of the city has an interesting legend associated with
it. According to it, Maharana Udai Singh, the founder,was hunting one day when
he met a holy man meditations on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichhola.
The hermit blessed the Maharana and advised him to build a palace at this favorable
located spot with a fertile valley watered by the stream, a lake,an agreeable
altitude and an ampitheatre of low mountains. Maharana followed the advise of
the hermit and founded the city in 1559 A.D.
Overlooking the aquamarine expanses of the Lake Pichhola stands the splendid
City Palace-a marvel in granite and marble.
Of the original eleven gates of the Udaipur City,only five remain. The Suraj
Pol the original or Sun Gate on the eastern side is the main entrance to the
city.
Exquisite lake palaces of Udaipur shimmering like jewels on Lake Pichhola are
overwhelming in splendor.
Several places of interest around Udaipur, including the majestic, Chittaurgarh,the
mountain fortress of Kumbhalgarh, beautiful jain temple of Ranakpur,Ekligji
and Nathdwara and the cool retreat of Mt. Abu, make the visit to Udaipur a memorable
one.
