Udaipur is located at the heart of Rajasthan, India. It is a beautiful city situated around the alluring lakes bordered by the marvelous Aravails hills. It is also known as the city of lakes or the Venice of the East. Maharana Udai Singh II established it in the year 1568. The city has innumerable tourist attractions, which include palaces, forts, museums, lakes and temples.

 

Palaces in Udaipur:

• The City Palace:

The city palace is one of the most prominent tourist spot in Udaipur. It is located on the east bank of Lake Pichola. Maharana Udai Singh built it and various additions were made to the palace by his successors. However, the structure of the complex retained a uniform design. You can gain access to the palace through the entrance gate called the Hati Pol (elephant gate). The interior of the City Palace is so elegant that you can enjoy a sense of awe. It is one of the finest examples of Rajput’s passion for architecture. The unique blend of Chinese and European architecture make the interior a paradise in the earth. The Udaipur City palace was built of gorgeous granite and marble. Moti mahal is the most beautiful palace located inside the City palace complex. It is amazingly beautiful with its stunning mirror work. Chini Mahal is another exquisite palace known for its decorative tile work. You can see some awesome paintings in the Zenana Mahal. You can visit the museum in the main part of the complex, which showcases a wide range of artifacts. The Mor Chowk in the palace complex has lovely peacocks that are set in the walls. The Manak Mahal is another fabulous palace, where the beauty of crystal and porcelain figures would dumbfound you. The Krishna Vilas exhibits an amazing array of paintings. Bhim Vilas Palace displays adorable paintings of Radha and Krishna. Manak Mahal has a marvelous collection of glass and mirror works. The Shiv Niwas Palace and the Fateh Prakash Palace inside the City Palace Complex have been transformed into luxury hotels. Fateh Prakash Palace was named after the great ruler of Mewar dynasty Maharana Fateh Singh. You can find elegant rooms and royal suites in this palace. Some of the rooms in this palace offer panoramic views of the Lake Pichola. Shiv Niwas Palace is a splendid palace located at the southern end of the Udaipur City Palace complex. It was once the residence of Maharana Fateh Singh and Maharana Bhagwat Singh.

 

• The Lake Palace:

The Lake Palace is located on the Jag Niwas Island in Udaipur. The island is in the middle of the Pichola Lake. Maharana Jagat Singh built it in the year 1743 and it served as a summer palace for the royal families. It has been transformed to a luxurious palace and is now being managed by the Taj group of Hotels. The Lake Palace is a standing testimony for the Maharana’s excellent taste. The white marble structure arising out of turquoise waters of the Pichola lets you forget that you are standing in the earth.

 

• Kumbhalgarh Fort:

Kumbhalgarh fort is located in the backwoods 64 kms away from Udaipur. Rana Kumbha built it in the 15th century. As it was difficult to access to the fort, it had remained unconquered. The fort was the birthplace of the renowned Mewar King Maharana Pratap. If you are interested in bird watching, Kumbhalgar Fort is necessary see place for you. It offers an excellent view of various types of birds in the surroundings.

 

• Haldighati:

Haldighati is the most important historical site in Udaipur. The legendary battle between Maharana Pratap and the Mughal Emperor Akbar took place in this spot in the year 1576. Chetak, the world famous horse of Maharana gave his last breath for his master in Haldighati. This is a wonderful tourist spot that lets you explore the glory of Maharana Pratap, Chetak and his faithful soldiers. You can also see the huge momento built to remind the sacrifice of Chetak in Haldighati.

 

• Maharana Pratap Memorial:

Maharana Pratap Memorial features a fantastic bronze statue of Maharana Pratap and his loyal horse. This memorial is located at the top of the Moti Magri. Maharana Bhagwat Singh of Mewar built it. People climb the hill to pay tribute to their supreme hero and the faithful animal. You can enjoy the excellent views of the Udaipur city from the comfortable height of the hill. If time permits, you can visit the nearby forts and the Japanese rock garden, which are located near the hill.

 

• Bagore-Ki-Haveli:

An old building is located on the waterfront of Lake Pichola. The Mewar Prime Minister Amir Chand Badwa built it in 18th century. It has more than hundred rooms and some of them exhibit modern art and colorful costumes. The interior of the Haveli is impressive and it boasts of some finest Mewar paintings on the walls. The two peacocks made from colored glasses would surely attract you.

 

• Jag Mandir:

Jag Mandir is a fabulous tourist spot in Udaipur. It is located on an island of Lake Pichola. Maharana Karan Singh II started to build this palace and Jagat Singh completed it. It is a three-storied structure made of yellow sandstone and marble. Gul Mahal in Jag Mandir Palace is the major attraction, as the estranged son of Emperor Jahangir, Prince Khurram (later he became the Mughal Emperor with a name Shah Jahan) stayed with his family here. Maharana helped Khurram, because his mother was a Rajput woman. The hall of Gul Mahal has awe-inspiring interiors. Karan Singh built a mosque in the complex of this palace to serve the religious purpose of the Prince.

 

• Jagdish Mandir:

Maharana Jagat Singh I built Jagdish Mandir in the year 1651. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. You can see a majestic brass image of Garuda, which is the vehicle of Lord Vishnu. It is the largest temple in Udaipur.

 

 

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