City of Lakes: Udaipur

Udaipur is one of the most beautiful historic city of Rajasthan. Udaipur is the historic capital of Mewar kingdom. This city is also known as ‘Venice of the East’. This city is also known for its history, culture and beautiful geography. There are several tourist place in Udaipur like City Palace, Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, Lake Pichola and many more places to visit.

Udaipur

Historical Overview

Udaipur was established by Maharana Udai Singh in 15th Century, as final capital of Mewar Kingdom, located near Banas river. Chittorgarh was formly capital of Mewar kingdom. Several famous kings of Mewar are known for their bravery like Maharana Kumbha, Maharana Pratap, Maharana Sanga and many more historic personalities relate to Mewar. The title of Maharana means great warrior. The descendants of Mewar hail themselves as the descendent of Sun, Suryavanshi.  Meera Bai, devotee of Lord Krishna also relate from Mewar.

After Udai Singh’s death, his son Maharana Pratap took the reins of power at Udaipur. He was successful in defeating Akbar at the battle of Haldi-ghati in 1576. With this, prosperity of Udaipur ensued, palaces were built on the shore and in the midst of the Pichola lake. Concurrently art, particularly miniature painting, also flourished.

Geographical Overview

Udaipur is situated in southern region of Rajasthan. There are several tourist places in Udaipur like:

• City Palace

City Palace of Udaipur is built in Rajasthani and Mughal Architecture Style. This palace was built during 15th century along with establishment of Udaipur. There are Badal mahal, Amar vilas, Durbar hall, Mor chok(Peacock courtyard), Manak Mahal, Rang Bhawan etc. are famous visiting places.

• Jag Mandir

Jag Mandir is another island in Lake Pichola, known for its garden courtyard. Shah Jahan took refuge here while revolting against his father. This place is made as summer resort from royal family.

• Lake Palace

The Lake Palace was built in 17th century, It is made of marble and is situated on Jag Niwas island in Lake Pichola. It was originally built as a royal summer palace, but is now a luxury 5 Star hotel, operating under the "Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces" banner, it consists of 83 rooms and built in white marble.

• Nathdwara

Nathdwara lies 48 kms from Udaipur, this great Vaishnavite shrine was built in the 17th century is a famous temple of the Lord Krishna was being transferred to safer place from Vrindaban to protect it from the destructive wrath of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

There are also several famous tourist places in Udaipur like Lake Pichola, Fateh Sager Lake, Saheliyon-ki-bari, Bagore-ki-Haveli, Shilp-gram etc. which are known for their architecture.