The Magnificent City Palace of Udaipur
The magnificent palace started by Maharana Udai Singh II and completed at
different time periods is the largest palace complex of Rajasthan. The City
Palace of Udaipur stands majestically on the hill guarded by crenellated
fort walls at the centre of Udaipur in Rajasthan, India. Built in granite
and marble it magnificently towers over the Lake Pichola. A riot of arches,
domes, turrets, crenellations and chattris crown the steep fortress. As
compared to its rugged exterior, the inside presents a delicate world of
beauty with lavish use of marble, mirror work, frescoes, wall paintings, a
mosaic of coloured glasses, fluted columns, inlay work, silver doors,
fountains and gardens. An array of courtyards, jharokhas, chattris,
terraces, corridors, stairways, over planning pavilions and hanging gardens
form an astounding and harmonious whole.
How to Approach
Sky Way : Indian Airlines daily connects Udaipur with Jodhpur,
Jaipur, Aurangabad, Mumbai and Delhi. Dabok Airport is 21 Km. from the city
centre and transportation by taxi takes 35-45 minutes.
Trackway : The Railway Station is about 4 Km. from the city centre.
Udaipur is directly connected by rail with Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer, Chittaur,
Jodhpur and Ahmedabad.
Expressway : Udaipur is connected by NH - 8, the major road link
between Mumbai and Delhi. The Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya
Pradesh Road Transport Corporation operate buses to Udaipur from various
regions. Private bus companies also operate in the region during night
hours.
The Most Popular Sights to See
Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola with amazing scenic beauty is bounded by hills, embankments,
bathing ghats, shrines and palaces. The lake was enlarged by Maharana Udai
Singh II after he founded the city. The vast lake is nearly 5km in length
and 3km in width. The magnificence of the lake is enhanced by beautiful Lake
Palaces, Jag Niwas and the Jag Mandir.
Lake Palace
This palace was built in the year 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, as a
summer residence of the rulers. It is now converted to Lake Palace Hotel.
The beautiful white-marble and granite building stand in the middle of the
Pichola lake. The palace is 800 feet from the banks and stands on an area of
4 acres. The palace one of the best examples of Mughal-Rajput architecture
has ancient paintings, stain glass windows, antique furniture and an
impressive array of fountains, bath reservoirs etc.
Jag Mandir Palace
The Jag Mandir Palace is situated on an island at the southern end of the
lake Pichola. The palace was build by three Maharanas - Amar Singh, Karan
Singh and Jagat Singh and named after Maharana Jagat Singh. This is a three
storied building, built of yellow sandstone and marble slabs. The interior
is decorated with coloured stones. There is a wide circular apartment built
elegantly in white and black marble, murals and paintings.
Fateh Sagar Lake
This artificial lake was originally built in 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh.
After heavy rains destroyed the dam, it was rebuilt by Maharana Fateh Singh.
Shilpgram
This is a rural arts-and-craft village is 3 kms away from Udaipur. The
complex is filled with recreation huts from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra,
Madhya Pradesh and Goa. Every December from 1st-10th this village celebrate
the Shilpgram Utsav. The artists and craftsmen from all over the country
gather here to display and sell their products.
