Tourist places in and around Udaipur
Jagdish Temple
Built in 1651 in the Indo-Aryan style, the temple is located high above the streets, on a crossroad. The outer walls have carvings typical of Mewar temples, and Vishnu, as Jagannath, is the chief deity. Sanctum timings: 5 am-2 pm, 4-11 pm One of the largest temples in Udaipur, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, whose black image it houses within, complete with four arms. This shrine is flanked by four other shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Goddess Shakti, Sun God and Lord Shiva. The temple is three storied and has beautiful carved pillars, carved ceilings and painted walls. The central spire has sculptures of dancers, elephants, horsemen, celestial beings and musicians. The entrance is flanked by two stone elephants and a brass idol of Garuda.Open from: 5.00 am 2.00 pm, 4.00 pm 11.00 pm
This magnificent temple of lord vishnu was built in 1615, by Maharana Jagat singh I. The shrine is approached through a steep flight of 32 steps, flanked by stone elephants. The ecternal walls and the plinth are adorned with has reliefs friezes. The main sanctum has a black marble statue of lord vishnu.
Bagore ki Haveli
The residence of a former prime minister of the state, Amarchand Badwa, the haveli sits right on Lake Pichola. This 18th century haveli has been diligently restored. The 138 rooms around courtyards are set up to evoke the past and exhibit the traditional arts and crafts of the region. Impressive dance performances in the Mewari and Rajasthani traditions are held here every evening at 7 pm. The Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum, a couple of kilometres away, has interesting dresses, paintings and puppets on display.This is a very congenial old building built right on the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangori Ghat. Amir Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar built it in the eighteenth century. The palace has over hundred rooms and some very interesting display of costumes and modern art. The glass and mirror in the interiors of the Haveli delicate work and well preserved too.
Located on the Pichola waterfront, this old building had over hundred rooms and displays of costumes and modern art. The haveli interiors are done in glass and mirrors and the Queen's Chamber has walls done in exquisite Mewar Painting. The palace contains beautiful glasswork, the finest example of which can be found from the two peacocks created in coloured glass. Don't miss the traditional Rajasthani cultural performances that take place in the evenings against the backdrop of Lake Pichola.
Open from: 10.00 am 7.00 pm Entry fee - Rs 15
Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal
This museum of folk arts offers interesting puppet shows done in true Rajasthani culture.Open from: 9.00 am 6.00 pm
Monsoon Palace
Originally called Sajjan Garh and built by Sajjan Singh of the crystal collection fame, this 19th century palace was supposed to be an astronomical centre, but became a hunting lodge. Perched atop Banswara Hill, this neglected building has a fairy-tale quality about it. A drive up here, especially around sunset, guarantees spectacular views. Location: 8 km west of city centre; Entry fee: Rs 80 per vehicle; Timings: 10 am-6 pm, open all days.Udaipur's seven sisters
Udaipur's rulers understood the importance of water, built dams and created reservoirs. You can see some of the most amazing and artistic engineering feats in Udaipur's lakes: Pichola, Dudh Talai, Govardhan Sagar, Kumaria Talav, Rangsagar, Swaroop Sagar and Fateh Sagar. Collectively, they are called the seven sisters of Udaipur, and there are more. These water bodies have been Udaipur's lifeline over centuries. All these lakes are inter-connected, and the surplus water from one flows into the next.City Palace
This largest palace complex of Rajasthan is perched majestically on a low ridge, towering above the placid waters of Pichola. The construction of this 30.4 metres high and 244 metres long structure was initiated by Udai singh and was built over a spanof over three hundred years. It is a conglomeration of eleven palaces, numerous courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. The complex is approached through ‘Hathi Pol' or the ‘Elephant gate', along the main street of the old city, near the famous Jagdish temple. The ‘Bara Pol' or the ‘Great Gate' brings you to the first courtyand which leads to the ‘Tripolia Gate', with eight carved marble arches or torans. Located inside are vrious attractions like, the suraj Gokhada or the ‘Balcony of sun', Bada Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Bhim Vilas, Mor chowk or ‘Peacock courtyard', the Zenana Mahal or ‘women's quarters' and chini chitrasala, Fateh Prakash, durbar Hall and Shambhu Niwas etc.The City Palace is where it all began in the 16th century when Udai Singh met a sage who advised him to establish a city here. Now the complex is a conglomeration of palaces built over 400 years. This largest palace complex in Rajasthan is a fascinating edifice. Twenty-two maharajas of Udaipur contributed to this structure and yet it maintains a graceful uniformity. Despite its huge size and the profusion of architectural elements jharokhas, columns and towers the elegant palace has an airy lightness about it. Perhaps that's because of its creamy hue. It also gels easily with the blue waters of Lake Pichola. Keep aside a few hours to explore the City Palace. Walk up the hill from Jagdish Temple, buy your tickets at Badi Pol, and enter the complex. After Badi Pol, the imposing Tripolia Gate welcomes you, with seven arches or toranas to its left, commemorating the seven times when the maharajas were weighed against silver and gold which was then distributed among the people. On the right is a wall called Agad, across which elephants were made to fight each other a royal idea of sport. Further ahead is the entrance to the palace building and above the entrance, the Mewar crest, an image of the Sun God (from whom the Mewar royalty claim to have descended), flanked by a Rajput warrior and a Bhil. A part of the City Palace Museum in the complex has been made the Government Museum. Shambhu Niwas is the present home of the royal family. Further south are Fateh Prakash Palace and Shiv Niwas Palace, both luxury hotels today.
Located on the east bank of Lake Pichola, the City Palace with its 11 palaces could just as well be the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. It is particularly beautiful when you watch the cream stone walls and towers reflected in the lake. Get your hands on the guidebook to maneuver your way through this mazelike sprawling complex, or hire the services of a guide, and set aside at least 3 hours to walk through it. Exploring the entire palace is worthwhile its highlights include the huge peacock motifs in the Mor Chowk, the mirror-encrusted Moti Mahal, glass and porcelain figurines at Manak Mahal, miniatures of Lord Krishna at Krishna Vilas, the palace of the queens or Zenana Mahal and the Chini Mahal with its exquisite Chinese and Dutch ceramics. Out of the 11, the last 2 palaces, Shiv Niwas and Fateh Prakash are open for visitors who wish to stay overnight or enjoy a dining experience fit for kings! Fateh Prakash in particular is worth visiting for its Durbar Hall, which is the royal portrait gallery and houses massive chandeliers and Venetian mirrors. The Crystal Gallery is strikingly beautiful with its crystal furniture, fountains, bowls, decanters, perfume bottles and crystal jewellery collected by Maharana Sajjan Singh The palace grounds have the Classic Vintage Car Collection of the Mewar royal family definitely a sight! The palace windows also provide super views of the Lake Palace and the Jag Mandir, which seem to float on the Lake when the water levels are high.
Open from - 9:30 am-4:30 pm, Gallery: 10.00 am-1.00 pm, 3.00 pm-8.00 pm
Entry fee - Jagdish Temple - Rs 50, Camera Rs 200, Crystal Gallery - Rs 300
vintage Car Collection viewing: 9.30 am-5.30 pm, Rs 100 (with beverage), Rs 130 (includes a veg thali)
Today the regal home of the Sisodia Maharanas also houses a museum and a hotel. Commissioned in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II, the palace by the lake has seen a plethora of additional palaces well into the 20th century. The newer additions include the Shiv Niwas Palace and the Fatch Prakash Palace. The City Palace was the setting for the James Bond film Octopussy, filmed in Udaipur.
The Palace Museum incorporates the Kanch-ka-Burj, the Zenna Mahal (with its collection of the paintings of the Mewar School), the Manak Mahal (with its eclectic range of porcelain and glass collectibles), the Chini Palace (with its Chinese Porcelain and glass collection) and the Krishna Vilas, which ahs some of Rajasthan's finest collection of miniature paintings of Mewar. More Chowk (Peacock Courtyard), built as a new venue for his darbar by Maharana Karan Singh (1620-28), is awash with mosaic inlays of the peacock motif, added by Maharana Sajjan Singh (1874-84).
City Palace towers over the Pichola Lake. Maharana Uday Singh initiated in the construction of the palace but succeeding Maharanas added several palaces and structures to the complex retained a surprising uniformity to the design. The entry to the Palace is from the Hati Pol, the Elephant gate. The Bari Pol or the Big gate brings you to the Tripolia, the Triple gate.
Fateh Prakash Palace
It's like being cocooned in authentic royal luxury at the Fateh Prakash Palace, the grand heritage palace of the HRH group. The warmth of royal hospitality greets you as you walk along the corridors lined with large paintings of the Mewar school that flourished in the seventeenth through nineteenth century.Crystal Gallery
The Crystal Gallery has a profligate display of wealth. In a shopping binge, Rana Sajjan Singh ordered an assortment of crystal objects from F&C Osler & Co in England in 1877. He died before the crystal chairs, beds, sofas, glasses, dinner sets and flywhisks arrived in Udaipur. Successors thought this was a bad omen and the extraordinary bequest stayed packed in boxes for 110 years before somebody thought of making money from this misadventure. The rather over-priced admission fee includes the entry charges to the grand Durbar Hall of the Fateh Prakash Palace and a drink in the Gallery Restaurant. Location: Fateh Prakash Palace. Entry fee: Adults Rs 325, children Rs 165 (includes entry fee to palace premises and a beverage). Cameras Not allowed. Timings 10 am-8 pm, open all days.Discover the whimsical side of royal pursuits at the Crystal Gallery at the Fath Prakash Palace next door. In 1877, Sajjan Singh placed a lavish order of crystal items from abroad for his personal use. Amongst them - thrones, beds and chairs and aplethora of smaller items including dinner sets, decanters etc. The order included a bejwelled carpet from Birmingham. The raja however died before the delivery of the said items. Another 2 km away, amongst the showpieces at the Gallery of Vintage and Classic Cars is a Rolls Royce Phantom II of 1934 vintage.
It is situated in the Fateh Prakash Palace is a breath taking collection of crystals. Maharana Sajjan Singh mainly ordered these crystals from F & C Osler England. But he could not see the crystals because of his untimely death.
Lake Pichola
The central system of the city, Lake Pichola is most enthralling during the rains when water fills it up completely. It houses within the beautiful Lake Palace created in marble, today a converted heritage hotel. Another island palace is the Jagmandir Palace, which has intricate carvings of elephants and a carved chhatri in grey and blue. There are several ghats, which can be accessed by boat. These island palaces and the Aravalli Hills are reflected in the lake when water fills it up creating a pretty picture. The lake is also home to a number of crocodiles, which are visible when the lake is relatively dry. A must-activity here catch splendid views of the landscape against the setting sun in a boat.Picturesque Pichola surrounded by hills, palaces, temple, bathing ghats and embankments is about 4kms. in legth and 3kms. wide. The main attractions are its two island palaces Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir, set splendidly amidst the turquoise waters of the lake. The majestic city palace sprawls along the eastern bank of the lake. Visit Bansi ghat (city Palace Jetty) for a boat ride.
Pichola Lake derives its name from Pichola Village was submerged and Maharana Udai Singh enlarged the lake after he founded the city. He built a masonry dam known as Badipol and lake is now 4 km long and 3 km wide. This picturesque lake encloses the Jag Niwas Island and the Jag Mandir. And, the City Palace extends along its eastern banks.
Boat trips10.00 am to 17.00 pm from Bansi Ghat Tariffs:
(3/4 hour trip) Adult: Rs. 150/-, child: Rs: 75/-
(1 hour solar boat) Rs: 1200 up to 8 persons.
The Lake Palace
The Lake Palace is located on the Jag Niwas Island and covers the whole of 1.5 hectare of the island in the middle of the Pichola Lake. Built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1743 it was meant as a royal summer palace and now converted in to a five star palace hotel. It is a magical palace and its image in the middle of the lake is like a leaf straight out of a fairy tale book with an excellent taste of intricate craftsmanship.The magnificent white palace on the Jag Niwas island is one of the most beautiful palaces of the world. It was built in 1754, by Maharana Jagat singh II and has now been converted into a luxury hotel.
The Lake Palace, or the Jag Niwas, may have been converted into one of the world's most romantic luxury hotels in the 1960's, but not many visitors are aware of its even more romantic past. It appears that this pretty water palace was built by a defiant prince Jagat II in 1734 as a pleasure retreat, away from his father Maharana Sangram Singh II (1716-34). The palace was set in the middle of Lake Pichola, across from his father's lakeside residence ensuring the access to it was by boat.
Fateh Sagar Lake
An artificial lake, it is located north of Lake Pichola and houses within it in the centre the Nehru Island, a boat shaped café and an islet bearing The Udaipur Solar Observatory. It is particularly enthralling because of the views of the Aravalli Hills reflected in the waters.This delightful lake, bordered by hills and woodland was constructed by Maharana jai Singh to the north of Lake Pichola. It is an artificial lake dug up in 1678, reconstructed by Maharana Fateh Singh A canal links the two, via Swaroop Sagar and Rang Sagar Lakes. The beautiful Nehru Island as well as an islet bearing a solar observatory rises from the lake.
It was built in 1678, by Maharana Jai singh to the north of Lake Pichola and the two lakes are linked by a canal. The lake enclosed on three sides by hills is named after Fateh singh, who undertook renovations of the lake rebuiolt the dam.
The beautiful Nehru Park with a boat shaped café is set amidst the waters of Fateh sagar. It can be reached by boat.
One of the four man-made lakes around which Maharana Udai Singh created his new capital lies north of Lake Pichola. Take a baot near Moti Magri (Pearl Hill) to Nehru Park, set on an island, for a picnic.
Saheliyon-Ki-Bari: The Mandir or the Bharaitya Lok Kala Mandal.
Jag Mandir
This is other island palace in Lake Pichola which was constructed by Maharana Karan singh. The island has some striking carvings including a row of elephants that looks as though they are gurding the island. The exquisitely carved chhatri in grey and blue stone is a delight for any visitor.The construction of this island palace of pichhola was initiated by Maharaja karan singh and several additions were made by Maharana Jagat singh. Prince Khurram (shahjahan) took refuge here when he rebelled against his father.
This is the other island palace in Lake Pichola, which was constructed by Maharana Karan Singh as a hideout for Prince Khurram the estranged son of Emperor Jehangir the implacable foe of the Maharana. The reason for the aid was that the prince was the son of a Rajput mother.
Jagdish Mandir
Built by Maharana Jagat Singh I in 1651 the temple enshrines a black stone image of Lard Vishnu. There is a brass image of Garuda the Lord bird carrier. The exterior and the plinth are covered with base relief of alligators; elephants, horsemen and celestial musicians rise in tiers.Saheliyon ki Bari or the ‘Gardens of the Maids'
The garden was a popular relaxing retreat for royal ladies and is a striking picture of well-tended lawns, marble artwork and fountains. The garden also has a museum showcasing ancient pictures and memorabilia dating to the royal period. The garden has a lotus pool and a sitting decorated with paintings and glass mosaics.Maharana Sangram Singh built this garden in the middle of the 18th century. This ‘garden of the maidens' brings to mind the lifestyle of the ladies of the cout. There are four pool with dainty kiosks and flowerbeds, lawns, pools and fountains protected by a series of walls and shady trees in the entire garden. The fountain of the Sahelion ki Bari sunctions solely by water pressure. No pumps are used. The garden has a lotus pool, a sitting room decorated with paintings and glass mosaics.
The well laid out garden flanking the embankment of the Fateh sagar lake was built o the forty eight young ladies-in-waiting, who accompanied a princess to Udipur as part of her dowry. The gardens noted for their discreet and impeccable taste are studded with four lotus pools with dainty kiosks, marble pavilions and elephant shaped fountains. The colourful flower beds, lawns are protected by a series of walls and shady trees.
Maharana Sangram singh builds this in the mid 18th century. The 'garden of the maidens' brings to mind the lifestyle of the ladies of the court. The delightful gardens appear discreet and in impeccable taste. There are four pools with dainty kiosks, and all around are flowerbeds, lawns, pools and fountains protected by a series of walls and shady trees. The foundation of the Sahelion ki bari functions solely by water pressure and no pumps are used.
Sajjangarh Fort
This is possibly one of the best places to catch picturesque views of Udaipur city and Aravalli hills. The Sajjangarh Palace was the monsoon retreat for the royalties, and this white palace has high turrets guarding it. Also located here is the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a natural sanctuary of the Chital, Sambar, Wild Boar, and Blue Bull, along with several varieties of reptiles and birds.Open from: 10.00 am 6.00 pm Entry fee Rs 10
The ‘palace for monsoon' is set atop a steep hill and affords a fine view of the lake city and its surroundings.
Museums
Vintage Collection of Classic Car
The collection within the grounds of the Garden Hotel comprises a variety of classic and interestingly rare transportation vehicles; some stately and vintage like Cadalec, Chevalate, Morais etc., while the others are sleek and fast .The Maharanas of Udaipur once possessed and used these regal splendours of automobiles as their luxuries but most of the other models are gradually being added to the collection ,since it provides a unique aristocratic safari for the exclusive guests. Entry: Rs.80City museum
The main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum displaying a large and diverse array of artefacts. Down steps from the entrance is the armoury museum exhibiting a huge collection of protective gear, weapons including the lethal two-pronged sword. The City Palace museum is then entered through the Ganesh Deori meaning the door of Lord Ganesh. This leads to the Rajya Angan, the royal courtyard that is the very spot where Maharana Udai Singh met the sage who told him to find a city here.Shilpgram (3 km)
This village houses craftsmen, expert at creating terracotta wares and wooden carvings, which you can purchase as souvenirs. If you're visiting it during winter, don't miss out on the Craft Festival, which showcases these arts and crafts.The rural arts and crafts village nestling amidst the Aravali ranges was established as a West Zone cultural centre. It is dotted with huts built by craftsperson from the members of various states of India and provides a platform fot the rural craftsperson representing various regions. The shilpgram Utsav celebrated here provides a fine glimapse into the multtifacets of Indian art and culture.
Literally meaning a "Craftsmen's Village" is a living ethnographic museum depicting the enormous diversities in craft, art & culture between various Indian states, but the exquisite terracotta work mainly in dark red and dark brown sand material along with the wooden carvings are the forte of this ethnic village.
Ahar Museum Located about 2 km east of Udaipur is an impressive cluster of cenotaphs of the Maharanas of Mewar. There are about nineteen cenotaphs of Maharanas cremated there. The most striking cenotaph is that Maharana Amar Singh, who reigned from 1597 to 1620. Nearby is also Ahar Museum, where on display is limited but very rare earthen pottery.
Bharatiya Lok Kala
Udaipur Folk Museum conserves local folk arts like paintings, dolls, maqsks and musical instruments. This museum can be quite eye an openeer on eveything from the society is related to talent and creativity.This unique museum of folk art exhibits a rich collection of folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk nusical instruments and paintings. Famous pupprt shows of Udipur are also organised here.
Rajsamand Lake
It is situated about 56km north of Udaipur on the National highway No.8 at Kankroli with its vast expanse of water. The lake was the result of a dam constructed on the Gomati River by Maharana Raj Singh I (1653-1680).On the way to Kumbhalgarh lies their royal lake with a magnificent dam created in the 17th century offers a spectacular views of the sunset adorned by beautiful Torans [arches] and Chhatris And number of attractive pavilions. Stunning sculpture and Sanskrit verses are vividly inscribed in store a small counterpart of Nathdwara
Maharana Pratap Memorial (MOTI MAGARI)
An impressive bronze statue of Maharana Pratap and his favorite and loyal horse, who was fiercely protective about his master and stood by him till his last breath, stands at the top of Moti Magri (Pearl Mount) overlooking Fateh Sagar.Durbar Hall
In India the Durbar Hall is generally a place where state banquets are held and is also used for formal and informal meetings. The Durbar Hall at the Fateh Prakash Palace is undoubtedly the most lavish Durbar Hall in India. It is one of the grandest chambers in Udaipur and its sheer size makes one gasp in awe.Around Udaipur
Ahar (3 km)
Now famous as the cremation site of the royal family of Mewar, Ahar has an array of cenotaphs of 19 Mewar rulers, built over four centuries. The first and the most striking cenotaph is that of Maharana Amar Singh, who after abdicating his throne spent his last days in a haveli here. Ahar is also an ancient site with a history going back to 2000 BCE. The Archaeological Museum here is worth visiting for those interested in history. Location: 2 km east of city centre; Museum entry fee: Rs 3; Museum timings: 10 am-5 pm, Fridays closed.Ahar (or Ahad) predates both Chittaur and Udaipur as the capital of Mewar and functioned as a reserve capital and place of refuge when things go too hot at Chittaur. All that is left to see are the cremation memorials of 19 maharanas and their wives and families. In a quiet wooded location, one of the two largest memorials is to Amar Singh l who died in 1620. That in the tank is perhaps that of Gandharva Sen, a brother of the king of Ujjain. Ahar is said to be founded on the site of Tambavati, a Harappan settlement, and excavations have revealed habitation dating back to 1750BC. The four old Jain temples are nearly 1000 years old. The small museum nearby is of inetest.
This ancient capital of sisodias and archaelogical site has exquisite cenotaphs of the rulers o Mewar. The Government Museum here exhibits some of the finds like, earthen pots, iron objects and other art items, dating back to 5,000 years.
Eklingji (22 km)
The splendidly sculpted temple complex was built in 734, adidst the hills and dedicated to lord Shiva, the fmily deity of the Mewar rulers. Within the high walls of the complex are 108 exquisitely carved temples. The main sanctum has a four faced black marble image of Lord shiva. Facing the main sanctum is a life size idol of Nandi, the bull and Bappa Rawal under a vaulted roof.Ekingji temples and lake are 21 km from Udaipur, Set in a rocky valley, the temple (open 10.30am-12.30pm and 5:30-7:30pm) is associated with Bappy Rawal, founder of Chittaur, and still a regular place of worship for the Maharana of Udaipur.
About 22 km from Udaipur lies Eklingji Temple, the shrine of the tutelary deity of the Mewar Sisodias, and where the Mewar Maharanas used to be crowned. The resident deity of this 10th century temple is a great marble image of Mahadeva.
Nagda: Close to Eklingji are several Jain temples by a lake, amongst them the 11th century Saas-Bahu Temple and the Adhbhutji Temple.
A Religious Complex Northern region of Mewar (22 Km). It houses 108 temples chiselled out of sandstone and marble, this temple of Eklingji was built in 734 AD. Enclosed by high walls, it is devoted to Eklingji (A form of Shiv Deity adored under the epithet of EKLINGA). Built by Maharana Jagat Singh I in 1651 the temple enshrines a black stone image of Lard Vishnu. There is a brass image of Garuda the Lord bird carrier. The exterior and the plinth are covered with base relief of alligators; elephants, horsemen and celestial musicians rise in tiers.
Nathdwara (48 km)
Nathdwara lies 48 km from Udaipur and literally means the gateway to the Lord. This great Vaishnavite shrine was built in the 17th century on spot exactly defined by the Lord himself. The legends have it that the image of the Lord Krishna was being transferred to safer place from Vrindaban to protect it from the destructive wrath of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The image when it reached the spot it vehicle the bullock carts wheel sank axel deep in mud and refused to move further. The accompanying priest realised that this was lord's chose spot and the image did not want to travel any further. Accordingly a Temple was built here.About 48 km away is this temple town. The main deity is Lord Krishna and his balck stone image was brought here from Mathura to save it from destruction by Aurangzeb. Beautiful painted cloth hangings called pathways are hung behind it. These cloth paintings can be purchased locally.
The 17th century temple of shri Nathji or Lord Krishna is one the most important vaishnavite pilgrim centres in the country. The magnificent black marble image of Lord shri NAthji is believed to be over 600 years old and was brought here from Mathura in 1669, to protect from the fanatic hands of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
Legend has it that when the image of Lrod Krishna, the manifestation of the god Vishnu, was being transported to the safety of Udaipur, from Mathura from the iconoclastic Mughal emperor Auranzeb, the wheel of the carriage got stuck at Nathdwara. Theruler of Udaipur took it as a sign that this is where the deity wished toreside and thus a temple was raised to enshrine the holy guest. The curtain hanging behind the icon in the inner sanctum of the Temple is painted with an image of Lord Krishnas Shrinathji.
This art of pichwai painting is a splendid heritage of the Udaipur region and you can pick up some fine pieces in the big shops as keepsakes. There is a ceremonial changing of the deity's vestments, held six times a day.
Nathdwara, 48 km from Udaipur, is an important Hindu pilgrim centre. When Aurangazeb embarked on as policy of wholesale destruction of Hindu temples, the custodians of the idol of Shrinathji of Govardhan, near Mathura, left that place with the idol in search of a new haven. While several other princes were diffident, it was Maharana Rajsingh of Mewar who dared to provide refuge. In 1672, Shrinathji was installed in a new temple built in village Sihad, now called Nathdwara.
Gulab Bagh or Sajjan Niwas Garden
The well laid out garden built by Maharana sajjan singh is noted fot its majestic beauty. A elegant building houses a library with rich and rare collection of old books and ancient hand written manuscripts.Haldighati (40 km)
The famous battle between Maharana Pratap and Mughal emperor Akbar in 1576 A.D. was fought here. The site is markd by a cenotaph with delicated white marble columns. It is dedicated to the indomitable hero Maharana Partap and his loyal charger chetak.It is here that the famous battle between Rana Pratap and the armed forces of the Mughal emperor Akbar took place in 1576. A chhatri guards, the place where Pratap's legendary horse Chetak died.
The extensive terra firma, towards the south west of Nathdwara, this historical site witnessed the great legendry battle fought between Maharana Pratap and the Mughal Emperor -Akbar in 1576 AD.
Nagada (23 km)
This first capital of Bappa Rawal, the founder of the Sisodia dynasty of Mewar is famous or the Sas Bahu ka Mandir dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the Jain temple.Kankroli (65 km)
It is yet another important Hindu pilgrim centre of the region. The temple here is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is popularly called as Dwarkadhish, as it resembles the famous NAthdwara shrine. The beautiful Rajsamand Lake, located nearby was built by Maharana Raj singh in 1660.Rishabhdeoji (kesariyaji) (65 km)
The 15th century Jain temple of Rishabdeoji is an important Jain and Hindu pilgrim site. It is located on Udipur Ahmedabad road.Jaisamand Lake
Jaisamand Lake is a mere 48 km from Udaipur. This vast artifical lake, the second largest in Asia, with an area of 15 km by 10 km is surrounded by the summer palaces of the Ranis of Udaipur dating back to the 17th century. The main attractions here are Hawa Mahal and Ruti Rani palaces. In the lake, there are three islkands whose inhabitants use Bhels (boats) to reach the shore. On the top of two nearby hillocks are two old palaces constructed by Maharan Jai Singh.This second largest artifical lake in Asia was built in 17th century by Maharana Jai singh. It extends to a maximum length of about 14.5kms. and width of 10kms. Three islands within the waters of the lake are inhabited by tribals. Six marvelous marble cenotaphs and a temple of Narmadeshwar Mahadeo festoon the embankment. The Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary near the lake makes an exciting excursion. The Jaisamand Island Resort with 5 star facilities is also worth visiting.
Maharana Jai Sigh had built this picturesque artificial lake. It the second largest lake in Asia. The lake has elegant step leading to the water and marble Chhatri (cenotaphs) on its bank and a small Shiv temple marks the grace of the lake. On either side are the palaces built for the king favourite queens.
Jagat (58 km)
It is popularly called as the ‘Khajuraho of Rajasthan'. The most important attraction is the exquisitely carved 10th century ambika Mata temple.Kumbhalgarh Fort (84 km)
It was built by Maharana kumbha between 1445-58 and is regarded as the second most important fort of Rajasthan after chittaurgarh. The gigantic fort extends over 12km.amidst a cluster of thirteen peaks of the Aravali ranges. It is encircled by a 36kms. Long wall and defended by a series of battlements, bastions and soaring watch towers. Within the ramparts of the fort are magnificent palaces, ruins of temples and gardens. The Badal Mahal or the ‘Cloud Palace' is set at the highest point of the fort and affords a scenic view of the surrounding country side. The Kumbhalgarh sanctuary near the fort is inhabited by a rich variety of animal and bird life. It is also well known for its archaeological importance.It was after Chittorgarh that Kumbhalgarh fort, 84 km from Udaipur, played a pivotal role in keeping high the standard of the Mewar kings as they fought the Mughal hordes for their honour and their land.
Located north of Udaipur in the wilderness, Kumbhalgarh is the second most important citadel after Chittorgarh in the Mewar region. Cradled in the Aravali Ranges the fort was built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha. Because of its inaccessibility and hostile topography the fort had remained un-conquered.
Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary
Is located in the most rugged of the Aravali in Pali, Rajsamand and Udaipur districts of Rajasthan. It takes name after the impressive historic fort of Kumbhalgarh, which come into view over the Park. It is 578 sq Km in area and at an altitude of 500 to 1,300m. It is home to a very large variety of wild life, some of which are highly endangered species. The wild life includes wolf, leopards, sloth bear, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, smabhar, nilgai, chaisingh (the four horned antelope), chinkara and hare.Ranakpur (98 km)
This is located at a distance of about 98km from Udaipur, and boasts some of the country. The main ‘Chaumukha Temple' is dedicated to the Tirthankara Adinath and has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, all distinctly carved. Two Jain temple dedicated to Neminath and Parsvanath, a little distance away are also noteworthy.The 15th century magnificent shrine is one of the five most sacred sites of the Jains. The temple complex built in faintly glowing amber stone reverberates an aura of peace, spirituality and tranquillity. It is a marvel of architecture and a living testimony to the wonders that abiding faith and relentless pursuit of excellence can create.
Enconced in a wooded enclave, about 60 km from Udaipur are a cavalcade of 15th century temples which showcase the finest elements of Jain religious architecture. The main temple the Chaumukha, dedicated to Lord Adinath, is open from four sides. The focal point of the inner sanctum is the massive chaumukha (4 faces). There are 1444 richly carved pillars of which no two are similar. The complex has shrines to Lord Parasnath, Lord Neminath and Lord Surya.
Beautiful sculptured Jain temples mark the glory of this renowned place. Marked as one of the five holy places for the Jain community, these were created in the 15 the century. During the reign of Rana Kumbha and are enclosed within a wall. The central Chaumukha [four faced temple] is dedicated to Adinathji the temple is an astounding creation with 29 halls and 1,444 pillars all distinctly carved and no two being alike is an amazing evidence of the genius sense of architecture that enhances the charm of the place.