To experience the heroic past and grandeur of the Rajputana era, Udaipur is the best place to drown yourself in the local Rajasthani flavours. Udaipur was the capital of the former princely state of Mewar. With lakes, forts and museums dotting its landscape, Udaipur offers one of the widest range of cultural heritage in a single city in India. It has been aptly nicknamed as the ‘City of Lakes’ due to the three interconnected lakes within the town – the FatehSagar Lake, the Lake Pichhola and the smaller SwaroopSagar Lake.
Located in the southern region of Rajasthan, the summers in Udaipur are harsh with the maximum temperature going till 45°C, especially in the months of April to June. The hot climate is not preferable for tourist activities. Rainfall is scanty during monsoons. Udaipur’s autumn / winter climate, which means the months between mid-September to late March or early April witness pleasant climate. These are the ideal months for tourists to flock to Udaipur.
Tourists flock to this enchanting town located in the heart of the Aravallimountains owing to a number of historical and religious land marks within the city as well as in the vicinity. Some of them are:
City Palace: Towering over Pichola Lake, City Palace was constructed by MahranaUday Singh II. The main part of the palace is now preserved as the City Palace Museum, displaying an array of artefacts. The palace is built entirely in granite and marble and provides a fine view of the lake and the Udaipur city from its upper terraces. The key destinations inside the City Palace include Amar Vilas, BadiMahal, Durbar Hall and MorChowk among others.
Pichola Lake: This artificial fresh water lake was created in the year 1362 AD. The lake derives its name from the Pichola located in the vicinity.Two islands, namely, Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir are located within Pichola Lake.
FatehSagar Lake: An artificial lake which was dug up in 1678 and has lately become the second major source of drinking water for the city of Udaipur. It is also connected to the adjoining Lake Pichhola through a canal having gates. The beautiful Nehru Island rises from the lake.
Ahar Museum: Located at about 2km east of Udaipur is the Ahar museum, which houses a group of royal cenotaphs. There are about nineteen cenotaphs of Maharanas cremated here.
Since Udaipur is a renowned tourist destination, you’ll find hordes of tourist guides who’ll offer to take you around. Foreigners or locals alike, ensure that you check their authenticity so that you aren’t fooled by them.
A trip to Udaipur would be incomplete without sampling authentic Rajsthani cuisine. So when in Udaipur, make it a point to taste Daal-Baati-Choorma and GattekiSabzi. Among snacks Mirchibada, Kachori are must haves.
Famous for its lakes and palaces, MaharanaPratap’s glorious Udaipur is bound to impress you with its heroic grandeur.
