Udaipur, a city in the Indian state of Rajasthan, is renowned as the “City of Lakes” because of its picturesque setting. It stands as the ancient capital of the Mewar Empire in what was formerly the Rajputana Agency. Udai Singh II of the Sisodia dynasty of Rajput established it in 1558 when he relocated his capital from Chittorgarh to Udaipur in response to Akbar’s assault on Chittorgarh. Up to its transformation into a British princely state in 1818, it served as the capital city of the Mewar province. After India’s independence in 1947, the province became a part of Rajasthan.
History
The rich valley area that became known as Udaipur was moved from Chittorgarh to there in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh. Once upon a time, this valley was a thriving commercial town in the Mewar area known as Ayad, after the Ahar River. Yet, Ayad was prone to flooding. He anticipated the possibility of Bahadur Shah or Sher Shah Suri’s campaign.
While he was in exile in Kumbhalgarh, Maharana Udai Singh saw the benefits of the hilly regions. He settled on the eastern shore of Lake Pichola as the new location of his capital because of its relative safety. While on a hunting trip in the mountains, he encountered a hermit named Goswami Premgiriji at this very spot. He was granted permission by the hermit to construct a castle on the banks of what is today called Pichola Lake. As a result, he chose Girwa Valley over Chittaurgarh as the new capital.
Two perennial rivers, Ayad and Sisarma, which flow into the valley in the eastern Aravalli Hill Range, eventually join downstream to create the Bedach River.
The Girwa Valley was a prime spot for human settlement because of its advantageous position and the natural defenses it possessed. In addition, his people didn’t have to worry about running out of water because of Lake Pichola. In addition to serving as a natural defense, the mountainous terrain of the Aravalli rendered it impossible for the heavily armored Mughal horses to ascend.
Culture
Udaipur is known for its contemporary but traditional culture. Rajasthan is often referred to as the “Land of Rajputs” due to the fact that Rajputs constitute the overwhelming population there. There is widespread agreement that the Rajputs trace their ancestry back to the Scythians, who originally lived in Iran and Caucasia in central Europe.
All residents of Rajasthan yearn for practices that are similar to those of the ancient Vedic rituals and festivals. The general population follows all the rituals and customs outlined in the Vedas, from the moment of conception to the moment of death, with minor variations according to district and sub-rank.
Traditional and distinctive, the men’s attire of Rajasthan is both ethnic and distinctive. Turbans, which vary in style from area to region, are an integral component of men’s attire in Rajasthan. The turban goes by many names other than just that: Pagri and Jodhpuri Safa. Women in Rajasthan often wear long skirts in a variety of bright colors as part of their traditional attire. Chunky jewelry is very popular among the local women.
Tourist attraction
Lake Palace
Maharana Jagat Singh II constructed the stunning island palace known as the Lake Palace (or Jag Niwas) in 1754, making it the most captivating tourist destination in Udaipur. Perched on the gorgeous Lake Pichola, the white marble edifice gives the impression of rising from the lake’s glistening blue waters, enthralling onlookers.
City Palace
One of the greatest royal structures in Rajasthan, the City Palace is located on a peninsula on the scenic Lake Pichola. The complex contains 11 exquisite Mahals (palaces) with balconies and towers, affording a spectacular view of the lake and the city. Its Durbar Hall, which has been utilized as a site for ceremonial events including state banquets and meetings, features the most sumptuous furnishings accentuated by some of the biggest chandeliers in the world. An extensive museum showcasing priceless artifacts is located inside the palace.
Jag Mandir
Maharaja Karan Singh constructed the stunning Jag Mandir island palace in 1615 AD on Lake Pichola. During his rebellion against his father Jehangir in the 1620s, the Mughal prince Khurram—later Emperor Shah Jehan, who constructed the Taj Mahal—was housed at the palace. A magnificent chattri (cenotaphs) and a gigantic stone sculpture of elephants enhance the palace’s aesthetic value.
Saheliyon-Ki- Bari
The Saheliyon-ki-Bari Garden was constructed in the early 18th century AD as a leisure retreat for the women of the royal family. Lotus pool, bird-shaped fountains, verdant lawns, flowerbeds, and marble pavilions make this garden famed for its stunning beauty and the awe-inspiring views it gives visitors.
Jagdish Temple
In 1651 AD, Maharana Jagat Singh constructed the most magnificent and expansive temple in Udaipur, known as Jagdish Temple. The temple, which is devoted to Vishnu, is well-known for its majestic Shikara and exquisitely carved sculptures.
Fateh Sagar
Fateh Sagar, a picturesque lake constructed by Maharana Fateh Singh in 1678, is situated next to the world-renowned Saheliyon-ki-Bari Garden. It is linked to Lake Pichola by a canal constructed around the turn of the twentieth century. The beautiful garden island of Nehru Park, with its boat-shaped café, is located in the heart of the Lake.
How to reach
By Air
Maharana Pratap Airport, often known as Udaipur Airport, is situated 22 km outside of Udaipur, close to Dabok. There are several domestic airlines that fly to and from the city, connecting it to every major city in India, including Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Delhi and Mumbai both have regular flight services.
By Rail
The distance between the city of Udaipur and Udaipur Railway Station is just right. You may reach any city in Rajasthan or even India from the Udaipur station on the Rajasthan Railways. Udaipur is well-served by trains that go frequently to and from Jaipur, Mumbai, and Delhi. The opulent Palace on Wheels is another option for getting to this picturesque city.
By Road
By road, Udaipur is easily accessible from most of India’s main cities. The excellent road system makes traveling to and from Udaipur a breeze. This way of getting about town is simple and cheap. Udaipur Bus Stand provides frequent bus services, linking Udaipur with adjacent cities such as Delhi, Jaipur, Chittorgarh, Indore, Kota, Ajmer, Ahmedabad and Mt. Abu. For the comfort of its customers, Rajasthan Roadways offers deluxe buses and air-conditioned coaches. Udaipur may also be reached by road using taxis and private vehicles.