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Udaipur
is known as the ' City of Lakes'. The two most scenic and famous lakes of the
city are
Lake Pichola and Lake Fateh
Sagar.
Lake Pichola is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and has two
island palaces- Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir. Lake Fateh sagar lies to north of Pichola
and was built by Maharana Jai Singh but it got the name of Fateh Singh who rebuilt
its dam. Both the lakes are breathtakingly beautiful and one can take a cruise
on their waters. The sunset over these lakes is a sight to be cherished
City
Palace
The City Palace over the lake is the biggest palace in Rajasthan. The construction
of this palace was originally commenced by Maharana Udai Singh, the founder. Later
on, many additions were made and integrated so well with the rest of the architecture
that it was difficult to believe that it was not conceived as a whole. The palace
has many balconies, towers and cupolas. The upper terraces offer a beautiful view
over the lake and the city. The main part of the palace is now converted into
a museum. Among the items displayed is the Mor Chowk
with beautiful mosaics of peacocks, the Manak or Ruby Mahal with
glass and porcelain figures. Krishna Vilas has a remarkable collection
of miniatures. Beautiful mirror work is displayed in the Moti Mahal. Other
exhibits include the princely Rolls-Royces.
Fateh
Sagar A
beautiful lake situated near the Lake Pichola overlooked by the number of hills.
This lake was originally built by Maharana Jai Singh in 1678 but heavy rains destroyed
the dam and was rebuilt by Maharana Fateh Singh. In the middle of the lake is
Nehru Park - a lovely garden island
with a boat shaped café accessible by an enjoyable boat ride.
The
city was founded in 1567 AD by Maharana Udai Singh on the advice of a sage. Udaipur
was last of the numerous Mewar capitals. It was in Udaipur that legendary Maharana
Pratap was born. He was obsessed with Chittaur and the past glories of the Sisodia
clan possessed his mind. Maharana Pratap left Udaipur to win back Chittaur from
the Mughals. But he failed in his attempts and Udaipur remained the capital of
Mewar till India got her independence.The memory of the failure of noble Pratap
gives Udaipur its pervading mood of nostalgic wistfulness. The
city acquires its scenic beauty from the Aravallis.
Three lakes- Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar make it an oasis in the desert
.Sahelion-Ki-Bari:
On the shores of Fateh Sagar Lake was built a garden for the 48 young girls waiting
to be sent to the royal house as part of dowry. This garden is laid with extensive
lawns, fountains and shady walking lanes. There are four pools with dainty kiosks
and fountains with elephant trunks for spouts. These gardens appear discrete and
impeccable in taste.
Sajjan
Garh
Overlooking the city is a steep hill, about 152.5
metres, on which stands a striking fortified palace.
Dominating the skyline it is visible from most parts of the city. One can go by
jeep up a steep road and enjoy a beautiful view of the lakes and palaces of
Udaipur.
Shilpgram

Shilpgram,
a crafts village 3
kms. west of Fateh Sagar
is a treat for the soul. Displays by the various musicians, dancers and the artisans
from the different states transports you in altogether a unique world of
traditions and customs and draws you closer to the essence of India. It is
an ethnographic museum
depicting the life styles, traditions, customs, folk arts of rural and tribal
people of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Goa, Daman, etc. There are several
huts constructed in traditional architectural styles using mud and local building
material to reflect the geographical and ethnic diversity of western India.
Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal:
This is a museum of folk arts, which has rich collection of folk dresses,
ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments and paintings. World
famous puppeteers put shows here, on request in advance. Daily Cultural Evening
at 6:00 pm including puppet show, and cultural rajasthani dance show of Bhawai
etc. |