Udaipur is located in the
Rajasthan state in the north of
India. This city is located to the south of the Aravilli range, which separates the city from the Thar desert. To those who live in Udaipur, the Aravilli range is a relief. They appreciate that it separates the harsh desert from the soothing eastern hills of
Rajasthan.
Udaipur is a land full of culture and beauty. Every part of the city tells a story; from the ancient palaces with their towering architecture, to the loveliness of the gardens and the great lakes. It’s no wonder thousands of tourists flock to this city every year.
The City Palace of Udaipur
A spectacular location to begin your journey would be the city palace of Udaipur. Looking out over Lake Pichola, this palace is the largest and most brilliant in all of
Rajasthan. Its construction was started by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559. It was completed in stages by his kin. It took until the 18th century to complete. This wondrous masterpiece is the most visited tourist spot of Udaipur. The palace is an easily accessible tourist attraction, and can be reached by taking transportation such as buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws or tongas.
The Jag Madir Palace
Located on an island in the south of lake Pichola, The Jag Madir Palace is a true wonder to be seen. Constructed in the 17th century, this palace was built by Maharana Karan Singh to hide the crown prince Khurram (or Shan Jahan) from 1620-1628. Maharana Karan Singh ruled the region during this time, and sent the prince into exile after the prince seriously challenged his father. This marvelous palace was not only known for its history, but for its heavenly features. The palace has three floors formed out of yellow sandstone and marble, and eight massive, marvelous elephant statues stand guard on the castle. The palace also offers a few surprises for their guests; including a museum telling the history of the castle, and a Darikhana restaurant that serves delicious and colorful Rajasthani delicacies. This palace is also very accessible, and can be reached by buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws, and tongas.
The Lake Palace
If you are in the mood for love, the lake palace at Udaipur has been revered as one of the most romantic places on the planet. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the palace brilliantly perched on Jag Niwas island on the glittering lake. The Aravilli hills and shimmering palaces in the distance offer a soothing and breathtaking view for the onlooker to enjoy. The lake palace itself was erected in 1754 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, and designed out of milky white marble along the four acres of the island, creating a paradise worth experiencing. This palace, given its watery and secluded location, is only accessible from the sandy shores of lake Pichola by boat.
Haldighati
There are also a number of other monuments and attractions worth seeing for every different enthusiast. A fun family activity for animal lovers would be to visit Haldighati, home of the Kumbhalgarh wildlife sanctuary. Haldighati also offers plenty of historical attractions, such as the Ahar Cenotaphs. Located in the Udaipur district of
Rajasthan, Ahar is world renowned for its history of being the cremation site of rulers of Mewar. Ahar also is known for its many exploratory sites, which offer a world of information for archeologists and scholars alike.
Ghanerao Castle
Ghanerao Castle suggests a fairytale quality in its lavish structure. Located in Ghanerao, this castle allows those who visit the palace a glimpse into the rich and regal world of the erstwhile royals. Nagda, although a small town, in the state of
Madhya Pradesh was founded in the sixth century by Nagaditva, the fourth king of Mewar. It was known as Nagahrida, and was at the time the capital of Mewar.
The last, but certainly not the least, of the attractions would be Bagore Ki Haveli, and the Maharana Pratap Memorial. At Pichola lake stands an aged structure that stands elevated on the platform of Gangori Ghat. Built in the 18th century, this mansion is known for its intricate architectural details such as the elegant glass work and precision wood carvings. Perched at the top of Moti Margi, also known as Pearl Hill, the historic Maharana Pratap Memorial proudly declares its devotion and love for the illustrious Maharana Pratap.
The city of Udaipur is easily reached from any of the major cities such as
Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur. The city offers a variety of travel options: air, road, and train travel. Udaipur offers a wide choice of roads if you decide to travel by automobile, and Udaipur airport located in Dabok and the Udaipur city railway station offers top quality customer service.