Udaipur, a historic and beautiful city, is located in the south-west of Rajasthan. The city founded by Maharana Udai Singh (Second) in the year 1568, is now a popular tourist destination. It has been the capital of Mewar, since the Moughal emperor Akbar captured the Chittorgarh. Udaipur is about 670 kms from Delhi and about 250 kms from Ahemdabad. Udaipur is also well connected with Delhi and Mumbai by Air.
During our stay in Udaipur we stayed in Sheraton Palace,there are several other good hotels including the luxury hotels in Udaipur.
There are several historical buildings and palaces like City palace,Lake palace, Sajjangarh Fort and Maharana Pratap Memorial, associated with the Rana dynasty. Rana Pratap, the brave and a valiant fighter and Meera Bai. a great devotee of Lord Krishna, are all time legend of Mewar.
City palace is said to the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. The beginning of this palace was started by Maharana Udai Singh (Second) and there after successive rulers contributed to the present structure. Chini Mahal,Surya Chopar and Moti Mahal, inside this palace, are worth seeing.Surya Chopar,which has an ornamental Sun, symbolizes the presence of Mewar dynasty .Mor Chowk with magnificent mosaics of peacock is a favorite place for tourists in this palace. Lake palace is situated in an island within lake Pichola. At one time, it was a pleasure resort of royal family, has now been turned in to a heritage hotel. Sajjangarh fort, located at top of a hill and overlooking all the lakes, has been the summer resort or mansoon palace of the Mewar rulers. Maharana Pratap Memorial is dedicated to the gallantry of great Rajput ruler, Maharana Pratap.
The Pichola Lake and the Fateh Sagar Lake are the two important lakes which contribute to the greenery and charming environment of Udaipur. The two picturesque lakes are connected by a canal via Swaup sagar and Rang sagar lakes.
Udaipur is also known for its unique Boutique, Embroidered textiles,Tribal jewelry,Miniature paintings,Thickery Handi Glass Art Work and handicrafts. The Shilpgram village is a must see place for those, who are interested to see the cultural heritage of Rajasthan. Shilpgram also hosts Crafts- Mela every year when people & artisans from all over country assemble and hold their stalls showcasing their art and crafts work. Lok Kala Mandir,near Chetak circle, is an other place to see folk art and the Puppet Show.There are several good emporiums in Udaipur but options of street shopping is also available
The other important tourists attractions near Udaipur are the famous temple of Ekling Mahadev and the Haldi Ghati. Ekling Mahadev has been the main deity of the Rana dynasty. This temple, is about 22 kms from Udaipur. This temple, at the bank of Indra Sarovar, has a impressive four faced Shiva Linga in black marble ,as main deity.This temple complex includes 108 temples with in high walls.
Haldi Ghati,located in the Arravali hills is about 40 kms from Udaipur,This mountain pass having a turmeric colour soil all around,was the main battle ground,where Rana Pratap fought with the army of Emperor Akbar in the year 1576. During this fight the Rana Pratap with help of local tribal halted the march of mighty Moughal forces. Chetak, the faithful horse of Rana Pratap emerged as the main hero in the battle of Haldi Ghati. At the place where Chetak lost his life,a Samadhi Sthal (Memorial) has been erected in his honour.
Some of the photographs depicting historical architecture and natural beauty of Udaipur are as follows-
