Udaipur
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. Udaipur 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 amphitheatre 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, Eklingji and Nathdwara and the cool retreat of Mt. Abu, make the visit to Udaipur a memorable one.
A festival to welcome the spring season. There is song, dance, processions, devotional music and fireworks where almost everybody participates.
Major Attraction: Lake Pichola, City Palace, Shilpgram, Jagdish Temple, Kumbhalgarh Fort are the major travel attractions of Udaipur.
City Palace
City Palace complex is actually a conglomeration of buildings added by various Maharanis, the palace manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design. Building was started by Maharana Udai Singh II . The palace is surmounted by balconies, towers & cupolas and there are wonderful views over the lake and the city from the upper terrace.
Main entrance is from northern end through the Baripol of 1600 and the Tripolia Gate of 1725 , with its eight carved marble arches. It was once custom for Maharanis to be weighed under the gate and their weight in gold or silver distributed to the populace.
In Badi Chowk , the large rectangular courtyard outside the museum, there are some shops selling pricey handicrafts and a money exchange facility.
The main part of the palace is now preserved as the City Palace Museum, housing a large and varied collection of artefacts. Downstairs from the entrance is an armoury section, sporting a collection of old weapons including a lethal two-prolonged sword.
Haldighati
Situated 40 Kms north of Udaipur, Haldighati, is where Maharana Pratap defied the superior Mughal forces of Akbar in 1576. The site is marked by a small chhatri which commemorates the warrior's horse, Chetak. Although badly wounded and exhausted, this brave horse carried Maharana Pratap to safety before collapsing and dying. It is for this loyalty and courage that Chetak is honored.
The vast terrain that was so supposedly covered with blood, that the sand there is still red in colour.
Kumbhalgarh Fort
Kumbhalgarh, situated 65 km north of Udaipur hold a heroic past having sheltered the heir of Mewar throne in times of Danger. It was here that the baby prince of Mewar was hidden from an assassin. It is an isolated and fascinating place, built by Maharana Khumbha in the 15th century. Because of its inaccessibility - at1100m on top of the Aravalli Range - it was taken only once in history. Even then, it took the combined armies of the Mughal emperor Akbar, and of Amber and Marwar to breach its defenses. The thick walls of this mighty fort stretch some 36km and are wide enough for eight horses to ride abreast. They enclose many temples, palaces, gardens and water storage facilities. The fort was renovated in the 19th century by Maharana Fateh Singh. It is worth taking a leisurely walk in the large compound, which has some interesting ruins and is very peaceful.
There is also the Kumbhalgarh wildlife sanctuary here, known for its wolves. The scarcity of water-holes between March and June makes this the best time to see animals, including chowsinghas (four-horned antelopes), leopards, panthers, sloth bears and various bird species.
Best Season : September - March
How To Reach
Airways: 21 km from city center lies the Maharana Pratap Airport. A well connected place by Indian Airlines and Jet Airways with Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur.
Railways: It is connected by the western Railway meter Gauger network and linked to major cities like Delhi, Jaipur Chittaurgarh.
Roadways: Well connected to all the major cities like Delhi, Agra.
