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After
the hurly burly of Rajasthan’s cities, Udaipur’s lake filled
paradise seems like an idyllic repose. The spectacular structures on
the mirror-calm lakes replete with gently undulating courtyards,
pavilions, terraces, corridors and hanging gardens, mesmerize. The
clouds seemingly whisper poems here with birds as messengers.
Everything is unhurried and exquisite – incredible beauty arising
sharply out of the mundane. Be dazzled by the MOR Mahal of the
enrapturous peacock mosaic, shimmering mirror work of the Moti Mahal
and the enchanting wall paintings within Bhim Vilas Palace. The
garden of maidens with the greens, fountains, marble elephants and
pools with lovely lotus is as enchanting at another level as the
bazaar.
How to Reach
Though the Debock Airport is 24 km away daily flights connect
Udaipur with Jodhpur Jaipur, Aurangabad, Mumbai and Delhi. It is
also directly linked by rail with major cities. A wide network of
bus service links Udaipur with several destinations
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Places to visit |
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Forts &
Palaces :City Palace
The gigantic
Palace overshadows the Pichola Lake, but sets up an
inimitable contrast of aggression and placidity. Built
through several generations, it displays unique synthesis of
styles in the various accretions after Maharana Uday Singh
initiated the construction. The diverse palaces and
structures of the complex, however, retain an incredible
integrity. While the entry is from the Hati Pol, the
Elephant gate, the Bari Pol or the Big Gate leads you to the
Tripolia, the Triple gate.
Fateh
Prakash Palace
Revel in
authentic royal luxury in this palace that has been turned
into the grand heritage palace of the HRH group. A glimpse
of royal hospitality elevates you as you walk down the
corridors. The large paintings of the Mewar school that
flourished in the seventeenth to the nineteenth century are
on both sides and only accentuate the effect.
The Lake
Palace
Sitting bang in
the middle of the Pichola Lake, it encompasses the entire
1.5 hectare Jag Niwas Island. Originally meant as a royal
summer palace, it is now a five star palace hotel. The
mystical, magical palace casts its shimmering image in the
middle of the lake. The fairy tale palace exhibits a
mesmerizing range of intricate craftsmanship. The lake
around forever murmurs its approval.
Havelies :Bagore-Ki
Haveli
The eighteenth
century building built by the Prime Minister of Mewar stands
on the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangori Ghat. It houses
over hundred rooms filled with myriad resplendent costumes
and modern art. The glass and mirror in the interiors sets
the soul aglitter.
Monuments :Maharana
Pratap Memorial
A spectacular
bronze statue of Maharana Pratap with Chetak his loyal horse
stares down from the top of Moti Magri (Pearl Mount)
overlooking Fateh Sagar. Ruins of one of the first Udaipur’s
forts and a charming Japanese rock garden are not far away.
Lakes
:Lake Pichola
Built on the
submerged Pichola Village, the picture perfect lake encloses
the Jag Niwas Island and the Jag Mandir. The City Palace
lies along its eastern banks.
Fateh Sagar
Lake
The artificial
lake was dug up in 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh and given its
present shape by Maharana Fateh Singh. This delightful lake,
bordered by hills and woodland contains the beautiful Nehru
Island as well as an islet bearing a solar observatory.
Museums:City Palace Museum
The main part of
the City Palace is now a museum showcasing a large array of
objects. Walk down the steps for the armory museum
displaying an enormous collection of protective gear,
weapons including the lethal two-pronged sword.
Vintage Collection of Classic Car Museum
Vintage beauties like Cadillac, Chevrolet, and Morris occupy
the grounds of the Garden Hotel. Classic cars mingle with
the outlandish as some stately cars seem ready to race the
sleek and fast. |
Eating Out
Udaipur has
flavors that suit all taste-buds. While gram flour is a major for
making delicacies like Khata, Gatta ki sabzi and Pakodi, powdered
lentils are used for Mangodi, Papad, and Bajra. Corn is the chief
ingredient for preparing Rabdi, Kheechdi, and Rotis. Restaurants
meeting all budget sizes can easily be discovered.
Do’s and Don’t’s
- Don’t get fleeced by
the locals while shopping or looking for an accommodation.
- Must get reservations before in hand as this city is packed from
October-March.
- It is a safe city for travelers especially for women but just be
aware.
- At least a minimum of two full days are recommended. Add extra
days for side trips. |