Udaipur

The city of Dawn,Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure water lakes, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravalis.A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty.Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experiences an inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers.

Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar a kingdom ruled by the Siodia dynasty for 1200 years.The foundation of the city has an interesting legend associated with it.Accordaing to it,Maharana UdaiSingh, the founder,was hunting one day when met a holy man meditating on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichhola.

The hermit blessed the Maharana and advised him to build a palace at this favourably located spot with a fertile valley watered by the stream,a lake, an alttitude and an ampitheatre of low mountains.Maharana followed the advised of the hermit and founded the city in 1559 AD.
Overlooking the aquamarine expanses of the Lake Pichhola stands the splendid City Palace a marvel n granite and marbel. Exquisite lake palaces of Udaipur,shimmering like jewelson the Lake Pichhola are overwhelming in splendour.

Close to the fort complex, lies the Jaswant Thada, this 19th century royal cenotaph built in white marble in commemoration of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II and three other cenotaphs, which stands nearby. The cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh holds the rare portraits of the rulers and Maharajas of Jodhpur. A visit inside the cenotaphs, with some villagers of the region, would bring forward the reverence they still hold for their brave kings.

This museum has a rich collection of weapons, textiles, miniature portraits, local crafts and images of Jain Tirthankars. It is situated in the middle of the Umaid public gardens.

Umed garden covers an area of 82 acres. developed by Maharaja Umed Singh, it has green lawns, towering Ashoka trees, roses and seasonal flowers, museum, fountains, library and a zoo.In 1978 'Walk-in Avery' was made where one could see different types of birds-local, African and Australian parrots, ducks, rabbits etc; in their natural environment. A large cage for bears opposites, foxes, deers, lions, leopard etc. educate children and mesmerise people with nature's beauty.

It was made by queen Jadechi Rajkanwar after the death of the husband king Jaswant Singh. Major Part of the temple is made of red sandstone, carved with beautiful filigiri work. The heart of the temple has the statue of Ranchhodji made of black marble.It has green, yellow and blue glasses fixed on its main door.

Achal Nath Shivalaya was constructed by Nanak Devi, queen of Rao Ganga. The construction was completed on 21st May 1531. A large water reservoir called Bawari was made near the Shivlinga which is known as Ganga Bawari. The Garbh Griha, Mandap and Kirtan Bhawan of the temple are made of carved Chhitar stone.

Siddhnath Shiv temple is located between Takhat Sagar hills. On the unprepared road going from the right of filter house on Jodhpur, Chopasani Road, on crossing the stairs made by cutting rocks, one can reach Siddhnath temple. Many years ago it was an absolutely deserted place. And because of that only a hermit Veetragi Narain Swami started staying here. He was a highly worshipped and respected saint, known in the nearby areas. Once a handicapped saint named Gaurishanker. Later he was known as Nepali Baba. He had only four fingers in each of his hand and foot.made a big temple by cutting stones, which is now known as Siddhnath.

The area which is called Ratanada was named after a dog called Rata. About 150 years ago a teacher Radidas in a place called Gorunda saw a statue of Vinayakji in the hills of Ratanada. The statue was eight feet high and five feet wide.

A stunningly situated artificial lake,built in the 17th century AD Maharana Jai Singh is the second largest in Asia.Graceful marble chhatris flank the embankment and beautiful summer palaces of the Udaipur queens are built on either side of the lake. Jaisamand Island Resort is also worth visiting.

The sceond principal fortress in Rajasthan after Chittaurgarh, it is perched atop the Aravallis. Built in the 15th century by Maharana Kumbha,it extends over 12 km and encloses many temples,palaces and gardens.The fort was renovated in the 19th century.The Badal Mahal or Cloud Palace offers a spectacular bird's-eye- view of the surrounding country side.
Closeby is the Kumbhalgrah Wildlife Sancutuary with a rich variety of wildlife. The fort is accessible only by jeep form Kelwara through the seven gates.

As the hub of Udaipur the City Palace stands majestically on the hill guarded by crenellated fort walls. A riot of arches, domes, turrets, crenellations and chattris crown the steep fortress.....

The romantic looking Umaid Bhawan Palace was actually built with the purpose of giving employment to the people of Jodhpur during a long drawn famine. The royal family of Jodhpur still lives in a part of the palace.Another part of the palace houses a well-maintained museum, displaying an amazing array of items belonging to the Maharaja and the royal family - weapons, antiques & fascinating clocks, crockery and trophies.

This palace is situated near Raika Bag palace railway station. It was constructed in 1663 by Hadiji, queen of king jaswant Singh-I. King Jaswant Singh-II liked this palace very much. He mostly stayed in the octagonal bunglow of this palace. In 1883 when Swami Dayanand Saraswati came to Jodhpur, his sermons were arranged for the public in the public ground of this palace. Even Jaswant Singh used to listen to Swami Dayanand in this palace only. Now income tax office functions in this palace.