Sightseeing in Udaipur, India
Lake Palace
Lake Palace was built by Maharana Jagat Singh II (1628-52) as a summer palace to escape
the heat of Jaipur. Undoubtedly the most familiar and photogenic feature of Udaipur, the
palace is indeed a reverie in pure white marble. Formerly called Jag Mandir, the palace is
an amazing confection of delicate columns, filigreed screens, cupolas and fountains. Now
converted as a luxury hotel, you can visit the palace for lunch or afternoon tea.
Jag Mandir
Jag Mandir, another island palace in the Lake Pichola was built by Karan Singh in 1615.
It derives its name from Jagat Singh who added to the initial structure. It was never used
for the purpose for it was built. This palace was used to provide shelter to the Mughal
prince Khurum (later Emperor Shah Jahan) who rebelled against his emperor father Jahangir,
in the 1620s. Jahangir was succeeded by Shah Jahan who was still in Udaipur at the time of
his father's death. During the 1857 Mutiny this island palace once again served as a safe
haven for European women and children.
City Palace
Udaipur's fascinating City Palace is the largest royal complex in Rajasthan. Standing
on a rocky promontory the palace has balconies, towers and cupolas and presents a
wonderful view of the lake and the city. The complex has eleven constituent mahals
(palaces), constructed by successive maharanas during the three hundred years that
followed the foundation of Udaipur in 1559. Added to this, Crystal Gallery and Durbar Hall
within the complex is spectacular. Explore them for their mosaics, miniatures, mirror work
and motifs.
Sahelion Ki Bari
The "garden of the maids of honour", Sahelion-ki-Bari was designed and laid
out early in the eighteenth century as a retreat for ladies of the royal household to
spend their time in leisure. The lotus pool, fountains, lawns, flowerbeds, and marble
pavilions all combine to make it a captivating place.
Jagdish Temple
Built in 1651 A.D. by Maharana Jagat Singh, this Indo-Aryan temple is dedicated to Lord
Jagannath, a manifestation of Vishnu. The largest and the most beautiful temple of
Udaipur, it is always seething with constant activity and noted for its beautiful sculpted
images and towering shikhara.
Fateh Sagar
West of Sahelion-ki-Bari is Fateh Sagar, a lake built by Maharana Fateh Singh. It is
bordered by sharp hills and a canal built at the beginning of the twentieth century
connects it to the Lake Pichola. In the middle of the lake is Nehru Park, a popular garden
island with a boat-shaped cafe.
Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandir
Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandir is home to an attractive collection of folk dresses, puppets,
ornaments, dolls, masks, folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings. The museum
is the best place for those interested in puppetry. Short amusing puppet shows are staged
throughout the day. In addition, the museum runs short courses in puppet making and
theatre.
Sajjangarh
Dominating the skyline of Udaipur is the "Monsoon Palace" of Sajjangarh.
Deserted by the royal family soon after its construction in 1880 due to the impossibility
of pumping water to the palace, it offers an unrivalled view of the city's lakes, palaces
and the surrounding countryside. |
