India Hotels
Rajasthan
Rajasthan-Udaipur
In all Hindustan there is no more picturesque a city than which Udai Singh, when driven from Chittorgarh, founded amongst the mountains. said King George V, visiting Udaipur in 1905. Udaipur, the city of the Suryavansi Rajputs, hidden amongst the hills that encompass the great Pichola Lake - has been called the `Venice of the East.
Indeed with it`s enchanting palaces surrounded by mirror-like lakes, undulating hills and colourful bazaars, Udaipur looks as though it has been lifted straight from the pages of an Arabian Night`s fairy tale book. The hills, the lakes and the altitude give Udaipur an extremely agreeable climate. Probably no other city in Rajasthan is quite as romantic as Udaipur. A visit to Udaipur is a must for travellers who want to experience the unique and vibrant history of Rajasthan.
Arsi Vilas : Arsi Vilas is an exclusive island located just behind Jag Niwas. It was built by Maharana Arsi Singh so he could watch the sunset from the middle of the lake. It has a lower platform at the back, which serves the purpose of a helipad when required.
Lake Pichola : This lake is the centre-piece around which Udaipur revolves. It started off as a small pond built by a banjara, who dammed up the waters of a mountain stream by building a dyke. Maharana Udai Singh extended this pond, creating the exquisite Lake Pichola. The lake lies to the immediate west of the ridge on which the City Palace of Udaipur stands.
Maharana Udai Singh built a masonry dam, known as Badi Pol, and the lake is now 4 km long and 3 km wide. The lake is fairly shallow and can actually dry up in severe droughts. One day's heavy rain is sufficient to fill the lake for a year. Amusingly, the water of the lake belongs to the Government of India whilst the land under water belongs to the royal family. A few crocodiles are believed to live in the more remote parts of the lake near uninhabited sections of the shore.
Late in the eighteenth century the traveller Louis Rousselet wrote this about the crocodiles after a sojourn in a punt on the lake: The crocodiles found here as in other inland lakes of India, is a formidable animal. It attains a great size, and the people who inhabit the shores of the lake occasionally fall victim to its savage attacks.Since the English Residency has been established at Oudeypoor, and the.
Rana, overcoming the ridiculous religious prejudices which protect these reptiles, has allowed Europeans to hunt them down, these formidable animals have abandoned the neighbourhood of the town, and have taken refuge on the opposite banks. Pitilessly pursued into their retreats, they have become very wary. As soon as a boat appears upon the lake, they dive to the bottom, and, on rising again, only show the tips of their muzzles above the surface.
Pratap Smarak : A statue of the legendary Rajput warrior Maharana Pratap, who frequently defied the Mughals, is situated atop Moti Magri overlooking Fateh Sagar. The way to the top passes through elegant gardens, including a rock garden in the distinctive Japanese style. The park is open to the public from 9 am to 6 pm.
Shilpgram : Three km west of Fateh Sagar is an interesting place called Shilpgram, a crafts village with traditional houses from four states-Rajasthan, Gujarat, Goa and Maharashtra. Daily demonstrations by musicians, dancers or artisans from various states are held here. Camel or horse rides are available here. It's open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. The open air Shilpi restaurant next to the site serves snacks and good Indian and Chinese food. It also has a swimming pool, open from 11 am to 4 pm. There's no public transport to Shilpgram, so you'll have to take an auto-rickshaw or taxi, or you'll have to rent a bicycle. Ahar Museum
Three km east of Udaipur are the remains of an ancient city. Here, you'll find a small museum housing old earthen pottery, sculptures and other archaeological finds. The museum is open daily, except Friday, from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm and entry is free. Nearby are clusters of Cenotaphs of the maharanas of Mewar.
The Durbar Hall : India's most impressive, with a sumptuous interior boasting some of the largest chandeliers in the country. In 1909 Maharana Fateh Singh invited Lord Minto, the then viceroy of India, to lay the foundation stone of the Durbar Hall. Also called Minto Hall in his honour, the majestic hall once hosted formal court gatherings, state banquets and royal weddings. Numerous old paintings, weapons and grand portraits of former maharanas of Mewar adorn the walls of this hall.
The top floor of this high ceiling hall, where the crystal collection is now housed, was the viewing gallery, from where the ladies of the palace, used to watch in veiled seclusion, the special functions happening in the Durbar Hall below. Today painstakingly restored, the size, splendour and capacity of this hall makes it an ideal venue for hosting special functions such as conferences or social gatherings.
Fateh Sagar : North of Pichola Lake, this water body is overlooked by a number of hills and parks. It was originally built in 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh, but reconstructed by Maharana Fateh Singh after heavy rains destroyed the dam. A pleasant drive winds along the east bank and in the middle is Nehru Park, a popular garden island with a cafe shaped like a boat. You can get there by boat from near the bottom of Moti Magri. Paddle boats are available.
Jagdish Temple : This exquisite Indo-Aryan temple is located north of the entrance to the City Palace. Maharani Jag Singh built it in 1651. A black stone image of Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the Universe is installed there. A shrine in the front of the temple has a brass image of the Garuda, a mythological bird .The steps upto the temple are flanked by elephants.
Jagmandir Palace : An island palace, its construction was begun by Maharana Karan Singh, but it takes it's name from Maharana Jagat Singh (1628-1652) who added to it a zenana (women's quarters) and named the island Jag Mandir in honour of himself. Made of the finest yellow sandstone inlaid with marble, it has been dedicated to Lord Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe. The place is available for holding various social functions such as parties and receptions and even marriages! In fact a lot of westerners come to get married at this place.
Kumbhalgarh Fort : This is the most important fort in the Mewar region after Chittorgarh. It's an isolated and fascinating place 84 km from Udaipur, built by Maharana Kumbha in the 15th century. It's worth taking a leisurely walk in the large compound, which has some interesting ruins and is very peaceful. The fort is open daily and entry is free.
Eklingji Temple : Dedicated to the patron deity of the Marwar clan, the Eklingji Temple still holds a significant place in the hearts of the Rajasthanis. The original structure of the temple was built in the 8th century though the present structure was built much later. Standing at the banks of the Indersagar Lake, the Eklingji Temple exude a purity that cleanses heart and soul.
Lake Palace : Occupying an island in the midst of Lake Pichola, the Lake Palace appears to emerge straight from under the water. Today, the palace has been converted into a heritage hotel and welcomes guests with a warmth that penetrates deep down the heart. The royal treatment accorded is akin to those that were given to the Maharajas of yesteryears.
Udai Vilas Palace : This is yet another royal palace turned into a heritage hotel that occupies an island in between Lake Pichola. The guests to this palace are offered facilities that are at par with the best in the country. A stay here gives a comprehensive idea of the kind of life led by the Rajput Kings in earlier times.
Access Air : Debock Airport is 24 km from the city centre, Dairy Indian Airliness flights connect Udaipur with Jodhpur Jaipur aurangbad, Mumbai and Delhi.
Rail : Udaipur is directly linked by rail with major cities some important train connection are : 9643 Express (Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Jaipur-Ajmer-Chittaurgarh-Udaipur.)
Road : A wide network of bus service link Udaipur with several destinations. Some of the important distance are Agra 630km, Ahmedabad 262 km Jaipur 406 km .Jodhpur 275km and Mount Abu 185km.
Indeed with it`s enchanting palaces surrounded by mirror-like lakes, undulating hills and colourful bazaars, Udaipur looks as though it has been lifted straight from the pages of an Arabian Night`s fairy tale book. The hills, the lakes and the altitude give Udaipur an extremely agreeable climate. Probably no other city in Rajasthan is quite as romantic as Udaipur. A visit to Udaipur is a must for travellers who want to experience the unique and vibrant history of Rajasthan.
Attractions
Arsi Vilas : Arsi Vilas is an exclusive island located just behind Jag Niwas. It was built by Maharana Arsi Singh so he could watch the sunset from the middle of the lake. It has a lower platform at the back, which serves the purpose of a helipad when required.
Lake Pichola : This lake is the centre-piece around which Udaipur revolves. It started off as a small pond built by a banjara, who dammed up the waters of a mountain stream by building a dyke. Maharana Udai Singh extended this pond, creating the exquisite Lake Pichola. The lake lies to the immediate west of the ridge on which the City Palace of Udaipur stands.
Maharana Udai Singh built a masonry dam, known as Badi Pol, and the lake is now 4 km long and 3 km wide. The lake is fairly shallow and can actually dry up in severe droughts. One day's heavy rain is sufficient to fill the lake for a year. Amusingly, the water of the lake belongs to the Government of India whilst the land under water belongs to the royal family. A few crocodiles are believed to live in the more remote parts of the lake near uninhabited sections of the shore.
Late in the eighteenth century the traveller Louis Rousselet wrote this about the crocodiles after a sojourn in a punt on the lake: The crocodiles found here as in other inland lakes of India, is a formidable animal. It attains a great size, and the people who inhabit the shores of the lake occasionally fall victim to its savage attacks.Since the English Residency has been established at Oudeypoor, and the.
Rana, overcoming the ridiculous religious prejudices which protect these reptiles, has allowed Europeans to hunt them down, these formidable animals have abandoned the neighbourhood of the town, and have taken refuge on the opposite banks. Pitilessly pursued into their retreats, they have become very wary. As soon as a boat appears upon the lake, they dive to the bottom, and, on rising again, only show the tips of their muzzles above the surface.
Pratap Smarak : A statue of the legendary Rajput warrior Maharana Pratap, who frequently defied the Mughals, is situated atop Moti Magri overlooking Fateh Sagar. The way to the top passes through elegant gardens, including a rock garden in the distinctive Japanese style. The park is open to the public from 9 am to 6 pm.
Shilpgram : Three km west of Fateh Sagar is an interesting place called Shilpgram, a crafts village with traditional houses from four states-Rajasthan, Gujarat, Goa and Maharashtra. Daily demonstrations by musicians, dancers or artisans from various states are held here. Camel or horse rides are available here. It's open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. The open air Shilpi restaurant next to the site serves snacks and good Indian and Chinese food. It also has a swimming pool, open from 11 am to 4 pm. There's no public transport to Shilpgram, so you'll have to take an auto-rickshaw or taxi, or you'll have to rent a bicycle. Ahar Museum
Three km east of Udaipur are the remains of an ancient city. Here, you'll find a small museum housing old earthen pottery, sculptures and other archaeological finds. The museum is open daily, except Friday, from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm and entry is free. Nearby are clusters of Cenotaphs of the maharanas of Mewar.
The Durbar Hall : India's most impressive, with a sumptuous interior boasting some of the largest chandeliers in the country. In 1909 Maharana Fateh Singh invited Lord Minto, the then viceroy of India, to lay the foundation stone of the Durbar Hall. Also called Minto Hall in his honour, the majestic hall once hosted formal court gatherings, state banquets and royal weddings. Numerous old paintings, weapons and grand portraits of former maharanas of Mewar adorn the walls of this hall.
The top floor of this high ceiling hall, where the crystal collection is now housed, was the viewing gallery, from where the ladies of the palace, used to watch in veiled seclusion, the special functions happening in the Durbar Hall below. Today painstakingly restored, the size, splendour and capacity of this hall makes it an ideal venue for hosting special functions such as conferences or social gatherings.
Fateh Sagar : North of Pichola Lake, this water body is overlooked by a number of hills and parks. It was originally built in 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh, but reconstructed by Maharana Fateh Singh after heavy rains destroyed the dam. A pleasant drive winds along the east bank and in the middle is Nehru Park, a popular garden island with a cafe shaped like a boat. You can get there by boat from near the bottom of Moti Magri. Paddle boats are available.
Jagdish Temple : This exquisite Indo-Aryan temple is located north of the entrance to the City Palace. Maharani Jag Singh built it in 1651. A black stone image of Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the Universe is installed there. A shrine in the front of the temple has a brass image of the Garuda, a mythological bird .The steps upto the temple are flanked by elephants.
Jagmandir Palace : An island palace, its construction was begun by Maharana Karan Singh, but it takes it's name from Maharana Jagat Singh (1628-1652) who added to it a zenana (women's quarters) and named the island Jag Mandir in honour of himself. Made of the finest yellow sandstone inlaid with marble, it has been dedicated to Lord Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe. The place is available for holding various social functions such as parties and receptions and even marriages! In fact a lot of westerners come to get married at this place.
Kumbhalgarh Fort : This is the most important fort in the Mewar region after Chittorgarh. It's an isolated and fascinating place 84 km from Udaipur, built by Maharana Kumbha in the 15th century. It's worth taking a leisurely walk in the large compound, which has some interesting ruins and is very peaceful. The fort is open daily and entry is free.
Eklingji Temple : Dedicated to the patron deity of the Marwar clan, the Eklingji Temple still holds a significant place in the hearts of the Rajasthanis. The original structure of the temple was built in the 8th century though the present structure was built much later. Standing at the banks of the Indersagar Lake, the Eklingji Temple exude a purity that cleanses heart and soul.
Lake Palace : Occupying an island in the midst of Lake Pichola, the Lake Palace appears to emerge straight from under the water. Today, the palace has been converted into a heritage hotel and welcomes guests with a warmth that penetrates deep down the heart. The royal treatment accorded is akin to those that were given to the Maharajas of yesteryears.
Udai Vilas Palace : This is yet another royal palace turned into a heritage hotel that occupies an island in between Lake Pichola. The guests to this palace are offered facilities that are at par with the best in the country. A stay here gives a comprehensive idea of the kind of life led by the Rajput Kings in earlier times.
Access Air : Debock Airport is 24 km from the city centre, Dairy Indian Airliness flights connect Udaipur with Jodhpur Jaipur aurangbad, Mumbai and Delhi.
Rail : Udaipur is directly linked by rail with major cities some important train connection are : 9643 Express (Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Jaipur-Ajmer-Chittaurgarh-Udaipur.)
Road : A wide network of bus service link Udaipur with several destinations. Some of the important distance are Agra 630km, Ahmedabad 262 km Jaipur 406 km .Jodhpur 275km and Mount Abu 185km.
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