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Udaipur
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure water
lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravallis. A vision in white
drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a
fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for
the imagination of poets, painters and writers. Its kaleidoscope of
fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn
with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valour and
chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichhola
is an enticing sight. Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar-a kingdom ruled by
the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years. The foundation of the city has an
interesting legend associated with it. According to it, Maharana Udai
Singh, the founder, was hunting one day when he met a holy man
meditations on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichhola. The hermit
blessed the Maharana and advised him to build a palace at this
favorable located spot with a fertile valley watered by the stream, a
lake, an agreeable altitude and an amphitheatre of low mountains.
Maharana followed the advise of the hermit and founded the city in
1559 A.D.
Overlooking the aquamarine expanses of the Lake Pichhola stands the
splendid City Palace-a marvel in granite and marble. Of the original
eleven gates of the Udaipur City, only five remain. The Suraj Pol the
original or Sun Gate on the eastern side is the main entrance to the
city. Exquisite lake palaces of Udaipur shimmering like jewels on Lake
Pichhola are overwhelming in splendor. Several places of interest
around Udaipur, including the majestic, Chittaurgarh, the mountain
fortress of Kumbhalgarh, beautiful Jain temple of Ranakpur, Eklingji
and Nathdwara and the cool retreat of Mt. Abu, make the visit to
Udaipur a memorable one.
Transportation
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Air : I. A. connects Udaipur with Bombay,
Delhi, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Aurangabad.
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Rail : Udaipur is connected by rail with
Ahmedabad, Chittorgarh, Bombay via Ahmedabad, Delhi and Jaipur.
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Road : By road Udaipur to Ahmedabad 262 km,
Bombay 739 km, Delhi 670 km, Jaipur 407 km, Chittorgarh 115 km and
Mount Abu 185 km.
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Bus : Regular bus services connect Udaipur to
Ahmedabad, Chitorgarh, Eklingji, Falna, Jaisamad, Kankroli, Mt.
Abu, Nathdwara, Ranakpur & Rishabhdeoji.
What to see
City Palace : A majestic architectural marvel towering over the
lake on a hill surrounded by crenellated walls, it is a conglomeration
of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging
gardens.
Lake Pichhola : The picturesque lake that entranced Maharaja Udai Singh. It was later enlarged by the founder. The lake is
surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments.
Two island palaces, Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) on the lake
are of breathtaking.
Jag Mandir : In the middle of Lake Pichola is the island palace
where Prince Khurram (Shah Jahan) sought refuge from his father, the
Emperor Jehangir.
Saheliyon-ki-Bari : This small ornamental garden was a popular
relaxing spot where royal ladies came for a stroll and hence the name.
The garden has many fountains in its four delightful pools, chiseled
kiosks and marble elephants.
Gulab Bagh : A spectacular rose garden laid out by Maharana
Sajjan Singh. A library in the garden has a rare collection of ancient
handwritten manuscripts and books.
Fateh Sagar : A beautiful lake, overlooked by a number of hills
on the three sides and the Pratap Memorial on the north was built by
Maharana Fateh Singh. In the middle of the lake is Nehru Park-a lovely
garden island with a boat shaped café accessible by an enjoyable boat
ride.
Excursions
Kankroli 64 km, Eklingli 21 km, Haldighati 42 km (RSTDC Rest House)
Jaisamand Lake 50 kms ( RSTDC Hotel Jaisamand ), Nathdwara 42 kms (
RSTDC Hote Gokul ), Ranakpur 90 kms ( RSTDC Hotel Shilpi ), Rishabhdeo
65 kms ( RSTDC Hotel Gauri ).
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Altitude : 577 mtrs.
Best Season : Oct - March
Climate : Summer
Mean Max. 38.3 'C
Mean Min. 28.8 'C
Winter Mean Max. 28.3 'C
Mean Min. 11.6 'C
Clothing : Summer light tropical or cotton Winter Woolen. |
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Distances from Udaipur : |
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Delhi |
664 Kms. |
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Agra |
637 Kms. |
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Ajmer |
288 Kms. |
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Alwar |
568 Kms. |
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Bharatpur |
601 Kms. |
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Jaipur |
420 Kms. |
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Jaisalmer |
574 Kms. |
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Jodhpur |
269 Kms. |
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Mt. Abu |
185 Kms. |
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Ranthambhore |
441 Kms. |
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