Udaipur is known as the 'City of Lakes'. The city acquires its scenic beauty from the Aravallis. Three lakes: Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar make it an oasis in the desert. Lake Pichola is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and has two island palaces; Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir. Lake Fateh sagar lies to north of Pichola and was built by Maharana Jai Singh but it got the name of Fateh Singh who rebuilt its dam. Both the lakes are breathtakingly beautiful and one can take a cruise on their waters. The sunset over these lakes is a sight to be cherished.
We booked the trip through TCI, using a hotel winter package and a return flight Delhi-Udaipur-Delhi. At arrival we took a pre-paid taxi from the airport to the hotel (200 INR). We stayed at “The Trident” Hotel for 2 nights. Cost of the package (double room) was 7777 INR inclusive a meal credit of 2000 INR. The return flight with Jet Airways was at 6708 INR per person. We used the airport taxi driver for all our excursions. He was quite reliable and always in time.
TCI
JET AIRWAYS
HOTEL
THE TRIDENT
Haridasji Ki Magri, Mulla Talai
Udaipur
Rajasthan 313001
Tel: 0294/432200
Fax: 0294/432211
E-mail: reservations@tridentudp.com
www.tridenthotels.com
Excellent hotel with bar, gym and swimming pool. The hotel offers boat trips on Pichola lake (110 INR for a one hour sunset trip on the lake)
TAXI
Vijay Singh Bhati (Guddu)
Tel: 0294/461460
Jodhpur drop: 1750 INR
Jaipur drop: 2850 INR
WHAT TO SEE
Udaipur city was founded in 1567 AD by Maharana Udai Singh on the advice of a sage. Udaipur was last of the numerous Mewar capitals. It was in Udaipur that legendary Maharana Pratap was born. He was obsessed with Chittaur and the past glories of the Sisodia clan possessed his mind. Maharana Pratap left Udaipur to win back Chittaur from the Mughals. But he failed in his attempts and Udaipur remained the capital of Mewar till India got her independence. The memory of the failure of noble Pratap gives Udaipur its pervading mood of nostalgic wistfulness.
CITY PALACE
This majestic white royal building towers itself on a hill and is surrounded by crenellated walls. The palace stands along the shores of Pichola. A part of the palace can be visited (entry fee 35 INR).
LAKE PALACE
This former summer residence of the royal family has now been converted into a fabulous hotel.
SAHELION-KI-BARI
On the shores of Fateh Sagar Lake was built a garden for the 48 young girls waiting to be sent to the royal house as part of dowry. This garden was laid with extensive lawns, fountains and walking lanes. There were four pools with dainty kiosks and fountains with elephant trunks for spouts. Unfortunately the garden is not anymore in good condition, neither the fountains and even not worthwhile anymore to be visited. The garden can be reached by boat (10 INR).
JAGDISH TEMPLE
Dedicated to Vishnu, this temple was built in 1651 AD by Maharana Jagat Singh.
MONSOON PALACE
The Monsoon palace can be reached in a short trip through the Sajjangarh sanctuary. Although be prepared to pay a discriminating 80 INR per person (locals pay 10) and 65 INR for the car as sanctuary entry fee (no animals to see, do not worry). The palace in principle cannot be visited, but a few rupees can do wonders. Anyway be careful if you make the trip alone. Taxi cost was 400 INR.
EXCURSIONS
EKLINGJI
22 Km from the city is a temple complex of 108 temples enclosed by high walls. Built in 1734 AD, the temples are dedicated to the royal deity Eklingji. The complex has been chiseled out of sandstone and marble. It has an ornate 'mandap' or pillared hall, the canopy of a huge pyramidical roof composed of hundreds of knots. We paid 350 INR for the half-day tour including Nagda.
NAGDA
This ancient place, 23 Km from the city, in Mewar is famous for their intricate carvings of the graceful 'apsaras'.