Udaypur
Udaipur (meaning 'City Of Sunrise' ) is more favored by nature than most of its desert neighbors. It is situated in southern Rajasthan, 374 kms. from Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, and is land of lakeside pleasure palaces, rambling hilltop fortresses, luxuriant gardens with fountains and streams. Udaipur, originally the capital of the state of Mewar, takes its name from Maharana Udai Singh. He founded the city in 1568 after retreating from the third attack by armies of the Mughal Emperor Akbar on the city of Chittor, (which was then Mewar's capital).
One legend claims that he chose the present location of Udaipur for the capital after a sadhu, or wandering holy man, told him that if he built his capital on the edge of Lake Pichola, it would never be captured.
He built Udaipur (named after himself ) between the fortresses of Chittor and Kumbhal Garh. Nestling in an enchanting valley with abundant water and formidable natural defenses.
City Palace:
The City Palace and the views from there are quite magnificent. It generally takes about 2 hours to tour the whole palace, and guides are usually available outside for a fixed price to explain various interesting features about the palace.
Standing on the banks of the lake Pichola lake, are massive series of palace constructed at different time commencing from 1559A.D. The balconies of the palace provide panoramic view of 'Jag Niwas' (Now world wide famous as Lake Palace Hotel'), on one side and the beautiful city of Udaipur on the other.
Pratap Smark (Moti Mangri)
Moti Mangri Hill skirting the Fateh Sagar Lake has been developed as a memorial to the bravest son of India, 'Maharana Pratap', who had to face the mighty Mughal emperor - 'Akbar'. On an elevated platform is an imposing statue of Pratap in bronze alloy astride his favorite horse-Chetak'. The hilltop can be reached either through a motorable road or a pedestrain's pathway through greenery.
Jagdish Temple:
It is on the way to the City Palace right in the heart of the city, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.The bold structure is a good example of Indo-Aryan architecture.
Sahelion Ki Bari:
This garden was laid out by 'Maharana Sangram Singh' in the early 18th century for the use of royal ladies and their friends. This is famous for its five ornamental fountains and a lily pool.Dudh Talai :
Beautifully laid out rock garden from where one can enjoy sun set's view in Lake Pichola and panoramic view of the old an new city.Pichola Lake.
This circle is famous for its massive 42 ft. high fountain which spouts from a pond with a diameter of 200ft. around the fountain, are beautifully laid green lawns.
