Places To See In Udaipur

Heritage Sites

Royalty, Grandeur and a taste for art characterized the rulers of Mewar.

Forts and Monuments

Maharana Pratap Memorial - Located on top of the Moti Magri or the Pearl Hill overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake is a majestic bronze statue of Maharana Pratap riding his favourite horse, Chetak. Rana Pratap fiercely desisted the Mughals and ward off their frequent attacks. Locals climb up the hill to pay homage to Rana Pratap and his faithful horse.

Palaces

City Palace - Maharana Udai Singh started the construction of this beauty in granite and marble on Lake Pichola. His successors are credited with bringing it to its present day form.

The entry to the palace is through the Hathi Pol or the Elephant Gate. The beautiful Jagdish Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu is located here at this gate. On the northern side of the palace is the Bari Pol or the Big Gate. This gate leads to Tripolia or the Triple Gate. Between these two gates are eight carved marble arches. The rulers were weighed under these arches in gold and silver, which was then distributed to the people. Beyond Tripolia is an area where elephant fights were organized. At the entrance to the palace building is the Mewar Crest is an image of the Sun God flanked by a Rajpur Warrior and a Bhil.

Huge balconies, cupolas, hanging gardens, towers are characteristic of this magnificent palace. Suraj Gokhada or the Balcony of the Sun is from where the Maharana would grant public audiences. Maharana Udai Singh built the oldest part of the palace, Raj Aangan or the Royal Courtyard in the 16th century. The main portions of the palace have today been converted into a museum. Almost all the chambers within the palace are done with exquisite paintings, glass inlay work etc. Noted among these is the Mor Chowk or the Peacock Square has glass mosaics of peacocks on the walls depicting the seasons of summer, winter and the monsoon. The Chini Mahal famous for its Chinese and Dutch ornamental tiles. Sheesh Mahal and the Moti Mahal. The highest point in the palace is the Amar Vilas, which is famous for its hanging gardens with fountains, towers and terraces and offers magnificent views of Lake Pichola and the city.

Lake Palace - Also known as the Jag Niwas Palace. Maharana Jagat Singh II built this palace on Lake Pichola in 1746. This place is now a heritage hotel A fine example of the Rajput architecture; the palace has an impressive array of fountains, stained glass windows, ancient paintings, fountains, bath reservoirs etc. Boats ferry people from the shore to the palace.

Fateh Prakash Palace - Another one of the Rajput palaces that has now been converted into a heritage hotel, the Fateh Prakash Palace is an oasis replete with period furniture, grand paintings from the Mewar School etc.

Some of the notable attractions at the palace include the Crystal Galley is a breathtaking display of crystals. Maharana Sajjan Singh ordered these crystal items from F & C Osler in England, but did not live to enjoy its beauty. The spectacular collection includes beds, dressing tables, sofa sets, dining tables, dressers and fountains all in crystal. Durabar Hall at the palace is another awe-inspiring chamber in the palace. The durbar hall was used to host state banquets and organizing meetings. The walls are decorated with period paintings of Maharanas and weapons. The hall has an exquisite ceiling and is surrounded by a viewing gallery from where the ladies used to watch the proceedings down in the hall. The entry fee is priced at Rs. 325 for adults and Rs. 165 for children.

Bagore-ki-Haveli - The former Prime Minister of Mewar, Amir Chand Badwa built this waterfront property on Lake Pichola in the 18 th century. It is located on the Ganghori Ghat. The palace has 138 rooms. The interior of the haveli has glass and mirror work done and is truly breathtaking. The palace also has an interesting display of costumes from that period. The haveli was in a state of neglect till 1986 when it was restored. Every evening at 7 PM cultural performances including dances in the Mewari and Rajasthani style are performed at this venue.

The tickets are priced at Rs.60 for adult and Rs. 30 for children.

Monsoon Palace - It was originally built as an astronomical centre to watch the celestial bodies by Maharana Sajjan Singh. The palace eventually became a hunting lodge. It is located on top of the Banswara Hill. You can drive upto the palace for a spectacular view of the city. It was known as Sajjan Garh in the old days.

The entry fee is Rs. 80 per vehicle.

Jag Mandir - This famous palace in Udaipur in an island on Lake Pichola was built by Maharana Karan Singh to provide refuge to Prince Khurram also known as Emperor Shahjahan. Apart from the story, which abounds it, the Jag Mandir is surrounded by a row of rock cut elephants. The intricately carved chattri of gray and blue stones is also worth seeing. Jag Mandir itself is built of red sandstone and was once studded with precious gems like jasper, jade, rubies. Marble Dome, Spacious Courtyards, Endless sprawling gardens are some of the striking features of this palace. It is said that Shahjahan took some ideas from the Jag Mandir in building of the Taj Mahal.

Religious Places - Temples

Jagdish Temple - Built in the Indo-Aryan style, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Jagannath. Two rock-cut elephants at the entrance greet devotees as they walk up a series of 32 steps to the main shrine. The exterior wall has bas-relief of alligators, elephants, riders, musicians etc. A brass image of Garuda, the mount of Lord Vishnu can also be seen in the temple.

The timings are from 5 AM- 2 PM and from 4 PM - 11 PM.

Museums

City Palace Museum - Portions of the City Palace have been converted into a museum. As soon as you enter the portals of the palace there is the Armoury Museum, it displays weapons from that period including the lethal double-edged sword. The museum is also known as the Pratap Museum as it also displays the armour of Maharana Pratap. It also treasures the drums and bugles of Rana Sangha, another popular ruler of Mewar. The entrance to the museum is through the Ganesh Deori; this leads to the central courtyard known as the Rajya Aangan. This is the place where the hermit is said to have met Maharana Udai Singh. The museum also houses an impressive collection of coins, paintings, inscriptions, sculptures etc. Each chamber of the palace has something different to offer. The Manak Mahal or the Ruby Palace, Moti Mahal has an exquisite display of mirror work and paintings, Chini Mahal known for its ornamental tiles and Krishna Vilas has exquisite collection of miniature paintings.

The museum is open from 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum - This museum on the Chetak Circle is dedicated to preserving Rajasthani Folk Art. On display are dresses, ornaments, puppets, musical instruments and paintings from the vibrant state of Rajasthan. Puppet Show and Folk Dance programs are conducted every evening at the museum from 6 PM - 7 PM.

The museum is open from 9 AM - 6PM.

Ahar Museum - The museum has a series of cenotaphs of 19 Mewar rulers. Among the treasured artifacts preserved at the museum is some old earthen pottery, terracotta toys, 10th century sculptures etc.

The museum is open from 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM all days except Fridays.

Parks and Gardens

Saheliyon ki Bari - This park, which means Garden for the Royal Ladies, lies behind the Fateh Sagar Lake. The park is known for its beautiful fountains, pools with marble elephants that sprinkle water etc. These fountains were imported from England in 1889. The royalty used to relax around these pools. There is a lotus pond and a room decorated with paintings and glasswork.

There is a museum also in the vicinity.

Gulab Bagh - Maharana Sajjan Singh laid out the Rose Garden. The park has a small children's train that allows them to keep busy while you enjoy the park.

Vintage Cars Collection - An impressive collection of classic, vintage cars adorn the grounds of the Garden Hotel. The collection includes an impressive fleet of cars like the Cadillac, Chevrolet etc. The Maharanas of Udaipur owned these royal beauties as a part of their personal collection.

Nehru Island Park - This sprawling four and half acre park lies on an island in the middle of Fateh Sagar Lake. Access to the park is on a motorboat from the shore.

Lakes

Pichola Lake - The centre of attraction in Udaipur, the name of this lake is derived from the nearby village of Pichola. The founder of Udaipur Maharana Udai Singh enlarged this lake. He also built a dam across the lake known as Badipol. This Jag Mandir Palace is located on the Jag Niwas Island and the City Palace is located on the eastern banks of this picturesque lake.

Tourists can enjoy boat rides on the lake. Rates for a half-hour boat ride are Rs. 75 for adult and Rs. 40 for children.

Fateh Sagar Lake - Another gem in the crown of Udaipur, the Fateh Sagar Lake is located north to Lake Pichola. Maharana Jai Singh constructed this lake that is surrounded by hills and wooded area. Maharana Fateh Singh later reconstructed the lake after rains lashed out the dam on the original lake.

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