Udaipur

• Hotel Reservations  • Package Tours  • Destination Guide

Udaipur Guide

• Overview
• How & when to go?
• What to see?
• Excursions
• Where to eat?
• What to shop for?
• Events/Festivals

Other Guides

• Agra Guide
• Delhi Guide
• Goa Guide
• Jaipur Guide
• Khajuraho Guide

Related Sections

• Been There!
• Visual Treats
• Tips 'n' Tools

Destination(s): (comma separated) Search in: Hotels  Tours

What to see?

Click here for Udaipur Tourist Map

• Lake Pichola
  Udaipur was established around this picturesque lake. Pichola was expanded by the Maharaja after he founded the city. The lake is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. Two island palaces Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas (renowned world over as The Lake Palace) on the lake are of breathtaking magnificence.
  
  On a small hillock at the banks of the lake, a beautiful garden is carved, which gives an excellent view of the setting sun in the backdrop of Aravalli hills. Adding to the beauty of this point are the recently installed Musical Fountains, which dance to the tunes of music and a riot of colors.
   
• Jagniwas Island (Lake Palace)
  The palace was built by the Maharana Jagat Singh II in 1754 and covers the whole island. Formerly the royal summer palace, today it is the ultimate in luxury hotels with shaded courtyards, lotus ponds and even a small mango tree-shaded swimming pool. Hotel launches cross to the island from the City Palace jetty.
   
  Yes, this is the perfect place to fall in love, but casual visitors are not really encouraged. Non-residents can only come over for lunch or dinner- and then only if the hotel is not full, which it is often. 
   
• Jagmandir Island
  It is said that Shah Jahan took his inspiration for the Taj Mahal from this island during his stay in 16th century while leading a revolt against his father, Jehangir.
  
  Flanked by a row of enormous stone elephants, the island has an impressive chattri carved from grey-blue stone. the view across  the lake, to the city and its glorious golden palace, is a scene of rare beauty. 
   
• Fateh Sagar
  A beautiful lake situated near the Lake Pichola overlooked by the number of hills.  This lake was originally built by Maharana Jai Singh in 1678 but heavy rains destroyed the dam and was rebuilt by Maharana Fateh Singh. In the middle of the lake is Nehru Park - a lovely garden island with a boat shaped café accessible by an enjoyable boat ride.
   
• City Palace
  The City Palace over the lake is the biggest palace in Rajasthan. The construction of this palace was originally commenced by Maharana Udai Singh, the founder. Later on, many additions were made and integrated so well with the rest of the architecture that it was difficult to believe that it was not conceived as a whole. The palace has many balconies, towers and cupolas. The upper terraces offer a beautiful view over the lake and the city. The main part of the palace is now converted into a museum. 
   
  Among the items displayed is the Mor Chowk with beautiful mosaics of peacocks, the Manak or Ruby Mahal with glass and porcelain figures. Krishna Vilas has a remarkable collection of miniatures. Beautiful mirror work is displayed in the Moti Mahal. Other exhibits include the princely Rolls-Royces.
    
• Saheliyon ki Bari
  The Garden of the Maids of Honour is well laid out with extensive lawns and shaded walks. This was supposed to be a garden for the 48 young girls waiting to be sent to the royal house as part of Dowry. Inside the garden is a reservoir surrounded by four black marbled cenotaphs in its four corners and one white marbled one in the center. The Maharanas entertained themselves around the four ornamental pools and the five fountains present on the terraces of these cenotaphs. These fountains were imported from England in 1889. 
   
• Moti Magri
  Erected atop Moti Magri or Pearl Hillock, overlooking Fateh Sagar, is an unparalleled bronze statue of the valiant hero Maharana Pratap who was killed in the battle of Haldighati. Hundreds climb the tree-lined uphill path to pay homage. The path to the top traverses elegant gardens, including a  Japanese Rock Garden.
   
• Jagdish Temple
  Built by Maharaja Jagat Singh, during the mid 17th century in Udaipur, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This Indo-Aryan style of temple, one of the largest and popular Vishnu temples of Northern India, enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the Universe. The pagoda of Jagdish temple, 79 feet high, is covered with curved friezes of dancers, musicians, elephants and horsemen. Its archway is also impressive.
   
• Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal
  The interesting Indian folk art museum includes folk dresses, ornaments, puppets,  masks, dolls, folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings. This institution from 1952 has been recording Rajasthani folklore and music, collecting folk arts, staging plays, collecting tribal art, and supporting the ancient Rajasthani art of puppetry.
   
• Shilpgram
  Shilpgram, a crafts village 3 kms. west of Fateh Sagar is a treat for the soul. Displays by the various musicians, dancers and the artisans from the different states transports you in altogether a unique world  of traditions and customs and draws you closer to the essence of India. 
  
  It is an ethnographic museum depicting the life styles, traditions, customs, folk arts of rural and tribal people of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Goa, Daman, etc. There are several huts constructed in traditional architectural styles using mud and local building material to reflect the geographical and ethnic diversity of western India. 
   
• Ahar Museum
  The ancient capital, situated 2 Kms. east of the city, is a historic cum archeological site. The small collection of the museum here includes some very old earthen pottery dating back to 4,000 years. Nearby is an impressive cluster of cenotaphs of the Maharanas of Mewar, which have been recently restored.
   
• Sajjan Garh
  Overlooking the city is a steep hill, about 152.5 metres, on which stands a striking  fortified palace. Dominating the skyline it is visible from most parts of the city. One can go by jeep up a steep road and enjoy a beautiful view of the lakes and palaces of Udaipur. The hillside is thickly wooded and the former rulers maintained this as a royal shooting preserve. It offers a panoramic overview of the lakes, palaces and the surrounding countryside. The palace is illuminated at night and from a distance looks something like a fairy tale.
   

Overview • How & when to go? • What to see? • Excursions
Where to eat? • What to shop for? • Events/Festivals