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Udaipur Travel Guide

Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years. Udaipur is known as the city of lakes. The marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and the lakes make Udaipur beauty and its remarkable past blossoms in the heart of the visitors for a long time. The kingdom of Mewar was considered the most respectable of all Rajput princely states in Rajasthan. The Rulers of Mewar are still remembered for their bravery & courage they showed for protecting their motherland from external invaders.

Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure water lake,hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravallis. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty. Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets,painters and writers.Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces,lakes,temples,gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls,carry the flavor of a heroic past,epitomizing valour and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichhola is an enticing sight. . Of the original eleven gates of the Udaipur City,only five remain. The Suraj Pol the original or Sun Gate on the eastern side is the main entrance to the city. Several places of interest around Udaipur, including the majestic, Chittaurgarh,the mountain fortress of Kumbhalgarh, beautiful jain temple of Ranakpur,Ekligji and Nathdwara and the cool retreat of Mt. Abu, make the visit to Udaipur a memorable one.

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.


Fairs & Festivals of Udaipur

Mewar Festival
During the Mewar festival, the tradition and culture of Rajasthan dominates every other thing in one's mind. The Mewar Festival is celebrated to welcome the advent of spring. It coincides with the festival of Gangaur in Udaipur and has a unique charm about it.

The Mewar Festival held in March - April. They gather to dress the images of Isar and Gangaur and then carry them in a ceremonial procession through different parts of the city. The procession winds its way to the Gangaur Ghat at Lake Pichola. Here, the images are transferred to special boats amidst much singing and festivity.Once the religious part of the festival is over, it is time for cultural events where Rajasthani culture is portrayed through songs, dances and other programs. The festival culminates with an impressive fireworks display. Like other fairs and festivals celebrated throughout the state, there is a lot of activity, which keeps the participants in a joyful frame of mind, eager to enjoy every moment.

Gangaur Festival
Gangaur festival which comes in March - April is popular among women who pray to the goddess Parvati. A procession of caparisoned horses and elephants accompanying the image of Lord Shiva is the major attraction. During this festival women carry the idols of goddess Parvati also called Gauri in form of a procession to Gangaur Ghat which is one side of Pichola lake.

Shilpgram Festival
A craft village 3 kms west of Fateh Sagar is called Shilpgram. The 10 day festival is a treat for the visitor to an array of exquisite art And craft. Shilpgram hosts the festival. There are also demonstrations by musicians, dancers, or artisans from these states.

Teej
Teej is also an important festival celebrated in all parts of Rajasthan .This festival comes in the month of july/aug during the monsoons.Teej is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati and this time it is married women who pray for a happy and long married life. It is the festival of swings which are decorated with flowers and hung from trees. Young girls and women dressed in green clothes sing songs in celebration of the advent of the monsoon. Teej is celebrated mainly by the women folk of Rajasthan. Married women who idolize Parvati for her devotion to her husband Shiva celebrate Teej.


Places to See in Udaipur

· City Palace

· Pratap Memorial

· Jagdish Temple

· Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum

· Saheliyon Ki Bari (Garden of the maids of Honor)

· Fateh Sagar

· Pichhola Lake

· Ahar

· Sajjan Garh

· Gulab Bagh


Excursions of Udaipur

Ranakpur (90 km)

Nagda (23 km)

Eklingji (22 km)

Nathdwara (48 km)

Kankroli (65 km)

Rajsamand Lake (66 km)

How To Reach Udaipur

Air : From Mumbai, Jaipur, Delhi

Rail : Udaipur is directly linked by rail with major cities some important train connections.

Road : A wide network of bus service link Udaipur with several destinations. Some of the important distance are Agra, Ahmedabad Jaipur,Jodhpur and Mount Abu .

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