Udaipur and Top 5 Places to Visit
Udaipur is also known as a city of lakes or lakecity, formerly the capital of the Mewar Kingdom. In 1559, the city was founded by Maharana Udai Singh II. The city is surrounded by a set of artificial and beautiful lakes. The famous City Palace was built at the edging of Lake Pichola, having 11 palaces, gardens, museum, and corridors.
At Lake Pichola, visitors can take a boat and tour the famous island Lake Palace. They can also visit a Jagmandir Palace (the second island in Pichola Lake). Jagmandir was constructed in the 17th century and was used as a summer resort.
Top 5 Places to Visit in Udaipur
1. City Palace
It is a beautiful and marvellous piece of architectural towering over the Pichola Lake. It was built over 400 years. Maharana Udai Singh has started constructing this palace and continued by other Maharajas who contributed to build several places to complete the structure of this complex.
The Badi Pole is the main entrance to this palace, leading towards the Tripolia. This palace has the number of attraction that includes Mor Chowk to display peacock mosaics in glass, a museum that has a large collection of artefacts, numbers of balconies, decorative mirror tiles and paintings.
How to reach City Palace?
It is situated in the old city so visitors are not allowed to visit this palace by buses. Buses need to park at Gulab Bagh and Dudh Talai link road. Then visitors can reach City Palace through auto, Udaipur taxi service and another mode of transportation like Tongas.
Visiting hours: Monday to Sunday 9.30AM to 5.30PM
2. Jagmandir Palace
It is a palace situated on the island on the Lake Pichola. The construction was started in 1551 and was finished around 1652. In 1551, Maharana Amar Singh started constructing this palace, followed by Maharana Karan Singh during 1620 to 1628 and completed by Maharana Jagat Singh while 1628 to 1652 (data is taken from Wikipedia).
Royal families used this palace as a summer resort and arranging parties. Nowadays, this Lake Pichola island is used to arrange royal weddings of famous celebrities.
How to reach Jagmandir Palace?
Visitors can take a tour to this palace through Lake Pichola boats.
Visiting hours: Monday to Sunday 10AM to 6PM
3. Sajjangarh Fort (Monsoon Palace)
This fort is located outside of old Udaipur city. The fort was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in the 18th century and it is situated on Bansdara mountain at the height of 3100 feet. The Monsoon Palace towers over the countryside offering beautiful panoramic views of the artificial lakes, palaces and Aravali hills. It is an ideal sunset point in Udaipur.
How to reach Monsoon Palace?
It takes approx 20-25 mins ride from Jagdish Chowk. You can hire taxi service in Udaipur or can take an auto-rickshaw and by your own bus to visit this fort.
Visiting hours: Monday to Sunday 10AM to 6.30PM
4. Saheliyon-Ki-Bari
This is a garden, built by Maharana Sangram Singh for the royal ladies during 1710 to 1734. The garden was designed by the Maharana and presented to his queen to offer a pleasure moments. Maharana has built this for a group of 48 ladies who accompanied his princess to Udaipur as a part of her dowry.
Saheliyon-Ki-Bari has beautiful lotus pools, elephant-shaped fountains to offer leisure to royal ladies who had come here to stroll and spending their time.
How to reach Saheliyon-Ki-Bari?
Visitors can reach there through auto-rickshaws, taxis, and their own buses.
Visiting hours: Monday to Sunday 8AM to 8PM
5. Bagore Ki Haveli
This haveli is built in18th century by Amar Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar. It is located on the edge of Gangour Ghat area. Haveli has 138 rooms, balconies, corridors, and courtyards. A beautiful glass and mirror inlay are the unique piece of art used for interior decor.
The evening dance show at this haveli is very popular. The show features 1 to 2 hours of cultural events that hold folk and tribal dance.
How to reach Bagore Ki Haveli?
If you are in old Udaipur city, nearby Jagdish Mandir, or City Palace you can walk to this haveli. Else you can hire taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach this place.
Visiting hours: 10AM to 5.30PM, Dharohar Dance Show: 7PM to 8PM