City
Palace, the majestic white royal building towers itself on a hill and is
surrounded by crenellated walls. The palace was completed in its present
form by the contribution of many rulers. Originally started by Udai Singh,
the later additions were so carefully planned and integrated with the
original building that it becomes difficult to believe that the building was
not conceived as a whole. The city palace stands along the shores of Lake
Pichola.
Approach to the palace is through the 'Hati Pol' or the
'Elephant Gate'. The 'Bara Pol' or the 'great gate' leads to the first
court, which joins Tripolia or the 'triple gate'. Between the two gates are
eight carved 'toranas' or arches, which mark the spot where the rulers were
weighed against gold or silver, the equivalent value of which was then
distributed among the poor. Beyond the Tripolia is the arena where the
elephant fights were staged.
| » Other
Attractions of Udaipur |
Jaisamand
Lake : 48 kms from the city, this artificial lake was built in 17th
century by Maharana Jai Singh. The marble 'Chhatris' along the embankment
add grace to this second largest lake in Asia. On either sides of the lake
were built the palaces for the favourite queens of the King. People of the
Bhil tribe still inhabit the islands in Jaisamand lake.
Lake Palace
: The Lake Palace hotel amazes and delights you at every turn. Every
inch of it is made of pure white marble, slender carved columns, fountains,
filigreed screens and swimming pool, created for the private frolics of a
princess. It is the early morning musical cacophony of birds and white
masses of bougainvillea drooping over a rippling lily-pond that attracts the
tourist.
Saheliyon ki Bari : The "garden
of the maids of honour", Sahelion-ki-Bari was designed and laid out
early in the eighteenth century as a retreat for ladies of the royal
household to spend their time in comfort. The lotus pool, fountains, lawns,
flowerbeds and marble pavilions all combine to make it a captivating place.
Sajjangarh
: Commanding the skyline of Udaipur, on the distant mountain range, is
the "Monsoon Palace" of Sajjangarh which is visible from the city.
Deserted by the royal family soon after its construction in 1880 due to the
impossibility of pumping water to the palace, it offers an unrivalled view
of the city's lakes, palaces and the surrounding countryside.
| » Places to
Stay in Udaipur |
Udaipur has accommodation options available for all categories
of tourists. The best options, if one does have enough money to spend, are
the heritage hotels, which are grand, royal, and bring alive the bygone
eras.
The lakes surrounding Udaipur regulates the climate, which is
pleasant than in any other city in Rajasthan. The summers are hot and
winters are cold but the temperature does not rise to extremes. The rainfall
is less, around 61 cms annually.
Shopping can be a pleasure at the Hathipole, Chetak Circle,
Clock Tower, Palace Road and Bapu Bazaar. Rajasthan Government also has its
own Handicraft emporium. The shops of Udaipur have plenty of exquisite items
to offer. The dainty folk toys, brightly coloured garments, hand printed
textiles, batiks, and tie & dye sarees and fabrics to name few.
'Pichwais' or wall hangings painted on cloth are world renowned for their
vivid colours and themes. The craftsmanship is at its peak in the metal
images and chunky silver jewellery.
Air : The City of Lakes is well connected
by air services. The Dabok Airport is 21 kms from the city centre.
Rail : Railway has trains from all over the country
to destination Udaipur. The Palace On Wheels covers this magnificent city
during its eight day package tour.
Road : There
are bus services from tourist places in Rajasthan , Gujarat and Delhi.
