"Udaipur" is called the city of dawn. With the sun rise, as its rays glare across the azure lakes, the city awakens to a vision drenched in romance. Its surroundings prove to be an inspiration for poets, painters and writers.
Stubbed with the Fairy-tale palaces and gardens, temples and narrow lanes one is taken to a different realm.
Udaipur is called as the jewel of Mewar – a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 years. And like so many other cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur also comes with its own legend. According to the legend, Maharana Udai Singh once while out hunting met a holy man meditating on a hill neighbouring the lake Pichhola. And he advises the Maharana to build his palace on that spot. It is a most picturesque site indeed with a lake, an agreeable altitude nestled in a lap of low mountains. The Maharana did as he was told and gave the world a city we know as Udaipur. Overlooking the gorgeous lake Pichhola stands the splendid City Palace – which in itself is a marvel in granite and marble.
Five of the original eleven gates are sustaining. The Suraj Pal or the Sun Gate on the eastern side is the main entrance to the city.
While on a visit to Udaipur, one should not miss the formidable Chittorgarh, the mountain fortress of Kumbholgarh, the beautiful Jam temples of Ranakpur, Eklingji and Nathdwara. There is nothing more exhilarating than a quick getaway to cool climes of Mt. Abu in the summer months. |
