Udaipur in the state of Rajasthan is a city of ancient, cultural as well as natural importance. Popularly known as the “White City” of Rajasthan, Tourist place Udaipur is a great attraction for visitors throughout the year. The other nickname of this beautiful city is the “City of Lakes” because of the numerous lakes situated here.
These lakes were built by the Maharanas of Rajasthan during their reign. Some of the attractions of the city are as mentioned below:
City Palace
Situated on the banks of Lake Pichola, the City Palace is a beautifully engraved Palace and used to be the home to the Maharanas of Udaipur. The Palace is built in ancient Rajasthan style with alluring terraces, gardens and balconies.
It also contains small museums inside which provide a display of ravishing paintings, artwork, silver antiques and ancient weapons. Various parts of the palace provide a picturesque view of the Lake Pichola.
Jag Mandir
The Jag Mandir is standing on an island in Lake Pichola and is a great tourist attraction primarily because of its location. Surrounded on all sides with water, the Jag Mandir can be reached by boat rides. The best time to visit the temple is during the aarti of morning and evening hours.
Lake Palace
Also, on another island in the lake Pichola is the Lake Palace. The Palace is now operated by Taj Hotels and Resorts. Because of its location and unmatched beauty, the Lake Palace has also been a site for various Bollywood as well as Hollywood movie shooting.
Fateh Sagar Lake
Another huge lake in the City is the Fateh Sagar Lake. It covers a big area and provides fun filled jet boat rides for visitors. There are also numerous street food stalls alongside the banks of the lake. If one is in Udaipur, the Fateh Sagar Lake is also a must visit.
Maharana Pratap Memorial and Museum
Along the banks of the Fateh Sagar Lake, stands the Maharana Pratap Memorial. It has a statue of Maharana Pratap along with his favorite horse Chetak, who had played a very important role in war time and even saved Maharana Pratap’s life before his own last minutes. Chetak was considered by Maharana as his companion and was there with him in all important battles of his life.
The memorial is built on a good height and provides a great view of the White buildings of the Udaipur city because of which the city derives its name of White City. There is also a museum here, which contains paintings depicting Maharana Pratap’s life and various battle events. It also has models of Kumbhalgarh Fort, Chittorgarh Fort and the battle of Haldighati.
Vintage Car Museum
Another must visit place in the city is the Vintage Car Museum. For the people who have interest in Vintage Cars, this museum is the correct destination. The Museum displays various Vintage Cars, Royal Carriages and even buses and trucks.
Shilp Kala Kendra
Displaying the beautiful art and craft work of the state of Rajasthan, the Shilp Kala Kendra is a destination for tourists having interest in culture and art. It has various sections depicting important dance forms, the tribal groups, different art forms, different Gods and Goddesses and traditional craft work of Rajasthan.
It also organizes the popular Puppet show better known as the “Kathputli Dance” at regular intervals for the visitors.
Karni Mata Mandir
Karni Mata is a regional Goddess of Rajasthan and one of the temples dedicated to her is built in Udaipur on Machla Hills. The temple can be reached either by stairs or via a rope way. The ride through the rope way is mostly preferred by the tourists as it not only reduces the effort to reach the temple but also provides a scenic view of the city.
The temple is also the perfect point to view the sunset. After a full day travel, the temple can be reached just before sunset to revive the full body and mind with the stunning sunset view.
Street Food of Udaipur
Apart from the breathtaking views of the lakes, exquisite museums and lovely palaces, Udaipur is also home to one of the best street foods of India. The best street food to have here is “Poha” prepared from flattened rice.
Other must have dish is “Dal Bati Churma”. It is prepared in a special style by the people here and is one of the best appetite satisfying dishes. Other dishes that can be tried here are Pav Bhaji, Falafil, Kachori and Dahi Jalebi. Explore Udaipur to taste similar kind of food.
Art and Craft Shops
There are numerous shops and factory outlets selling traditional saris, dhurries, handlooms, furniture, handicrafts etc. Many of these shops are run by the government and provide stuff at reasonable rates. Even if not interested in buying, one must visit few of these just to get a glimpse of the traditional work of Rajasthan.
Places to visit near Udaipur City
Apart from the main city, there are a few tourist attractions not far away from Udaipur. One visiting the city can easily reach places like Kumbhalgarh Fort (nearly 90 km from Udaipur), Chittorgarh Fort (nearly 110 km from Udaipur), Ranakpur Jain Temple (nearly 110 km from Udaipur). Another popular hill station Mount Abu is also very close from here and can be visited.
Due to the unmatched beauty and various attractions, Udaipur has nowadays become a favorite location for organizing grand weddings. The city is well connected through Rail, Roads and Air. People love to visit the White City because of its cultural and natural richness and the lovable nature of the local residents.
So, if you are planning a trip to Rajasthan, do include the City of Lakes in your must visit list.
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Just as I was wondering where to go for the Christmas Vacation, I happened to see thi post.
You can also add information about the budget and number of days required for a visit to this place.
Hi Menaka,
We are blessed to have reader like you here. We will definitely keep your suggestion in the mind for coming posts.
Keep sharing your valuable comments.
Regards,