Udaipur

Geography

Udaipur is located at 24.58° N 73.68° E[1]. It has an average elevation of 598 metres (1961 feet). Located at the foothills of the Aravalli Range, Udaipur lies in southern Rajasthan near the Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh borders.

History

Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar 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 amphitheater of low mountains. Maharana followed the advise of the hermit and founded the city in 1559 A.D.

Udaipur Attraction

Saheliyon ki Bari : Maharaja Sangram Singh built it first but it way destroyed by heavy rains then Maharaja Fateh Singh rebuilt this place. This place has five beautiful fountains, which are called Swagat Fountain, Savan Bhadon, Kamal Talai, Raslila and Bin Badal Barsat. In the old times this place was meant for queens and their friends so it is called Saheliyon ki Bari.

Pratap Memorial : It is situated on Moti Magari in the city. There is a bronze statue of Maharana Pratap risidin his horse Chetak. There are some ruins behind this statue, which were built by Maharaja Udai Singh in 1554 A.D. for his residence. Panoramic view of Udaipur city can be seen from this place.

Pichhola Lake : Pichhu Banjara built it during the reign of Maharaja Lakha in 1362. It is the oldest lake of Udaipur. It is 3 miles long 2 miles wide and 30 feet deep. Two palaces are situated in the middle of lake on two islands, which are known as Jag Nivas and Jag Mandir


Kumbhalgarh Fort : The second 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 enclose many temples, palaces and gardens.The fort renovated in the 19th century. The Badal Mahal or Cloud Palace offers a spectacular bird’s eye view of the surrounding countryside. Closeby is the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary with a rich variety of wildlife. The Fort is accessible only by jeep from Kelwara through the seven gates

Sajjan Garh Fort : It was built by Maharaja Sajjan Singh 1884. It is situated on the highest peak of Udaipur. It was completed by Maharaja Fateh Singh. The city of Udaipur can be seen from here.

Udaipur Fair Festival

Marwar Festival : This festival falls in the 2nd week of October. It is a festival devoted mainly to the music and dance of the Marwar region. This is a festival that allows the visitor to understand and enjoy the folk traditions of this part of the state.

Udaipur Climate

Unlike the simmering heat during summers of the nearby Thar Desert, Udaipur has a more tolerable and often pleasant weather. Though at times the mercury touches a sweltering 40ºC, it hovers around the 30s for most part of the year. Rainfall is scanty and the winters are pleasant.

How To Reach Udaipur

Flight : Indian Airlines connects Udaipur with Bombay, Delhi, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Aurangabad.

Train : Udaipur is connected by rail with Ahmedabad, Chittorgarh, Bombay via Ahmedabad, Delhi and Jaipur. .

Road : RSTC buses and private luxury buses connect Udaipur with a bunch of places around Rajasthan.