Udaipur is known as the Venice of the east. It is also called the city of lakes. The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure water lakes, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravalis. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experiences. The city of Lakes "Udaipur" is a lovely blend of water, lush green hills that set fire and passion in a poet. Its palaces are straight out of a fairy-tale book, lakes, forts, palaces, temples, gardens, mountains and narrow lanes lines withdrawn with stalls, relives the reminisces of a heroic past, valor and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichola is excitement that defines imagination.  It has always been a lovely place for Film Shoots, Royal Events and even Corporate Parties. Come to Udaipur and you'll fall in love with it!

Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar - a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 years. Udaipur, or rather Mewar, being one of the oldest kingdoms in the region, continues to instill even today a sense of pride among its people. Udaipur is a historic city and part of ancient Capital City of glorious Mewar of Maharana Pratap. Udaipur is also well known as The Venice of East, another Kashmir of India, and it offers one of the widest ranges of cultural heritage.

Udaipur, a City with Soul, is one of the most naturally beautiful cities on the planet Earth with its beautiful tranquil water Lakes. The rich cultural, social and natural heritage, aesthetic beauty and ecological richness, so far preserved through the surrounding lakes, serene and opulent hilly range of the Aravalis and lush green vegetation and pleasant gardens and harmonious built forms present a unique condition of scenic beauty. The grand City Palace on the banks of the lake compliments the palace along with the Monsoon Palace (Sajjan Garh) on the hill above. The Lake Palace on Jag Niwas Island in the middle of Pichola Lake is the finest example of its architectural and cultural explosion. Udaipur is also the centre for performing arts, craft and its famed miniature paintings. The Shilp Gram festival is a center of attraction during the season.

The Heritage Fabric is so interwoven with the lives of the people that it influences the conduct of their lives and gives them a sense of belonging. The heritage fabric of Udaipur is still preserved and covers a much wider range than at most other places in the India, of similar size and population. Various elements on the heritage fabric are still much better preserved than elsewhere.  

History and Legend of Udaipur in Rajasthan, India

The foundation of the city has an interesting legend associated with it. According to it, Maharana Udai Singh, the founder, was hunting one day when he met a holy man meditating on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichola. The hermit blessed the Maharana and advised him to build a palace at this favourably located spot with a fertile valley watered by the stream, a lake, an agreeable altitude and an amphitheater of low mountains. Maharana followed the advice of the hermit and founded the city in 1559 A.D.

It was in Udaipur that legendary Maharana Pratap was born. Rana Pratap who fought against Emperor Akbar in 1576 is remembered throughout India for his bravery on the battlefield. The rulers of Udaipur never gave any of their women in marriage to the Mughals unlike some of the other royal houses of Rajputana. Old flag Udaipur was the capital of the Rajput kingdom of Mewar, ruled by Ranawats of the Sisodia clan. Founder of Udaipur was - Rana Udai Singh. The ancient capital of Mewar was Chittor or Chittorgarh, located on the Banas River northeast of Udaipur. In 1568 the Mughal emperor Akbar captured Chittor, and Udai Singh moved the capital to the site of his residence, which became the city of Udaipur. As the Mughal empire weakened, the Sisodia ranas, and later Maharanas, reasserted their independence and recaptured most part of Mewar except the fort of Chittor. Udaipur remained the capital of the state, which became a princely state of British India in 1818. After India's Independence in 1947, the Maharaja of Udaipur acceded to the Government of India, and Mewar was integrated into India's Rajasthan state.

Udaipur remained Untouched from Mughals. Sisodias, offshoots of the Chauhanas who ruled the Mewar region, were against Mughal dominion and tried every trick possible to distance themselves from them. Udaipur remained untouched from Mughal religious and aesthetics influences and remained so till the coming of the Europeans. Maharana Fateh Singh of Udaipur was the only royalty who did not attend the Delhi Durbar for King George V in 1911. This fierce sense of independence earned them the highest gun salute in Rajasthan, 19 against the 17 each of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bundi, Bikaner, Kota and Karauli. Udaipur retained its romantic quality and Rosita Forbes, who passed this land of bravery during the decline of the British Raj, described it as "like no other place on earth."

The Sisodias claim their descent from Lord Rama, the hero of the famous Hindu epic Ramayana. It is also said that the group descended from the Sun God and is thus known as the Suryavanshi or Children of Sun. The prince of Mewar is treated as the legitimate heir to the throne of Rama. The earliest history of the clan calims that the group had probably descended from the Central Asian tribes; who had moved from Kashmir to Gujarat in the 6th century. Vallabhi, their capital was invaded by raiders and the pregnant queen, Pushpavati, escaped their clutches because she was away on a pilgrimage. The queen gave birth to a baby boy, Guhil (cave born), in a cave in the mountains of Mallia and left him in the hands of Kamalavati, a Brahmin lady from Birnagar. The queen then committed sati (a widow’s self immolation on her husband’s funeral pyre).

Guhil grew up among the tribal Bhils and in 568 AD, when he was 11, became their chieftain. Guhil also founded a new clan known as the Gehlots, who derived their name from their founder. In the 7th century they moved north to the plains of Mewar and settled in the area around Nagda. Nagda is a small town around 25km from Udaipur and was named after Nagaditya, the fourth ruler of Mewar. The seventh ruler was accidentally killed by a Bhil in 734AD, and thus the three-year-old Kalbhoj became king, who later came to be known as Bappa Rawal (Bappa meaning father and Rawal a title of the Kshatriya caste). Bappa grew up as a cowherd in the town of Kailashpuri (now Eklingji) but spent much of his time studying the Vedas in the hermitage of the sage Harita Rishi. He learned to respect Lord Eklingji, and later Harita Rishi gave him the title of the Diwan of Eklingji, one that has become a legacy for the succeeding maharanas. When he was 15 Bappa came to know that he was the nephew of the ruler of Chittor who had been ousted by the ruler of Malwa. He left Kailashpuri, went to the fortress city of Chittor and snatched his kingdom back from the prince of Malwa, Man Singh Mori. In the 9th century bad luck fell upon the Gehlots who were driven away by the Pratiharas who in turn made way for the Rashtrakutas and Paramaras (for more details on the latter three dynasties see History of Madhya Pradesh). Chittor remained the capital of the Sisodias till it was sacked by the Mughal Emperor, Akbar in 1568.

The Gehlots settled in Ahar, where they were known as Aharya. They maintained this title till they shifted to Sissoda. Sissoda arrived at its name when a prince of Chittor built the town right where he had killed a hare (Susso). Since then the clan has retained the title of Sisodia. However, another version says that the dynasty was so named from the word sisa or lead. It is said that a prince of the dynasty was accidentally made to eat beef. The Sisodias are staunch followers of the Hindu faith which holds the cow sacred. When the prince realised his folly he chose to atone for his blunder by swallowing molten lead.

Sisodia Kings who ruled from Udaipur Rana Udai Singh II – reigned 1568-1572 Maharana Pratap Singh – reigned 1572-1597 Rana Amar Singh I – reigned 1597-1620 Rana Karan Singh – reigned 1620-28 Rana Jagat Singh I – reigned 1628-54 Rana Raj Singh I – reigned 1654- 1681 Maharana Jai Singh – reigned 1681-1700 Rana Amar Singh II – reigned 1700-16 Maharana Sangram Singh II – reigned 1716-34 Rana Jagat Singh II – reigned 1734-51 Rana Pratap Singh II – reigned 1752-55 Rana Raj Singh II – reigned 1755-62 Rana Ari Singh II – reigned 1762-72 Rana Hamir Singh II – reigned 1772-78 Rana Bhim Singh – reigned 1778-1828 Maharana Jawan Singh – reigned 1828-38 Maharana Swaroop Singh – reigned 1842-1861 Maharana Shambhu Singh – reigned 1861-74 Rana Sajjan Singh – reigned 1874-84 Maharana Fateh Singh – reigned 1884-1930 Maharana Bhopal Singh – reigned 1930-55 Maharana Bhagwat Singh – reigned 1955-84 Maharana Arvind Singh from 1984-

Geography and Climate of Udaipur in Rajasthan, India

Udaipur is located at 24.58° N 73.68° E[1]. It has an average elevation of 598 metres (1961 feet). Located at the foothills of the Aravalli Range, Udaipur lies in southern Rajasthan near the Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh borders.

The climate and social environment of the city is very pleasant and conductive to the visitors. The climate of Udaipur is tropical with the mercury staying between a maximum of 42.3°C and a minimum of 28.8°C during summers. Winters are a little cold with the maximum temperature rising to 28.8°C and the minimum dipping to 2.5°C. The annual total rainfall received at Udaipur is 61 cm. Winters (September-March) are the best period for visiting Udaipur. The city continues to attract domestic as well as international tourists owing to a number of historical and religious land marks within the city as well as in the vicinity. Despite the continuously increasing tourism, cultural transformation and the growth of the city, it is still possible to experience the ethos of Udaipur in almost every part of it.

Sightseeing of Udaipur in Rajasthan, India

The famous "white" city of Rajasthan state, Udaipur stands on the banks of the lake Pichola, its many white marble palaces reflecting in the lake's calm waters. Udaipur is voted one of the most romantic cities of India. Due to an abundance of water, there are a number of gardens in and out of town. There are a number of reservoirs surrounding the town, along with a few forts and ancient ruins.

Overlooking the aquamarine expanses of the Lake Pichhola stands the splendid City Palace - a marvel in granite and marble. Of the original eleven gates of the Udaipur City, only five remain. The Surajpole or Sun Gate on the eastern side is the main entrance to the city. Exquisite Lake Palace of Udaipur, shimmering like jewel on Lake Pichhola are overwhelming in splendour. Several places of interest around Udaipur, including the majestic Chittaurgarh, the mountain fortress of Kumbhalgarh, beautiful Jain temples of Ranakpur, Eklingji and Nathdwara and the cool retreat of Mount Abu, make the visit to Udaipur a memorable one.
Click Here for Details
     
Fairs and Festivals of Udaipur in Rajasthan, India

Shilpgram Festival of Udaipur in Rajasthan, India

Literally meaning a "Craftsmen's Village" is a living ethnographic museum depicting the enormous diversities in craft, art & culture between various Indian states, but the exquisite terracotta work mainly in dark red and dark brown sand material along with the wooden carvings are the forte of this ethnic village . Shilpgram comprises 26 huts set in 70 acres of natural surroundings at the foot of the Aravali Hills. A colourful craft festival during winter seasons to the whole set up induces viatanity and zeal.

Shilpgram Mela is held annually in the west of the city of Udaipur. Shilpgram Crafts Fair is organized to promote art and craft of Rajasthan. Since, Rajasthan has always been famous for its handicrafts and artwork; this fair is a perfect destination to try out the hand woven clothes, embroideries, mirror works and handicrafts. The hand woven clothes and camel leather items grab the major attention of visitors in this fair.

Shilpgram Crafts Mela aids in encouraging the urban potters, visual artists and designers too. If you are interested in learning the art and craft of Rajasthan, you can join the workshops that are structured to demonstrate the method. The art expertise of artists in Rajasthan acquires an imperative position in the cultural field of Rajasthan. Here, one can have a glimpse of the life style of weavers and local artists that is portrayed through pictures in the stalls. This is actually done to make people aware about the condition of artists.

While you would shop and explore handicrafts, various musicians and dancers will entertain you with their respective arts. Shilpgram Crafts Mela is certainly a sincere effort to give recognition to the local arts of remote villages of Rajasthan. Your visit to this fair would definitely allure you towards the ethnic rural arts and crafts.
Click here for more details

Mewar Festival of Udaipur in Rajasthan, India

The onset of spring brings the Mewar festival. The Mewar Festival is celebrated in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April). During the festival, the tradition and culture of Rajasthan dominates every other thing in one's mind. The Mewar Festival is celebrated to welcome the advent of spring. It coincides with the festival of Gangaur in Udaipur and has a unique charm about it. The Mewar festival is a visual feast with Rajasthani songs, dances, processions, devotional music and firework displays.The festival of Gangaur is very significant for women of Rajasthan. It is a time for them to dress up in their best clothes and participate in the festival. They gather to dress the images of Isar and Gangaur and then carry them in a ceremonial procession through different parts of the city. The procession winds its way to the Gangaur Ghat at Lake Pichola. Here, the images are transferred to special boats amidst much singing and festivity.

Once the religious part of the festival is over, it is time for cultural events where Rajasthani culture is portrayed through songs, dances and other programs. The festival culminates with an impressive fireworks display. Like other fairs and festivals celebrated throughout the state, there is a lot of activity, which keeps the participants in a joyful frame of mind, eager to enjoy every moment.

Mewar Festival offers a brilliant opportunity worth grabbing, to the interested wayfarer who wants to be regaled by the tales, legends and sights of medieval and vintage traditional vistas. Fairs and festivals in India are an alluring concoction of visual wonders with the Mewar festival holding a pride of the place Udaipur. Mewar festival as a much talked about and visited fair and festival in Rajasthan, India is home to a myriad multitude of sightseeing and recreational opportunity.
Click here for more details

Gangaur Festival of Udaipur in Rajasthan, India

Gangaur is a significant festival of Rajasthan, especially meant for the women. Gangaur festival is widely acclaimed and celebrated throughout the state of Rajasthan. The word Gangaur is derived from two words, 'Gan' and 'Gauri' which are synonyms of 'Siva' and his consort 'Parvati' respectively. Gangaur is celebrated in the honor of Goddess Gauri, who is considered as the symbol of virtue, devotion, fertility and a perfect married woman. Gangaur celebrates the union of the two and is a symbol of conjugal and marital happiness.

Gangaur is celebrated in the month of chaitra (March-April), the first month of the Hindu calendar. This month marks the end of winter and the onset of spring. The festival of Gangaur starts with the subsequent day of Holi and persists for about 2 weeks.

The womenfolk of Rajasthan worship Gauri with all the means of devotion. The married women worship Gauri for the well-being of their husband, while the unmarried girls worship the goddess to get the husband of their choice. This is also an auspicious day for young people to select their life partners. A newly-wedded girl observes a fast for the full course of 18 days of the festival that succeeds her marriage. Even unmarried girls fast and eat only one meal a day. Colourful processions with the town band playing horses and elaborate palanquins make it a fascinating spectacle. This worship which starts form the first day of the chaitra month culminates on the 18th day into Gangaur festival with a great religious fervor. The festival begins with the custom of gathering ashes from the Holi Fire and burying the seeds of barley in it. After it, the seeds are watered everyday awaiting the germination.

The ceremony takes place with the praiseful songs for Isar (Siva) and Gauri. The women apply henna on their hands to celebrate the auspicious festival. They carry painted matkas (water pots) on their heads. They also make images of Gauri and Isar with clay. During the last days of the festival, the celebration reaches to its height. On the final day, lively images of Gauri are taken out in procession escorted by traditionally dressed camels, bullock carts, horses and elephants. Songs are sung about the departure of Gauri to her husband's home.

Click here for more details

Teej Festival of Udaipur in Rajasthan, India

Teej Festival is one of the most popular festivals of India. Teej festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by the women in India. Since Teej fall at the outbreak of the monsoons, it is also popularly known as the 'Sawan Festival'. Teej is usually celebrated in the month of July-August. Festival of Teej is dedicated to the divine couple - Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Though Teej is celebrated at various places in India and abroad, major Teej celebrations take place in the highly cultural city of Jaipur. Here day-long processions and celebrations create a vivid atmosphere.

Teej is one of the most widely celebrated festivals of Rajasthan. On this day, women and young girls wear their best clothes and adorn themselves with fine jewelry. They gather at a nearby temple or a common place and offers prayers to Goddess Parvati for well-being of their husband. Swings, traditional songs and dancing are the unique features of Teej celebrations in Rajasthan. Women perform traditional folk dance dressed in green colored clothes and sing beautiful Teej songs while enjoying their sway on swings bedecked with flowers.

All over Rajasthan, swings are hung from trees and decorated with fragrant flowers. Women both married and unmarried love to swing on these swings to celebrate the 'sawan festival' of Teej. Teej fairs are held in number of cities in Rajasthan. Whole city is immersed in the color of the festival. There are number of stalls showcasing the culture of Rajasthan. Handicrafts, traditional Rajasthani dresses and junk jewelry are some of the major attractions for tourists visiting the fairs. One of the attractions of the Jaipur Teej fair is the traditional Rajasthani mehndi.
Click here for more details

Location and Transport of Udaipur in Rajasthan, India

Udaipur attract domestic as well as international tourists owing to a number of historical and religious land marks within the city as well as in the vicinity and hence is very well connected to the major cities of India by road, Air and Rail.

Road: Udaipur falls on the Golden Quadrilateral, lying midway between Delhi and Mumbai on National Highway (NH) 8 and is around 650 km from either metro. The roads in this part of the country are really nice, paved in the middle, and fit for self-driving. One can either drive from Jaipur (around 7 hours) or Ahmedabad (4-5 hours), or take a Rajasthan Tourism bus from India Gate in Delhi.

Air: Dabok airport is 24 km from the city centre. Daily flights connect Udaipur with Jodhpur, Jaipur, Aurangabad, Mumbai and Delhi. The Airport is going through modernization project and soon going to have a new terminal building with additional 4 stands.

Train: Train connectivity is established between Delhi, Jaipur and Ahmedabad through trains run by Indian Railway. Recently Udaipur got connected with Delhi Kota and Mathura with superfast Mewar express on broad gauge line. Udaipur is now also connected with the Kolkatta, by the train "Ananya Express".

Local Transport: Unmetered taxis, auto rickshaws, tongas, city bus, regular city bus service is available for Udaipur City Main roads to dabok airport, badi Lake, Bedala.

Distances of important cities from Udaipur: New Delhi (670 km), Jaipur (406 km), Mumbai (739 km), Ahmedabad (262 km), Jodhpur (275 km), Mount Abu (185 km), Agra (630 km), Chittorgarh (115 km).

Distances of important places around Udaipur: Kankroli (64 km), Ekling Ji (21 km), Haldigati (42 km), Jaisamand Lake (50 km), Nathdwara (42 km), Ranakpur (90 km), Rishabdeo (65 km), Badgaon (5 km), Bhinder (58 km), Dhariyawad (120 km), Gogunda (35 km), Jhadol (48 km), Kotda (128 km), Malvi (42), Salumber (70 km), Sarada (62 km), Kherwada (82 km), Vallabhnagar (42 km), Fatehnagar (52 km), Debari (13 km), Jawar Mines (48 km), Dariba (73 km), Jamar Kotda (16 km).

Facts about Udaipur in Rajasthan, India

Udaipur is one of India's most celebrated tourist destinations with a peculiarity and culture of its own. •1.2 million tourists a year •Rs 1800 crore annual spend •3 hours away from Ahmedabad •Total district population of 2.5 million •City population of 0.55 million •One of the highest per capita car population in India •Some of the world's most luxurious hotels like The Oberoi Udaivilas and The Lake Palace Hotel •Commerce looking up and tourism growing at a rate of 22% annually.