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.
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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.
City Palace - Udaipur
