| | | Udaipur
उदयपुर
Udaipur (India)
| | | | Udaipur (उदयपुर), also known as the City of Lakes, is a city, a Municipal Council and the administrative headquarters of the Udaipur district in the state of Rajasthan in western India. It is located 403 kilometres (250 miles) southwest of the state capital, Jaipur. Udaipur was the historic capital of the former kingdom of Mewar in Rajputana Agency. Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar in this city are considered some of the most beautiful lakes in the state. | | Udaipur : Virtual tour |  | 11 sections and 117 items |
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Udaipur : Castles and Palaces (3)
| Lake Palace of Udaipur (21)
Jag Niwas
between 1743 and 1746
Lake Palace (formerly known as Jag Niwas) is a luxury hotel, of 83 rooms and suites featuring white marble walls, located on a natural foundation of 4 acres (16,000 m2) rock on the Jag Niwas island in Lake Pichola.
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Udaipur : Guide (2)
|  | Hotels in Udaipur (10)
There are many hotels in Udaipur which suit to the requirements of all categories of traveler. Majority of the Udaipur hotels offer a view of the placid waters of the Lake Pichola.
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|  | Guide, map and satelllite view of Udaipur (2)
Udaipur is connected to many major cities of India. There are daily trains from Delhi, Jaipur.The best train between Delhi and Udaipur, the daily Chetak Express. Trains take around 12 Hrs from Jaipur to Udaipur.
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|  | City Palace Museum (30)
City Palace Museum has a remarkable collection of ancient sculptures, curios, antiques and inscriptions of the bygone era.
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|  | Lake Pichola (2)
1362
Lake Pichola is an artificial fresh water lake, created in the year 1362 AD, named after the nearby Picholi village.
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Udaipur : Quarter(s) (1)
|  | Lal Ghat area in Udaipur (4)
Nestled behind the famous Jagdish Mandir, is a narrow thruway to Lal Ghat which consists of a number of roof top hotels.
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| | Udaipur : Visit Guide | |
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Get in
Udaipur is easily accessible from every major destinations of India. The city is well connected with Agra 630km, Delhi 670km, Mumbai (formerly Bombay) 739km, Ahmedabad 260km, Ajmer 265km, Chittorgarh 115km, Jaipur 405km and Jodhpur by 275km.
By air
Dabok airport, also known as Maharana Pratap Airport, is 24km from the city centre.There are daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur on Jet Airways, Indian Airlines, Air Deccan, and Kingfisher Airlines. Taxis to the city cost almost Rs.600 and are the only means of transport to and from airport.
By train
Train service has improved over the last few years after Udaipur was converted to broad gauge railway line. There are now daily trains from New Delhi and Jaipur. You can take Mewar Express (Train n° 2963DN) from H. Nizamuddin Station, which leaves at 07:00pm and reaches Udaipur at 07:00am next day. One can also travel by trains up to Ajmer and then take bus from Ajmer to Udaipur.
If you coming from Western or Southern India, take a train to Mumbai and then an overnight train to Udaipur. Alternatively, you can take a train to Ahmedabad and then, travel by any express train that leaves in the evening for Udaipur for an overnight journey.
By bus
Udaipur is connected by an efficient bus service with most Rajasthani towns including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Ajmer, Mount Abu. Buses also head south to Ahmedabad with connections to Mumbai but it is not a short journey. There are comfortable sleeper coaches available for longer trips.
The city lies on the Golden Quadrilateral, midway between Delhi and Mumbai National Highway (NH) 8. It is around 700km from either metro. The roads in this part of the country are paved and fit for private vehicles.
State Transport Authorities and private tour agents operates daily buses between Udaipur-Jaipur, Udaipur-Delhi, Udaipur-Ahmedbad, Udaipur-Jodhpur. Some of these buses also have sleeper coaches for a comfortable journey.
Get around
Most of the sightseeing places in Udaipur centered around the Lake Pichola and can be seen on foot. However, hiring a local cab or three-wheeler is the best option is you could good to bargain.
By car rental
You can easily visit Udaipur by hiring a car to drive. There are many car rental companies available which provides cars on rent. You would require to submit the photocopy of your international driver's license to rent vehicles. Prices depend on the kind of transport you rent and the length of time you rent it for.
By taxi
A taxi is needed for viewing more of the surrounding areas such as the nearby wilderness park and Monsoon Palace - which provides a nice view especially at sunset. In Udaipur, you will not find black and yellow taxis, which are regularly visible in the metropolitan cities. If you are touring the city, you can hire taxi/cab that is available in variety, ranging from luxurious cabs to average ones. You can choose taxi as per your preference, comfort and luxury. The luxurious you opt, higher the rent you have to pay.
By auto-rickshaws
The best option to travel around Udaipur is to opt for auto-rickshaws or three-wheelers, which are easily available throughout the city. Do bargain with the drivers for the cab fare: Rs 150-200 is the usual price for the round-trip from City Palace including the wait time (approximately 1 hour).
The drivers are sometimes overly courteous, especially to single female foreigners. Use your better judgment while traveling to distant locations alone.
By horse-carts
Horse-carts or tongas (as they are known locally) is the cheapest mode and available mostly within the tourist areas. Tongas being the cheapest mode to travel, is used by local people to a great extent.
By bicycle
To make your trip interesting, you can also enjoy bicycle ride. Udaipur is a small city and not crowded with vehicles, so one can get around the city on a bicycle. You can hire bicycles that are available all over the city. | | Udaipur : Description | |
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Apart from its history, culture and scenic location, it is also known for its Rajput-era palaces. The Lake Palace, for instance, covers an entire island in the Pichola Lake. Many of the palaces have been converted into luxury hotels. It is often called the "Venice of the East" and is also nicknamed the "Lake City".
Geography and climate
Udaipur has an average elevation of 598 metres.
Climate
The climate of Udaipur is tropical, with the mercury staying between a maximum of 42.3°C and a minimum of 28.8°C during summers. Winters are mild with the maximum temperature rising to 28.8°C and the minimum dipping to 2.5°C.
Demographics
As of 2001 India census, Udaipur had a population of 550,000. Males constitute 53 percent of the population and females 47 percent. Udaipur has an average literacy rate of 77 percent, the national average is 79 percent: male literacy is 83 percent and female literacy is 72 percent.
Transport
Udaipur is well connected to the all major cities in India through land, rail and air.
Air
Dabok airport, also known as Maharana Pratap Airport, is situated in satellite town about 20 kilometres from the Udaipur' Daily Indian Airlines flights connect Udaipur with Jodhpur, Jaipur, Mumbai and Delhi. There are daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur on Jet Airways, Indian Airlines and Kingfisher Airlines. The airport is undergoing modernization project and will soon have a new terminal building with an additional 4 stands. The airport is under consideration as an International airport by the Government of Rajasthan and will be upgraded to International airport by 2011.
Rail
Udaipur City has direct trains on the broad gauge network to most of major cities in Rajasthan and India such as Jaipur,Kota,Chittorgarh, Ajmer, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata,Mathura,Agra,Gwalior etc. and metre gauge network to Ahemadabad. One of India's most famous and luxurious trains The Palace on Wheels, also makes a scheduled stop in Udaipur.
Road
The city lies on the Golden Quadrilateral, midway between Delhi and Mumbai National Highway (NH) 8. It is around 700 kilometres from either metro. The roads in this part of the country are paved and fit for private vehicles. One can either drive from Jaipur (around 6 hours via Chittorgarh) or Surat (9 hours), or take a Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) bus from Bikaner House, India Gate in Delhi.
The East West Corridor which starts from Porbandar and ends at Silchar passes and is intersecting the Golden Quadrilateral and shares the common space from Udaipur to Chittor.
Local transport
Unmetered taxis, auto rickshaws, tongas, city bus, and regular city bus services are available for Udaipur City main roads to Dabok Airport, Badi Lake, and Bedala.City bus route number 1 from badgaon to hiran magri and route number 2 from rampura to dabok.
Places of interest
City Palace, Udaipur
Standing on the east bank of Lake Pichola is a massive series of palaces built at different times from 1559. The balconies of the palace provide panoramic views of the "Jag Niwas" (the Lake Palace Hotel). They also have great views of Jag Mandir on one side and the city of Udaipur on the other. Its main entrance is through the triple-arched gate - the Tripolia, built in 1725. The way now leads to a series of courtyards, overlapping parations, terraces, corridors and gardens. There is a Suraj Gokhda, where the maharanas of Mewar presented themselves in the times of trouble to the people to restore confidence. The Mor-chowk (Peacock courtyard), gets its name from the mosaics in glass decorating its walls. The chini chitrashala is noteworthy while a series of wall paintings of Krishna are on display in Bhim Vilas. There are numerous other palaces such as Dilkhush mahal, Sheesh mahal, Moti mahal and Krishna vilas - in memory of a princess of striking beauty who poisoned herself to avert a bloody battle for her hand by rival princes. Now the palace contains many antique articles, paintings, decorative furniture and utensils and attracts thousands of visitors every day. The former guesthouse of the city palace, Shiv Niwas Palace and the Fateh Prakash Palace have been converted into heritage hotels.
Lake Palace
The Lake Palace was built in 1743-1746. It is made of marble and is situated on Jag Niwas island in Lake Pichola. It was originally built as a royal summer palace, but is now a luxury 5 Star hotel, operating under the "Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces" banner.
Jag Mandir
Jag Mandir is another island in Lake Pichola which is known for its garden courtyard. Shah Jahan took refuge here while revolting against his father. There is a restaurant run by the HRH group of hotels.
Monsoon Palace
Monsoon Palace also known as Sajjan Garh Palace The summer resort of the Maharajas is atop the hill overlooking all of the lakes. This palace had a way to collect rain water for consumption all year around.
Jagdish Temple
The Jagdish Temple is a large Hindu temple in the middle of Udaipur. It was built by Maharana Jagat Singh Ist in 1651 A.D. It is an example of Indo-Aryan architecture.
Fateh Sagar Lake
Fateh Sagar Lake is situated in the north of Lake Picholas. It was originally built by Maharana Jai Singh in the year 1678 AD, but later on reconstructed and extended by Maharana Fateh Singh after much destruction was caused by heavy rains. In 1993-1994, the water vanished from the lake, but in 2005-2006, the lake regained its water.
Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola is a lake that has two islands, Jag Niwas and the Jag Mandir. This lake is 4 km long and 3 km wide, originally built by Maharana Udai Singh II. There are many ghats, like the bathing and washing ghats, which can be approached through boats from the City Palace of Udaipur (Bansi Ghat). In the heart of the lake the Lake Palace stands, which is now converted into a heritage palace hotel. The lake remains fairly shallow even during heavy rains, and gets dry easily in times of severe drought.
Saheliyon-ki-Bari
Sahelion ki Bari was laid for a group of forty-eight young women attendants who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of her dowry. The gardens set below the embankment of the Fateh Sagar Lake have lotus pools, marble pavilions and elephant-shaped fountains. These fountains are fed by the water of the lake gushing through ducts made for the purpose.
Gulab Bagh and Zoo
A rose garden laid out by Maharaja Sajjan Singh is situated near the palace on the east side of Lake Pichhola. A library in the garden has a collection of ancient handwritten manuscripts and books. Some of the part of the Satyarth Prakash have been written in this library. Styarth Prakash stup is situated in Gulab Bagh. Within the garden, there is a zoo with tigers, leopards, Chinkara gazelle, birds, and many wild animals. Children can enjoy mini train, track of which covers the main part of the garden and the zoo.
Doodh Talai
A rock and fountain garden and the sunset point from which one can enjoy the sunset view in Lake Pichhola and a panoramic view of the old city. Also one can enjoy the Aerial tramway (rope way) which connects one of the dudh talai gardens to Karni Mata temple.
Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal
A museum of folk arts. It also hosts puppet shows in its auditorium.
Maharana Pratap Memorial or Moti Magri
Atop the Moti Magri or Pearl Hill, overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake is the memorial of the Rajput hero Maharana Pratap with a bronze statue of the Maharana astride his favourite horse "Chetak". More details are available at Maharanapratap.net, a collection of facts and figures on Maharana Pratap and his life.
Bohara Ganesh Ji
This temple is situated near old railway station (Thokar) and M L S University. This is old and famous Ganesh Temple with standing statue of Shree Ganesh Ji considered very fruitful (Chamatkarik).Thousands of Bhaktas(devotees) come here every Wednesday.
Nehru Garden
This is a park situated in the middle of Fateh Sager Lake. This park covers about 41 acres (170,000 m2), with flower gardens and a lily pond. It was inaugurated on the birth anniversary of the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. The garden overlooks the ancient Moti Mahal of Maharana Pratap and gives a view of the Aravalli hills on three sides.
Bagore-ki-Haveli
This is an old building built right on the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangori Ghat. The haveli now stages Rajasthani traditional dance and music.
Ahar Cenotaphs
Located about 2 km east of Udaipur is a cluster of cenotaphs of the Maharanas of Mewar. There are about nineteen cenotaphs of Maharanas cremated there. One cenotaph is that Maharana Amar Singh, who reigned from 1597 to 1620. Nearby is also Ahar Museum, where on display is limited but very rare earthen pottery, as well as some sculptures and other archaeological finds. Some pieces date back to 1700 BC, and a tenth-century metal figure of Buddha is a special attraction.
Shilpgram
A crafts village located northwest of Udaipur, Shilpgram hosts an annual crafts fair which is one of the biggest in India; people from different states in the country have stalls showcasing their art and crafts work.
Neemach Mata Temple
This temple is located on a green hill in the Dewali area of Udaipur. It has both stairs and an uphill slope way to climb, which is around 800 meters.
Udaipur Solar Observatory
Asia's only solar observatory, the Udaipur Solar Observatory, is situated on an island in the middle of the Lake Fatehsagar.
Sukhadia Circle
Sukhadia Circle (Square) is a large roundabout in the city's northern suburb of Panchwati, on the road to Ranakpur and Mt. Abu. . The Circle is a popular recreational centre and meeting place.
Udaipur in Popular Culture
* Udaipur was named Best City of the World in 2009 by Travel & Leisure.
* Udaipur is also known as the "Venice of the East", and the Kashmir of Rajasthan.
* Udaipur is mentioned under the spelling Oodeypore in Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book as the birthplace of Bagheera the fictional panther in the king's Menagerie.
* Indian sections of the James Bond film Octopussy were filmed in the city, the Lake Palace and the Monsoon Palace.
* The nearby desert was the backdrop of the remarkable rescue of Octopussy (Maud Adams) by Bond (Roger Moore) from an aeroplane being flown by the villainous Kamal Khan (Louis Jordan) and Gobinda (Kabir Bedi), which resulted in Gobinda falling to his death and (after Bond and Octopussy escaped) Khan being killed when he lost control of his helicopter and crashing it into a ravine.
* Some scenes from the British television series The Jewel in the Crown were filmed in Udaipur.
* Hollywood movies/ TV serials filmed in Udaipur: Darjeeling Limited, Opening Night, Heat and Dust, Indische Ring, Inside 'Octopussy', James Bond in India, Octopussy, Gandhi
* Hindi movies have included Guide, Mera Saaya, Phool Bane Angaray, Kachche Dhagey, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Jalmahal, Yaadein, Return of the thief of the bagdad, Eklavya: The Royal Guard, Dhamaal, Jis Des Mai Ganga Rahta Hai, Chalo Ishq Ladaaye, Fiza, Gaddaar, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Khuda Gawah, Kundan, Nandini, Saajan ka Ghar,... etc. were filmed in Udaipur.
* Many Bollywood films' songs were filmed in Udaipur.
* Udaipur is a favourite marriage destination. Many celebrities, including film stars, business families, politicians chose Udaipur to hold marriage ceremonies and parties.
* It is claimed that Jag Mandir of Udaipur was the inspiration behind Shahjahan's creation of the Taj Mahal.
* The Disney channel film, The Cheetah Girls One World, was shot in Udaipur in January 2008.
* Udaipur is also the setting of star plus's hit serial Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.
* TV Serial "Swayamber of Rakhi Sawant" and "Swayambar of Rahul Mahajan" on Star Imagine also filmed here at Hotel Fatehgarh.
From Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udaipur
Text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Text_of_the_GNU_Free_Documentation_License | | Udaipur : History | |
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Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II ,the final capital of the erstwhile Mewar kingdom.The first capital of Mewar kingdom was Nagda, located on the Banas River northeast of Udaipur. Legend has it that Maharana Udai Singh II came upon a hermit while hunting in the foothills of the Aravalli Range. The hermit blessed the king and asked him to build a palace on the spot and it would be well protected. Udai Singh II established a residence there. In 1568 the Mughal emperor Akbar captured Chittor, and Udai Singh moved the capital to the site of his residence, which became the city of Udaipur. As the Mughal empire weakened, the Sisodia ranas, and later maharanas, reasserted their independence and recaptured most of Mewar except the fort of Chittor. Udaipur remained the capital of the state, which became a princely state of British India in 1818. After India's Independence in 1947,king of Udaipur Maharana Bhupal Singh acceded to the Government of India, and Mewar was integrated into India's Rajasthan state.
Sisodias, or the Guhilots (Suryavansh), have ruled the Mewar region since V.S 191, were against Mughal dominion, and tried to distance themselves from them. Being a mountainous region and unsuitable for heavily armoured Mughal horses, Udaipur remained unmolested from Mughal influence in spite of much pressure. Maharana Fateh Singh of Udaipur was the only royalty who did not attend the Delhi Durbar for King George V in 1911. This fierce sense of independence earned them the highest gun salute in Rajasthan, 19 against the 17 each of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bundi, Bikaner, Kota and Karauli. Rosita Forbes, who passed this land during the decline of the British Raj, described it as "like no other place on earth".
The land area of the state was 33,543 mi². Its population in 1901 was 14,73,759. It enjoyed an estimated revenue of £20,29,000. | | Udaipur : More pictures | |
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