Udaipur, located in Rajasthan's southernmost region, is the true essence of India's heritage. Udaipur, known as the City of Lakes, has pushed the boundaries of what it means to be a heritage city. So much so that the city has been named one of the world's most romantic destinations. From the iconic Rajput-era palaces to the vintage hotels to the glistening waters of its magnificent lakes, the city has a lot to boast about. Udaipur, known as the "Venice of the East," is a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the world. Udaipur's history dates back to the 16th century, when it was a fertile valley on the banks of the Banas River. It was built by Maharana Udai Singh II and served as the Mewar kingdom's first capital. The city of Udaipur is known for its palaces and lakes.
A series of royal palaces can be found on the shores of Lake Pichola. The Vintage City Palace is the most well-known of them. For overseas visitors to the area, this Palace has been the real deal. A panoramic view of Jag Niwas, a premium world-renowned heritage hotel, can be seen right from the balcony of the City Palace. The City Palace leads to a series of courtyards, terraces, corridors, and a garden from the entrance. In the Palace grounds, the Mor Chowk, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal, and Krishna Vilas are notable. The well-known Jag Mandir is one of Udaipur's other attractions. This palace is situated on a small island in the middle of Lake Pichola. The Jag Mandir, which was built by three Maharanas of Sisodia Rajputs, is comprised of an impressive series of buildings. Gul Mahal, Bara Patharon ka Mahal, and Zenana Mahal are the names of these buildings.
Lake Palace : Lake Palace is a luxurious 5-star hotel with 83 suites and rooms featuring white marble walls. This refurbished heritage, which is located on the island of Jag Niwas, was previously known as Jag Niwas, which was Maharana Jagat Singh II's luxury palace. The natural foundation of this Palace in Lake Pichola extends over 4 acres. The hotel operates a speed boat for visitors' transportation convenience.
City Palace :
The City Palace of Udaipur is a perfect example of the grandeur enjoyed by Mewar rulers eras ago, and it still has a splendid appearance. City Palace, which is located on the eastern bank of Lake Pichola, boasts a magnificent fusion of European, Rajasthani, Mughal, and Chinese architecture, making it one of Udaipur's most attractive features. The lush green Aravali Mountains encircle the City Palace complex, giving it a stunning backdrop, and the monuments located within it, such as Neemach Mata Temple, Jagdish Temple, Monsoon Palace, Jag Mandir, and Lake Palace, make it the most attractive tourist destination. Wall paintings, attractive entreaty of marble work, inlay work, murals, silver work, and mirror work are some of the features that bring grace to the beauty of City Palace.
Fateh Sagar Lake :
Following Jaisamand Lake, Fateh Sagar Lake is Udaipur's second artificial lake, named after Maharana Fateh Singh of Mewar and Udaipur. The lake was built in the 1680s to the north and west of Lake Pichola in Udaipur. Fateh Sagar Lake is well-organized, with three intake channels and one overflow channel. During the rainy season, the overflow channel is usually activated. During the monsoons, the lake covers an area of about 1 square kilometre. Fateh Sager Lake is embroidered with three small islands that can be visited while boating on the lake. The largest island in the lake, Nehru Park, has been converted into a park. This garden also includes a small zoo and a restaurant in the shape of a boat. For the majority of visitors, this island is a well-known picnic spot.
Lake Pichola :
Located in the city of Udaipur, Lake Pichola is a man-made freshwater lake named after the town of Picholi. Two islands, Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas, are located within Lake Pichola, and several palaces have been built on these islands to provide breathtaking views of the lake. The city of Udaipur is also known for Lake Pichola, which is a vital part of its identity. To have a memorable travel experience, one should not miss the boat ride that departs from City Palace's Rameshwar Ghat on Lake Pichola. On Lake Pichola, there are two more famous islands: one is Arsi Villas, a small palace built by Udaipur's Maharanas that was formerly an ammo depot. Coots, ducks, terns, ducks, kingfishers, cormorants, egrets, and other birds use this island as a breeding ground. Another is the Mohan mandir, where the king attended the annual Gangaur festival celebrations.
Gulab Bagh and Zoo :
Maharanba Sajjan Singh designed and constructed Gulab Bagh, which is also known as Sajjan Niwas Garden. The garden, which covers about 100 acres, is home to a significant collection of well-preserved roses. Gulab bagh, which is located on the Pichola lake's bank and is named after the roses that grow here, is the main attraction for the area. There are many interesting animals in the zoo, including tigers, female leopards, and chinkaras, which are must-sees. In the zoo's bird section, there are some massive owls and outstanding parakeets. Gulab Bagh also has a small toy train, so kids can have a good time and enjoy their visit. Those who don't want to walk but want to see the whole park should take this train.
Sahelion Ki Bari :
Saheliyon-ki-bari is a well-known tourist attraction and a large garden in Udaipur. Saheliyon ki bari, built by Rana Sangram Singh, is located in the city's northern section. The meaning of the term Saheliyon ki bari is "Garden of the Maidens," and visitors can enjoy the marble elephants, lotus pool, beautifully carved kiosks, and numerous fountains in this location. The breath-taking view of the garden's magnificent architecture could mesmerise any observer. The marble pavilions, flowerbeds, and lush green lawns add to the romantic atmosphere of this magnificent garden. This garden is thought to have been constructed by Maharana Sangram Singh and given to his wife as a gift. The first thing visitors can do in this lovely location is take a leisurely stroll through the garden, taking in the sights of magnificent fountains and sculptures, each with its own special quality that provides a pleasurable experience.
Sajjangarh Palace :
Sajjangarh Palace, also known as Monsoon Palace, is a hilltop luxury residence in Udaipur city. Maharana is said to have built this palace on the hilltop to get a better view of his inherited home in Chittorgarh. The palace provides a panoramic view of the city's palaces, lakes, and surrounding countryside. This palace was constructed by Maharana to get a view of the mountain clouds, and it is for this reason that the palace is also known as Monsoon Palace. The palace offers a splendid view of the sunset in the evening. Sajjangarh Palace, which was formerly owned by the royal family of Mewar, is now under the control of the Rajasthan government's forest department. After the lights are turned on in the evening, the palace reflects a golden orange glow. Anyone can be mesmerised and filled with his senses by the stunning look.
Moti Magri :
Udaipur's history is enormous and extensive, as is the Mewar dynasty's incredible culture and architecture. Moti Magri is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city of dawn, Udaipur. Maharana Pratap's statue can be found on top of Moti Magri. From Moti magri, also known as pearl hill, you can get a spectacular view of Fateh Sagar Lake. On the top of Moti Magri, a statue of Maharana Pratap, the illustrious Rajput hero, was erected, complete with Chetak, his horse. This well-known statue is made of bronze. The statue of Maharana Pratap stands 11 feet tall and weighs 7 tonnes. Moti Magri is an ideal location to take in the tranquilly of Udaipur's cityscape.
Doodh Talai :
Doodh Talai Lake, a small pond adjacent to Lake Pichola, is a well-known tourist destination in the heart of Udaipur. Doodh Talai Lake and Lake Pichola, which is another popular tourist destination, share a common link. Doodh talai lake offers boat rides, horse and camel rides, and tasty food options. Doodh talai lake is surrounded by small hillocks that house the Deen Dayal Upadhyay park. This location is well-known for its well-organized and compact layout. When visiting Udaipur, make sure to visit Doodh Talai Lake, which offers scenic beauty and lush greenery to make the trip memorable. From Doodh Talai Lake, one can see the ropeway, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park, Lake Pichola, and Manilya Lal Verma Garden (musical fountain or rock garden), among other beautiful places.