Introduction of Udaipur

Udaipur, the city of lakes is located in the Aravallis range of Rajasthan. The city of Udaipur is situated at a distance of about 405 km from Jaipur. Udaipur is situated at an altitude of 577 meters above sea level and surrounded by ancient Aravali mountains. Udaipur is also known as "city of palaces". The lake side was built on a small wooded plain encircled by mountains. The climate in Udaipur is temperate. In summers it is around 38.3 degree Celsius and in winters it is around 11.6 degree Celsius. Hindi, Rajasthani, Marwari and English are the common languages which are spoken in Udaipur.
 
History of Udaipur
Udaipur was the jewel of Mewar kingdom ruled by Sisodia Dynasty for about 1200 years. The city of Udaipur was founded by Maharana Udai Singh. This city has an interesting legend associated with it. Maharana Udai Singh was out for hunting as he met a holy man meditating on a hill overlooking the lake Pichola. The hermit blessed the Maharana and told him to built a palace at that very spot as it would be protected. The Maharana followed his advise and Udaipur came into being. Overlooking the aquamarine waters of the lake Pichola stands the shimmering granite and marble Lake Palace. This palace has a harmonious blend of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. It was in Udaipur only that the legendary Maharana Pratap was born. He was obsessed with Chittorgarh and the past glories of the Sisodia clan possessed his mind. Maharana Pratap left Udaipur to win back Chittorgarh from the Mughals. But he failed in his attempts and Udaipur remained the capital of Mewar till India got her independence. a statue of Maharana Pratap in Udaipur
 

Tourist Attraction in Udaipur

The main tourist attraction in Udaipur is Sahelion-Ki-Bari. This Garden of the Maids of Honour is well laid out with extensive lawns and shady walks. Other place is the Folk art museum. This folk art museum has a rich collection of Folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments and paintings on display. Another tourist attraction is City Palace, the biggest Palace in India. In this palace where 4 generations of Maharajas added their contribution, is so carefully planned and integrated with the original buildings that it is difficult to believe that it was not conceived as a whole. The museum of the palace includes the beautiful peacock mosaic and miniature wall paintings of Indian mythology. The famous Lake Palace of Udaipur was the summer residence of the former rulers. The James bond Film Octopussy was shot here and made this palace more known in the west.

 

How to get here

By Air:
Indian Airlines operates daily flights from Udaipur to Jodhpur, Jaipur, Mumbai and Delhi. Dabok airport is about 21 km away from the city.

By Rail:
Udaipur is connected by major road link between Mumbai and Delhi. The Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh Roadways Transport Corporation operate buses to Udaipur from various regions.

By Road:
Udaipur is on the western railway network. The railway station is about 4 km from the city center. Udaipur is directly connected by rail with Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer and Jodhpur.

 

Map of Udaipur

Map of Udaipur, Rajasthan

Udaipur Tour
3 Days / 2 Nights


Day 1: Udaipur 

In the morning arrive at the Udaipur airport or railway station. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Udaipur is called the romantic city of Rajasthan. This city is built around shimmering, clear, blue water lakes which reflect the green hills of the Aravali ranges.

Day 2: Udaipur
Today we visit Udaipur, also known as the city of sunrise. We start our sightseeing with the visit of Sahelion-Ki-Bari. This Garden of the Maids of Honour is well laid out with extensive lawns and shady walks. After the visit of Garden of Maids we visit a Museum of folk art. This museum has a rich collection of Folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments and paintings on display. After a break we visit the City palace, the biggest Palace in India, where 4 generations of Maharajas added their contribution, is so carefully planned and integrated with the original buildings that it is difficult to believe that it was not conceived as a whole. The museum of the palace includes the beautiful peacock mosaic and miniature wall paintings of Indian mythology. Today we have an opportunity to visit a traditional painting school and see the famous miniature paintings done. In the evening we have a Boat ride on the lake Pichola. The famous Lake Palace of Udaipur was the summer residence of the former rulers. The James bond Film Octopussy was shot here and made this palace more known in the west.

Day 3: Udaipur 
After having breakfast drive to airport or railway station for the onwards journey..

 
Inclusions:
      Standard Rooms on twin sharing basis.
      Breakfast in the Hotel.
      Boat ride in Pichola Lake.
      Driver allowances.
      Toll tax and parking.
      Hotel transfer at all places.
      Vehicle insurance included.
      Petrol/Gas cost included.
      All Transfers and departures on arrival and departure by Indo Vacations
         representative.
      All Transfers and Sightseeing throughout the tour by an individual 
         air-conditioned vehicle (car/Jeep etc.) with driver (reliable, experienced and 
         English speaking - have a look at the references on our website from all over the 
         world).

Exclusions
      Any kind of personal expenses such as tips, laundry, telephone bills and 
           alcoholic beverages.
      Entrance/administrative fees.
      Camera fees (still or movie).
      Unspecified meal etc.
      International or Domestic Flights.
We always look forward for any changes in the itinerary as wished by you for your individual trip.
                                                             4 Days Horse Safari Tour to Khempur

4 Days / 3 Nights
khempur

 
Khempur is a small village situated 28 km away from Udaipur. This place offers excellent experience for horse lovers.
 
Day 1: Khempur
In the morning arrive in Khempur. Khempur is a small village of about 1800 people on the Udaipur – Chittorgarh route. Khempur is a typical village of Rajasthan, with its men and women in traditional costumes, mud houses, music, songs and artisans etc. On arrival, you will receive a special welcome by the village chief himself, accompanied by his horses. There would be a familiarization ride in the evening followed with cultural program.
 
Day 2: Khempur
The Horse Safari will start early in the morning from Khempur and will pass through the busy plains and lakes situated around Khempur. It is an easy safari which will cover about 20 kms.
 
Day 3: Khempur
In the morning, the horse safari will start from Khempur and pass through the busy plains and lakes situated around Khempur. This safari will cover about 20 kms.
 
Day 4: Khempur
In the early morning the safari will start from Khempur and pass through the plains and lakes.
 
Major Tourist Attractions in Udaipur
City Palace

The City Palace is built over the Pichola Lake in Udaipur. The City Palace was originally built by Maharana Udai Singh of the Sisodia Rajput clan but later the succeeding Maharanas added several palaces and structures and developed the palace. This gorgeous palace stands white and is set on a majestic hill. This palace is a blend of medieval European and Chinese architecture and has a number of remarkable buildings, gardens and fountains of immense beauty.

Architecture of the City Palace
The palace is overwhelmed with balconies, towers and cupolas and there are fine views over the lake and the city from the upper terraces. The interiors of City Palace presents a graceful beauty due to lavish use of marble, mirror work, frescoes, wall paintings, colored glass, fluted columns, inlay work and silver doors. There are many relics and decorative items in the City Palace. There are beautiful examples of old porcelain, glass and tiles as well as the wonderful mosaic of silver leaves and precious stones that reflect images of the lake when looked at from the right angle.

The City Palace is surrounded by walls for battlements. The City Palace can be reached through three gateways. The entry to the palace is from the Hathi Pol or the Elephant gate. At the entrance to the place museum, there is a genealogical chart whose floor-to-ceiling immensity traces the rule of the 76 Maharanas of Mewar, from 734 AD. The Bari Pol or the Big gate brings you to the Tripolia, the Triple gate. It is a triple arched gate which was built in 1725. It was once a custom that the Maharana would weigh under this gate in gold and silver, which was distributed to the populace. Balconies, cupolas and towers surmount the palace which give a wonderful view of the Pichola lake. Suraj Gokhada or the balcony of the sun is the place where the Maharana would grant City palace of Udaipur
public audiences mainly to boost the morale of the people in difficult times. The Mor Chowk is the peacock square and gains its name from the vivid blue mosaic in glass of a peacock that decorates its walls. The rooms of the palace are superbly decorated with mirror tiles and paintings. The main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum which displays a large and diverse array of artifacts like the miniature paintings embellished with gold and silver leaf, armoury, lithographs, Danish porcelain, crystal ware, palanquins, howdahs and carry chairs. The City Palace museum is entered through the Ganesh Deori meaning the door of Lord Ganesh. The Ganesh Deori leads to the Rajya Angan, the royal courtyard. Nav Chowki Mahal, is the oldest section in the palace. This is the place where Maharana Udai Singh met the saint in 1559 who told him to found a city and laid the foundation of the palace. The armoury museum exhibits a huge collection of protective gear, weapons including the lethal two-pronged sword. The City Palace consists of four main and several minor palaces. Part of the complex is a Hawa Mahal. The Palace of Joy or Dilkhusha Mahal is decorated with frescoes and wall paintings. Manak Mahal or the Ruby Palace has a lovely collection of glass and mirror work while Krishna Vilas display a rich collection of miniature paintings. The Sheesh Mahal, or the palace of mirrors and glass has beautiful mirror work. The Krishna Vilas is the most beautiful enclosure with four rows of painted scenes in miniature. It was here that the beautiful princess, Krishna Kumari, drank poison and saved the kingdom from the two kings. The Chini Mahal houses a rich collection of Chinese porcelain and its niches and jharokas are covered in blue-and-white Chinese tiles. The Surya Chopar or the Sun Square depicts a huge ornamental Sun which symbolizes the Sun dynasty. The Bari Mahal is a central garden with view of the city. Some more beautiful paintings can be seen in the Zenana Mahal or the ladies chamber, which leads to Laxmi Vilas Chowk a beautiful white pavilion. Laxmi Vilas Chowk is an art gallery, which houses a distinctive collection of Mewar paintings. The Amar Vilas, the highest point with its hanging gardens, towers and terraces, presents a majestic and panoramic view of the town and Lake Pichola.
 
Lake Palace
The Lake Palace in Udaipur is a palace on an island in the middle of Lake Pichola girdled by hills. Lake Palace was built in 1754 by Maharana Jagat Singh II in Udaipur. This palace was earlier known as Jag Niwas and was named by Maharana Jagat Singh. Lake Palace was the Summer residence of the rulers of Mewar. This former summer residence of the Royal family has now been converted into a fabulous luxurious hotel. The Lake Palace Hotel is considered to be one of the best hotels in the world.

a view of Lake Palace of Udaipur

The Lake palace was built in the 17th century on a natural foundation of 4 acers of rock. The Maharana, ruler of Jaipur from 1628 to 1654, was very friendly with Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and encouraged his craftsmen to copy some of the glories of his incomparable buildings at Agra. The successive rulers held their regal Durbars in the courtyards. These courtyards are lined with columns, pillared terraces, fountains and gardens. The rooms are decorated with cusped arches, inland stones of pink, and green lotus leaves, intricate paintings and painted mirrors. There are various apartments like the Bada Mahal, Kush Mahal, Ajjan Niwas, Phool Mahal and Dhola Mahal in the palace.

The Pichola Lake surrounds the Lake Palace and rippling waves of the lake make the whole atmosphere very pleasant. All the luxuries of the Lake Palace have been utilized in making the hotel as attractive and comfortable as possible. Lake Palace Hotel houses 83 rooms including 17 beautiful suites and 53 Deluxe rooms. The rooms and the suites of the hotel are beautifully designed. Each suite have a particular theme and decorated with textiles and handicrafts of the region. The royal banquet rooms are now reception rooms, bars and restaurants. 

Tourists would feel like honoured guests of Maharana at this exquisite white marble palace that seems to float majestically on the still waters of Lake Pichola. If you also want to feel like the honoured guest then enjoy the stay in this luxurious hotel in Udaipur! 

Excursions 


Nathdwara

Nathdwara, the gateway of the Lord is a popular Hindu pilgrimage shrine in India. Nathdwara, set amid idyllic hills, provides a welcome respite from the searing heat of Rajasthan. This town is home to one of the wealthiest temples and most important pilgrimage shrines of Lord Krishna in India. It is situated about 48 km in the northeast of Udaipur on the banks of the Banas River. Nathdwara means 'Gate of the Lord'. The town of Nathdwara is famous for its exuberant festivals, miniature paintings, jewellery, sweets and attars (oil based natural perfumes). Nathdwara's strategic, central position and cheap accommodation makes it an ideal tourist destination. Nathdwara enshrines the temple of Shrinathji, Lord Krishna.

Nathdwara near Udaipur

The Rajasthan government's main aim is to develop it as a first league developed state where its people get ample opportunities to achieve economic prosperity and enjoy a high quality of life. It has taken firm and effective steps to ensure the consistent all round development. Besides always taking an investor-friendly approach, the state has aimed at creating a very positive environment for progress of industry. Such efforts have secured an important place for Rajasthan, among the forward-looking states in the country.

The major attraction of Nathdwara is Shrinathji Temple. 


Shrinathji Temple

Nathdwara enshrines Shrinathji - an image of Lord Krishna, which was originally enshrined at the Vraja Bhoomi at Mount Govardhana near Mathura. Shrinathji represents the form of Lord Krishna in which he lifted the Govardhana Hill and saved the people of Mathura. The image of Srinathji is believed to have been a self manifested one. The image of Lord Krishna was brought to Mewar, for the sake of protection during the period of Mughal emperor Aurangazeb. The chariot carrying the image is said to have gotten stuck here, and hence a temple was established with the permission of the then Rana of Mewar, at Nathdwara. Nathdwara is very closely associated with the Vallabha Sampradaya of Vaishnavism. It is also believed that Taj Bibi, wife of Akbar had visited this temple.

Image of Srinathji, main diety of Shrinathji Temple, Udaipur

The haveli is the centre of attraction in the town. Its inner sanctum is opened only eight times a day when devotees throng to catch a glimpse of the sacred form of the Lord Shrinathji. Rest of the time, it is relatively free of crowds, ideal for those who want to explore the beauty of Rajasthani art and architecture. At regular intervals, classical music is played live in its many halls as pilgrims float through its perfumed marble halls and courtyards. Pankhwalas still manually pull on the large fans to cool the interior. Drums and trumpets are still played to announce the mid day's "Royal Darshan".All doorways are painted and are often flanked by drawings of elephants, horses, beautiful maidens and doorkeepers.Shrinathji, the main deity of the sect,

resides in regal splendour, always immaculately dressed and jeweled. Everything in the inner temple, from Chinese to Silver or Goldware, paintings, wall hangings, clothes and furniture, are of the finest quality.

Best time to visit
Nathdwara celebrates on an average, minimum three festivals a week, providing plenty of interest to visitors throughout the year.

 

Jaisamand Sanctuary 
Jaisamand Sanctuary was established in 1957 in Udaipur. This sanctuary is located on the fringes of the Jaisamand lake, a vast man-made lake and covers a total area of 160 square km. This small picturesque sanctuary is the home of Sloth bear, Leopard, Deer, Chital, Chinkara, Wild boar and birds. Some crocodiles and fish can also be spotted here. The best time to visit this sanctuary is between November and January.

Sitamata Sanctuary
Sitamata Sanctuary is located about 108 kms from Udaipur. This sanctuary is surrounded by the forests of bamboo and dry deciduous vegetation. This forested sanctuary provides rich pastures for a variety of animals like Chousingha, Deer, Caracal, Wild Boar, Pangolin and Leopard.

 

Museums in Udaipur

City Palace Museum:
The huge City Palace, towering over the Pichola Lake, is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Maharaja Udai Singh, the founder of the Udaipur constructed the City Palace. The main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum with a large and varied collection. The City Palace museum was established in 1890 and is one of the earliest museums of the state. In this museum there is the Mor Chowk with the beautiful peacocks in mosaic. The Manka (Ruby) Mahal in this museum has glass and porcelain figures while Krishna Vilas has a remarkable collection of miniatures. Some paintings can also be seen in the Zanana Mahal. The Moti Mahal has beautiful mirror work and the Chini Mahal is covered in ornamental tiles. This museum also has the arms of Maharana Pratap and drums and amunitions of Rana Sanga, the ruler of Mewar.

Government Museum:
The Government Museum Of Udaipur was originally located in Gulab Bagh and was called Victoria Hall Museum. It has now been shifted to Karan Vilas Mahal within the premises of the City Palace. This museum highlights the culture and heritage of Rajasthan and has an extensive collection of excavated items, inscriptions, sculptures, paintings and handicrafts. The inscriptions in this museum belong to the period from 2nd century BC to 15th century AD. The antiques of the plastic art of Mewar also adds attraction to the museum. The most remarkable collection in this museum is that of more than nine thousand miniature paintings of Mewar school from the period of Maharaja Jagat Singh to Maharaja Swaroop Singh. It has a Children Gallery which has models of animals like tiger, deer, etc. The museum also has a collection of colourful Mewari turbans.

Shilp Gram:
The Shilp Gram is located near Fateh Sagar which is about 6 km from the City Palace. In the Shilp Gram a village has been created with 26 replica huts which gives a glimpse of the tribal life of Rajasthan.

 

Festival in udaipur


Mewar Festival (March / April)

Mewar festival is celebrated in Udaipur during the period of March or April and coincides with the Gangaur festival. This festival is celebrated to welcome the spring season. During this festival, the whole city turns out to mark the end of the 18 day festival and there are devotional music concerts, performances by the artists in music and dance and fireworks. The main attraction of this festival is the procession of colorfully attired women carrying images of the Goddess Gauri to Lake Pichola and the procession of the floats on the lake.

 

Rajasthan Information: History - Culture - Heritage - Music - Dance - Art - Architecture - Society

Sources of the History and Culture of Rajasthan
(From earliest times up to 1200 A.D.)

Rajput - Muslims Relations
 (1200 – 1526 A.D.)

Architecture in Rajasthan (1200 – 1800 A.D.)

Kalibangan - the largest prehistoric site in Rajasthan

Excavations at Ahar (South Rajasthan)

Origin of the Rajputs

Origin of the Guhilas, their Rise and Bappa Rawal in Rajasthan

Moguls & Chauhans Resistance in Rajasthan

Rawal Ratan Singh of Rajasthan and his Resistance against the Turks

Maharana Kumbha (1433 – 1468) and his Political Achievements

Maharana Kumbha & his Cultural Achievements

Maharana Sanga & his Achievements (1508 – 1528 A.D.)

Rajasthani Paintings Schools

Merger of Rajput states in the Indian Union

Resistance of Mahararana Pratap of Mewar Against Akbar

Maratha - Rajputs Relations

Raja Man Singh of Amber

Rathore – Sisodia Alliance & Achievements of Raj Singh in Mewar

Role of Durga Dass Rathor in the history of Rajasthan

Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur , Mughals and Marathas

Rajasthan’s Cultural Heritage

 
 

Rajasthan Tourism  & Travel Packages -  Rajasthan Vacations & Holidays

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19 Days Rajasthan - North India Tour

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