THE LAKE CITY- UDAIPUR

Udaipur, the enchanting city is dominated by its lakes, its marble palaces, and its beautiful gardens. The founder, Maharana Udai Singh, was overcome by the misfortunes that his old capital of Chittaurgarh had to face. Weary of the repeated attacks that he has to face, Udai Singh sought the help of a holy man and asked him to suggest a safe place for his new capital. Udai Singh was advised to shift his capital to the banks of Lake Pichola. The city of Udaipur was thus founded and grew around the lake.

PLACES OF VISIT:

1. Maharana's Palace: Hardly any other palace in India possesses the splendour and grandeur of Udaipur City Palace. This 100ft. high palace is erected on sandstone and is very imposing monument to the south-west of the city. A splendid vision is offered along the shores of the lake Pichola, by the snowwhite balconies, pillars, windows, ornamental arches and decorated domes of the palace.

2. Jag Niwas Palace: Built by Maharana Jagat Singh II in 1757 AD. and added to by subsequent rulers Jag Niwas Palace is almost in the middle of Lake Pichola with a background of wooden hills touching the water's edge.

3. Jagdish Temple: Approached by a flight of steps and dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Jagdish Temple was built in 1651 A.D. by Maharana Jagat Singh I. Two huge elephants of stone are present below the entrance. Also a brass range of Garuda can be seen in front of the temple,on a shrine.

4. Jai Mandir: Another Lake Palace, Jai Mandir, is situated in the southern end of Lake Pichola. It is associated with Prince Khurram, afterwards known as Emperor Shah Jahan, who sought asylum in it while revolting against his father Jahangir.

5. Lake Pichola: The most fantastic sight is offered by this lake, bounded by hillocks, bathing ghats, temples and palaces in Udaipur. It was created artificially at the end of the 14th century, covering an area of about 10 sq.km.To the east of the lake is Khasodi, the royal shooting box, built by Maharana Sajjan Singh, which can be approached both from the lake and by a road running past the Sajjan Nivas Gardens or Gulab Bagh.

6. The Museum: Victoria Hall Museum in the Sajjan Niwas Gardens contains some rare antiquities. Also displayed is the historic turban of Prince Khurram, from which the headgear of Mewar was evolved.

7. Pratap Smarak: Its a beautiful garden laid out, over-looking the Fateh Sagar Lake and the Nehru Park. And a bronze statue has been erected in the centre of the Park of the immortal Rajput patriot, Maharana Pratap.

8. Fateh Sagar: It is situated to the north of Lake Pichola and connected with it by a canal. It is an artificial lake, 2.4 km long and 1.6 km broad. Fringed by hlls on three sides, it is built by Maharana Fateh Singh. Fateh drive, a fine zig-zag tarred road borders this beautiful lake. Beautiful Nehru Park with jet fountains and a canteen are a rare delight to the visitors.

9. Sahelion-ki-Bari: "Garden of the Maids of Honour" is just below the embankment of the Fateh Sagar Lake. It was laid out for the Maids of Honour presented to Maharana Sangram Singh II by the emperor of Delhi. It contains ornamental pools with finely sculptured chhatris of soft black stone surrounded on all sides by a large no. of magnificent fountains. It is the most fascinating garden of its class.

NEARBY PLACES:

1.Kumbhal garh: (64 km )stands on a craggy hill. It commnads an impressive view of the rugged Aravali ranges and the sandy deserts of Marwar.

2. Haldi Ghati: (66 km); A platform 3 km away, marks the spot where the Rana Pratap's faithful horse Chetak breathed his last.

3. Nagda: It is one of the most ancient places in Merwar, named after its founder Nagaditya. It is ruined after all the slaughter by the muslims. Sas and Bahu temples dating from 11th century are however, the principal attractions at Nagda, as they are decorated with carvings and sculptures which are unsurpassed in Mewar.

4. Rishabdevji: (64 km); The image of Rishabdevji also called Kesariaji because of the saffron which is offered to it by pilgrims, is of black marble in a sitting posture.

5.Eklingji :(21 km); The deity of the ruling family of Udaipur has been enshrined here.

6. Nathdwara: (41 km); This temple of Lord Krishna styled as Shrinathji, attracts thousands of pilgrims every year from all over India.

7 .Kankroli : On the banks of Rajsamand lake, 16 km from Nathdwara and famous for a Vaishnava temple.

8. Jaisamand: (51 km); Also known as Dhebar lake, 14 km long and 9.6 km broad with a circumference of 48 km and is considered to be one of the artificial sheets of water in the world.

9. Rajsamand: (64 km) One of the most beautiful lakes of Rajasthan.

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