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 The
city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the
azure water lakes, hemmed in by the lush hills of
the Aravalis. A vision in white drenched in
romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend
of sights, sounds and experiences - an inspiration
for the imagination of the poets, painters and
writers. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces,
lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn
with stalls, carry the flavour of heroic past,
epitomising valour and chivalry. Their reflection
in the placid waters of the Lake Pichhola is an
enticing sight.
Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar - a kingdom ruled by
the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 years. The foundation
of the city has an interesting legend associated
with it. According to it, Maharana Udai Singh, the
founder, was hunting one day when he met a holy
man meditating on a hill overlooking the Lake
Pichhola.
The lake city Udaipur is also
called as “Venice of the East”. Situated amidst
Aravalli ranges Udaipur has many historical sites
and picturesque lakes. The famous historian, Col.
James Todd, who also did a remarkable job of
mapping in aravalli ranges of hills, had described
the city as “most romantic spot on the Indian
subcontinent”.
The city was established by in 1559
AD by Maharana Udai Singh who was defeated by
armies of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Defeated and
dejected Udai Singh was in search of a safe place
to start afresh. A holy man advised him that a
city built near lake “Pichhola” will never fall to
enemy. Assured by the holy man Udai Singh built
the famous fort and “Lake Palace” which now has
five star hotel. A small island in Pichhola Lake
called as Jangniwas was the royal summer palace.
Through Tripolia Gate, City Palace can be
approached. The huge palace has marvelous carvings
and inside are Badal Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Bhik
Vilas, Mor Chowk, which narrate tales of history.
The museum stores pieces of art and culture and
armoury. Other popular palaces of interest are
Jagdish temple, Fateh Sagar, Pratap Smark,
Saheliyon ke bari and Shilpgram. Short excursions
near Udaipur takes you to Eklingji, Nagda,
Haldighati where Maharna Pratap fought the Mughal
forces of Akbar.
Overlooking the aquamarine expanses of the Lake
Pichhola stands the splendid City Palace - a
marvel in granite and marble.
Of the original eleven gates of the Udaipur City,
only five remain. The Surajpole or Sun Gate on the
eastern side is the main entrance to the city.
Exquisite Lake Palace of Udaipur, shimmering like
jewel on Lake Pichhola are overwhelming in
splendour.
Several places of interest around Udaipur,
including the majestic Chittaurgarh, the mountain
fortress of Kumbhalgarh, beautiful Jain temples of
Ranakpur, Eklingji and Nathdwara and the cool
retreat of Mount Abu, make the visit to Udaipur a
memorable one.
Nathdwara - Famous for 18th
centuary Vishnu Temple of Sri Nathji, Kumbhalgarh,
Ranakpur- Where Jain temples of great architecture
could be seen, Rishabdeo and Jaisamand lake.
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