Udaipur

PRIME SITES

City Palace: A majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake on a hill surrounded by crenallated walls, it is a conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. The main entrance is through the triple arched gate, the 'Tripolia' with eight marble porticos. The maharanas were weighed under the gate in gold, the equivalent amount of which was distributed among the populace.

The Suraj Gokhada, the balcony of the sun, is where the Suryavanshi Maharanas of Mewar presented themselves to the people in time of trouble to restore their confidence. The 'Mor Chowk' known for its exquisite peacock mosaics in glass and the 'Chini Chitrashala' noted for its blue and white ceramics are other attractions in the Palace.

Jagdish Temple: Built in 1651 A.D. by Maharana Jagat Singh, this Indo-Aryan temple is the largest and the most beautiful temple of Udaipur with noteworthy sculpted images.

Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum: The interesting collection exhibited by this Indian folk arts museum includes folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings.

Saheliyon-ki-Bari (Garden of the maids of Honour): This small ornamental garden was a popular relaxing spot where royal ladies came for a stroll and hence the name, The garden has many fountains in its four delightful pools, chiselled kiosks and marble elephants.

Pratap Memorial: Atop the Moti Magri or pearl hill, overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake is the memorial of the Rajput hero Maharana Pratap with a bronze statue of the Maharana.

Fateh Sagar: A beautiful lake, overlooked by a number of hills on the three sides and the Pratap Memorial on the north was built by Maharana Fateh Singh. In the middle of the lake is Nehru Park - a lovely garden island with a boat shaped cafe accessible by an enjoyable boat ride.

Pichhola Lake: The picturesque lake that entranced Maharaja Udai Singh. It was later enlarged by the founder. The lake is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples bathing ghats and embankments. Two island palaces, Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) on the lake are of breathtaking magnificence.

Ahar: The ancient capital of Sisodias, 3 km from Udaipur, Ahar boasts of a profusion of royal cenotaphs of the rulers of Mewar. A rare collection of antiquities including earthen pots, iron objects and other art items excavated in the region are displayed in a small Govt. museum.

Sajjan Garh: Dominating the city's skyline is the monsoon palace of Sajjan Garh, It offers a panoramic overview of the city's lakes, palaces and the surrounding countryside.

Gulab Bagh: A spectacular rose Garden laid out by Maharana Sajjan Singh. A library in the garden has a rare collection of ancient handwritten manuscripts and books.

EXCURSIONS

Eklingji (22 km): Built in 734 A.D. is the beautifully sculpted temple complex with 108 temples within its high walls. The temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of Mewar rulers.

The walled complex encloses an elaborately pillared hall or 'mandap' under a large pyramidal roof and has four-faced image of Lord Shiva in black marble.

Nagda (23 km): The ancient site dating back to the 6th century A.D. is renowned for the Sas-Bahu temples (9th-10th century A.D.) with interesting architecture and carvings. The splendid Jain temples of Adbudji are also worth a visit.

Haldighati (40 km): A historical site, witness to the great battle fought between Maharana Pratap and the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1576 A.D. The 'chhatri' of Maharana's horse-Chetak is noteworthy.

Nathdwara (48 km): The most reverred 17th century shrine, dedicated to Shrinathji or Lord Krishna, attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over the country, especially during Diwali, Holi and Janmashtami when their number exceeds a lakh. Foreign tourists are not permitted inside and photography is prohibited. .

Kankroli (65 km): An important vaishnava temple popularly called Dwarikadhish. It is the most important temple of the Vallabhacharya sect, built to resemble the famous Nathdwara shrine.

Rajsamand Lake (66 km): Close to Kankroli is the dam built by Maharana Raj Singh in 1660 A.D. Many ornamental arches and chhatris adorn the embankment.

Kumbhalgarh Fort (84 km): The second principal fortress in Rajasthan after Chittaurgarh, it is perched atop the Aravallis.

Built in the 15th century by Maharana Kumbha, it extends over 12 km and encloses many temples, palaces and gardens. The fort was renovated in the 19th century. The Badal Mahal or Cloud Palace offers a spectacular bird's-eye view of the surrounding countryside. Closeby is the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary with a rich variety of wildlife.

The Fort is accessible only by jeep from Kelwara through the seven gates.

Jagat (58 km): The splendid and well preserved 10th century temple of Ambika Mata is known for its intricate carvings in the outer walls. Popularly known as the Khajuraho of Rajasthan.

Jaisamand lake (48 km): A stunningly situated artificial lake, built in the 17th century A.D. by Maharana Jai Singh is the second largest in Asia. Graceful marble chhatris flank the embankment and beautiful summer palaces of the Udaipur queens are built on either side of the lake. Jaisamand Island Resort is also worth visiting.

A trip to Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary allows a close encounter with the rich wildlife in their natural habitat. The fauna includes panther, wild boar, deer, four­horned antelope, mongoose and various species of migratory birds.

Ranakpur (90 km): The beautifully sculptured Jain temples lie in a tranquil valley of the Aravalis. The main 'Chaumukha Temple' is dedicated to the tirthankara Adinath and has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, all distinctly carved.

Two Jain temples dedicated to Neminath and Parsvanath and a Sun Temple a little distance away, are also noteworthy.

Shopping: Udaipur has countless shops and many interesting local crafts that make it a one-of-its-kind shopping experience. A plethora of items like folk toys, colourful tie-and-dye-sarees and clothes, turbans, hand painted fabric, silver jewellery, wall hangings and miniature paintings in Rajput style are the favourite buys. The beautiful images of gods and goddesses made in the nearby Mollela village near Nathdwara are not to be missed. The shopping spots include a cluster of stalls on the Lake Palace Road next to the Rang Niwas Palace Hotel and others around the Jagdish Temple.


FESTIVE FUN

The Mewar Festival in March- April is the ceremonial welcome to spring and is dedicated to goddess Parvati.

A procession of colourfully attired women, carrying images of the goddess to the Gangaur Ghat of the Lake Pichhola is the major highlight. Songs, dances and firework displays mark the festivities. Gangaur Festival in March-April is popular among women who pray to the goddess Parvati. A procession of caparisoned horses and elephants accompanying the image of Lord Shiva is the major attraction.

Teej in July-August is the festival celebrating the advent of monsoon.


TRAVEL INFORMATION HOW TO GET THERE

Air: Dabok Airport is 24 km from the city centre. Daily Indian Airlines flights connect Udaipur with Jodhpur, Jaipur, Aurangabad, Mumbai and Delhi.

Rail: Udaipur is directly linked by rail with major cities. Some important train connections are: 9643 Express (Udaipur­Himatnagar); 9616 Express (Delhi Sarai Rohilla-J ai pur-Ajmer-Chlttaurgarh­Udaipur)

Road: A wide network of bus services link Udaipur with several destinations. Some of the important distances are Agra 630 km, Ahmedabad 262 km, Jaipur 406 km, Jodhpur 275 km and Mount Abu 185km.

Local Transport: Unmetered taxis, auto­rickshaws, tongas, city bus. Regular city bus service is available for Dabok airport, Badi Lake, Bedala and Saheliyon ki Bari.

Where to stay: Deluxe Hotels: Lake Palace, Tel. : 527961; Fateh Prakash Palace Hotel, Tel. : 528008, 528016; Shiv Niwas Palace (Heritage), Tel. : 528239, 528507; Laxmi Vilas Palace Hotel, Tel. : 529713; Hotel Hilltop Palace, Tel. ; 28764; Hotel Oriental Palace, Tel. ; 412373; Hotel Paras Mahal, Tel. : 483391-4; Heritage Resort Nagda, Tel. : 77202; Jaisamand Island Resort, Tel. : 2222.

Standard Hotels: Shikarbadi Hotel, Tel. : 583200; Hotel Rajadarshan, Tel. : 526601-05; Chandralok Hotel, Tel. : 29012; Hotel Lake Pichhola, Tel. : 420387; Hotel Ashish Palace, Tel. : 525558; Anand Bhawan, Tel. : 523018; Hotel Green View International, Tel. : 422222.

Budget Hotels: Hotel Lake End Tel. 415100; RTDC Hotel Kajri Tel.410501, 410501-3; Hotel Jagat Niwas Palace, Tel. : 415728.

Economy Hotels: Alka Hotel, Tel. : 414611; Hotel Fountain, Tel. : 560290, 560646; Pratap Country Inn, Tel. ; 583138; Hotel Ram Pratap, Tel. : 528701; Hotel Mayur, Tel. : 417191; Hotel Air Palace, Tel. : 529711; Hotel Dev Darshan, Tel. : 420546; Madhubani Holiday Home, Tel. : 5523317.

Supplementary Accommodation: Circuit House, Tel. : 529035; Dak Bunglow, Tel. ; 528878; Devasthan Visrantigrah, Tel. : 528896; Municipal Guest House, Fateh Memorial Dharmshala, Railway Retiring Rooms. Paying Guest Accommodation available. Please contact Rajasthan Tourist Reception Centre, Fateh Memorial, Udaipur, Tel. : 411535.

Dining: Dal Bati Choorma, is a local speciality. Most hotels have good restaurants that serve Indian and International dishes, Other restaurants recommended include Berry's and Kwality at Chetak Circle; Park view at Town Hall Road; Natraj at Bapu Bazar; Shilpi at Shilpgram.


OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

Banks/Money Changers: State Bank of India, Hospital Road, Tel. : 525857; State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur, Chetak Circle, Tel. : 525066; Punjab National Bank, Town Hall Road, Tel. ; 522118; Bank of Rajasthan, Bapu Bazar, Tel. ; 529598; Bank of India,Delhi Gate, Tel. : 525579. Canara Bank, Hospial Road, Tel. : 527365; Union Bank of India, Town Hall Road, Tel. : 420047; A,ndhra Bank, Shakti Nagar, Tel. : 413415.

Post and Telegraph Office: G.P.O., Chetak Circle, Tel. : 528605; City Post Office, Shastri Circle, Tel. : 413905.

Photo Studios: Rama Studio, Bapu Bazar, Tak Studio Station Road; Kalpana Studio, Bapu Bazar, Shrimal Studio, Surajpol.

Tourist Reception Centre: Tourist Reception Centre, Fateh Memorial, 'outside Suraj Pole, Tel. ; 411535; Tourist Information Counter at City Railway Station, Platform No. I, Tel. : 412984; Tourist Information Bureau, Dabok Airport, Tel. : 655433.

Guide Service: Approved guides for local sightseeing can be hired through the Tourist Officer, Tourist Reception Centre, Fateh Memorial, outside Suraj Pole, Tel. : 411535.

Travel Agents: Rajasthan Tours, Tel. : 525777; Tourist Guide Service, Tel..: 529626; Aravali Safari, Tel. : 420282; Tourist Taxi Service, Tel.. : 581169; Travel Corporation of India, Tel. ; 522307; Travel Plan, Tel. : 524688; Exclusive India, Tel. : 529015; Lake Palace Tours and Travels, Tel. : 528410; Speed Birds Tours, Tel. : 528169; Echdee Travels (P) Ltd., Tel. : 524436.

Conducted Tours: Daily tours, conducted by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, start from RTDC Hotel Kajri, Shastri Circle,
Tel. : 410501-3.
1. Pratap Memorial-Fateh Sagar lake, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandai Museum, City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Timings: 0800 hrs to 1300 hrs. (Rs. 40 per head)
2. Haldighati-Nathdwara-Eklingji, Timings: 1400 hrs to 1900 hrs. (Rs. 70 per head)

Entertainment: Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandai Near Chetak Circle, Tel. : 529296; MeeraKala Mandir, City Station Road, Tel. : 583176; Shilp Gram, Fateh Sagar, Rani Road, Tel. : 560304.

Clubs: Clubs in Udaipur that offer various activities are Field Club, Rotary Club and Lions Club.

Fishing: For enthusiastic anglers, the Jaisamand Lake is open for fishing. License can be obtained from the Fisheries Department. For assistance, please contact the Dy. Directorrrourist Officer, Tourist Reception Centre, Tel. : 411535.

Swimming: Facilities are offered by the Lake Palace Hotel on prior permission from the Management. Other places with a swimming pool are Hotel Laxmi Vilas Palace, Shikarbadi, Lakend Hotel, Hotel Shiv Niwas Palace, Shilpi Restaurant.


GENERAL INFORMATION

Area: 37 sq. km

Altitude: 577 metres

Climate: Mean Max. Summer: 38.3°C Winter: 28.3° C
                Mean Min. Summer: 28.8°C Winter: 11.6° C

Rainfall: 61 cms.

Clothing: Summer: Light Tropical
                  Winter: Light Woollen

Best Season: September-March

Languages: Mewari, Hindi, English.

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