The City Palace, Udaipur
History
Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh as the final capital of the erstwhile Mewar kingdom. Legend has it that Maharana Udai Singh 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, assuring him it would be well protected. Udai Singh consequently established a residence on the site. In 1568, the Mughal emperor Akbar captured the The Fort of Chittor, and Udai Singh moved the capital to the site of his residence, which became the city of Udaipur.
The Royal Family of Mewar still resides in Udaipur and owns maximum of the properties in the place. Sriji Arvind Singh Mewar is the 76th custodian of the Mewar dynasty. The Maharanas are considered not rulers but custodians of the kingdom on behalf of Sri Eklingji (Lord Siva). He is the second son of Bhagwat Singh Mewar and younger brother of Maharana Mahendra Singh Mewar.
Udaipur Offers a variety of Tourist Attractions:
- The City Palace : From the banks of Lake Pichola, you can see a massive series of palaces built from 1559, one of which includes the main City Palace. The balconies of the palace provide a panoramic view of the Jagmandir Palace, and the Lake Palace. The Mor-chowk (Peacock courtyard), gets its name from the mosaics in glass decorating its walls. here 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 Lake Palace : Built in 1746, the Lake Palace is a structure made of marble, situated in the lake Pichola. The palace is made into a 5 star deluxe hotel operating under the ‘Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces’ banner.
Saheliyon Ki Bari - Saheliyon ki Bari : It was made for a group of 48 young women attendants who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as a part of her Dowry. The gardens set below have Lotus Pools, Marble Pavilions, and Elephant Shaped Fountains. The fountains are fed by the Fateh-sagar lake.
- The Fatehgarh Fort : This Palace offers a 270 degree bird’s eye view of the historical city of Udaipur and also provides the experience of rival and cultural, spiritual, and environmental heritage based on ancient wisdom. The palace has been converted into a hotel with 51 rooms based on 51 principles of ancient Indian wisdom.
- Udaipur Solar Obervatory:
Asia’s only solar observatory, the Udaipur Solar Observatory, is situated on an island in the middle of the Lake Fatah Sagar.
- Maharana Pratap Memorial/ Mori Magri :
Atop the Moti Magri or Pearl Hill, overlooking the Fatah Sagar Lake is the memorial of the Rajput hero Maharana Pratap with a bronze statue of the Maharana astride his favorite horse “Chetak”.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
If you plan a visit to Udaipur, it can be at any time of the year, Udaipur’s autumn/ winter climate is the most appealing time to pay her a visit. Tourists arrive in numbers, anytime between mid-September to late March or early April. Even in January, the coldest month, the days are bright, sunny and warm.
HOW TO REACH UDAIPUR
| Ahmedabad to Udaipur | 257 km | |
| Jaipur to Udaipur | 418 km | |
| Indore to Udaipur | 482 km | |
| Delhi to Udaipur | 678 km | |
| Mumbai to Udaipur | 788 km |
Udaipur can be easily added to you itinerary if you wish to visit the north or even south of India.
Direct flights are available from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, etc.
A person who loves road trips can start from Delhi to Jaipur to Udaipur by surface.
PLACES FOR ACCOMMODATION IN UDAIPUR
For the people who wish to live like kings, the hotels in Rajasthan offer you a lifetime experience to make your dream come true.
Udaipur has a variety of Palaces converted to Hotels, as well as Hotels which can offer a very luxurious stay.
The Leela Palace, Udaipur
With a majestic location on the Lake Pichola and spectacular view of the Aravalli Mountains, The Leela Palace evokes grandeur and opulence of the land of the Mewar. Beautifully designed to reflect the surrounding style and influences, the intricate craftsmanship and world-class amenities designed by Jeffrey A. Wilkes, while part of Lim Teo Wilkes Design Works, and the attention to detail in the art and embellishment by Mrs. Madhu Nair makes it an ultimate palace experience and regal indulgence.
- The Fatehgarh Fort : Perched on a hilltop 10 minutes outside the city, this newly constructed 51- room hotel incorporates local stone and antique architectural elements culled from abandoned historic buildings. Lie by the infinity pool, listening to the sound of splashing fountains mingling with live classical shehnai music.
The Oberoi Udaivilas - The Hotel showcases the rich heritage of the Mewar region of Rajasthan with its rambling courtyards, gentle rippling fountains, reflection pools and verdant gardens. Grand architecture inspired by the palaces of Rajasthan present a picture of majesty resplendent with pavilions and domes that lead you to a journey of discovery. Interiors embellished with decorative domes, hand painted frescoes, intricate mirror work and beautifully crafted artefacts create an ambience of regal splendour.
The Lake Palace - The Vintage coupé glides to a stop at the lake’s edge. It’s hard to believe the floating vision in marble is real. Blink, and indeed, there is a luminous palace emerging from the mist. Suddenly you are in a boat, drifting ever closer and the reality doesn’t disappoint. With the Aravalli Mountains and city palaces as a backdrop one gets an impending sense of enchantment.
There are also many standard hotels in the city for accommodation. For further information contact info@alluringindiadestination.com
www.alluringindiadestination.com 