Most romantic Destination Udaipur

( 7512 बार पढ़ी गयी)

Published on : 18 Dec, 18 08:12

Dubbed as the "most romantic spot on the continent of India" by British administrator James Tod, Udaipur is a popular tourist destination and is known popularly as the "city of Lakes" because of its sophisticated lake system.
It is known for its history, culture, scenic locations and the Rajput-era palaces. The city is a blend of sights, sounds and experience. With its Kaleidoscape of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes, the city carries the flavour of leroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry.
No doubt, Udaipur is the major tourist attraction for the tourists to come here. Its timeless beauty and majestic temples and monuments, all entice us to capture everything in our memories.
I also brought some such unforgettable memories with me when I returned from there with my family. We went to see the beautiful Malls of Udaipur where we enjoyed in the Snow World Park. The place is fully covered with snow where tourists can have the feelings of being in some hill station. We also enjoyed boat riding in Fateh Sagar Lake, the main tourits attraction of the city. Beautiful Shailoyn-Ki-Baari also charmed us very much where we saw many alluring fountains. We also went to famous Karni-Mata temple where we enjoyed in the rope way through which we can reach to the temple. There are many food stalls also near temple. We can enjoy the natural surroundings from the top of the temple. Similarly, we visited many places and enjoyed our trip, a lot. Some of key tourist destinations are the followings .
City palace
It is a palace complex situated in the city of Udaipur, Rajasthan. It was built ones a period of nearly 400 years, with contributions from several rulers of the Mewar dynasty. Its construction began in 1953, started by Maharana Udai Singh II of the Sisodia Rajput family as he shifted his capital from the erstwhile Chittor to the newly founded city of Udaipur. The palace is located on the east bank Lake Pichola and has several palaces built within its complex.
It was built in a flamboyant style and is considered the largest of its type in the state of Rajasthan. It was built at of 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. The interiors of the palace complex with its balconies, towers and cupolas exhibit delicate mirror-work marble work, murals, wall paintings, silver-work, in lay-work and leftover of colored glass.
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 (hearts 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), the Fatehprakash Palace and the Shiv Niwas Palace; the last two have been converted into heritage hotels. The complex is set with facilities of a post office, bank, travel agency, numerous craft shops and also an Indian boutique belonging to the World Wild Life Fund (WWF).
Fateprakash Palace, which is now a luxury hotel, has a crystal gallery that consists of crystal chairs, dressing tables, sofas, tables, chairs and beds, crockery, table fountains which 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
Vintage Car Museum
Vintage collection of classic car, located in the premises of Garden Hotel, Udaipur is a paradise for Vintage car lovers. Inaugurated in February 2000, this ultimate vintage car collection housed in City Palace. Garage with a matchable setting for such a remarkable collection of age old 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 Mewars. There are total 22 splendid vehicles in its collection.
In competition of vintage cars, which was 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 the visitors from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. and entry fee is 150/-.

Pichola Lake
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.
This lake was constructed by a Banjara during the era of Maharana Lakha. Later, it was completed by Rana Udaisingh. During his era, two palaces, Jagmandir and Jagnivas were erected amidst of Lake. Emperor Shahjahan took shelter in Jagmandir for some time. Jag nivas has been converted into a heritage hotel known as "Lake Palace Hotel".
The lake is 4.5 kilometer wide from North to South and is 10 to 15 foot deep. Its storage capacity is 485 million square foot. The lake gets water from Seesarama river. Ghats and temples on the banks of lake attract the tourists everyyear. Many fairs and festivals held along the Lake sides 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.

Fateh Sagar Lake
It is one of the four lakes of the Udaipur city. It is an artificial lake named after Maharana Fateh Singh of Udaipur and Mewar, constructed north-west of Udaipur, to the north of Lake Pichola in the 1680s.
Within the confines of the Fateh Sagar Lake, there are three small islands; the largest of these is the Nehru Park (4 km2 (1.5 sqmi) area, which is a popular tourist attraction, the second island (0.06 km2 or 15 acres area) houses a public park with an impressive water -jet fountain, and the third island (1.2 km2 area) is the address for the "Udaipur Solar Observatory" (USO).
The Nehru park is accessible by in board motor boats. The blue waters of the lake and the backdrop of the green mountains has given the soubriquet of "the second Kashmir" to Udaipur.
Udaipur Lake conservation societys reports indicate that the Lake supports and sustains ground water recharge, drinking water, agricultural use, industrial use, ecological water availability and provides employment to 60% population of Udaipur. The night view of Lake, twinkling with lights, attracts the tourists who enjoy its beautiful surroundings.
Nehru Garden
Constructed in an Island at the heart of Fateh Sagar Lake, Nehru Garden encloses many distinct water fountains resembling those in Brindavan Gardens of Mysore. Another major attraction of the garden is a floating restaurant, in a boat shape. Its length is 779 feet long and 292 feet wide with diameter of 2160 foot.
At night, when the garden showers with colourful lights and rays falling in lake, the whole sceinario becomes eye-catching. It looks so beautiful that the visitors want to capture the surroundings in their hearts forever.

Udaisagar Lake
One of the five prominent lakes of Udaipur, Udaisagar lake is situated around 13 k.m. in the east of Udaipur. This lake is around 4 k.m. in length 2.5 k.m. in width and 9 meters deep at the maximum. The lake was built by Maharan Udai Singh in 1565. The lake is restored and transformed under "National Lake Conservation Program" (NLCP) due to unhygenic water. It is approachable by road from the Udaipur city. There is no entry ticket levied on visit to Udai Sagar.
Solar Observatory (USO)
Udaipur Solar Observatory is consisdered as the best observing site in Asia. Situated on an Island in the Fateh Sagar Lake, 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 Solar Observatory at Big Bear Lake in Southern California. In 1975, It was established by Dr. Arvind Bhatnagar 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 favourable atmosphere for solar observations. As air turbulence is lesser on island then ground, sharp images of the sun can be acquired. Apart from this, other advantages of this observatory is that it is located in Rajasthan, which observes maximum number of cloudless days. All these factors add to quality of extracted images of the Sun.
The observatory comprises a range of telescopes that provide excellent quality of Solar Observations. The observatory is adding a new instrument by the name of "Solar Vector Manetograph" to its store-house. This instrument will play an important role in the future research programme 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 cycle.
The observatory also provides a connection for 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, National Science Foundation of the United States that intends to study Oscillations in the Solar atmosphere has sponsored this project of GONG. Hence, USO is a site of National and International Importance.
Maharana Pratap Memorial
Maharana Pratap Memorial is a historic site that is dedicated to the gallant Maharana Pratap. Situated at the top of Moti Magri or Pearl Hill, the memorial over looks the Fateh Sagar Lake. It was constructed with the initiative taken by Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar with the help of a public trust.
The memorial comprises a life-sized bronze statue of Maharana Pratap balanced on his loyal and favourite horse, Chetak which stood by his master till his last breath. All the incidents of Maharana Prataps life have been embedded in 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 adjecent park is established 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 are worth visiting. The statue of Bheeloo Raja was unveiled on 8 February 1989 by the then prime minister of India, Mr. Jawahar Lal Nehru.
The third park has been well developed in Japanese style in which is established the statue of Bhamashah. Here, Kama Talai fountain, artificial lake and the scenes of snow hills are worth visiting. Tourists enjoy in Bird Sanctuary also.
On moving ahead, we can see the statue of Hakeem Khan Soori in another park, made on hill down to the left of main statue. Here are found the ruins of Janana palaces.
Along with it, we can also enjoy Veer Bhavan - Hall of peros and museum on Moti Magri hill. On the other side the hill, the temple of Girdhar Gopal and Radha Krishana is also worth-visiting. We can see the ruins of "Moti Mahal" also. It is said that before establishing Udaipur, Maharana Udaisingh had constructed all these palaces on the hill.

Shilpgram
Shilpgram was founded in 1989 by the Western cultural center to protect the folk arts and culture which is 6 k.m. away from Udaipur along the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake.
Shilpgram is spread in the wide area of 130 feet where 26 traditional huts have been erected to represent the traditional folk arts and culture.The artistic picturesque of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharastra and Goa states symbolize the lifestyle, different rites and ritnals and lovefor arts of different communities.
Museum in Shilpgram has been the prime center of attraction Artistic Kothiya made with clay, embrodiers on clothes, artistic face-masks, designer articles made with wood and metals, puppets and toys etc. entice the tourists to come here and capture the view in their hearts. There have been several stages for performing dance in the open ground where artists present their charming and eye-catching performances. A colourful Mandap has been made on lavish scale in order to represent the cultural programms which can comprise more than four thousand audience 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 country come here and represent their magnificent and magical arts in different fields which win the tourists heart.
Saheliyon-Ki-Bari
Saheliyon-Ki-Bari is a major garden and a popular tourist place in Udaipur. It lies in northern part of the city and has fountains and Kiosks, a lotus pool and marble elephants. It was built by Rana Sangram Singh.
This patterned garden used to be the popular relaxing spot of the royal ladies. The queen with her maids and female companions used to come here for a strole and spend their time in leisure. Due to this fact, the garden got its name.
The prime center of tourists attraction here is a swimming pool made with marble stone around which are made attractive fountains and Chattriyan. Chattriyan are made with soft-stone. Amidst the swimming pool is erected a huge eye-catching Chattri around which run many fountains. We can see a statue of woman standing under it. Fountains running from trunks of elephants and beaks of birds, capture the hearts of tourists. 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 the fair is held only for ladies on its second day in which only ladies are allowed. Here, entry fee is 10/- Rs. only.

Sukhadia Circle
It is a popular recreational center in Udaipur. It is a large round about in the city is northern suburb of Panchwati, on the road to Ranakpur and Mt. Abu.It is a small pond, at center of which lies 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 ride, and options for camel and horse ride around the circle are also available. At one corner of the circler has been erected the statue of late former Chief Minister, Mohanlal Sukhadia.
The circle is surrounded by many small gardens and food joints, and kids play-zone areas around it where lots of visitors come and enjoy their evenings.
Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal
Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal is a cultural institution which 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 collection of folk articles from Rajasthan like rural-dresses, ornaments, puppets, marks, dolls, folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings. There is puppet theater (Kathputli) too where puppet shows are held at regular intervals in which participate the artists from all around the world. There is a selling counter also in the institution which was inaugurated on 20 November 1993.
Gulab Bagh
Gulab Bagh is the largest garden in Udaipur which is also known as "Sajjan Niwas Garden". It was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1881.The garden is spread across 66 acres of land. It consists lush green campus and several places of attraction including ponds, library, zooligical park, temples and several government offices.
We can see many plants with medicinal values that are spread on 66.5 acres of land. The garden consists many species of mangoes, gvava, grapes, Lemon, Bor, mulbury, rayam, pomegranate, bananas, sapota, tamarind, bullocks heart, lichi, Arjun trees, wood apple, karonda, cambher, citron, jamun, jasmin, anola, wood etc. Three have been many rows of colourful roses in the garden due to which it was known as "Gulab bag".
Maharana Sajjan Singh placed the foundation stone of the Victoria musueum and Rock garden in 1887. The museum has many rare artefacts and stone manuscripts dating from 3rd century B.C. to 17th century D.D. The garden was developed during the era of Maharana Bhoopal Singh. In 1948 the garden went under the rule of state government who established its main office in Udaipur, In 1955, a nursery was started for the open sell 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 garden has also been made a huge zoo where different species of animals and birds have been kept in cage. Thus, the garden has become the prime location of visitors recreation and entertainment.
Doodhtalai Rope Way
Doodhtalai is a beautiful place amidst of Pichola lake and Machla Magra near Gulab Bag garden. On hill has been developed Din Dayal garden and temple Karni Mata. To visit the temple, the devotees go by Rope-way which gives them an opportunity to enjoy the attractive natural surroundings downwards.
Doodh Talai Lake provides few options for fast food centers, camel and horse rides and boat ride.
Bagore-Ki-Haveli (Museum)
Bagore-Ki-Haveli is a haveli in Udaipur which is right on the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gomgori Ghat. It was built by Amar Chand Badwa, then-then Prime minister of Mewar, in the 18th Century.
Haveli consists 138 rooms, as well as numerous corridors and balconies, courtyards and terraces. The interiors of the Haveli are embellished with intricate and fine mirror work. While strolling in the Haveli, we can also see the private quarters of the royal ladies, their bathrooms, dressing rooms, bed rooms, 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 coloured-glass windows in some of the rooms as well as two peacocks made with coloured glass masaics that display the superb skills of the finest crafts-manship.
Unique symbols of the Rajput clan, such as jewellery boxes, dice-games, hukkar, pam boxes, nut crackers, hand fans, rose water sprinklers, copper vessels and other items are also on display here.
In the two rooms of 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 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. for the tourists. Entry fee is Rupees 25/-.
In the evening, the haveli lightens and stages enjoyable performance of traditional dance and music of Rajasthan. The haveli looks marvellous with glowing lights in the night. It is a perfect place to explore the ancient architecture and life style of the royal family.
Ahar Civilization
Ahar is a small town in the Udaipur district of Rajasthan. It is located at a comfortable distance of 3 k.m. from the city of Udaipur. Ahar is famous for the ruins of the lifestyle of primordial people and an archeological museum.
Archeological Museum in Ahar is great center of attraction that is made 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 centuary. 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 1700 B.C. A metal figure of Lord Buddha of the tenth century is another attraction. Among the assortment of sculpture, 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. Teracotta toys, pottery remains and a 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 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 as "Tambavati".
We can also see kitchen wears - like - shallow and quarter plates, small bowls of clay, small roundpots with narrow openings, stone knives and other such tools.
Above all, the museum, which is opened from 10.00 a.m. to 5 p.m., portrays some of the best relics of ancient ages. It remains closed on Friday. Here, entry fee is Rupees 3/- only. We can see a old Kund also where devotees take bath throughout the year. Such places definitely require a visit.
Ahar cenotaphs
Ahar is famous for the cenataphs of the royal rulers of Mewar. These cenotaphs echo with the sounds of valour and courage of Mewar rulers. It has not less then 19 cenotaphs of the kings, who were cremated here. The cinetaphs are made out of marble and possess the finest carnings.
The cenotaph of Maharana Amir Singh Ist is most attractive. The other cenotaphs include cenataph dedicated to Maharana Sangram Singh, Sawroop 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 in its porch. It possess octagonal dome in its centre 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 reminds us of the 15th century 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 supports the fact that Ahar has been crucial part of bygone era. In the late 1990s, Arvind Singh Mewar took the initiative to rein state the cenotaphs of his ancestors. Ahar has now become a major attraction for the tourists.
Jagdish Mandir
Jagdish temple is a large Hindu temple in the middle of Udaipur in Rajasthan, just outside the royal palace. It is a marvellous example of Indo-Aryan architecture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It was built by Maharana Jagatsingh of Udaipur in 1651. It is said that about fifteen lakhs were spent on its construction.
The temple is raised on a tall terrace and attaches a double-storey Mandapa (hall) to a double-storey saandhara (with a covered ambulatory) sanctum. The mandpa has another storey tucked within its pyramidal samavarna (bellroof) while the hollow clustered spire over the sanctum contains two more, nonfuctional 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 statues of human beings and animals. On the top are the sculptures of muscioms, 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.
The huge temple can be seen from far distances. The temple can be touched through a short walk from the city palace.
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 rathyatra is held here. On the occasion of Phalgun Shukla Ekadushi, Phago-utsav is celebrated on grand scale in the temple. Thakurji is adorned and jewelled with unique shringar. The temple rem,ains open from 5.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. in noon time and in evening from 4.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m.
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.
Sajjan Garh Palace
This palace is a hilltop palatial residence in the city of Udaipur which was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 19th Century. The palace offers a panoroimic view of the citys lakes, palaces and surrounding country side.
It was built chiefly to watch the monsoon clouds and prey for hunting. Therefore, it is also known as Monsoon palace. The palace provides a beaultiful view of the sunset. At night, the illuminated palace with the Rajasthani architecture comprising domes, fountains and Jharokas, gives it a fairy tale beauty.
The Royal family used the palace as a hunting lodge. "Sajjangarh wildlife Sanctuary," encircles the palace, covers an area of 5.19 square kilometres. The sanctuary is a reserve for reptiles, tigers, Nilgari, 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 and has recently been opened to the public from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

साभार :