City Palace : Started by Udai Singh , this enormous edifice is 30.4 meters high and 244 meters in length was added to by later rulers, but the additions were so carefully planned and integrated with the original building, that it was difficult to believe it was not conceived as a whole. It stands on a low ridge all along the shores of Pichhola, the main lake. The approach is through Hathi Pol, (the Elephant Gate), along the main street of the old city, past the Jagdish Temple. The Bara Pol, (the Great Gate,1600 A.D.) ,brings you into the first court which leads into the Tripolia (the Triple Gate,1725 A.D). Between the two gates are the eight carved toranas or arches which marks the spot where the rulers were weighed against gold or silver. A majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake on a hill surrounded by crenellated walls, it is a conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. The main entrance is through the triple arched gate, the 'Tripolia' with eight marble porticos . The maharanas were weighed under the gate in gold, the equivalent amount of which was distributed among the people.

Jag Niwas or Lake Palace: Now turned into a fabulous hotel, the Lake Palace of Udaipur was the summer residence of the former rulers. Its balconies and windows overlook the lake which makes a pleasant murmur with its rippling waves and lapping. The rooms and suites of the hotel are in excellent are in excellent taste, each having a particular theme using the textiles and handicrafts of the region. The royal banquet rooms are now the reception rooms, bars and restaurants of this luxury hotel.

Jagdish Temple:Dedicated to Lord Vishnu it was built in 1651 A.D. by Maharana Jagat Singh, this Indo-Aryan temple is the largest and the most beautiful temple of Udaipur with noteworthy sculpted images. Reached by a steep staircase flanked by stone elephants, the external walls and the plinth are covered with bas-reliefs-friezes of alligators, elephants, horsemen and celestial musicians.

Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum: The interesting collection exhibited by this Indian folk arts museum includes folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings. The world renowned puppeteers of Udaipur, custodians of an ancient tradition, regularly put up first rate shows here.

 

Saheliyon-ki-Bari (Garden of the maids of Honor) : The Garden of the Maids of Honor is well laid out with extensive lawns and shady walks. Flower- lined parks stands on the shore of the second major lake of Udaipur- Fateh Sagar. The garden was constructed for forty eight young ladies-in-waiting sent to the royal house as part of the dowry. This small ornamental garden was a popular relaxing spot where royal ladies came for a stroll and hence the name. The garden has many fountains in its four delightful pools, chiseled kiosks and marble elephants.

Pratap Memorial: Erected atop "Moti Magri" or Pearl Hillock, overlooking Fateh Sagar, is an equestrian bronze statue of the valiant hero-Maharana Pratap. Hundreds climb the tree-lined uphill path to pay homage to Rana Pratap nd his faithful charger, Chetak, who was killed in the battle of Haldighati.

 

Fateh Sagar : A beautiful lake, overlooked by a number of hills oil the three sides and the Pratap Memorial the north was built by Maharana Fateh Singh. In the middle of the lake is Nehru Park - a lovely garden island with a boat shaped cafe accessible by ail enjoyable boat ride.

 

Sajjan Garh : Overlooking the city is a steep hill, about 152.5 meters, on which stands a striking, fortified palace. Dominating the skyline it is visible from most parts of the city. One can go by jeep up a steep road and enjoy a beautiful view of the lakes and palaces of Udaipur. From its lofty tower it is claimed that Chittaur is visible on a clear day and one can imagine how often eager eyes must have scanned the horizon for a glimpse of that spectacular sight. The hillside is thickly wooded and the former rulers maintained this as a royal shooting preserve.

Shilpgram : An artisan's village, set up by West Zone Cultural Center in Udaipur is a living ethnographic museum. It depicts diversity of traditional architecture of houses built with local material,  life styles, customs and folk arts of rural and tribal people of different states of India. The rural artisans and folk artists reside here and perform in the natural village surroundings overlooking Aravali Hills. This 55 acres of live display attracts 100,000 visitors annually from India and abroad.
The "Shilpgram Utsav" organized from December 1-10 every year needs special mention. It recreates a village fare with festive mood reflected by folk artists from different parts of the country. The Terracotta Museum, the museum of masks,  folk and musical instruments are memorable

 

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Air : Dabok Airport is 24 km from the city center. Daily Indian Airlines flights           connect Udaipur with Jodhpur, Jaipur, Aurangabad, Mumbai and Delhi.
Rail : Udaipur is directly linked by rail with major cities. 
Road: A wide network of bus services link Udaipur with several destinations.
       

Important Distances from Udaipur

City	Distance (Kms)
Agra	630
Ahmedabad	262
Ajmer	274
Bharatpur	581
Jaipur	405
Jaisalmer	545
Jodhpur	275
Mount Abu	185
Mumbai	797
New Delhi	664