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Lake
Palace
Lake Palace was built by Maharana Jagat Singh II (1628-52)
as a summer palace to escape the heat of Jaipur. Undoubtedly
the most familiar and photogenic feature of Udaipur, the
palace is indeed a reverie in pure white marble. Formerly
called Jag Mandir, the palace is an amazing confection of
delicate columns, filigreed screens, cupolas and fountains.
Now converted as a luxury hotel, you can visit the palace
for lunch or afternoon tea.
Jag Mandir
Jag Mandir, another island palace in the Lake Pichola was
built by Karan Singh in 1615. It derives its name from Jagat
Singh who added to the initial structure. It was never used
for the purpose for it was built. This palace was used to
provide shelter to the Mughal prince Khurum (later Emperor
Shah Jahan) who rebelled against his emperor father Jahangir,
in the 1620s. Jahangir was succeeded by Shah Jahan who was
still in Udaipur at the time of his father's death. During
the 1857 Mutiny this island palace once again served as a
safe haven for European women and children.
City Palace
Udaipur's fascinating City Palace is the largest royal
complex in Rajasthan. Standing on a rocky promontory the
palace has balconies, towers and cupolas and presents a
wonderful view of the lake and the city. The complex has
eleven constituent mahals (palaces), constructed by
successive maharanas during the three hundred years that
followed the foundation of Udaipur in 1559. Added to this,
Crystal Gallery and Durbar Hall within the complex is
spectacular. Explore them for their mosaics, miniatures,
mirror work and motifs.
Sahelion Ki Bari
The "garden of the maids of honour", Sahelion-ki-Bari was
designed and laid out early in the eighteenth century as a
retreat for ladies of the royal household to spend their
time in leisure. The lotus pool, fountains, lawns,
flowerbeds, and marble pavilions all combine to make it a
captivating place.
Jagdish Temple
Built in 1651 A.D. by Maharana Jagat Singh, this Indo-Aryan
temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a manifestation of
Vishnu. The largest and the most beautiful temple of Udaipur,
it is always seething with constant activity and noted for
its beautiful sculpted images and towering shikhara.
Fateh Sagar
West of Sahelion-ki-Bari is Fateh Sagar, a lake built by
Maharana Fateh Singh. It is bordered by sharp hills and a
canal built at the beginning of the twentieth century
connects it to the Lake Pichola. In the middle of the lake
is Nehru Park, a popular garden island with a boat-shaped
cafe.
Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandir
Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandir is home to an attractive
collection of folk dresses, puppets, ornaments, dolls,
masks, folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings.
The museum is the best place for those interested in
puppetry. Short amusing puppet shows are staged throughout
the day. In addition, the museum runs short courses in
puppet making and theatre.
Sajjangarh
Dominating the skyline of Udaipur is the "Monsoon Palace" of
Sajjangarh. Deserted by the royal family soon after its
construction in 1880 due to the impossibility of pumping
water to the palace, it offers an unrivalled view of the
city's lakes, palaces and the surrounding countryside.
Ahar Museum
Located about 2 kms east of Udaipur is an impressive cluster
of cenotaphs of the Maharanas of Mewar. Nearby is also Ahar
Museum, where on display is limited but very rare earthen
pottery. Some sculptures and other archaeological finds.
Some pieces date back to 1700 BC and a tenth century metal
figure of Buddha is a special attraction.
Bagore ki Haveli
There is a very congenial old building built right on the
waterfront of Lake Pichola at gangori ghat built in the 18th
century by Amirchand Badwa The palace has very interesting
display of costumes and modern art. It also preserves a fine
example of Mewar Painting on the walls of Queen's Chamber. |
