Udaipur, City of Lakes

After lunch at Kumbhalgarh we proceeded towards our journey to Udaipur. We reached our destination in the evening and rested for the day. Next day morning we started the tour of the city.

Now for brief history about this beautiful place. This place was ruled by Sisodia dynasty for 1200 years. As per the legend associated with birth of the city, while Maharana Udai Singh was hunting, he meta holy man meditating on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichhola. He blessed and advised Maharana to build a palace at this favorable located spot with a fertile valley watered by the stream, a lake, an agreeable altitude. The King followed his advice and the city was founded in 1559 A.D.

The most important tourist attractions here are:

The City Palace

Palace complex is actually a conglomeration of buildings added by various Maharanas. Still the palace manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design. The various balconies, towers & cupolas add to thye beauty of place and there are wonderful views over the lake and the city from the upper terrace.

The entry to the palace is from Northern end. The gates that lead into the palace are Baripol of 1600 and the Tripolia Gate of 1725. This gate is carved with eight marble arches.

The main part of the palace is now preserved as the City Palace Museum, housing a large and varied collection of artifacts. The palace museum is entered through the Ganesh Deori. This entrance opens into Rajya Angan and it is believed to be the very location where the Sage advised the King to build the palace. Downstairs from the entrance is an armory section, sporting a collection of old weapons including a lethal two-prolonged sword.

The rooms of the museum are splendidly decorated with painting , tiles and mirrors. One can see exquisite glass and mirror work in the Manak Mahal. Krishna Vilas hosts remarkable collection of the miniatures. The Moti Mahal has beautiful mirror work and the Chini Mahal is covered in ornamental tiles. The Surya Chopar has a huge, ornamental sun-the symbol of Mewar dynasty.

At Mor Chowk one can see a collection of beautiful mosaics of the peacocks. In the Bari Mahal there is a fine central garden and from this place one can get excellent views of the old city. More beautiful paintings can be seen in the Zenana Mahal.

The entry ticket price to the palace more when compared to any other forts or palaces in Rajasthan. But it is worth as one can witness such beautiful architecture. the Photography is not permitted in Krishna Vilas.

Next we shall see other attractions of the city such as temples and park.

P.S: December is the month when lot of tourists land in Rajasthan. So if you really want all the arrangements to be done properly this has to be done before October end.

For more visit Blue Monday

and Ruby Tuesday