Lake city Udaipur

Hello everyone !! I will narrate my  journey to the lake city. Yes, you have guessed it right. It is “UDAIPUR”- Venice of east or Oasis in desert land of Rajasthan. Udaipur has various lakes in and around the city and those were built by then rulers of Udaipur.

In 1659, Udaipur was established as new Capital of Sisodia Rajput clan by Maharana Udaising, father of Marahana Pratap. The new capital was established near the small village called “Picholi” and people were encouraged to come and settle there. In the desert land, water was important and scrace, so Maharana built a lake, which is now called as Lake Pichola, the main identity of Udaipur. There are other lakes like Fathesagar, Doodh Talai, Swaroop sagar and these lakes were primarily created by building dams to meet the drinking water and irrigation needs of the city and its neighborhood.

In Udaipur there are a number of places of interest for tourists. However the most important is really magnificent structure which stands on the bank of Lake Pichola- The City Palace. Views of City palace from Lake Pichola at Sunset are awesome. The structure was not built at one stretch. Many Maharanas contributed in the construction, but the additions were made in such a way that from outside it looks like one single unit. The palace is considered to be largest royal complex in Rajasthan. In city Palace, we can see the foundation stone of palace, Mor chowk with beautiful working etc. to name a few. Guide service can be availed from the entrance gate near ticket counter. So with the information, we can admire the structure more. The view of City Palace at evening, with lighting is also worth a visit. The entry ticket of Rs.100/- at city palace allows multiple entries from morning 7 a.m. till 11 p.m. at night.

Lighting at City Palace

Foundation Stone of City Palace

View of Udaipur from City Palace

Mor Chowk City Palace

City Palace from Lake Pichola

Wall painting at City Palace

Boat ride in Lake Pichola is also really good experience. The boat ride starts from within City Palace, it takes one around Lake Pichola. We can watch Gangaur Ghat, Small Bridge and the world famous Taj Lake Palace hotel from close vicinity. This boat drops you at Jag Mandir i.e. other lake palace hotel, which is favourite venue for big Fat Indian Weddings. At the entrance, row of elephants (made of stone) welcomes you on this JagMandir Lake Palace. This palace was completed by Maharana Jagat Singh. Prince Khurram had taken refuge here for some time, who later took title of Shah Jahan. It is said that, the design of world famous Taj Mahal is inspired by this Jag Mandir palace to some extent. Here you can roam around in the garden, can sit in restaurant and enjoy Coffee by the lakeside. In the evening, one can also enjoy the sunset from the Terrace. While returning back, watching the JagMandir Palace decorated with lights is also an experience to cherish. Boat ride to JagMandir was really memorable evening in my life.

Mohan Mandir, Lake Pichola

Gangour Ghat

Jag Mandir

Jag Mandir

Bridge on lake Pichola

Other important landmark in Udaipur is Maharana Pratap Smarak on Moti Magri. On top of small Hill, this smarak is located, where we can go in our vehicle. There used to be “Moti Magari” mahal built by Maharana Udaising. Light & Sound show is organised here every evening. The smarak has big statue of Maharana Pratap and a small garden surrounding it. The smarak also has one museum where different weapons and models of forts- Chittorgar, Kumbhalgar and battlefield of Haldi Ghati are depicted in nice manner.

The history of Mewar cannot be complete without the great Maharana Pratap, who never surrendered to the enemy, while other Rajput kings decided to surrender or established relation with Akbar by wedding their daughters to Akbar. But Maharana Pratap had taken oath not to live in Mahal, not to sleep on bed and not to eat in Utensils until he could free all his kingdom from enemies. He lived in forests, slept on straw bed and ate meals on hand for twenty six years. What I came to know here that Maharana Pratap used to keep two swords with him as he would never fight with anyone who did not have weapon. When local people tell the history of great Maharana Pratap, you can sense the proud feeling they have about their Maharana. Such a great feeling to witness the heritage!

Maharana Pratap Smarak, Moti Magri

One more place of interest is the splendid garden laid out by Maharana Sangram Sing II for the entertainment of Royal ladies and their maid of honour. Hence it is named as “Sahelion ki Bari.” It is one of the most beautiful gardens in India and gives the glimpse of bygone era life style of royal families. The water arrangement is made in such a way that by sitting inside this chatri one can feel the rain, though it is not raining out. It was told us by the guide there that earlier the water used to come from gravitational force from Fathehsagar lake , no motors were used run the fountains. But now adays this is done with help of motor and so the tourists can enjoy the fountains depending on availability electricity supply.

Sahelion Ki Badi

Sahelion ki Bari

Jagdish Temple is main place of worship in Udaipur .This is very beautiful temple of lord Jagannath, a form of lord Vishnu made in blace stone and it is very near to city Palace. This two storied temple is built on elevated platform and one has to climb 15-20 steps to reach the temple.

Jagdish Temple

From any place in city, one cannot ignore a structure standing on a small hill. This is SajjanGar, monsoon palace of Maharanas. It was built by Maharana Sajjansing. It is situated at a hilltop at a short distance of Udaipur city (around 10 km) inside the reserve forest. Entry ticket to the palace is Rs.20/- per person and if you go by auto, taxi charges to go up to top are Rs.80/-p.p., as autos are not allowed inside the reserve forest. We could spot a Barasinga and lot of monkeys in the forest. But overall the visit to Sajjangad palace was lovely experience. From here one can get beautiful views of Udaipur City. In the Palace some special arrangements are made to collect the rain water in the big underground tank, which can be used throughout the year afterwards.

Sajjangad

Udaipur and its surroundings have lot of things to offer to travellers. One should at least reserve two days to visit Udaipur city, then only one can really admire various places in the city.

Travel Tip:  Day 1:    Morning- Sahelion Ki Bari, Marana Pratap Smarak, Sajjangar

Afternoon –City Palace, Crystal Galary and Sunset boat ride in Lake Pichola, Jagdish Temple, Vintage car collection

                      Day 2:   Morning-Chittorgar / Nathdwara, Eaklingji,Haldighati (Please check the temple timings at                                                               Nathdwara, Eaklingji before planning)

                                      Evening- Karni Mata Temple and Sunset Point, Light and sound show at City Palace.

If time permits one can visit Neharu garden on island in Fatehsagar and can enjoy boat ride in the lake. The cultural and dance shows can be watched at Bhartia Lok Kala Manch and Bagro ki Haweli.

Udaipur has made special place in my mind and I would love to visit it again. That’s it for now. We will meet again soon.