UDAIPUR TOURIST BIOSCOPE
MOST ROMANTIC SPOT ESPECIALLY FOR HONEYMOONERS
Udaipur is indeed one of Rajasthan's most spectacular cities and is the best holiday destination in India to marvel at the bygone-era palatial architecture. Udaipur will surely mesmerize you with its regal past, grand edifices, vibrant bazaars, and absolute serenity. The iconic Lake city will arrest you with its beauty and scenic location. Udaipur is a popular international tourist destination and is known popularly as the "Venice of the East," "city of Lakes," and"Kashmir of Rajasthan" because of its sophisticated lake system, panoramic and romantic gardens. It is known for its history, culture, scenic locations, and Rajput-era palaces. The city is a blend of sights, sounds, and experiences. With its Kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens, and narrow lanes, the city carries the flavor of heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. No doubt, Udaipur is the major tourist attraction for tourists to come here. Its timeless beauty and majestic temples and monuments all entice us to capture everything in our memories. It was dubbed the "most romantic spot on the continent of India" by British administrator James Tod. Key tourist destinations are the following.
CITY PALACE
The City Palace is a complex situated in the city of Udaipur. Rana Udai Singh built a small mansion which 22 successive rulers expanded, and the tower came to be City Palace Udaipur. The main entrance of the Palace complex is Tripoliya gate, a triple-arched gateway built-in 1725. Maharana was weighed in gold and silver coins under the Tripoliya, and the coins were given away to the Public. Hathi Pol leads to an extensive courtyard of lush greens lawns and a fountain in geometric designs. The fabulous five-storied palaces are built of white marble and sandstones. The palace is located on the east bank of Lake Pichola and has several courts built within its complex. Erected in the complex, after entering through the main Tripolia gate, are the Suraj Gokhda (public address facade), the Mor-Chawk (Peacock courtyard), the Dilkhush Mahal (heart's delight), the Surya Chopar, the Shesh Mahal (Palace of glass and mirrors), the Moti Mahal, the Krishna Vilas, Shambu Niwas, the Bhim Vilas, the Amar Vilas (with a raised garden) that goes the Badi Mahal (the big palace). In the City Palace, Maharana Pratap Museum has sculptures, inscriptions, paintings, a turban of Prince Khurram ( Sahajhan), an armory, etc. A spear of Maharana Pratap that hit Raja Man Singh of Amber, armor suits of Maharana Pratap, and his favorite horse Chetak are also displayed here. Manak Mahal ( Ruby Palace) has cut-glass works in floral designs with sparkling colors. The doors are decorated with inlaid ivory. Krishna Vilas is adorned with miniature paintings drawing scenes from the royal court, nature, and folk legends. Badi Mahal has a cloistered courtyard of 104 marble pillars with a fountain in the middle. Moti Mahal ( Pearl Palace) is embellished with mirror work on the wall in colorful outlines. The celling is meticulously painted in a floral motif. The doors are decorated with inlaid ivory. The dressing room of the queen is similarly decorated. Chine Mahal is embellished with patterned tiles. Zanana Mahal( palace of Women) is adorned with beautiful murals. Bhim Vilas is adorned with the murals of Lord Krishana. It was built in a flamboyant style and is considered the largest of its type in the state of Rajasthan. It was built at a hill, a fusion of the Rajasthani and Mughal architectural style, providing a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. The palace complex has been built entirely in granite and marble. Fateprakash Palace has a crystal gallery that consists of crystal chairs, dressing tables, sofas, tables, chairs and beds, crockery, table fountains that were never used. There is also a Jewel studded carpet here. Maharana Sajjan Singh had ordered these rare items in 1877 from "F&C Osler & Co" of London, but he died before they arrived here. It is said that the packages containing these crystals remained unopened for 110 years. The entire complex of City Palace is the property of the Mewar Royal family, with various trusts maintaining the structures. The Fateh Prakash Palace and the Shiv Niwas Palace; the last two have been converted into heritage hotels. The complex is set with a post office, bank, travel agency, numerous craft shops, and an Indian boutique belonging to the World Wild Life Fund (WWF).
VINTAGE CAR MUSEUM
Vintage Collection of the classic car is located in the premises of Garden Hotel. Udaipur is a paradise for vintage car lovers. Inaugurated in February 2000, this ultimate vintage car collection is housed in City Palace. Garage with a matchable setting for such a remarkable collection of antique cars. Visitors can see magnificent Rolls- Royce Phantom, 1939 Cadillac open convertibles, rare Mercedes models, 1936 Vauxhall and 1937, Open models; Collection also includes grand limousines and cars which belongs to the House of Mewar's. There are a total of 22 splendid vehicles in its Collection. In a competition of vintage cars held in California in August 2012, the first prize was grabbed by Vintage car "1924 Rolls 20 H.P. Vasker Tyor" from Udaipur museum. The reward was received by the chairman of Mewar Charitable Foundation of Udaipur, Arvind Singh. The museum is opened for visitors from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
FATEH SAGAR LAKE
Serpentine Lake Fatehsagar offers one of the most alluring qualities of water; in the form of beauty, tranquility, and composure are unmatchable and fill everyone with contentment. The mesmerizing ripples, the crystal clear images give a quick peek into your soul. This soulstirring effect of lakes makes it one of the best places to visit. The irresistible charisma of lakes is a special gift of nature. The lake is considered the pride of Udaipur. The lake has a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is the second-largest artificial lake. If you are in some mood for adventure, then the motorboat rides are at your disposal. You can take a brief look at the Aravalli hills as the boat takes you on a quick journey all around the lake. There are many boating stations on the lake; you can choose according to the availability and affordability of the boat. Lake Fatehsagar is Situated at a fabulous location in the north of Lake Pichola, right across the Moti Magri Hill and Surrounded by the high Aravalli hills on three sides. Within the confines of the Fateh Sagar Lake, there are three small islands. The largest of these is the Nehru Park which is a popular tourist attraction, the second island houses a public park with an impressive water-jet fountain, and the third island is the address for the "Udaipur Solar Observatory" (USO). According to the historical facts, in 1888, the first lake got washed away due to floods. This is when Maharana Fateh Singh came to the rescue and ordered the construction of a dam known as the Connaught Bund or embankment. The 800-meter long dam was built on the eastern side of the lake. Therefore, the lake has been named Lake Fatehsagar to honor the generosity of king Maharana Fateh Singh.
NEHRU PARK
The largest island is renovated to construct Nehru Park. Nehru Park is designed to offer lush green gardens and a serene environment to relax. A small zoo on this island accommodates many species of birds and animals. The boat-shaped restaurant on this island is a visual retreat. The moment you see the restaurant, you will be magically drawn towards it. The gorgeous water fountains carved out of colossal marble slabs and huge palm trees add to your luxurious experience. The second- largest island is converted into a public park for recreation and fun activities. The most attractive feature of this park is the jet water mountain, which is a sight worth a million dollars when lit in the evening. The Nehru Park is accessible by inboard motor boats. The blue waters of the lake and the backdrop of the green mountains have given the soubriquet of "the second Kashmir" to Udaipur. At night, when the garden showers with colorful lights and rays falling in the lake, the whole scenario becomes eye-catching. It looks so beautiful that the visitors want to capture the surroundings in their hearts forever.
MHARANA PRATAP MEMORIAL
Maharana Pratap Memorial is- Built on the top of Pearl hill Moti Magri. It was constructed with the initiative taken by Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar with the help of public trust. This memorial is made in memory of the gallant and brave Rajput king, Maharana Pratap. The monument showcases the life-sized statue of the king and his horse- Chetak considered one of the fastest horses of the times. The memorial comprises a lifesized bronze statue of Maharana Pratap balanced on his loyal and favorite horse, Chetak, which stood by his master till his last breath. All the incidents of Maharana Pratap's life have been embedded in the form of stone carvings around the memorial. Through a nearby telescope can be seen the attractive view of Fateh Sagar Lake. On moving ahead, in another adjacent park, the huge statue of Bheeloo Raja, who was the leader of troops during the battle of Haldighati. Here, the picturesque of Bheel life, snake house, houses of Bheel, and an artificial lake is worth visiting. Another park has been well developed in Japanese style in which is established the statue of Bhamashah. Here, the Kamal Talai fountain, an artificial lake, and the scenes of snow hills are worth visiting. Tourists enjoy Bird Sanctuary also. We can see the statue of Hakeem Khan Soori in another park, made on a hill down to the left of the prominent statue. Here are found the ruins of Janana palaces. Along with it, we can also enjoy Veer Bhavan - Hall of Heros and museum on Moti Magri hill. We can see the ruins of "Moti Mahal" also. It is said that before establishing Udaipur, Maharana Udai Singh had constructed all these palaces on the hill. On the other side of the mountain, the temple of Girdhar Gopal and Radha Krishana is also worth visiting.
SOLAR OBSERVATORY (USO)
Udaipur Solar Observatory is considered the best observing site in Asia. Situated on an island in the Fateh Sagar Lake, the Solar Observatory of Udaipur is among the few in the world that are sited on an Island. This observatory was designed as per the model of the Solar Observatory at Big Bear Lake in Southern California. In 1975, Dr. Arvind Bhatnagar established it under the "Vedhashala Trust of Ahmedabad." The observatory has become the perfect center to develop solar physics in India. Being surrounded by water, the island provides a favorable atmosphere for solar observations. As air turbulence is lesser on an island than on the ground, sharp images of the Sun can be acquired. Apart from this, another advantage of this observatory is that it is located in Rajasthan, which observes a maximum number of cloudless days. All these factors add to the quality of extracted images of the Sun. The observatory comprises a range of telescopes that provide excellent quality Solar Observations. The observatory is adding a new instrument named "Solar Vector Manetograph" to its storehouse. This instrument will play an essential role in the future research program by determining the magnetic field of the active regions. The observatory has seen an entire solar cycle in the twenty-two years of its subsistence. Now it is witnessing the next solar revolution. The observatory also connects regular solar coverage in numerous international collaborative programs, including GONG (Global Oscillations Network Group). Under GONG Project, USO was numbered among the Six observatories of the world that watch the Sun for 24 hours; the National Science Foundation of the United States that intends to study Oscillations in the Solar atmosphere has sponsored this project GONG. Hence, USO is a site of National and International Importance.
SAHELIYON-KI-BARI
Saheliyon-Ki-Bari is a significant charming garden and a popular tourist place. It lies in the northern part of the city and has fascinating fountains and Kiosks, a lotus pool, marble elephants, and attractive gardens. The main reservoir of the park is embellished with one white marble kiosk located in the center and four black-marbled stalls in all four corners. The top of these kiosks is adorned with the sculpted figurines of birds that spurt out water from their beaks, producing rain. Fountains running from beaks of birds and trunks of elephants capture the hearts of tourists. The moment you enter the garden, you can witness flowerbeds, lush green lawns, and marble pavilions, which creates a pleasing ambiance. There is also a small museum here. The museum is lovely and has a lot of information about Indian architecture of buildings is very fantastic. This patterned garden used to be the popular relaxing spot of the royal ladies. The queen and her maids and female companions came here for a stroll and spent their leisure time. Due to this fact, the garden got its name. Saheliyon Ki Bari garden is located on the banks of the Fateh Sagar Lake, presenting a green retreat. It was built from 1710 to 1734 by Maharana Sangram Singh for the royal ladies. As per legend, the garden was designed by the king himself and he presented this garden to his queen. The queen was accompanied by 48 maids in her marriage. To offer all of them pleasurable moments, this garden was made. A fair held here along the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake attracts lots of tourists every year on Hariyali Amavasya. But the main feature of this fair, which can be seen nowhere in the world, is that in two days the fair second day is held only for ladies in which only ladies are allowed.
PICHOLA LAKE
A charming and picturesque Pichola Lake is situated between Aravali hills and the city, is the oldest and one of the largest lakes of Udaipur. Lake Pichola is enveloped by lofty Palaces, temples, bathing ghats, and elevated hills on all its sides. The Lake is 4.5 kilometers wide from North to South and is 10 to 15 feet deep. Its storage capacity is 485 million square feet. The Lake gets water from the Seesarama river. Ghats and temples on the banks of the Lake attract tourists every year. Many fairs and festivals held along the Lakesides entice the tourists to enjoy and click every moment of it in their memories. Every year, lots of foreign tourists come here and enjoy the Lush green surroundings around the Lake. Tow key attractions City Palace and Bagore ki Haveli are situated on the bank of this Lake. A Banjara Lakha constructed this Lake. Later, it was completed by Rana Udai Singh. During his era, two marvelous palaces, Jagmandir and Jagnivas, were erected amidst Lake. Emperor Shahjahan took shelter in Jagmandir for some time. Jag Nivas has been converted into a heritage hotel known as "Lake Palace Hotel." People use it to Celebrate memorable marriages.
BAGORE KI HAVELI
Chambers of the Royal Ladies, fresco paintings, vast collection of puppets and pugadees in the museum are the main attractions for visitors in Bagore Ki Haveli. It is an ancient building that stands on the platform of Gangori Ghat in the vicinity of Pichola Lake. The splendid architecture of the mansion boasts of delicate carved work and excellent glasswork. This Haveli is a perfect place to explore the ancient architecture and lifestyle of the royal family. In the eighteenth century, Bagore Ki Haveli was built by Amir Chand Bawa, who was the Chief Minister at the Mewar Royal Court in earlier times. When Amar Bawa died, the building came under the possession of Mewar State. In 1878, the Haveli made the abode to Maharana Shakti Singh of Bagore, who further incorporated three stories to the main structure. Since that time, the mansion became known as Bagore Ki Haveli (Mansion of Bagore). The building was handed over to the West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC) in 1986. The Haveli was restored in its old architectural style, and a museum was set up in its Complex by(WZCC). This museum portrays the patrician culture of Mewar. It has conserved the premium mural paintings of Rajasthan designed in Mewar. The museum also displays the costumes of the royal kings and modern art. Today, this vast building has more than 100 rooms with well-arranged balconies, terraces, courtyards, and corridors. The interiors of the Haveli are embellished with intricate and fine mirror work. While strolling in the Haveli, one can also see the private quarters of the royal ladies, their bathrooms, dressing rooms, bedrooms, living rooms, worship rooms, and recreation rooms.The chambers of the Royal Ladies still bear fine frescoes of the Mewari style, and there are glorious colored-glass windows in some of the rooms and two peacocks made with colored glass mosaics that display the superb skills of the finest craftsmanship. Here, you can trace the exclusive stuff of Rajputs like jewelry boxes, dice-games, hukkas, pan boxes, nutcrackers, hand fans, rose water sprinklers, copper vessels, and other items of the erstwhile rulers. In the two rooms of the museum are protected the paintings of Mewar style. We can see the picturesque of Gangaur fair, Padinath fair, Navaratri festival, Deepawali, Sitamata fair, Phool dol fair, Hariyali Amavasya fair, and other such fairs and festivals. We can see the vast collection of puppets and vanities of pugadees in the museum. In Puppets' room, we can see about 500 varieties of puppets in the collection. Haveli is opened from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm for the tourists. In the evening, the Haveli lightens and stages enjoyable performance of traditional dance and music of Rajasthan. The Haveli looks marvelous with glowing lights in the night.
SHILPGRAM
Shilpgram is a living ethnographic museum depicting the enormous diversity, architecture, and lifestyles of the folk and tribal people of the West Zone. It is the pride of the Nation – "the Rural Arts and Crafts complex," better known as Shilpgram. The Complex, set up in 16.1500 hectares of undulating land in the lap of the Aravalli Mountains, comprises 31 representative huts of the member states Rajasthan, Gujrat, Maharashtra, and Goa. These huts incorporate the traditional architectural features and design of the different ethnic groups spread out in the corners of the western part of India. The huts are built with the traditional building material brought from the concerned region and built by the same people using these houses to preserve their authenticity. Household articles of everyday use – whether terracotta or textile, wooden or metal, agricultural implements or craftsmen's tools are exhibited in these traditional huts. The objective is to provide a realistic glimpse of the people and their belongings within each hut as an organic entity. To a considerable extent, the traditional village life is selfcontained and self-sufficient with a potter, carpenter, blacksmith, and often a weaver living alongside one another nourishing and husbanding a series of transactions. To highlight these complex yet simple relationships, these huts are constructed in an interlocking occupational theme vested with its own internal dynamism. Museum in Shilpgram has been the prime center of attraction Artistic Kothiya made with clay, embroiders on clothes, artistic face-masks, designer articles made with wood and metals, puppets and toys, etc. the tourists to come here and capture the view in their hearts. There have been several stages for dancing the open ground where artists present their charming and eye-catching performances. A colorful Mandap has been made on a lavish scale to represent the cultural programs that can comprise more than four thousand audiences at a time. Every year in December and January, an international fair is held here in which come the tourists from all around the world. The artists from all over the country come here and represent their magnificent and magical arts in different fields which win the tourist's heart. Tourists came here throughout the year. It is six k.m. away from Udaipur along the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake and in the leap of Aravalli hills.
UDAISAGAR LAKE
One of the five famous lakes of Udaipur, Udaisagar lake, is situated around 13 k.m. in the east of Udaipur. The Maharana commissioned the construction of a dam on Berach River to meets the demands of water in his kingdom. Maharana Udai Singh built the Lake in 1565. This Lake is around four k.m. in length, 2.5 k.m. in width, and 9 meters deep at the maximum. Udai Sagar offers a commanding view of the evening silhouettes. This Lake is adorned with sundry palaces that overlook the striking Lake. Today, it is a weekend destination for the locals, and the calm waters of the Lake also attract tourists. The Lake is restored and transformed under the "National Lake Conservation Program" (NLCP) due to unclean water. It is approachable by road from Udaipur city. There is no entry ticket levied on a visit to Udai Sagar. SAJJANGARH PALACE
This Palace is a palatial hilltop residence in the city of Udaipur. The Palace offers a panoramic view of the city's lakes, palaces, and surrounding countryside. The Palace provides a beautiful view of the sunset. At night, the illuminated Palace with the Rajasthani architecture comprising domes, arched balconies, high turrets, Jharokas, lush green lawns, and fountains gives it a fairy tale beauty. Maharana Sajjan Singh (1874-1884) was built the Palace chiefly to watch the monsoon clouds and prey for hunting. Therefore, it is also known as Monsoon Palace. The Royal family used the Palace as a hunting lodge. "Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary" encircles the Palace, covers an area of 5.19 square kilometers. The sanctuary is a reserve for reptiles, tigers, Nilgiri, Sambhar deer, wild boars, hyenas, panthers, and Jackals. Previously owned by the Mewar royal family, it is now under the control of the forest department of the Government of Rajasthan. BHARTIYA LOK KALA MANDAL
Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal is a cultural institution that was set up in 1952 by Devilal Samar. It is engaged in studying folk art, culture, songs, and festivals of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. It popularises and propagates folk arts, folk dances, and folk literature. The institution has a museum that exhibits folk articles from Rajasthan like rural dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments, folk deities, and paintings. There is puppet theater (Kathputli) too, where puppet shows are held at regular intervals in which the artists participate worldwide. There is a selling counter also in the institution. It is situated just near the Sukhadia circle. Sukhadia Circle It is a famous recreational center in Udaipur. It is a large roundabout in the city in a northern suburb of Panchwati, on the road to Ranakpur and Mt. Abu. It is a small pond at the center of a 21 ft. high three-tiered fountain. The fountain is made of white marble and is shaped like a wheat-ear motif, which stands as a symbol of prosperity. The pond offers boat rides, and camel and horse ride options around the circle are also available. At one corner of the circler erected the statue of late former Chief Minister Mohanlal Sukhadia. Many small gardens and food joints surround the circle, and kids play-zone areas around it were lots of visitors come and enjoy their evenings.
GULAB BAGH
Gulab Bagh is the most extensive garden in Udaipur, also known as "Sajjan Niwas Garden." Maharana Sajjan Singh built it in 1881. The garden is spread across 66 acres of land. It consists lush green campus and several places of attraction, including ponds, a library, zoological park, temples, and several government offices. We can see many plants with medicinal values in the garden. The garden consists of many species of mangoes, guava, grapes, Lemon, Bor, mulberry, Rayam, pomegranate, bananas, sapota, tamarind, bullock's heart, lichi, Arjun trees, wood apple, karonda, camber, citron, Jamun, Jasmin, anola, wood, etc. Three have been many rows of colorful roses in the garden due to which was known as "Gulab bag." Maharana Sajjan Singh placed the foundation stone of the Victoria museum and Rock garden in 1887. The museum has many rare artifacts and stone manuscripts dating from 3rd century B.C. to 17th-century D.D. The park was developed during the era of Maharana Bhopal Singh. In 1948 the garden went under the rule of the state government, who established its main office in Udaipur, In 1955, a nursery was started for the open sale of plants, and an orchard was flourished on 10 acres of land. There are two statues of lions at the entrance of the garden. A toy train is run here to entertain the kids. Amidst of the garden has also been made a huge zoo where different species of animals and birds have been kept in a cage. Thus, the garden has become the prime location of visitor's recreation and entertainment. Doodhtalai Rope Way Neer the Gulab Bagh Doodhtalai is a beautiful place amidst Pichola lake and Machala Magra. On hill has been developed Din Dayal garden and temple Karni Mata. The devotees go by Rope-way to visit the temple, which allows them to enjoy the attractive natural surroundings downwards. Doodh Talai Lake provides few options for fast food centers, camel and horse riders, and boat rides.
AHAR MUSEUM
Ahar is famous for the ruins of the lifestyle of primordial people and an archeological museum. Ahar is a small town is located at a comfortable distance of 3 k.m. from Udaipur city. Archeological Museum in Ahar is an excellent center of attraction to preserve the excavated items of the ancient period by the Government. This museum houses an unusual assortment of antiques that dates back to the 10th century. Here, we can see earthen pots, iron objects, and other artifacts that used to be part of the lifestyle of primordial people. Somethings are acknowledged to belong in 1700 B.C. A metal figure of Lord Buddha of the tenth century is another attraction. Among the assortment of sculptures, a statue of Vishnu-Nag-Nathan is also worth mentioning. Many of the items are known to be excavated from the mound of Dhulkot. Dhulkot is said to be the site of 4,000 years old Township. We can see a skin scrubber, grain pot, animal figures, stone weights, balls, and seals that date back to the 1st century B.C. Terracotta toys, pottery remains, and huge earthen pots are the other exhibits in the museum. The ruins of buildings have also been found in Dhulkot. It is assumed that here, the copper is melting, and making its tools might have been the main occupation of people because many tools and axes made with copper have been excavated from here. In a house, a furnace to melt copper has also been found here. Due to this, the town was also called "Timbavati". We can also see kitchen wears - like - shallow and quarter plates, small bowls of clay, small round pots with narrow openings, stone knives, and other such tools. We can see an old Kund also where devotees take a bath throughout the year. Such places require a visit. Above all, the museum, which is opened from 10.00 am to 5 pm, portrays some of the best relics of ancient ages. It remains closed on Friday. Here, the entry fee is Rupees 3/- only.
AHAR CENOTAPHS
Ahar is famous for the cenotaphs of the royal rulers of Mewar. These cenotaphs echo with the sounds of valor and courage of Mewar rulers. It has not less than 19 cenotaphs of the kings, who were cremated here. The cenotaphs are made out of marble and possess the most acceptable earnings. The cenotaph of Maharana Amir Singh Ist is most attractive. The other cenotaphs include cenotaphs dedicated to Maharana Sangram Singh, Swaroop Singh, Shambhu Singh, Fateh Singh, Bhupal Singh, Bhagwat Singh, and Sajjan Singh. The cenotaph of Maharana Sangram Singh is another attraction that has fifty-six pillars on its porch. It possesses an octagonal dome in its center with the support of eight small pillars. In 1734, Maharana Sangram Singh was cremated here with his twenty-one wives. These memorial monuments have striking columns raised on big platforms sheltered by arched roofs. The architraves of the roofs are embellished with ornamentations that remind us of the 15thcentury temples. On the single upright stone of these architraves, we can see an image of Lord Shiva and a figure representing Maharana with his "Satis" (his wives, who immolated in his cremation flames). In the Complex, we can also trace some small and intricate tombs of ancient times. These remnants support the fact that Ahar has been a crucial part of the bygone era. In the late 1990s, Arvind Singh Mewar took the initiative to reinstate the cenotaphs of his ancestors. Ahar has now become a major attraction for tourists.
JAGDISH MANDIR
Shri Jagdish Temple is the most beautiful example of "Hindu Iconography" consisting of three stories of hand-carved stone, with a steeple nearly 79 feet high, and is the largest temple of Udaipur. It was built by Maharana Jagat Singh of Udaipur in 1651. It is said that about fifteen lakhs were spent on its construction. It is a large Hindu temple in the middle of Udaipur just outside the Royal Palace. It is a marvelous example of Indo-Aryan architecture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is raised on a tall terrace and attaches a doublestory Mandapa (hall) to a double-story saandhara (with a covered ambulatory) sanctum. The mandapa has another story tucked within its same pyramidal varna (bell roof), while the hollow clustered spire over the sanctum contains two more nonfunctional stories. To reach the main shrine, one must climb 32 marble steps, intercepted by a brass image of "Garuda" in the end, being the mount (vahana) of God Vishnu. The temple sanctum has an idol of the deity Lord Jagannath, In local parlance of God Vishnu or Krishna, carved out of a single block stone, resplendent with four arms, flowers and finery, four smaller shrines, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Surya, Shakti and Shiva form a circle around the main shrine, housing the idol of Lord Vishnu. On the walls and pillars of the temple are made the artistic status of human beings and animals. On the top are the sculptures of musicians, dancers, and horse riders. The temple is a splendid example of either Maha Maru or the Maru-Gurjara architecture, decorated with beautiful and ornate carvings which are breath-taking. A big tourist attraction, the temple was originally called the temple of Jagannath Rai but is now called Jagdishji. Like the Rath Yatra in Odisha, the same rath yatra is held here. On the occasion of Phalgun Shukla Ekadashi, Phago-Utsav is celebrated on a grand scale in the temple. Thakurji is adorned and jeweled with unique shringar. The temple remains open from 5.00 am to 2.00 pm in noontime and the evening from 4.00 pm to 11.00 pm.
AMUSEMENT
Best Adventure Sports in Udaipur If you are in Udaipur, you should indulge in some of the best adventure sports activities that are pretty famous in this city. We have shared a list of the adventure sports to do in Udaipur to help you plan your itinerary.
BICYCLES TRIPS
The best way to explore this city is to hire a bicycle and move people who lend bicycles to tourists. Most of the bicycles come with 21-speed bikes along with helmets. It would be a wonderful experience to explore the rural countryside and the historical capital of Mewar at your own pace. You can also cover the stunning landscapes along with the three lakes, namely Pichola, Fateh Sagar, and Bad. If you hire a bicycle and ride it along the lakes, you can inhale the beauty, which you can't when you explore them.
HORSE RIDING
When you are in the city of Palaces and Lakes, availing a horse ride will take you back to the days of kings. You can assume how it would have felt at that time exploring the city like this. Moreover, visiting a royal city and not trying out this royal activity is a big miss. If you avail of a 2-hour horse ride, you can explore the essential parts of it. Princess trail is an Indo- European family business mainly provided to entertain the guests in the best possible manner. The family combines both Indian and European modes of hospitality to treat the guests. The horses are well maintained, and they are properly fed. You can also take a horse ride to visit the wildlife sanctuary. Many such families offer this service to the tourists and that too at a very reasonable price. Most of the visitors are highly moved by their hospitality and services. Location: Boheda Haveli, Near Lake Palace Road, Udaipur.
TREKKING
Trekking is one of the joint and must-try adventure activities in Udaipur. With the Aravalli range as the backdrop, there are many trekking trails spread throughout the range. One can opt for an easy or difficult trial depending on their experience. The trails lead to the villages where locals reside, and they still have retained their culture and traditions. You can interact with them can learn more about their way of living, folklore, culture, practices, and more. While trekking, you will enjoy the stunning backdrop and scenic view of the adjacent area.
PARAGLIDING
Paragliding is another prevalent adventure activity to indulge in when in Udaipur. Fly over the scenic backdrop of Aravalli Ranges, the grand monuments, and the lakes. You will be provided with a brief training about the same by the experts, and while you will be flying over, there will be a person escorting you and guiding you on how to enjoy the moments and when to land. It is one of the kinds of experiences that one shouldn't miss when visiting Udaipur. If you are with your partner, you can also opt to fly together to have some amazing moments together. Location: Chitrakoot Nagar, Udaipur. CAMEL SAFARI
As Udaipur is situated close to the desert area, trying out a camel safari can be a relaxing adventure activity. Though one cannot have a long desert trip, a short one will be fulfilling enough. Riding over the "ship of the desert" is nothing like riding in a car or a jeep. It is an entirely different experience, and you will explore nearby lakes and palaces. There are organizers, agents, and even individual people who can arrange the trip for you. Make sure not to carry heavy stuff with yourself. Don't feed camels without taking permission from the owner.
HELICOPTER RIDE
In possession of some of the most beautiful palaces, dreamlike lakes, and backdrops of Aravalli Ranges, Udaipur is one of the most beautiful cities in the entire. [01/06, 11:58 am] Prabhat Singhal: country. Witnessing its beauty from the top like a bird's eye view is something exhilarating. Helicopter Joyride is not only one of the most adventurous activities that you should take up, but it's one of the most famous ones as well. Get a sneak peek of the entire city map from the top and fly through the lakes, taking your adventure sports itinerary a little further. You can also opt for this when you want to surprise your spouse for your wedding anniversary. Location: Near Pratap Gaurav Kendra, Udaipur.
ROPE RIDE
Though one of the ordinary adventure activities, you can still count on it if you don’t fear heights. Karni Mata Ropeway is the only place where you can experience this. It was started in the year 2008 to connect the Karni Mata Temple, which is very popular as a pilgrimage place, to the historical palaces of Udaipur. When on the ropeway, you can view the city of lakes differently and beautifully. You will witness the panoramic beauty of the lakes, palaces, forts, and the view of the Aravalli Mountains. If you are a fan of seeing things from a bird's eye view, this is an adventure for you. Location: Deen Dayal Park, Doodh Talai, Udaipur
NIGHT CAMPING
One of the unique and luxurious adventure activities to indulge in your trip to Jaipur is by camping at night. You can spend your night away close to nature which is raw and beautiful. The decreasing temperature of the desert, soothing wind, and the sky full of stars will make your camping more fascinating. However, as the agents and hotels provide camping facilities, you will get all the needed amenities along with other luxurious events. You will enjoy barbequed food, folk songs by locals, and dance performances. The location too will be varied depending on the hotel you are staying at.
HOT AIR BALLOON
Yet another adventure activity for the people who are not afraid of heights and enjoy the panoramic view of the cities and towns. Hot Air Balloon is one of the enriching adventure experiences you can have here in Udaipur. While flying, you will witness the entire city in just one sight, the lakes with glistening sun rays on them, the palaces, and everything colorful. You will have about 50 minutes of the ride that will be enough the inhale and store the beauty of the magical city in your Udaipur.
FISHING
Jaisamand Lake, License form can be obtained from the Fisheries Department of Tourist Reception Centre.
SWIMMING
Swimming facilities at Lake Palace (On prior permission), Field Club, Laxmi Vilas Palace, Shikarbadi Hotel, Rajasthan.Hotel. etc.
SHOPPING
A captivating collection of exquisite beauty dainty folk toys, brightly colored garments, hand-printed textiles, batiks, tie & dye sarees, and fabrics can be shopped around as the rich culture and heritage have given rise to many objects of beauty. The craftsmanship at its best can be seen in the shining metal images of rustic and chunky silver jewelry and wooden toys. The vibrant colors and themes painted on the pichwais or the wall hanging are world-renowned. There are innumerous small and big shops offering all the above, the main shopping places being Rajasthan Government Handicraft emporium - a shopper's delight, Chetak Circle, Bapu Bazar, City Market, Chetak Circle, Hathipole, and Lake Palace Road. Udaipur (Udaipur division)
DR. PRABHAT KUMAR SINGHAL, KOTA
EX. joint Director,
Deptt. Of Information and Public Relation, Rajasthan.
साभार :
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