Cities in India 

Udaipur

Population                     : 342,500
Main Languages             : Rajasthani, Hindi.
Telephone area code     : 0294
Best time to visit            : October to March  

The city of dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure water lakes, hemmed in by the lush hills of Aravallis. Its Kaleidoscope of fairy tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with  stalls, carry the flavour of a heroic past, epitomising valour and chivalry.

Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar – a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 years. The city was founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 A.D. Overlooking the aquamarine expanses of Lake Pichola stands the splendid City Palace – a marvel in granite and marble.

Of the original eleven gates of the Udaipur city, only five remain. The Suraj Pol or Sun Gate on the eastern side is the main entrance of the city.

Places of Interest
City Palace, a majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake on a hill surrounded by crenallated walls. The main entrance  is through the triple arched gate, the “Tripolia” with eight marble porticos. The Suraj Gokhada, the balcony of the sun, is where the Suryavanshi Maharanas of Mewar presented themselves to the people in time of trouble to restore their confidence. The “Mor chowk” known for its exquisite peacock mosaics in glass and “Chini Chitrasala” noted for its blue and white ceramics are other attractions in the Palace

Jagdish temple, which was built in 1651 A.D by Maharana Jagat Singh, this Indo-Aryan temple is the largest and the most beautiful temple of Udaipur.

Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum, exhibits an interesting collection of Indian folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments, folk deities and paitings.

Sahelion-ki-Bari, the garden of maids of honour has many fountains in its four delightful pools, chiselled kiosks and marble elephants.

Fateh Sagar, a beautiful lake, overlooked by a number of hills on the three sides. It the middle of the lake is the Nehru Park – a lovely garden island with a boat shaped café accessible by a boat ride.

Pichola Lake,  is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats. Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) on the lake are of breathtaking magnificence.

Eklingji, 22 kms from Udaipur was built in 734 A.D. is the beautifully sculpted temple complex with 108 temples dedicated to Lord Shiva within its high walls.

Nagda, 23 kms from Udaipur, dates back to 6^th century A.D. is renowned for Sas-Bahu temples with interesting architecture carvings.

48 kms from Udaipur is Kumbhalgarh & 90 kms are the famous Jain temples at Ranakpur.

HOW TO REACH
By Air
Daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur.

By Train
Trains from Jaipur and Delhi.

By Road
262 kms from Ahmedabad, 275 kms from Jodhpur, 406 kms from Jaipur.