Rana Udai Singh
Udapur, the last of the capitals of Mewar, takes its name from Rana Udai Singh
who founded it in 1559 AD. Driven from his citaded by the besieging armies of
emperor Akbar, he abandoned struggle and chose the fertile valley between Chittaurgarh
and kumbhalgarh to build his new city Udaipur-the city of lakes. Today, Udaipur
nestles in a scenic valley ringed by the Aravalis and is one of the most enchanting
cities of India.
Four years after the fall of
Chittaur, Udai Singh died 1572 AD, and was succeeded by Pratap Singh - I. Pratap
was later installed on the throne of Mewar at Gogunda. After extending his sovereignty
to nearly the whole of Rajputana, Akbar, the Mughal emperor sent three missions
to Maharana Pratap's court for acknowledgment of the emperor's suzerainty. Pratap,
the defiant Rajput that he was, spurned these offers. As a result he had to face
the combined might of the empire and all through his reign ( 1572-97 AD) he was
challenged by military expeditions sent by the Mughals.
In 1615 AD, during
the reign of Pratap's son and successor, a treaty was finally concluded between
the Mughals and Rana Amar Singh. On the conclusion of the treaty, the Rana met
prince Khurram and was cordially received. Udaipur remained the capital of Mewar,
though accepting British supremacy in 1818 AD. Finally the state was merged with
the Republic of India in 1947. wistful and romantic, Udaipur has tranquil lakes,
beautiful places and sprawling gardens. The Mewar school which blossomed over
the centuries produced some remarkable miniature paintings.
Sight
Seeing of Udaipur
Ahar
Today, what is in crumbling ruins, is where stood in the yesteryears,
the ancient capital of the Sisodias who built the kingdom of Mewar. The Royal
cenotaphs of the Maharanas, built of white marble encircle the sacred tank of
Gangabhar Kund. There is also an archeological museum here containing the excavations
around Ahar including earthen pots and iron objects which are of great archaeological
and historical importance.
Bagore Ki
Haveli
 | Situated
on the bank of Lake Pichola and incorporating the majestic Gangaur Ghat, this
Haveli was built in the second half of the 18th century by the then Prime Minister
of Mewar. Every evening at 7.00 p.m. a cultural programme is organized especially
for tourists, it is called 'Dharohar'. At present it is a cultural museum and
is a part of the West Zone Cultural Centre. |
Bhartiya
Loke Kala Mandal
A museum of folk arts, it displays a rich collection
of folk dresses ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments and
paintings. It has a section devoted to trible art. The world-renowned puppeteers
of Udaipur-custodians of an ancient tradition- regularly put up splendid show
here.
City Palace
 | This
is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, construction of which was started
by Udai Singh. This white marble architectural marvel,standing majestically on
a hill is surrounded by crenellated walls. This huge edifice 30.4 metres high
and 244 metres long was added on to by later rulers, but the additions are so
well planned and integrated, it is difficult to believe that it was not conceived
as a complete structure. The entrance to the place is through ' Hathi Pol' or
Great Gate takes one into the first court leading to the Tripolia Gate which has
eight carved marble 'Torans' or archways. |
Fateh
Sagar
This fine lake lying to the north of and connected by a
small canal with Lake Pichola, was originally built by Maharana jai Singh ,in
1678 AD.Because of excessive rains, the old dam was washed away and Maharana Fateh
Singh built the present embankment.
GULAB
BAGE
This rose garden laid out by Maharana sajjan singh, is situated
near the palace. In the days of yore, courts were held here.
JAG
MANDIR
This is the older water palace built by rana jagat singh
I in 1620 AD.It also served as the asylum for the Mugal prince khurram while in
revolt against his father, jahagir, the foundation stone of the big dome in this
building was laid by princes khurram. It is also the plase where the European
families were sheltered by Maharana sarup singh during the uprising of 1857 AD.
Of these two island palaces fergusson wrote indeed, I know of nothing that will
bear comparison with them anywhere.
JAG
NIWAS OR LAKE PALACE
Better known as the lake palace , it is regarded
as one of the most beautiful palace in the word, and the mere sight of white wonder
rising from the turquoise water of pichole is derme like.
It was the
pleasure palace of Maharana jagat singh , built by him in 1746AD.It has been called
one of the most romantic creation of man . Today the Lake palace is a five star
heritage.
SAHELIYON
KI BARI
Sahelion ki bari or garden of the Maids of Honore was laid
out for a group of forty eight young women attendant who accompaints a princess
to udaipur as part of her dowery . the garden set below3 the embankment of the
fateh sagar lake have beautiful lotus pools , marbel pavilion and elephant shaped
fountains . These fountion are fed by the water of the lake gushing through ducts
made for the purpose . Each water channel has its dictinct made for the minghing
of these sounds complements the ambience of the place.
SAJJAN
GARH
Originally intended to be an astronomical center , it latter
because a monsoon palace and hunting lodge. It affords a breathtaking view of
the mewar countryside. Today entry into the building is restricted.
PRATAP
MEMORIAlL
An impressive bronze ststus of maharana pratab on his
horse chetak stand at the top of moti magri overlooking fatch sager local people
climb the hill to pay homage to rana pratap and his faithful charger chetak who
was killed in the historical battle of Haldighati.
MANIKYA
LAL VERMA PARK (DUDH TALAI)
This is a beautiful park located on
the hill known as Machla Magra . the place is known for its sunset point and musical
fountion. A small as dudh talai also situated doun the hill. The place is known
for its beautiful scenic beautiful.
EXCURSION
EKLINGJI
Built in 734AD it is a complex of 108 temples with a fights of steps leading down
to a water tank . the temples are exquisitely carved out of sandstone and marble
and are devoted to lord shive the family deity of the mewar rules . it is an ornate
mantap or pillared hall . the canopy of the huge pyramidical roof is composed
of hundred of knots . the sanctuary beneth a vaulted roof, a large status of bappa
rawal standing beside nandi lord shiva built.
HALDI
GHATI (40 Kms)
This is the historical battlefield where maharana
pratap fought akber the great in 1576 AD. Here stand a jcenotaph with delicate
white marble coloume which is dedicated to the indomitable maharana pratap loyal
horse , chetak . Haldighati museum is worth visiting . the museum entertaints
tourists with a light and sound show depicting the of maharana pratap and the
bettle of haldighati
Jagat (55 KMS)
Also known as the 'Khajuraho of Rajasthan' this 10th century Ambika Mata
temple is well preserved in all its splendour.
Jaisamand
Lake(48 KMS)
It is the second largest artificial lake in Asia
which was built in the 17th century by Maharaja Jai Singh. Graceful marble chhatris
festoon the embankment. On either side are summer palaces. Bhils, the local tribesmen,
inhabit the island in Jaisamand lake. A trip to Jaisamand wildlife sanctuary are-
the panther, wild boar, deer, four-horned antelope, mongoose and various species
of birds.
Kankroli ( 65 KMS)
It is also known as Dwarkadhish, since it resembles the famous Nathdwarka
Shrine. The temple is devoted to Lord Krishna and is an important Vaishnava teple
which ranks very high among the temples of the Vallabhacharya sect.
Kumbhalgarh
Fort(84 KMS)
Built amdist the Aravalis in the 15th century by Maharana
Kumbha, it is the second most important fort of Rajasthan after Chittaurgarh.
It is accessible by jeep from Kelwara through the seven great gates. 'Badal Mahal'
or "Palaces of the Clouds"at the top, offers a scenic view of the surrounding
countryside.
Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary
( 90 KMS)
Situated in a thickly - wooded region of Udaipur, the
sanctuary is a haven for some rare species of animals. The fauna of the sanctuary
includes wolf, leopard, jackal, nilgai, samber and a variety of birds. It is also
a well known archaeological site.Nagada (23 KMS) :
This ancient place in Mewar
was the first capital of Bappa Rawal and has a magnificent 'Toran'or archway,
exquisitely carved. The Sas Bahu temple, or the temples of the Mother-in-Law &
Daughter-in-Law , built in the 10th century, are dedicated to lord Vishnu. They
are situated by the side of lake and are known for their beautiful carvings. These
temples are rated among the best temple of India. The Jain temples of Abudji are
also worth visiting.Nathdwara ( 48 KMS) :
A popular palace of Hindu pilgrimage,
this 18th century temple site has a black marble statue of Shri Nathji which is
over 600 years old and was brought from Mathura in 1669 AD to save it from the
fanatic iconoclasm of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
Rajsamand
Lake ( 66KMS)
This is a big artificial lake, with a many-stepped
embankment having gracefully carved 'Torans' (archiways) and pavilions. The complex
was built by Rana Raj Singh I ( reigned 1652-80 AD) who married the Rajput princess
of Kinshangarh, Charumati, in defiance of the wishes of emperor of aurangzeb who
had proposed marriage to her.
Ranakpur
( 90 KMS)
One of the biggest and most important jain temple, it
is one of the five holy sites for Jains. The main temple in the complex is Chaumukha
temple, or the Four-Faced temple dedicated to Abhinathji and built in the 15th
century. It has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, all of which are different
from each other. The Surya Narayan temple and the other Jain temples in the complex
are also worth visiting.
Rishabhdeoji
(65 KMS):
This 15th century Jain temple of Rishabhdeoji, one of
the twenty-four 'Tirthankaras' of the Jains, is also an important centre of pilgrimage
for both Jains and Hindus.
Shilpgram
(3 KMS)
This is a cultural centre and village just outside Udaipur.
This crafts village has huts typical of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa
delightfully replicated. Shilpgram provides a plateform for the rural craftsmen
representing these regions to exhibit their talents. It is a "Living ethnographics
museum" that gives one a peep into the rural lifestyle of western India.
You can see demonstrations by folk musicians, dancers and artisans from various
states. The village is more alive during festival time. The puppet shows and folk
dances are very entertaining. The annual Shilpgram Utsav held here, lasts for
ten days. It is an excellent place for tourists looking for mementos, curios and
other gift articles at reasonable prices.
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