Udaipur Tourism

Udaipur Tourism is surrounded by the Aravalli Range and is brimming with natural beauty. It was set up in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the nascent capital of the Mewar Kingdom. Udaipur is well- connected with other parts of India through airway, railway and roadway.

Unlike other parts of Rajasthan, Udaipur is filled with serenity. Away from the urban chaos, it is a blend of regal beauty, elevated slopes and picturesque panorama. Udaipur is also known as the “City of Lakes” because of the presence of numerous interconnected natural lakes in and around the city. The “City of Lakes” is also profoundly called the “White City” because the Rajput style Palaces and Forts in Udaipur are made up of white marbles. Additionally, houses and other structures of the city are also dressed in white.

Udaipur is famous for its historic Rajput-era forts, grand palaces, striking lakes, architectural temples, museums, galleries, traditional festivals and rich culture. The best places to visit in Udaipur which are must-have in your itinerary are Lake Pichola, City Palace, Eklingji Temple, Ambrai Ghat, Vintage Car Museum, Bada Mahal and Shilgram.

History
Udaipur, once known as Mewar, is the land that produced a galaxy of patriots and heroes in quick succession, people who etched the name of Rajasthan in every corner of the world. The Mewar dynasty traces its roots to the Sun God. Its history has been a continuous struggle for freedom of religion, thought and land against other Rajput groups as well as the overbearing Mughals and Muslims of bygone eras. Its act of patriotism, heroism, magnanimous behaviour and love for independence can never find any match in the annals of any country.

Foundation of Udaipur
Once the capital of Mewar, Udaipur was founded by Rana Udai Singh after the fall of Chittor to Akbar in 1568. Although the Rajputs were thrown out of their capital they never gave up their sense of freedom, choosing to give up their lives lives for dignity and honour instead. Legend says that Maharana Udai Singh was out hunting one day and he came upon a sage seated beside the Pichola Lake. The sage said that the king would build his palace at the same site, and then the fortunes of his family would change. The Maharana built a small shrine, Dhuni Mata, to mark the spot which is now the oldest part of the City Palace. Udai Singh chose the site of Udaipur for his new capital and built an artificial lake named Udai Sagar after himself. Later he hit upon a pond said to have been made in the 15th century by a banjara (gypsy).

The Architecture Expension of City
The gypsy had built a dyke upon a stream for his bullocks cross over. Udai Singh further extended this pond and created one of the most picturesque man made lakes in Rajasthan. The Rana named it Pichola after the neighbouring village of Picholi. His new capital was established when in 1559 he built a small palace, Nochouki, on an overlooking ridge. Other buildings and structures soon mushroomed around the palace. With successive generations the marble and granite palace of the Rana spread out, always allowing an architectural excellence quite unique to the Mewar dynasty. The city palace went on expanding until it could claim itself to be one of the largest palaces in the world.

About
Udaipur , also known as the City of Lakes, is a city, a Municipal Council and the administrative headquarters of the Udaipur district in the state of Rajasthan in western India. It is located 403 kilometres (250 mi) southwest of the state capital, Jaipur, 248 kilometres (154 mi) west of Kota, and 250 kilometres (155 mi) northeast from Ahmedabad. Udaipur was the historic capital of the former kingdom of Mewar in Rajputana Agency. Apart from its history, culture and scenic locations, it is also known for its Rajput-era palaces. The Lake Palace, for instance, covers an entire island in the Pichola Lake. Many of the palaces have been converted into luxury hotels. It is often called the "Venice of the East" and is also nicknamed the "Lake City”. Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar in this city are considered some of the most beautiful lakes in the state.

Things to DO
Like all tourist destinations in Rajasthan, Udaipur offers an exciting range of activities to its visitors. You can enjoy excursions to some fascinating tourist attractions nearby that include Kumbalgarh Fort, Jaisamand Lake, Rajsamand Lake, Nagda, Haldighati, Nathdwara and Ranakpur Jain Temples. On tours to Udaipur, you can also enjoy shopping for folk toys, hand printed textiles, dyed sarees, metal images, silver jewelry, and the Pichwal wall hangings. Udaipur is also famous for its colorful and vibrant festivals. Visit Udaipur during Mewar Festival (held every year in April) to experience the real charm of the city. An exciting boat cruising on the shimmering blue waters of Lake Pichola offers a breathtaking view of the lake palaces and surroundings.

How to Reach

By Air Debock Airport is 24 km from the city centre, Dairy Indian Airliness flights connect Udaipur with Jodhpur Jaipur aurangbad, Mumbai and Delhi.

By Rail Udaipur is directly linked by rail with major cities some important train connection are : 9643 Express (Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Jaipur-Ajmer-Chittaurgarh-Udaipur.)

By Road Udaipur with several destinations. Some of the important distance are Agra 630km, Ahmedabad 262 km Jaipur 406 km .Jodhpur 275km and Mount Abu 185km.

Local Transport
Unmetered taxis, auto-rickshaws, tongas, city bus, regular city bus service is available for dabok airport, badi Lake, Bedala and shaeliyon ki Bari.