Looking for an exhilarating break from the city? Pack your bags and head out to Udaipur – the Venice of the East. It is indeed one of Rajasthan’s most spectacular cities and is perhaps the best destination in India to marvel at the bygone-era palatial architecture. Udaipur will surely mesmerize you with its regal past, grand edifices, vibrant bazaars, and absolute serenity.
Udaipur
1. Lake Palace
The iconic Lake Palace will arrest you with its beauty and scenic location on the 4-km long, man-made Lake Pichola. The palace is now operated by the Taj Group and offers captivating views of the Aravalli Hills. This is certainly one of the most romantic locations in the entire state and the heritage walks are to die for! Maharaja Jagat Singh II built this amazing palace that will bowl you over with its sculpted marble and moldings. While here, you can spend all day boating on the placid Lake Pichola, commencing from Rameshwar Ghat to the City Palace.
2. Saheliyon Ki Bari
Saheliyon Ki Bari or the Garden of the Maidens was built by Maharana Sangram Singh in the early years of the 18th century. This awe-inspiring development catered to the maids who would go with the Princess of Udaipur to her husband’s hearth (part of the dowry given by the Maharana). This place had pretty women dancing, singing and making merry and the beautiful marble elephants, fountains, a lotus pool and kiosks bear ample testimony to the richness of the time.
3. Fateh Sagar Lake
This beautiful man-made lake with its striking blue-hued waters against the backdrop of green hills is what has earned Udaipur its sobriquet of “The Second Kashmir”. Exceptionally clean and expansive, the Fateh Sagar Lake is a great place to visit in Udaipur mainly for its 4 islands that are attractions in themselves. Accessible only by boat, the islands play host to public parks and a solar observatory that is worth a see. The lake in Udaipur, named after Maharana Fateh Singh of Udaipur and Mewar, is a central to the city’s life that not only supplies water to the urban areas but also provides employment to a large fraction of the populace.
4. Udaisagar Lake
Built by Maharana Udai Singh in 1565, the Udaisagar Lake is one of Udaipur’s 5 famed lakes that was in fact, a by-product of a dam built across the Berach River to ensure constant water supply to the city. Today it is one of the top places to visit in Udaipur because of its tranquil surroundings and scenic sunsets. You could also take a boat cruise of the lake or a shore-cruise on a camel.
5. Maharana Pratap Memorial
Right at the top of the Moti Magri, overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake is a lifelike statue of Udaipur’s most celebrated ruler, Maharana Pratap and his beloved horse Chetak. Visit this imposing memorial to the warrior king and his favorite mount who is believed to have saved his master’s life in the epic battle of Haldighati. A Japanese rock garden and the remnants of an old fort in Udaipur lie nearby and make for an interesting vignette.
6. Vintage Car Museum
If this is your first visit to the City of Lakes, then visiting the Vintage & Classic Car Collection – a museum of vintage vehicles – is a must. Housed in the former Mewar State Motor Garage, the museum displays luxury vintage wheels like the 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II that was later converted into a pick-up truck used during royal hunts, another 1934 Rolls-Royce that was converted to transport the entire Mewar royal cricket team. You can also see Cadillacs, several Mercedes-Benzs, Buicks, a Ford Model A and many others. A high point of the museum is the royal Shell Petrol Pump that still works!
7. Sajjangarh Palace
Sajjangarh Palace or The Monsoon Palace is positioned on a hilltop and offers amazing views of Fateh Sagar Lake and the surrounding Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary. This castle-like building is straight out of a fairy tale and is a perfect example of the opulence of the Rajput rulers – the palace was made just to be able to enjoy watching monsoon clouds gather promisingly in the sky! Built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1884, the Sajjangarh Palace should be on your list of places to visit in Udaipur mainly for the spectacular panoramic views of Udaipur city and its stunning lakes, mountains and palaces. This majestic palace is truly a sight to behold especially when it is illuminated in the evenings.
There are many other historical places in Udaipur that add to the distinctive experience and if you have time you must try for Ambrai Ghat – a stunning pavilion on Lake Pichola, Shilpgram – a handicraft center and the Hathi Pol Bazaar – the best place to shop for authentic Pichwai and Phad paintings, Rajasthani miniatures, intricate stonework home accents and typical Rajasthani garments. Comment down below if you have other places for us to add in this list.