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» UDAIPUR LOCATION
The city of Udaipur is located in Rajasthan, a state in the Northern part of India. The city of lakes would have joined the Thar Desert, if the Aravalli Range has not separated them. Udaipur lies at the southern end of the Aravalli Range. For Udaipur, Aravalli Range is an important relief feature and it is often perceived as a frontier that separates the Thar Desert from the plains and plateaus of eastern Rajasthan.
In the language of geography, Udaipur runs from latitude 24.58 degrees in the north to longitude 73.68 degrees in the east. The city covers an area of 37 sq kms and lies at an altitude of 598 m above sea level. Mentioning about the geographical location of Udaipur, India, the city is sited in the southwest of Jaipur, near the border of Gujarat. Being situated in a desert area along with lakes, Udaipur usually remains sultry.
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» UDAIPUR, FAMOUS FOR  [Udaipur Fort In Udaipur] |
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» DISTANCE FROM MAJOR CITIES TO UDAIPUR |
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- Delhi - 670 km. (NH8 from Delhi to Dharuhera)
- Mumbai - 800 km.
- Agra - 640 km.
- Ahmedabad - 252 km.
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» UDAIPUR WEATHER The climate of Udaipur is a tropical one. The summer season is tolerably hot. The climatic conditions of Udaipur, Rajasthan are quite pleasant in winters. Udaipur weather experiences scanty rainfall in the monsoon season, somewhere around 61 cm, approximately.
- Temperature in summer : 38.3º C (Max) - 28.8º C (Min)
- Temperature in winter : 28.3º C (Max) - 11.6º C (Min)
- Rainy Season : The average rainfall is 61 cm.
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» UDAIPUR POPULATION
5,50,000 (persons) |
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» CLOTHING IN UDAIPUR
Light tropical (cotton) in summer and light woollen in winter |
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» LANGUAGE IN UDAIPUR
Mewari is the primary language of Udaipur, yet Rajasthani, Hindi and English are also common in the city. |
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» UDAIPUR DEMOGRAPHICS
In Udaipur, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.
- Total Population - 5,50,000 (persons)
- Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47% of the population.
- Literacy rate of Udaipur is 77%.
- Male literacy of 83% and female literacy of 72%.
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» UDAIPUR HISTORY
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 hermit blessed the Maharana and advised him to build a palace at this favourably located spot with a fertile valley watered by the stream, a lake, an agreeable altitude and an amphitheater of low mountains. Maharana followed the advise of the hermit and founded the city in 1559 A.D.
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» UDAIPUR CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
Udaipur is a romantic land that had been favorite place of the Rajputs. This beautiful city has received a rich cultural heritage from the bygone age. If you are planning to tour Udaipur, it is quite necessary to know about the culture, customs and traditions that the city follows. In the present times, Udaipur has adopted the life style of big cities; still there are some customs & traditions in the city that would be new for you.
- Jainism is the main religion which is observed in Udaipur. Other religions include Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism and Christianity in the decreasing order.
- Udaipur dwellers are really friendly and good to be with. On your first look, you will find them rugged, but these people are really good at heart. Untouched by the pace of modern times, these desert people are well-built, simple and cheerful. Here, people usually prefer wearing bright colored clothes. The traditional attire of women is 'Ghaghra choli' (Skirt & blouse) and for men, angrakha (Kurta) and dhoti would do. In the modern times, people prefer wearing casual dress to match the contemporary fashion.
 [Folk Dance & Music In Udaipur]
- Udaipur cuisine comprises vegetarian dishes as the place is highly dominated by Jainism and Vaishnavism. Food is usually made from lots of vegetables and lentils. It is seasoned with a great variety of spices that are unique to the lands of Rajasthan. You can find type of curries ranging from Lentil to yoghurt. Dried mango by the name of 'Ocra' and beans of 'sangri' is accompanied by many meals. Deep-fried breads and extensive use of chili makes the cuisine of Udaipur, a delicious one.
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» FESTIVALS & FAIRS IN UDAIPUR
- Literally meaning a "Craftsmen's Village" is a living ethnographic museum depicting the enormous diversities in craft, art & culture between various Indian states, but the exquisite terracotta work mainly in dark red and dark brown sand material along with the wooden carvings are the forte of this ethnic village . Shilpgram comprises 26 huts set in 70 acres of natural surroundings at the foot of the Aravali Hills.A colourful craft festival during winter seasons to the whole set up induces viatanity and zeal.
The Rural Arts and Crafts Complex - Shilpgram - would also provide an opportunity to rural and urban artists to come together and interact through the process of camps and workshops. It is hoped that through intimate observation of different styles and experiences, urban and rural artists would learn from one another and enrich their skills and art forms. The Centre promotes contemporary urban ceramists, potters, designers, visual artists etc. to work with their traditional counterparts in creating works of everyday art which would then be put up for exhibition and sale for visitors.
SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS INCLUDES :
Craft Stalls, Camel & Horse Rides & Swings for Children.
The Terra Cotta Museum, Ethnographic Museum.
The Kothi Museum and Sculpture Park.
Daily Cultural Performances.
Timings : 11.00 hrs -19.00 hrs (all days)
Entry Fee : Foreigners Rs. 25/-, Adult Rs. 15/-, Child Rs. 7/-
- The onset of spring brings the Mewar festival. During the festival, the tradition and culture of Rajasthan dominates every other thing in one's mind. The Mewar Festival is celebrated to welcome the advent of spring. It coincides with the festival of Gangaur in Udaipur and has a unique charm about it. The festival of Gangaur is very significant for women of Rajasthan. It is a time for them to dress up in their best clothes and participate in the festival.
The Mewar Festival in March - April. They gather to dress the images of Isar and Gangaur and then carry them in a ceremonial procession through different parts of the city. The procession winds its way to the Gangaur Ghat at Lake Pichola. Here, the images are transferred to special boats amidst much singing and festivity.
- Gangaur festival which comes in March - April is popular among women who pray to the goddess Parvati. A procession of caparisoned horses and elephants accompanying the image of Lord Shiva is the major attraction. During this festival women carry the idols of goddess Parvati also called Gauri in form of a procession to Gangaur Ghat which is one side of Pichola lake.
- Teej is also an important festival celebrated in all parts of Rajasthan .It comes in the month of July - August. It is the festival celebrating the advent of monsoon. Held during the monsoons, July-August Teej is also dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati and this time it is married women who pray for a happy and long married life. It is the festival of swings which are decorated with flowers and hung from trees. Young girls and women dressed in green clothes sing songs in celebration of the advent of the monsoon. Teej is celebrated mainly by the women folk of Rajasthan. Married women who idolize Parvati for her devotion to her husband Shiva celebrate Teej.
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» PLACES TO BE VISITED IN UDAIPUR
 [Pichhola Lake In Udaipur]
The Pichhola Lake in Udaipur is not very deep. Infact the extreme dry summers might dry it up and you can actually walk up to Jagmandir island and Jagniwas. It is said that the inaccessible parts of the lake breeds in it huge crocodiles which are very dangerous.
The Pichhola Lake in Udaipur has two extremely beautiful palaces, the Jag Niwas and the Jag Mandir. Built up of pristine white marble these two palaces stand like jewels in the middle of the lake. They are popularly known as the Lake Palace which has now transformed into a magnificent heritage hotel.
 [Tiger Lake In Udaipur]
- A spectacular rose Garden laid out by Maharana Sajjan Singh, is situated near the palace on east side of Lake Pichhola. A library in the garden has a rare collection of ancient handwritten manuscripts and books.
Within the garden, there is a zoo with tigers, leopards, chinkara and many wild animals and birds are being kept.
- The temple of Jagannath Rai, now called Jagdishji, is a major monument and should be seen carefully. Raised on a tall terrace and completed in 1651, it is a tribute alike to the tenacity of its builders and the resilence of the art - tradition it represents. It attaches a double storeyed Mandapa (hall) to a double - storied, saandhara (that having a covered ambulatory) sanctum. The mandapa has another storey tucked within its pyramidal samavarna (bell - roof) while the hollow clustered spire over the sanctum contains two more, non - functional stories.
 [Jagmandir Palace In Udaipur]
- : A beautifully created artificial lake, built in the 17th century A.D. by Maharana Jai Singh, Jaisamand Lake is the second largest in Asia. Graceful marble chhatris flank the bank and beautiful summer palaces of the Udaipur queens are built on either side of the lake. A trip to Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary will allow you a close encounter with the rich wildlife in their natural habitat. The fauna includes panther, wild boar, deer, four honed antelope, mongoose and various species of migratory birds.
- The musical fountain is about 15 minutes away from the Lake Palace. We can take three-wheelers to get there. We can reach to the top of the hill, to pay the admission for foriegners, and have to walk down the hill to see the musical fountain.
- The famous Ranakpur Jain Temples are 90 km south of Udaipur. These temples were built in 1439 . It took 55 years for the work to be completed. The most significant of the Ranakpur temples is the Chaumukhs (four faced) temple of the first jain Tirthankar Lord Rishabnathji or Adinathji. The Chaumukha temple has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars. The pillars are delicately carved and no two pillars are carved alike.
- Built in 1725, the City Palace is a wonderful blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. This palace is divided into a number of structures, the centermost being the Chandra Mahal (Moon Palace). The ground and first floor of the Chandra Mahal, form the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Museum with an extensive collection of art, carpets, enamelware and old weapons. The paintings include miniatures of Rajasthani, Persian and Mughal schools. The Mubarak Mahal (Auspicious Palace) contains the textile section of the 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 Ahar Museum, Udaipur is named after the beautiful city Ahar, where this museum is located. Ahar is the capital of Sisodias and is about 3 Kms away from Udaipur, in Rajasthan. There are various types of iron objects and also a wide variety of other objects of art forms in the magnificent Ahar Museum. These objects are around 5000 years old. Earthen Pots are among the rare collection of antiquities in Ahar Museum.
There are a huge number of cenotaphs in Ahar Museum in Udaipur, India. There are about nineteen cenotaphs of the great Maharanas which are cremated there. Among all the cenotaphs in Ahar Museum, Rajasthan, one of the most striking cenotaphs is that of Maharana Amar Singh, who ruled during the period 1597 to 1620.
The architectural pieces stored in the museum are extremely old, as a matter of fact some of the pieces date back to 1700 BC. One of the major attractions and an eye catcher is a Buddha statue, which is a 10th century figure made out of metal.
- Pratap Smarak is one of the major tourist attractions in Udaipur. It is the commemorative plaque of the Rajput hero Maharana Pratap. Pratap Smarak oversees the gorgeous Fateh Sagar Lake. This place is visited by many including tourists from across the world. The bronze statue of this Rajput hero straddling his horse is to be found here. Located on Moti Magri or pearl Hill, Pratap Smarak certainly stands as a major tourist attraction. The lovely garden around is beautifully decorated.
- A beautiful lake, overlooked by a number of hills on the three sides and the Pratap Memorial on 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 an enjoyable boat ride.
- Saheliyon-ki-Bari or the 'Garden of the Maids of Honor' of Udaipur was once reserved for the royal ladies who came here for a stroll. A well planned garden, with extensive lawns and shady walks situated on the banks of the dainty Fateh Sagar Lake was constructed in 18th century by Maharana Sangram Singh for forty-eight young ladies-in-waiting sent to the royal house, as part of the dowry as a cool summer retreat for them. Located in the northern precincts of the city, the suburb of Polo Ground, it has now been opened for the public. Its numerous fountains located strategically in the four scenic pools of the garden attract as much tourists as the chiseled and sculpted kiosks and marble elephants. However, they had been added later. A rose garden with over 100 varieties greets the visitors.
The garden's lotus pools and fountains have been so placed that they are at a lower level than the waters of Fateh Sagar Lake and are thus are gravity-fed. The main fountain sports a white marble pavilion in the centre and the contrasting black marble for the four corners of the pond. The 'Savan-Bhado' fountain is on the left of the central square and there is yet another one on the right. The pond on the west features daintily sculptured chhatris (pavilions) of soft black stone, which are surrounded on all sides by more fountains. It is one of the finest examples of Hindu landscape gardening and is a favorite picnic spot of the city. The gardens had been damaged once when the water of the lake flooded them but Maharana Fateh Singh reconstructed in the late nineteenth centuries to lend them their present forms.
- Manikyalal Verma Park are the other attraction of Udaipur. You should also visit their.
 [Fort In Udaipur, Rajasthan]
It is 5 km from Udaipur and overlooks Fateh Sagar Lake. It is situated at height of 1100 ft. high above the surrounding and 3100 ft. from sea level. The palace looks its best during the rainy season. It offers a panoramic overview of the city's lakes, palaces and surrounding country side. That is why it is called Monsoon Palace. Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary has been established near the palace.
The hillside is thickly wooded and the former rulers maintained this as a royal shooting preserve.
- There is Bagor ki haveli on Gangaur ghat on bank of lake pichola. It is to preserve and keep alive the Indian culture, folk arts and traditions. The West Zone cultural centre constitutes of the states of Maharastra, Gujarat, Goa and Rajasthan.
- Sukhadia Circle is a large roundabout in Udaipur city northern suburb of Panchwati. The main attraction is a large, three-tiered fountain with scalloped dishes surmounted by a wheat-ear motif. Built in 1968, this well-known landmark commemorates the memory of Mohan Lal Sukhadia, the erstwhile Chief Minister of Rajasthan and a native of Udaipur. It is a popular recreational centre.
- A veritable forest of decorated white marble cenotaphs in an interesting setting, just three kilometers east of the town Mahasatya, is the cemetery of Udaipur kings, queens, princes and princesses.
- Situated 3 kms west of Udaipur near the Havala village is the Centre's Shilpgram - the Rural Arts and Crafts Complex. Spread over an undulating terrain of 130 bighas (70 Acres) of land and surrounded by the Aravallies, the Rural Arts and Crafts Complex is conceived as a living enthnographic museum to depict the lifestyles of the folk and tribal people of the West Zone. Within this complex, huts of the member states are constructed incorporating traditional architectural features of different geographical and ethnic groups residing within the West Zone of India comprising of five Federal States.In this integrated pattern are 5 huts from Rajasthan, representing weaver's community from Marwar.
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» SHOPPING IN UDAIPUR
Udaipur has a number of attractive handicrafts. You're probably best off purchasing them directly from small factories whose touts will beg you to visit, but do beware that the commission system can add significantly to the price, so don't buy the first beautiful thing you see.
Mangalam (Sukhadia Circle) is best for textiles, handicrafts, dhurries, and a variety of products. The main shopping streets run from the City Palace along Jagdish Temple Street to the clock tower and beyond to Hathi Pol. Good areas are Suraj Pol, Bapu Bazaar, Chetak, and Ashwini markets.
Udaipur is considered a good place to purchase miniature paintings (it has its unique style, but if you're looking for a bargain, you're better off purchasing in off-the-beaten-track towns, like Bundi) and pichhwai paintings -- wall hangings painted on cloth or silk, often featuring scenes from Krishna's life, that originated in Nathdwara; see "Top Excursions," earlier in this chapter. Alternatively, you could pick up some of these at the City Palace Museum shop; their prices are higher but well worth the quality. Other goods worth keeping an eye out for are puppets and wooden folk toys, enamel or Meenakari work, dhurries (rugs), tie-dye and block-printed fabrics, embroidered bags and clothing, and silver jewelry.
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» OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
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» ACCOMMODATION IN UDAIPUR |
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| Udaipur 5-Star, 4-Star & Deluxe Hotels |
Udaipur Heritage Hotels |
| • Hotel Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur |
• Hotel Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur |
| • Hotel Oberoi Udai Vilas Palace, Udaipur |
• Hotel Shiv Niwas Palace, Udaipur |
| • Hotel Trident Hillton, Udaipur |
• Hotel Laxmi Vilas Palace, Udaipur |
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• Hotel Hilltop Palace, Udaipur |
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• Hotel Ram Pratap Palace, Udaipur |
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• Hotel Swaroop Vilas, Udaipur |
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