According to a survey conducted by Travel + Leisure in 2021, Udaipur was ranked as the second-best tourist destination in the world based on the reader votes and rightfully so.Dubbed as the most romantic spot on the continent of India by Colonel James Tod, an officer of British East India Company in 1829, this enchanting city is popularly called as the "City of Lakes" and better known as "The Venice of the East". founded in 1559 by Udai Singh II of the Sisodia Rajput clan, the city is located in the southernmost part of Rajasthan, surrounded by Aravali Range, separating it from the Thar Desert. Its rich history, scenic locations, historic forts, Rajput-era palaces, architectural temples, museums, galleries, lively fairs and festivals has made Udaipur one of the most loved tourist destinations recognized nationally and internationally. While there are a lot many magnificent places to visit and grandiose regal palaces to awe over, Let's take a look at some of the top places to visit in Udaipur that are sure to dazzle and delight every tourist soul.
1. City Palace, Udaipur Considered as the biggest structure of its kind in the state of Rajasthan, the Udaipur city palacecomplex is a splendid example of a masonry structure housing several smaller palaces, heritage hotels, and a museum. It is entirely built-in marble and granite, showcasing a mix of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. Starting from 1559, its construction spanned over 300 years and through 22 generations of Sisodia Rajput, who contributed to the resultant edifice at different periods of time. It comprises various awe-inspiring structures, including elegant palaces, chowks with zigzag corridors linking these palaces, courtyards, terraces, balconies, towers and beautiful hanging gardens with fountains. The interior of the City palace exhibits exquisite mirror and silver work, striking wall murals, paintings and exceptionally skilful marble work. A wonderful thing to witness in the City Palace is the sound and light show conducted at the ManekChowk every evening. It walks the audience through the glorious history of Mewar in the voice of Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar, the present Custodian of the House of Mewar. The City Palace is located close to the Club Mahindra resort, at a distance of 8.5 km approx. 2. Lake Palace Built sometime between 1743–1746, Lake Palace is a spectacular structure situated on an island in man-made Lake Pichola. Constructed in white marble, It was originally built to serve as a summer palace for the royalty, now transformed into a 5-star heritage hotel. The palace consists of beautifully designed walls made of black and white marbles with detailed work of semi-precious stones, wonderful gardens, fountains, several terraces and grand courtyards lined by columns. Amidst the blue waters of Pichola Lake, Lake Palace presents a picturesque view under the setting sun, charming the onlookers in many ways. 3. Jag Mandir Jag Mandir or Lake Garden Palace is another magnificent structure situated on an island in Lake Pichola. constructed between 1551–1652 and credited to three maharanas of Mewar Kingdom, the three-storied palace was used as a summer palace and pleasure palace by the royal family. Reportedly it was also used as an asylum for the refugees at various points in time. Jag Mandir boasts some impressive structures such as Gul Mahal, Bara PatharonkaMahal, Zenana Mahal, KunwarPadakaMahal, the Garden courtyard and Darikhana. 4. Monsoon Palace Overlooking the city’s lakes, grand palaces and stunning countryside, Monsoon Palace, also known as SajjanGarh Palace, is definitely one of the most admired places to visit in Udaipur. The credit goes to its own fairytale charm and the panoramic view it provides of its surroundings. Sitting atop Bandara peak of the Aravalli hills, tastefully constructed in white marble, it was built as an astronomical center by MaharanaSajjan Singh in 1884. The palace served to observe the activity of monsoon clouds and as a lavish summer resort for the Maharanas. 5. Jagdish Temple Although popularly referred to as the city of lakes and palaces, Udaipur tourism cannot be considered complete without the inclusion of its rich, age-old wonders of architectural expertise, places of worship- temples. While you are visiting the City Palace, Jagdish temple is one such site you must not skip among the many places to visit in Udaipur. Built by MaharanaJagat Singh in 1651, In line with the Vedicvastushastra, it is a 3 Storey temple of Lord Vishnu surrounded by smaller shrines of Lord Ganesha, Sun God, Goddess Shakti and Lord Shiva. It is a sight to behold with fine detailed architecture consisting of delicately carved pillars, decorated ceilings, beautifully painted walls and spacious built. Other popular tourist destinations in Udaipur include, FatehSagar Lake- an artificial lake with a beautiful, clean, expansive body of water with its 4 islands is home to a number of public parks and a solar observatory open for visitors. Saheliyon-ki-Bari- translated to "the garden of maidens", was built between 1710–1734 to cater to a group of young maids who were set to accompany a princess as part of her dowry. It is a famous tourist spot with beautiful fountains and kiosks, a lotus pool and marble elephants. Lake Pichola- constructed around 1362 AD by banjara tribe, Lake Pichola is an artificial freshwater lake with immensely beautiful surroundings, which has undergone continuous advancement and transformations over the centuries to include several breathtaking palaces, temples, mansions, ghats and chabutaras, among various other structures on its islands and around its perimeter close by. Although Udaipur is open and just as beautiful to visit all year round, winter months, from September through February, are the best time to visit in Udaipur just because the weather is nice around this time providing a pleasant experience for sightseeing There is no shortage of things to do in Udaipur, whether it be visiting historical places or fun activities like enjoying boat rides, trying the local cuisine of Udaipur or even shopping! In addition to the many shops scattered about nearby, Shilpgram, situated 3 km from Udaipur city, is a great platform showcasing the cultural heritage of India, where you can also buy beautiful handicraft items. Trying local food choices is a great joy one could not dare to miss in Udaipur. Some of the Must-try delicacies of Udaipur include Dal BatiChurma, KadhiPakora, GattekiSabji, Laal Maas (Red Mutton Curry), Safed Maas (White Mutton Curry), Nomadic Chicken Curry, fish curry and many more! Evening time in Udaipur is always lit, and choosing a hotel close by can add to a great holiday experience. Related Article: Here’s a 3-day itinerary at royal resorts in Udaipur for the long weekends in 2022 How to reach Udaipur? MaharanaPratap International Airport is closest to Udaipur and has several domestic airlines connecting the major nearby cities. Furthermore, Udaipur Railway Station is merely 3km from the city Centre with regular trains connecting all major cities to Udaipur. The city is also served well by roadways and has excellent bus services connecting to nearby cities.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
September 2021
Categories |