Udaipur

Udaipur
—  city  —
Udaipur Location of Udaipur in Rajasthan and India
Coordinates
Country	India
State	Rajasthan
District(s)	Udaipur district
Nearest city	Ahmdabad, Jaipur, Indore
Population • Density	559,317 (2001[update]) • 15,117 /km2 (39,153 /sq mi)
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Area • Elevation	37 km2 (14 sq mi) • 600 metres (2,000 ft)
Codes • Pincode • 313001/24 • Telephone • +0294 • Vehicle • RJ-27
Website	www.udaipur.nic.in

Udaipur pronunciation (उदयपुर), also known as the City of Lakes, is a city, a Municipal Council and the administrative headquarters of the Udaipur district in the state of Rajasthan in western India. It is the historic capital of the former kingdom of Mewar in Rajputana Agency. Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar in this city are considered some of the most beautiful lakes in the state.

Apart from its history, culture and scenic location, it is also known for its Rajput-era palaces. The Lake Palace, for instance, covers an entire island in the Pichola Lake. Many of the palaces have been converted into luxury hotels. It is often called the "Venice of the East" and is also nicknamed the "Lake City".^[1][2]

Geography and climate

Udaipur is located at .^[3] It has an average elevation of 598.00 metres.

Climate

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 mild with the maximum temperature rising to 28.8°C and the minimum dipping to 2.5°C.

History

Old flag

Udaipur was the capital of the Rajput kingdom of Mewar, ruled by the Sisodia clan with jhala's loyalty. The founder of Udaipur was Rana Udai Singh, father of Maharana Pratap. The ancient capital of Mewar was Nagda, located on the Banas River northeast of Udaipur. Legend has it that Maharana Udai Singh came upon a hermit while hunting in the foothills of the Aravalli Range. The hermit blessed the king and asked him to build a palace on the spot and it would be well protected. Udai Singh established a residence there. 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.^[4] As the Mughal empire weakened, the Sisodia ranas, and later maharanas, reasserted their independence and recaptured most 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.

Sisodias, or the Guhilots (Suryavansh), have ruled the Mewar region since V.S 191, were against Mughal dominion, and tried to distance themselves from them. Being a mountainous region and unsuitable for heavily armoured Mughal horses, Udaipur remained unmolested from Mughal influence in spite of much pressure. 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. Rosita Forbes, who passed this land during the decline of the British Raj, described it as "like no other place on earth".

The land area of the state was 33,543 mi². Its population in 1901 was 14,73,759. It enjoyed an estimated revenue of £20,29,000.

Demographics

As of 2001^[update] India census,^[5] Udaipur had a population of 550,000. Males constitute 53 percent of the population and females 47 percent. Udaipur has an average literacy rate of 77 percent, the national average is 79 percent: male literacy is 83 percent and female literacy is 72 percent.

Transport

Udaipur is well connected to the all major cities in India through land, rail and air.

Air

Dabok airport, also known as Maharana Pratap Airport, is 24 kilometres from the city centre. Daily Indian Airlines flights connect Udaipur with Jodhpur, Jaipur, Mumbai and Delhi. There are daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur on Jet Airways, Indian Airlines and Kingfisher Airlines. The airport is undergoing modernisation project and will soon have a new terminal building with an additional 4 stands. The airport is under consideration as an International airport by the Government of Rajasthan and will be upgraded to International airport by 2011.

Rail

Udaipur City Railway Station provides connectivity with Delhi, Mumbai Jaipur and Ahmedabad through trains run by Indian Railways. Udaipur is connected with Delhi, Kota and Mathura with the "Mewar Express" on broad gauge tracks. Udaipur is connected with Kolkatta, by the "Ananya Express". A train has also been introduced between Mumbai and Udaipur via Vadodara, Ratlam and Chittorgarh. There are daily 2 Intercity Express between Udaipur to Indore and Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, but Udaipur still lacks direct connectivity to Bhopal, Jabalpur and many major cities of South India, and one has to reach it either via Kota, Ahmedabad or Surat. A new train has been launched connecting Udaipur with Indore.

Road

The city lies on the Golden Quadrilateral, midway between Delhi and Mumbai National Highway (NH) 8; it is around 700 kilometres from either metro. The roads in this part of the country are paved and fit for private vehicles. One can either drive from Jaipur (around 6 hours via Chittorgarh) or Surat (9 hours), or take a Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) bus from Bikaner House, India Gate in Delhi.

The East West Corridor which starts from Porbandar and ends at Silchar passes and is intersecting the Golden Quadrilateral and shares the common space from Udaipur to Chittor.

Local transport

Unmetered taxis, auto rickshaws, tongas, city bus, and regular city bus services are available for Udaipur City main roads to Dabok Airport, Badi Lake, and Bedala.^[6]

Places of interest

City palace complex

The Udaipur Palace Complex at night

City Palace

Jagdish Temple

Sajjangarh Palace flood-lit during late evening

Nehru Garden on an island in Fatehsagar Lake

Udaipur Bathing Ghat

Lake Palace

Jag Mandir

Fateh Sagar Lake

Lake Palace

Sukhadia Circle at Night

City Palace, Udaipur

Standing on the east bank of Lake Pichola is a massive series of palaces built at different times from 1559. The balconies of the palace provide panoramic views of the "Jag Niwas" (the Lake Palace Hotel). They also have great views of Jag Mandir on one side and the city of Udaipur on the other. Its main entrance is through the triple-arched gate - the Tripolia, built in 1725. The way now leads to a series of courtyards, overlapping parations, terraces, corridors and gardens. There is a Suraj Gokhda, where the maharanas of Mewar presented themselves in the times of trouble to the people to restore confidence. The Mor-chowk (Peacock courtyard), gets its name from the mosaics in glass decorating its walls. The chini chitrashala is noteworthy while a series of wall paintings of Krishna are on display in Bhim Vilas. There are numerous other palaces such as Dilkhush mahal, Sheesh mahal, Moti mahal and Krishna vilas - in memory of a princess of striking beauty who poisoned herself to avert a bloody battle for her hand by rival princes. Now the palace contains many antique articles, paintings, decorative furniture and utensils and attracts thousands of visitors every day. The former guesthouse of the city palace, Shiv Niwas Palace and the Fateh Prakash Palace have been converted into heritage hotels.

Lake Palace

The Lake Palace was built in 1743-1746. It is made of marble and is situated on Jag Niwas island in Lake Pichola. It was originally built as a royal summer palace, but is now a luxury 5 Star hotel, operating under the "Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces" banner.

Jag Mandir

Jag Mandir is another island in Lake Pichola which is known for its garden courtyard. Shah Jahan took refuge here while revolting against his father. There is a restaurant run by the HRH group of hotels.

Monsoon Palace

Monsoon Palace also known as Sajjan Garh Palace The summer resort of the Maharajas is atop the hill overlooking all of the lakes. This palace had a way to collect rain water for consumption all year around.

Jagdish Temple

The Jagdish Temple is a large Hindu temple in the middle of Udaipur. It was built by Maharana Jagat Singh Ist in 1651 A.D. It is an example of Indo - Aryan architecture.

Fateh Sagar Lake

Fateh Sagar Lake is situated in the north of Lake Picholas. It was originally built by Maharana Jai Singh in the year 1678 AD, but later on reconstructed and extended by Maharana Fateh Singh after much destruction was caused by heavy rains. In 1993-1994, the water vanished from the lake, but in 2005-2006, the lake regained its water.

Lake Pichola

Lake Pichola is a lake that has two islands, Jag Niwas and the Jag Mandir. This lake is 4 km long and 3 km wide, originally built by Maharana Udai Singh II. There are many ghats, like the bathing and washing ghats, which can be approached through boats from the City Palace of Udaipur (Bansi Ghat). In the heart of the lake the Lake Palace stands, which is now converted into a heritage palace hotel. The lake remains fairly shallow even during heavy rains, and gets dry easily in times of severe drought.

Saheliyon-ki-Bari

Sahelion ki Bari was laid for a group of forty-eight young women attendants who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of her dowry. The gardens set below the embankment of the Fateh Sagar Lake have lotus pools, marble pavilions and elephant-shaped fountains. These fountains are fed by the water of the lake gushing through ducts made for the purpose.

Gulab Bagh and Zoo

A rose garden laid out by Maharaja Sajjan Singh is situated near the palace on the east side of Lake Pichhola. A library in the garden has a collection of ancient handwritten manuscripts and books. Some of the part of the Satyarth Prakash have been written in this library. Styarth Prakash stup is situated in Gulab Bagh. Within the garden, there is a zoo with tigers, leopards, Chinkara gazelle, birds, and many wild animals. Children can enjoy mini train, track of which covers the main part of the garden and the zoo.

Doodh Talai

A rock and fountain garden and the sunset point from which one can enjoy the sunset view in Lake Pichhola and a panoramic view of the old city. Also one can enjoy the Aerial tramway (rope way) which connects one of the dudh talai gardens to Karni Mata temple.

Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal

A museum of folk arts. It also hosts puppet shows in its auditorium.

Maharana Pratap Memorial or Moti Magri

Atop the Moti Magri or Pearl Hill, overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake is the memorial of the Rajput hero Maharana Pratap with a bronze statue of the Maharana astride his favourite horse "Chetak". More details are available at Maharanapratap.net, a collection of facts and figures on Maharana Pratap and his life.

Bohara Ganesh Ji

This temple is situated near old railway station (Thokar) and M L S University. This is old and famous Ganesh Temple with standing statue of Shree Ganesh Ji considered very fruitful (Chamatkarik).Thousands of Bhaktas(devotees) come here every Wednesday.

Nehru Garden

This is a park situated in the middle of Fateh Sager Lake. This park covers about 41 acres (170,000 m²), with flower gardens and a lily pond. It was inaugurated on the birth anniversary of the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. The garden overlooks the ancient Moti Mahal of Maharana Pratap and gives a view of the Aravalli hills on three sides.

Bagore-ki-Haveli

This is an old building built right on the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangori Ghat. The haveli now stages Rajasthani traditional dance and music.

Ahar Museum

Located about 2 km east of Udaipur is a cluster of cenotaphs of the Maharanas of Mewar. There are about nineteen cenotaphs of Maharanas cremated there. One cenotaph is that Maharana Amar Singh, who reigned from 1597 to 1620. Nearby is also Ahar Museum, where on display is limited but very rare earthen pottery, as well as some sculptures and other archaeological finds. Some pieces date back to 1700 BC, and a tenth-century metal figure of Buddha is a special attraction.

Shilpgram

A crafts village located northwest of Udaipur, Shilpgram hosts an annual crafts fair which is one of the biggest in India; people from different states in the country have stalls showcasing their art and crafts work.^[7]

Neemach Mata Temple

This temple is located on a green hill in the Dewali area of Udaipur. It has both stairs and an uphill slope way to climb, which is around 800 meters.

Udaipur Solar Observatory

Asia's only solar observatory, the Udaipur Solar Observatory, is situated on an island in the middle of the Lake Fatehsagar.

Sukhadia Circle

Sukhadia Circle (Square) is a large roundabout in the city's northern suburb of Panchwati, on the road to Ranakpur and Mt. Abu. . The Circle is a popular recreational centre and meeting place.

Udaipur in Popular Culture

• Udaipur was named Best City of the World in 2009 by Travel & Leisure.
• Udaipur is also Known as the "Venice of the East", and the Kashmir of Rajasthan.
• Udaipur is mentioned under the spelling Oodeypore in Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book as the birthplace of Bagheera the fictional panther in the king's Menagerie.
• Indian sections of the James Bond film Octopussy were filmed in the city, the Lake Palace and the Monsoon Palace.
• The nearby desert was the backdrop of the remarkable rescue of Octopussy (Maud Adams) by Bond (Roger Moore) from an aeroplane being flown by the villainous Kamal Khan (Louis Jordan) and Gobinda (Kabir Bedi), which resulted in Gobinda falling to his death and (after Bond and Octopussy escaped) Khan being killed when he lost control of his helicopter and crashing it into a ravine. [1]
• Some scenes from the British television series The Jewel in the Crown were filmed in Udaipur.
• Hollywood movies/ TV serials filmed in Udaipur: Darjeeling Limited, Opening Night, Heat and Dust, Indische Ring, Inside 'Octopussy', James Bond in India, Octopussy, Gandhi
• Hindi movies have included Guide, Mera Saaya, Phool Bane Angaray, Kachche Dhagey, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Jalmahal, Yaadein, Return of the thief of the bagdad, Eklavya: The Royal Guard, Dhamaal, Jis Des Mai Ganga Rahta Hai, Chalo Ishq Ladaaye, Fiza, Gaddaar, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Khuda Gawah, Kundan, Nandini, Saajan ka Ghar,... etc. were filmed in Udaipur.
• Many Bollywood films' songs were filmed in Udaipur.
• Udaipur is a favourite marriage destination. Many celebrities, including film stars, business families, politicians chose Udaipur to hold marriage ceremonies and parties.
• It is claimed that Jag Mandir of Udaipur was the inspiration behind Shahjahan's creation of the Taj Mahal.
• The Disney channel film, The Cheetah Girls One World, was shot in Udaipur in January 2008.
• Udaipur is also the setting of star plus's hit serial Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.
• TV Serial "Swayamber of Rakhi Sawant" and "Swayambar of Rahul Mahajan" on Star Imagine also filmed here at Hotel Fatehgarh.

Places nearby

• Nathdwara - Shri Nathdwara (a pathway to Lord Shri Krishna) lies 48 km from Udaipur and literally means the gateway to the Lord. Devotees throng the shrine in large numbers during occasions of "Janmashtmi", the day of the Lord's birth, and other festivals like Holi. It is famous for its 'pichwai' paintings, with Shri Krishna in the centre and is recognized for profuse use of gold colour.

• Ranakpur - A village that is home to one of the most important Jain temples. 1400+ marble pillars support the temple. Opposite the Jain temple is the much older Sun Temple. Located in Rajsamand District, 110 km north of Udaipur.

• Chittorgarh- About 140 km from Udaipur, Chittorgarh was the capital of Mewar from 734 AD to 1559. Chittorgarh Fort is a massive fort situated on a hilltop near Chittorgarh town in Rajasthan state in India.

• Haldighati - A mountain pass in Rajsamand District that hosted the battle between Rana Pratap Singh of Mewar and the Mughal emperor Akbar. Now a memorial site.

• Kumbhalgarh - A 15th-century fortress, built by Rana Kumbha of Mewar, with 36 kilometres of walls. Over 360 temples are within the fort. It also has a wildlife sanctuary. Located in Rajsamand District, 64 km from Udaipur. The vista from the top of the palace typically extends tens of kilometers into the Aravalli hills.

• Mount Abu - A popular tourist hill station.

• Eklingji - Eklingji is a temple complexes situated nearly 22 km in the north of Udaipur. It was built in 734 A.D. and consists of 108 temples chiseled out of sandstone and marbles; it is devoted to the royal family of Mewar.

• Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the most rugged of the Aravali in Pali, Rajsamand and Udaipur districts of Rajasthan. It takes its name after the historic fort of Kumbhalgarh, which comes into view over the Park. It is 578 km² in area and at an altitude of 500 to 1,300 metres. It is home to a very large variety of wildlife, some of which are highly endangered species. The wildlife includes wolf, leopards, sloth bear, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, smabhar, nilgai, chaisingh (the four horned antelope), chinkara, and hare.
• Kankroli and Rajsamand Lake: Dwarakadish Temple, Nau Choukiya, JK Tyre factory
• Rishabhdeo: also known as "Kesariya ji" or "Kala Baoji" Famous Jain pilgrimage center sacred to Jains and local tribals.
• Jagat: known as Khajuraho of Rajasthan, famous for Jagadambeshwari Durga temple.
• Bambora: fort and Idana mata temple nearby.
• Jaisamand Lake: second biggest man-made lake in the Asia.Very picturesque and beautiful lake has many inhabitable islands.
• Udaisagar Lake
• Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary
• Baneshwar:120 km from Udaipur on Banswara road near Sabla, Jakham, Som and Mahi river are merged here, every year Kumbh for Aadiwasi's in January month organiged.
• Galiakot (Mazar-e-Seyadi Fakhruddun Shaheed)
• Dungarpur: Gap sagar, city palace
• Banswara:Mahi dam and Tripura Sundari temple
• Chawand -The Third Capital of Mewar and also the place where Great Maharana Pratap spent his last years.
• Bandoli: near Chawand, Maharana Pratap's canopy is situated here
• Mayaro ki Gufa; Rana Pratap used to keep his arms and ammunitions here.
• Molela - A village near Haldi Ghati famous for its red pottery "terracota".
• Kamal Nath- near Jhadol, it is said that Ravana the demon king of lanka worshiped here of Lord Shiva and offer his head instead of lotus flower to God. Rana pratap also stayed here for some time durinf Haldighati war.
• Matrikundia: holi place near Rashmi on Banas river bank.
• Sanwaliaji Temple: 70 km east from Udaipur famous krishna temple.
• Avari Mata temple: 80 km in east from Udaipur
• Jhakham Dam: in Sita mata century
• Salumber: fort, pond, temples, famous for Hadi Rani's sacrifice.
• Charbhuja ji: at Gadbor village in Rajsamand district, one of the char-dham of Mewar, 90 km in north from Udaipur.
• Sardar garh: fort and lotus (Kamal) shaped "Alakh mandir" [self-realization place of Mahatma Bhuri Bai]
• Laksmanpura: famous for Ram Jharokha,village of notable saint Sri Guman Singh ji, 25 km east from Udaipur
• Nauwa: near Khemli 20 km from udaipur, self -realization place for yogivirya Baoji Chatur Singh ji Mewar.
• Bemla: famous for Kurabadia Bheruji, beautiful land-scape, Bemleshwar mahadev, dhuni.
• Tidi Dam: 40km in south of Udaipur near Jawarmines
• Som Kagdar Dam: 65km in South of Udaipur and near Kherwara
• Som-Kamala-Amba Dam: near Aaspur
• Nandeshwar ji: 11 km south-west from Udaipur on Jhadol road.
• Ubeshwar ji:19 km west from Udaipur
• Mansi Wakal dam: 60 km from Udaipur
• Keleshwar Mahadeo: 29 km west of Udaipur
• Jhameshwar Mahadeo: 22 km in south of Udaipur, mahadeo temple, Ambika mata temple, water fall and picnic spot
• Baghdada:Crocodile park and habitate center, 12 kn south of Udaipur

Education

• Mohan Lal Sukhadia University
• Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology
• RNT Medical College
• Bhupal Nobles' Institute
• Rajasthan Vidyapeeth
• EducationUdaipur: Udaipur's Education Blog

Gallery

Udaipur Panorama from Jag Mandir Island

Lake Palace Hotel

Udaipur panorama with dried Lake Pichola

References

• "Udaipur State (also called Mewar)". The Imperial Gazetteer of India. 1909. pp. v. 24, p. 85.. http://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V24_091.gif. 
• Maharana: the story of the rulers of Udaipur, by Brian Masters. Mapin Pub., 1990. ISBN 0944142281.

External links

• Udaipur District Govt website
• Udaipur City Travel Information, Classifieds and Cultural Information.
• Official Website of Narayan Seva Sansthan (TRUST)
• Udaipur travel guide from Wikitravel

State of Rajasthan Rajasthan Topics Major cities Jaipur (Capital)  · Ajmer · Bikaner · Jodhpur · Kota · Udaipur Divisions Ajmer · Bharatpur · Bikaner · Jaipur · Jodhpur · Kota · Udaipur Districts Ajmer · Alwar · Banswara · Baran · Barmer · Bharatpur · Bhilwara · Bikaner · Bundi · Chittorgarh · Churu · Dausa · Dholpur · Dungarpur · Hanumangarh · Jaipur · Jaisalmer · Jalore · Jhalawar · Jhunjhunu · Jodhpur · Karauli · Kota · Nagaur · Pali · Pratapgarh · Rajsamand · Sawai Madhopur · Sikar · Sirohi · Sri Ganganagar · Tonk · Udaipur