’City of Lakes’, ’City of Fountains’, Venice of the East, ’Kashmir of Rajasthan’, ’Land of Beauties’, ’Land of Temples’, ’Land of Institutions’, here is one city which has it all and deserves to be called ’The Land of Multiple Attractions’!
This is Udaipur, the land which has been loved and pampered by tourists for years together. The famous ’’white’’ city of Rajasthan state, Udaipur stands on the banks of the Lake Pichola, its many white marble palaces reflecting in the lake’s pristine waters. Voted as one of the most romantic cities of India, Udaipur nestles amongst the Aravalli mountain range and is one of the most picturesque and beautiful cities in all of Rajasthan. Serene in the shadows of the dark green hills, Udaipur’s three lakes, Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar are shimmering jewels from the opal surfaces of which rise magnificant white palaces. For first timers and those who’s want to do a first impression of the city, it would be well worth to visit the City Palace, which is a maze of carved balconies, rococo arches and decorated pillars, representing the architecture of medieval Europe and China. It is the largest in Rajasthan, and is compared in magnificance to the Windsor Palace of United Kingdom. Close to the City Palace is the Jagdish Temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath. It was built during the reign of Maharana Jagjit Singh I and has imposing sculpted figures and heavily ornamented interiors. In technology this temple is compared with the technology of Khajuraho. Udaipur boasts of temples of different religion which highlight the art and culture of different tribes. Due to abundance of water, myriad gardens in and out of town. At a short distance from the Jagdish temple, is one of the mahor attraction of the city: The Sahelion-Ki-Bari or the Garden of Maidens, built in early 18th century by Maharana Sangram Singh II, is a unique garden with four ornate pools boasting of delicately carved kiosks and elephants in marble. There are five main fountains with interesting names viz. Saugat Phoovara (welcome fountain), Bin Badal Barsat (Rainfall without clouds), Phagun Bhadava, Kamal Talai (Lotus pond) and Ras Leela. A visit to this absolute ornated garden is just what one needs after having been overwhelmed by Rajput history. A complete one-stop refresher before you carry on.
Apart from the City Palace, there are several other beautiful palaces around town which require sufficient time to explore. Ofcourse to top the list is the palace built on an island in the lake. The palace is built in such a way so that it seems to float effortlessly on the blue waters of the lake. This is ofcourse the unforgettable and world famous, almost synonymous to Udaipur- The Lake Palace. If you’ve not seen the ubiquitous Lake Palace, you’ve not seen Udaipur. As the name implies the palace is situated on an island amidst the Pichola Lake. To experience a typical folk art, head for the Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum of folk art and craft, famous for preservation of folk and tribal art ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, deities, paintings, folk musical instruments, etc. The major attraction is its folk puppet shows which attract tourists from all over the world, to its amphi-theatre. ’Pratap Smarak’, another must see, is a memorial to the legendery warrior Maharana Pratap. The Ahar village or ’Dhoolkot’ and Museum is of great archaeological importance, reavealing rare collections of a civilisation dating back to around 4000 years ago. Close to it is the Gangabhar Kund where cenotaphs of the rulers of Mewar are grouped together.
It is best to visit Udaipur during festive times, when the city is at its colourful best. During Holi (March-April), Mewar Festival during March-April is a festival to welcome Spring, complete with music, dance, processions, fireworks, The Hariyali Amavasya Fair on the banks of Fateh Sagar during July-August, Amarakhji Fair to celebrate ’Raksha Bandhan’, Dev Jhoolni Ekadashi Fair, a popular regional fair held at Charbhujaji in September, Pratap Jayanti at Udaipur and Haldi Ghati, Eklingji Fair, during Shivratri, etc. Udaipur can be best described as a kaleidoscope of the past and present, of fountains, hills and lakes, palaces, people and poetry, ancient customs. Being the seat of royalty and the only city in the desert boasting of a salubrious year-round climate. It is indeed a marvel, how one city can be blessed with so much natural beauty as well as history and culture. Here’s a city that wins you over with all it has to offer. Truly, it is a city that has it all!