Getting there

Airways : The Dabok Airport is situated 21 kms from the city. It is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Aurangabad, Jaipur and Jodhpur.
Railways: It is directly connected with the major centers in north and west.
Roadways: It is well connected by a good road network.

Facts About Udaipur
Area : 37 sq. km.
Altitude : 577 metres
Languages : Hindi & English.
Rainfall: 50 cm
Temperature : Summer Max.23.3C Min.28.3C Winter 30.7- 11.6C
Clothing : : Summer Light Tropical Winter Heavy Woollen.

Exploring Udaipur!


City Palace
This enormous white edifice is the largest palace complex of Rajasthan. The sight of the palace perched majestically on a law ridge and towering above the placid waters of Pichola is truly mesmerizing. The construction of this 30.4 metres high and 244 metres long structure was initiated by Udai Singh and further additions were made by his predecessors. But, the additions were thoughtfully planned and integrated with the original structure, making it virtually impossible to believe that the palace complex was not conceived as one. The palace complex is a conglomeration of eleven palaces, numerous courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens, built over a span of over three hundred years. The complex is approached through 'Hathi Pol' or the 'Elephant gate', along the main street of the old city, near the famous Jagdish temple. The 'Bara Pol' or the 'Great Gate' brings you to the first courtyard which leads to the 'Tripolia Gate', with eight carved marble arches or torans. It marks the spot where the rulers were weighed against gold or silver and the equivalent value of which was distributed to the poor.
The way now leads to a series of courtyards overlapping pavilion terraces, corridors and hanging gardens. There is a 'Suraj Gokhada' or the 'Balcony of Sun', where the Suryavanshi (sons of the Sun God) Maharanas of Mewar presented themselves in times of trouble to the people to restore their confidence. The walls of seventh century 'Mor Chowk' or 'Peacock courtyard' are adorned with three large peacocks (mor), a vivid mosaic in glass. The 'Zenana Mahal' or 'women's quarters' facing the Mor Chowk has some of the most splendid rooms in the palace. Other important chamber includes, the 'Sheesh Mahal', with inlaid mirror work and the 'Chandra Chowk ' or 'Moon Square', at the top of the palace. The 'Krishna Vilas' is full of fine miniatures depicting splendid scenes of royal processions, festival of Holi and Diwali, the games of chogan etc. The 'Chini Chitrasala' is noteworthy for its blue and white Chiness and Dutch ceramics. The Bhim Vilas palace exhibits a series of wall paintings on Lord Krishna. The 'Amar Vilas' has a well laid out terrace garden.

Lake Pichola
Picturesque Pichola surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments, is about 4 km in length and 3 km wide. It is named after the village of Pichola and the main attractions are two island palaces Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir set splendidly in the turquoise waters of the lake. The majestic city palace sprawls along the eastern bank of the lake. Visit 'Bansi Ghat' (City Palace Jetty) for a boat ride.

Lake Palace or Jag Mahal
The luxurious Lake Palace is perhaps one the most beautiful palace in the world. The white palace set in the turquoise waters of lake Pichola, provides an awe-inspiring view. It was built in 1754, by Maharana Jagat Singh ll, of the island Jag Niwas and was named Jag Mahal after its founder. The magnifice palace is marvel in stone and is the fine example of Mughal - Rajput architecture. The cool haven was used as a summer resort the successive rulers, but now it has been converted into a luxury hotel.

Jang Mandir
It is the second island palace of Pichola. The construction of the palace was started by Maharaj Karan Singh. Later on, several additions were made to it by Maharana Jagat Singh and was named after him. Prince Khurram who went on to become Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, took refuge in this palace, when he rebelled against his father. He was highly impressed by its architecture and some of his ideas are said to be inspired from this palace, during the construction of the world famous Taj Mahal.

Jadish Temple
The magnificent shrine of Lord Vishnu was built in 1615, by Maharana Jagat Singh-l and is the largest and most splendid temple of Udaipur. The shrine is approached through a steep flight of 32 steps, flanked by stone elephants. The external walls and the plinth are adorned with exquisite sculptures. The main sanctum enshrines a majestic black marble statue of Lord Vishnu.

Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal
This unique museum of folk art exhibits a rich collection of folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments and paintings. There is also a separate section on tribal art. First rate puppet shows of Udaipur are also organised here.
Saheliyon ki Bari
This magnificent summer palace was built during the reign of Rao Raja Vishnu Singh. It is set on the Banks of Sukh Sagar Lake amid lush surroundings of a beautiful formal garden. Some people believe that an underground tunnel connects Sukh Mahal to the old palace.

Saheliyon ki Bari
Splendid Saheliyon ki Bari or the 'Gardens of the Maids' reflects the luxurious and unique life style of the ladies of the royal court. The well laid out garden flanking the embankment of the Fateh Sagar lake was built for the forty eight young ladies-in-waiting who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of her dowry. The gardens noted for their discreet and impeccable taste are studded with four lotus elephant shaped fountains. The colourful flower beds, lawns are protected by a series of walls and shady trees.

Pratap Memorial
The memorial atop 'Moti Magri' or 'Peari hillock', commemorates Maharana Pratap, the most distinguished son of Mewar, whose chivalrous deeds have become legendary. A fine bronze statue of Maharana Pratap riding his loyal horse Chetak overlooks the serene waters of Fateh Sagar. Adjacent to the memorial is a Japanese Rock Garden, known as Bhamashah Park.

Fateh Sagar
It was built in 1678, by Maharana Jai Singh to the north of Lake Pichola and two lakes are linked by a canal. The lake is enclosed on three sides by hills and the Pratap memorial lies to the north of the reservoir. Ti is named after Fateh Singh, who undertook renovations of the lake and rebuilt the dam. A drive around the lake during the sun-set is a truly enchanting experience. The beautiful Nehru Park with a boat shaped café is set amidst the waters of Fateh Sagar. It can be reached by boat.

Ahar
These crumbling ruins 3 kms. from the city, mark the site of the ancient capital of Sisodias, who built the kingdom of Mewar. It is studded with exquisite cenotaphs of the rulers of Mewar and is also and important site. The Government Museum here, exhibits some of the fieds like, earthen pots, iron objects and other art items, dating back to 5,000 years.

Sajjangarh
Spectacular Sajjan Garh set atop a steep hill over looking the city is clearly visible from most parts of the Udaipur. The fortified structure was the palace for monsoon season of the erstwhile royal family. The palace offers a fine view of the lake city and its surrounding. It is even believed that Chittaurgarh can also be seen on a clear day from its lofty tower. The entry to the building is restricted.

Shilpgram
This rural arts and crafts village nestles amidst the Aravali ranges, about 3 kms. from the city. It was established as a West Zone Cultural Centre and inaugurated in 1989 by Shri Rajiv Gandhi. The crafts village is dotted with huts built by craftsperson from the members of states like Goa, Gujarat, Maharasthra, Rajasthan, Daman & Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
The building material used in from the respective regions to ensure complete authenticity of their works. It provides a platform for the rural craftsperson representing various regions to exhibit their craft in natural surroundings. Shilpgram forms a confluence of different cultures and also has live performances of folk musicians, dancers and artisans from various States. The annual 'Shilpgram Utsav' is celebrated for ten days and gives a fine glimpse into the multifacets of Indian art and culture.
The scenic and serene environment of this village in itself is enough to attract any one, besides, there are temples, crafts bazaar, an amphitheatre, a museum and a gallery. It has emerged as an important tourist attraction of the city, as visitors flock here hunting for mementos and other gift articles, which are reasonably priced. The open-air Shilpi Restauaant located nearby is worth visiting.