Udaipur, also known as the "City of Lakes", was founded by Maharaja Udai Singh II in 1568 after the siege of Chittorgarh by Mughal Emperor Akbar. Legend has it that while hunting in the foothills of the Aravalli Range, Maharana Udai Singh II met a hermit who suggested him to build a palace on this spot assuring him that it would be well-protected. But it was the strategic position of this place which induces Maharana Udai Singh to choose this site for establishing Udaipur city. Being surrounded by Aravalli Mountain ranges, it was less vulnerable to Mughal attacks. This historical and beautiful city remained the capital of the kingdom of Mewar for a long time and witnessed several accounts of historical events of a successful line of the kings of Mewar. For this reason, Udaipur is also nicknamed as "Jewel of Mewar".The valor tales of the most chivalrous of Rajput king of Udaipur, Maharana Pratap still echo in the city of Udaipur and beyond this region. Udaipur has seen several political invasions and historical battles that relate numerous tales of bravery, loyalty, and courage. The magnificent monuments of the place are all grand testimonies of these tales. Udaipur is also known as "Venice of the East" or "Kashmir of Rajasthan", due to its incredible beauty, picturesque location, and charming surroundings. Moreover, the city is famous for its beautiful Lake Palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola which is now a luxury heritage hotel. These spectacular palaces and forts of Udaipur are architectural marvels and are bound to bewitch the visitors by their beauty.
Among the prominent places of tourist attractions, City Palace and Fateh Prakash Palace, erstwhile residences of the royal house of Mewar are the most renowned. They are magnificent structures known for their intricate carvings and beautiful paintings. Among several forts of Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh Fort remained the unconquered citadel and is a symbol of toughness of the Sisodias of Mewar. This beautiful city of Rajasthan attracts million of tourists every year because of its rich cultural heritage and wondrous beauty.
Not only this city of lakes offers visitors an exotic shopping experience with the beautiful textiles, handicrafts, exquisite furniture, and gorgeous jewelry of minakari work and gemstones, but also ensures that they fall in love with this city. In a recent survey, Udaipur was named among the most beautiful cities of the world. Udaipur is a popular destination for film shootings, honeymoon holidays, and marriage venues. Once visited, this enigmatic place leaves a lasting impression in the soul of a person and makes him to visit this beautiful city over and over again.
City Palace
City Palace was built by Maharana Udai Mirza Singh, founder of the city of Udaipur, as the capital of the Sisodia Rajput clan in 1559. Sited on the east bank of Lake Pichola and consisting of several palaces, the City Palace is built in a flamboyant style, representing a fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. Being built on a hill top, the palace offers spectacular views of the city and the surroundings, including several historic monuments, like the Lake Palace in Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir on another island in the lake, Jagdish Temple nearby the palace, Monsoon Palace on top of an overlooking hillock close by, and Neemach Mata Temple.
Lake Palace
Originally known as Jag Niwas, the fascinating Lake Palace was built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1743 as a royal summer palace. Located on Jag Niwas Island, the palace covers a total area of 1.5 hectare of the island in the middle of Pichola Lake. Interestingly, the palace is constructed facing east, thereby allowing its inhabitants to pray to the Sun God at dawn. Considered to be one of the most magnificent and unique pieces of architectural beauty in India, the palace has now been converted into a heritage hotel.
Kumbhalgarh Fort
Considered to be the second most important fort of Rajasthan after Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh Fort was constructed in the 15th century by Raja Kumbha. Just 64 km north of Udaipur, the fort once served as one of the significant citadels of Udaipur. Today, it is highly popular as the birthplace of the legendary Rajput king, Maharana Pratap of Mewar. Constructed on the topmost ridge about 1,914 meters above sea level, the fort is strategically encircled by 13 elevated mountain peaks.
Lake Pichola
Pichola Lake of Udaipur, an artificial lake created in the year 1362 AD, derives its name from the erstwhile village Picholi which stood on the banks of the lake. Needless to say, the lake is one of the most beautiful lakes, not only in Rajasthan, but the entire India. Pichola Lake, apart from being popular for its enchanting beauty, also boasts of immense significance historically. The memorable moments spent on Lake Pichola, once embedded in the minds, are hard to forget and drag visitors to visit this eastern Venetian paradise time and again.
