Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II[4] as a new capital of the Mewar kingdom, located in the fertile circular Girwa Valley to the southwest of Nagda, on the Banas River, the first capital of Mewar. This area already had a thriving trading town, Ayad, which had served as capital of Mewar in the 10th through 12th centuries. The Girwa region was thus already well-known to Chittaud rulers who moved to it whenever the vulnerable tableland Chittaudgadh was threatened with enemy attacks. Maharana Udai Singh II, in the wake of 16th century emergence of artillery warfare, decided during his exile at Kumbhalgadh to move his capital to a more secure location. Ayad was flood-prone, hence he chose the ridge east of Pichola Lake to start his new capital city, where he came upon a hermit while hunting in the foothills of the Aravalli Range. The hermit blessed the king and asked him to build a palace on the spot, assuring him it would be well protected. Udai Singh II consequently established a residence on the site. In November 1567, theMughal emperor Akbar laid siege to the venerated fort of Chittor, which was reduced to one of the 84 forts of Mewar.
Aerial view of City Palace on Lake Pichola As the Mughal empire weakened, the Sisodia ranas, and later maharanas (also called the Guhilots or Suryavansh), who had always tried to oppose Mughal dominance, reasserted their independence and recaptured most of Mewar except for Chittor. Udaipur remained the capital of the state, which became a princely state of British India in 1818. Being a mountainous region and unsuitable for heavily armoured Mughal horses, Udaipur remained safe from Mughal influence in spite of much pressure. The rajvansh of Udaipur was one of the oldest dynasties of the world. Maharana Mahendra Singh Mewar of the Royal Family of Udaipur is the current symbolic ruler of the city. |
Incredible UdaipurUdaipur is a beautiful city in the Indian State of Rajasthan. I like this paradise because it is the land of Maharana Pratap who fought many wars to save the honour of Mewar, its people and tradition. Apart from its heritage status, I like this city for its picturesque beauty with splendid Lake Pichhola lapping against shimmering white buildings and the stunning Aravali hills closing in to savor the view. The master piece of the city is the floating lake palace which I admire the most. It seems to me that gorgeous lakes, beautiful lush green gardens, inspiring palaces, forts, old Mansions and havelies of Udaipur are straight out of a fairy tale book. Changes To Be Made in Udaipur Udaipur is an International destination as well as an exotic city offering various tourist activities. To preserve the reputation of the city, I wish to change a few things for it with changing times so that our city can continue to be called as Kashmir of Rajasthan. For this the top of the agenda is maintenance of the places of tourist interest. They should be maintained in good condition and their cleanliness should be the foremost priority. The tourists from abroad as well as from other parts of the country reach Udaipur through air, road and rail. Udaipur falls on the ‘Golden Quadrilateral’ so it is well connected to the country by road but not by rail and air. Udaipur lacks direct connectivity to south India and major cities of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. More trains should be introduced connecting these places which would increase the inflow of domestic tourist traffic. More private airlines should be permitted to operate in this sector so that more foreign tourists can visit this area. Frequency of flights should be increased connecting different parts of the country. Local transport needs upliftment for local people as well as tourists. Metered taxis and auto-rickshaws as well as regular city bus service should be introduced for the convenience of the tourists and the local people. The traffic movement within the city needs to be taken care for the safety of the people. Considering the size and population of the city, number of vehicles is very large and the movement of traffic is also very fast and rash which needs to be controlled and regulated. With the increase in the size and population of the city, the medical facilities also should be improved for the better health of the people. Due to changing lifestyle and modern eating habits, people require more and specialized medical attention. Government and general public duties to make Udaipur a dream place Maintenance and cleanliness of the places of tourist interest can be done with the help of local administration and people visiting these places. Administration can take the help of the NGO’s and voluntary organizations for the purpose which will help in the growth of tourism. Local administration with the help of these organizations should raise public awareness of the environment to sensitize tourists to nature and its processes and to reduce negative impacts of human activities on natural areas specially around lakes and gardens. For the maintenance of tourist spots, the security aspect of these places should be strengthened and strict vigilance is also necessary. India has promoted the idea of ‘Atithi Devo Bhavah’ (the guest is divine) to protect international tourists from negative experiences such as cheating and rudeness. CCTV cameras should be installed in prominent and sensitive places for the security of the tourists and the travelers as their protection is the foremost responsibility of the government. Udaipur is well connected between Delhi and Mumbai on National Highway (NH) 8 as such most of the domestic as well as foreign tourist come by road but the condition of the state government buses and Udaipur bus stand needs to be revamped. Keeping in view the importance of the city, the government should take necessary steps to improve the condition of bus stand as well as condition of the state owned buses. Most of the buses are old. They should be replaced with the latest models which are environment friendly, have larger seats and better air conditioning. Due to lack of organized local and public transport, tourists visiting this city have to rely upon their tour operators or their hoteliers. Local Administration should introduce metered taxi and auto rickshaw for the convenience of the tourists’ especially domestic tourists. Local City bus should also be introduced which would ease the traffic load of the city. The traffic movement within the city needs to be controlled and organized because of the increasing population and large number of private vehicles. Proper and systematic parking measures should be taken by the local administration to get rid of parking nuisance in the busy market areas and places of tourist interest. Helmet should be made compulsory for two wheelers. Teenagers without valid driving license should not be permitted to drive vehicles. This should be implemented by traffic police in true spirit and should be strictly followed by the people for their own safety. With the increase in the population of the city, the government and health organizations should take essential steps for better, specialized and prompt medical facilities to the people in effective and most convenient way, so that they don’t need to depend for medical facilities in nearby major cities like Ahmedabad and Jaipur. More specialized government hospitals should be brought up to cater the need of common people who cannot afford the expensive medical treatment of private hospitals. Last but not the least, I wish that it should not only maintain its rich heritage but surge ahead keeping with changing times of modern banking, Industrial and Technological development also. Udaipur is a visual treat for its vibrant colourful lifestyle, something that will keep the traveller rapt with attention, as experience that he will cherish for the lifetime… INCREDIBLE UDAIPUR Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam Be it ever so humble, there is no place like Udaipur my home
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Udaipur TourismTourism
City Palace, Udaipur Standing on the east bank of Lake Pichola is a massive series of palaces built at different times from 1559. The balconies of the palace provide panoramic views of the "Jag Niwas" (the Lake Palace Hotel). They also have views of Jag Mandir on one side and the city of Udaipur on the other. Its main entrance is through the triple-arched gate - the Tripolia, built in 1725. The way now leads to a series of courtyards, overlapping parations, terraces, corridors and gardens. There is a Suraj Gokhda, where the maharanas of Mewar presented themselves in the times of trouble to the people to restore confidence. The Mor-chowk (Peacock courtyard), gets its name from the mosaics in glass decorating its walls. The chini chitrashala is noteworthy while a series of wall paintings of Krishna are on display in Bhim Vilas. There are numerous other palaces such as Dilkhush mahal, Sheesh mahal, Moti mahal and Krishna vilas - in memory of a princess of striking beauty who poisoned herself to avert a bloody battle for her hand by rival princes. Now the palace contains many antique articles, paintings, decorative furniture and utensils and attracts thousands of visitors every day. Celebration mall (Highest rated mall of Rajasthan) that is India's first and only Heritage mall, is now serving as a tourist attraction destination. The former guesthouse of the city palace, Shiv Niwas Palace and the Fateh Prakash Palace have been converted into heritage hotels. Lake Palace The Lake Palace was built in 1743-1746. It is made of marble and is situated near Jag Niwas island in Lake Pichola. It was originally built as a royal summer palace, but is now a luxury 5 Star hotel, operating under the "Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces" banner. Jag Mandir Jag Mandir is another island in Lake Pichola which is known for its garden courtyard. Shah Jahan took refuge here while revolting against his father. There is a restaurant run by the HRH group of hotels. Monsoon Palace Monsoon Palace also known as Sajjan Garh Palace The summer resort of the Maharajas is atop the hill overlooking all of the lakes. This palace had a way to collect rain water for consumption all year around. Jagdish Temple The Jagdish Temple is a large Hindu temple in the middle of Udaipur. It was built by Maharana Jagat Singh Ist in 1651 A.D. It is an example of Indo - Aryan architecture. This temple is a great example of architecture and art. The area is the main tourist place in the city. You can also find some special kind of things like rajasthani dress, paintings etc. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park It is a garden developed around the Dudh Talai by Urban Improvement Trust (UIT) Udaipur, the local development authority. Visitors may enjoy watching Musical Fountain here.A rope way has been setup here to reach Karni Mata Temple at the top of Machhla Mangra. Fateh Sagar Lake Fateh Sagar Lake is situated in the north of Lake Picholas. It was originally built by Maharana Jai Singh in the year 1678 AD, but later on reconstructed and extended by Maharana Fateh Singh after much destruction was caused by heavy rains. In 1993-1994, the water vanished from the lake, but in 2005-2006, the lake regained its water. Lake Pichola Lake Pichola has two islands, Jag Niwas and the Jag Mandir. This lake is 4 km long and 3 km wide, originally built by Maharana Udai Singh II. There are many ghats, like the bathing and washing ghats, which can be approached through boats from the City Palace of Udaipur (Bansi Ghat). In the heart of the lake the Lake Palace stands, which is now converted into a heritage palace hotel. The lake remains fairly shallow even during heavy rains, and gets dry easily in times of severe drought. Saheliyon-ki-Bari Sahelion ki Bari was laid for a group of forty-eight young women attendants who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of her dowry. The gardens set below the embankment of the Fatah Sagar Lake have lotus pools, marble pavilions and elephant-shaped fountains. These fountains are fed by the water of the lake gushing through ducts made for the purpose. Gulab Bagh and Zoo A rose garden laid out by Maharaja Sajjan Singh is situated near the palace on the east side of Lake Pichhola. A library in the garden has a collection of ancient handwritten manuscripts and books. Some of the part of the Satyarth Prakash have been written in this library. Styarth Prakash stup is situated in Gulab Bagh. Within the garden, there is a zoo with tigers, leopards, Chinkara gazelle, birds, and many wild animals. Children can enjoy mini train, track of which covers the main part of the garden and the zoo. Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal A museum of folk arts. It also hosts puppet shows in its auditorium. Maharana Pratap Memorial or Moti Magri Atop the Moti Magri or Pearl Hill, overlooking the Fatah Sagar Lake is the memorial of the Rajput hero Maharana Pratap with a bronze statue of the Maharana astride his favourite horse "Chetak".[8] Bagore-ki-Haveli This is an old building built right on the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangori Ghat. The haveli now stages Rajasthani traditional dance and music. Ahar Museum Located about 2 km east of Udaipur is a cluster of cenotaphs of the Maharanas of Mewar. There are about nineteen cenotaphs of Maharanas cremated there. One cenotaph is that Maharana Amar Singh, who reigned from 1597 to 1620. Nearby is also Ahar Museum, where on display is limited but very rare earthen pottery, as well as some sculptures and other archaeological finds. Some pieces date back to 1700 BC, and a tenth-century metal figure of Buddha is a special attraction. Shilpgram A crafts village located northwest of Udaipur, Shilpgram hosts an annual crafts fair which is one of the biggest in India; people from different states in the country have stalls showcasing their art and crafts work.[9] Udaipur Solar Observatory Asia's only solar observatory, the Udaipur Solar Observatory, is situated on an island in the middle of the Lake Fatah Sagar. . |
Skill ThreeChunda Palace Map: Pichola Lake Chunda Palace Hotel, Udaipur has been designed to resemble a traditional Rajasthani palace. It successfully depicts the rich cultural heritage of the Mewar dynasty. This fascinating hotel took six years Club Mahindra Udaipur Map: Udaipur Suburbs Paras Hill Resort offers a wide panoramic view of the surrounding hills. The magnificent setting combines with royal service to make your holiday a journey into the romance and grandeur Devi Garh By lebua Map: Eklingji Temple Devi Garh By Lebua, Udaipur is a heritage hotel which was the fort palace of the rulers of Delwara principality in the 18th century. Restored into a luxurious and stylish Fateh Garh Udaipur Suburbs Fateh Garh, Udaipur is a heritage structure known to offer fresh, exciting and innovative stopover experience. The palatial structure has been conceptualized, designed and executed to renew the cultural heritage. Inder Residency Map: Goverdhan Vilas Hotel Inder Prakash, Udaipur, a Haveli style property is surrounded by beautiful Aravali Mountain Ranges. Being a heritage property, it has regal grandeur that reflects the Rajasthani culture and traditions. The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur Map: Fateh Sagar Lake Location. Near the airport, The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace is located in Udaipur's Lake Fateh Sagar neighborhood and close to Maharana Pratap Statue, Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum, and The Leela Palace-Udaipur Map: Pichola Lake Facing the Aravali mountains, stands this palatial hotel, promising a lavish home away from home. The Leela Palace Kempinski offers the finest of pleasures and comforts in Udaipur. In a The Oberoi Udaivilas Map: Pichola Lake Udaipur, in the heart of Rajasthan, is a city of majestic palaces and beautiful lakes. Here, adorning the banks of Lake Pichola and standing witness to the historic City Palace, Radisson Blu Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa Map: Fateh Sagar Lake Boasting a location near Fateh Sagar Lake, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa in Udaipur is a magnificent property inviting guests for a unique experience. Guests at the resort enjoy on-site Ramada Udaipur Resort and Spa Map: Rampura Circle Set in the backdrop of the Aravalli ranges, Ramada resort and spa recreates the romance of the past. With design details such as mirrored mosaics and miniature paintings, the architecture Shiv Niwas palace Pichola Lake Shiv Niwas Palace Hotel, Udaipur is a regal destination where guests are invited to an experience of a lifetime. Built in the early 20th century, the crescent-shaped palace has been |