The picturesque town beside the amazing Lake Pichola, Udaipur projects a unique vibe which can only be described as romantic. The ancient ridges of the Aravalli mountain in the background gives the city a most dramatic look. Like the other cities of Rajasthan, Udaipur has also kept alive the royal vibe. Glorious palaces have become luxurious hotels and some of them are located straight beside the lake in a most unique setup. An old charm lurks in the narrow streets of this city and every now and then you will find traditional havelis, ornate houses, and colorful markets. A boat ride on the Lake Pichola is a must, to enjoy a view of the city from the water. This traditional city is an enchanting combination of beauty and royal charm. Check out some of the most famous historical places in Udaipur, Rajasthan.
1. Fateh Prakash Palace - Grand Heritage (from USD 506)
On the banks of Lake Pichola, the Fateh Prakash Palace was established by Maharana Fateh Singh. During that era, this palace used to be the venue for many state ceremonies and royal functions. Today, this palace has been converted into a five-star hotel, which provides the guests with a typical royal experience. Each room of this hotel is decorated with exquisite Rajasthani artwork and period furniture, perfect to feel the royal lifestyle first-hand. One of the most important parts of this property is the Durbar Hall Sabhagaar, called Minto Hall originally. The foundation of this hall was established by Lord Minto, after whom it was named.
Taj Fateh Prakash Palace Udaipur
Address: The Palace Complex, Lake Pichola
3.66 km (2.3 mi) from Sajjan Garh Biological Park
2. Jagdish Temple
The Jagdish Temple is a Hindu temple and a part of the City Palace complex. It features Indo-Aryan architecture. Lord Jagannath is worshipped in this temple, which is also the largest temple in this city. Apart from that, there are also shrines for Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti, Lord Ganesha and Lord Surya or the Sun God here. It was established by Maharana Jagat Singh in the year 1651. You have to climb around 32 steps to reach the main temple.
Jagdish Temple
Address: RJ SH 50, Old City, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
Website: Jagdish Temple
3. Shiv Niwas Palace (from USD 384)
Shiv Niwas Palace is located in the southern corner of the City Palace. The construction of this palace was started by Maharana Sajjan Shambhu Singh and completed by his successor Maharana Fateh Singh. This lavish palace was used as the royal guesthouse to host esteemed guests. In the year 1982, this palace was reopened as a heritage hotel with modern amenities in a royal setup. The palace features traditional Rajput architecture. The building is a semi-circular arc, surrounding a courtyard wherein lies a charming marble pool. The property belongs to the eminent HRH Group of Hotels and belongs to the current royal family.
Traveler's tips
We stayed at Shiv Niwas to celebrate our anniversary and truly the palace is beyond amazing. We had requested for a specific room and they made it happen. It came with with a small balcony off the bedroom and a much larger terrace with lounger overlooking the lake. It is a really romantic hotel and you can just take a stroll around the property and then walk down to the lake. Golf carts are also available to transport guests. Loved the poolside dinner buffet.
Shiv Niwas Palace by HRH Group of Hotels
Address: The Palace Complex, Lake Pichola
3.73 km (2.4 mi) from Sajjan Garh Biological Park
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Moti Magri
The pearl hills of Udaipur stand witness to the bravery of the Rana of Rajasthan, Maharana Pratap. The stories of the brave king are very well-known throughout this land. The Rana was a valiant warrior who had fought against the Mughals to save his motherland. Moti Magri pays homage to the battle of Haldi Ghati, where the king and his army had fought against the Mughals, despite being outnumbered. A statue of Maharana Pratap is located on Pearl Hill, mounted in his favorite horse, Chetak. Apart from the historic charm, the area around this statue offers an excellent view of the city. A visit to the Japanese rock garden is a must while visiting Moti Magri.
Moti Magri
Address: Zinc Park, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
Website: Moti Magri
5. Ahar cenotaphs
A group of cenotaphs creates an amazing sight in the small village of Ahar, close to the city of Udaipur. Most of these cenotaphs are dedicated to the brave kings of this area. They feature a typical Rajasthani architectural style - an ornated doom supported by decorative pillars. The most beautiful one is dedicated to Maharana Amar Singh. Another interesting cenotaph belongs to Maharana Sangram Singh, who was cremated here with his 21 wives.
Ahar cenotaphs
Address: Ayad, Ganapati Nagar, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
Website: Ahar cenotaphs
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 12pm - 8pm (closed on Mon)
6. Saheliyon ki Bari
On the banks of the Fateh Sagar Lake, a charming courtyard was built by Maharana Sangram Singh for his queen. The term Saheliyon-ki-Bari signifies home of the maidens. It was presented by the king to his queen and her 48 maids which she had brought from her father’s house. In the olden days, the queen and her maids used to come here for a stroll. Today, this garden contains fountains, museums, marble sculptures and celebrates the beauty of nature.
Saheliyon ki Bari
Address: Saheli Marg, New Fatehpura, Panchwati, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
Website: Saheliyon ki Bari
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
Price: 0.72 USD (50 INR)
Traveler's tips
This is a really lovely green space in Udaipur that a former king had built for his queen and her maids. As with many attractions in India, there are little or no write-ups available explaining the purpose of the place and/or its significance. There were many people who were just walking through the garden with no one to explain anything.
I highly recommend getting a guide in Udaipur for the day, so he can take you around to all these attractions and give you a historical background as well. I think we paid around 1000 INR, and he took us to maybe around five places.
7. Gangaur Ghat
Gangaur Ghat is known as the main ghat or water bank of the city of Udaipur. On the banks of Lake Pichola, this ancient ghat is only accessible by two-wheeler vehicles. The beauty of the entire old city can be admired from this area. One of the most important historic palaces, called the Bagore Ki Haveli is located nearby. The best time to visit this place is during sunset.
Gangaur Ghat
Address: Old City, Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
Website: Gangaur Ghat
8. The enchanting City Palace
This massive palace lies on the eastern bank of the scenic Lake Pichola. If not for its grandeur, the City Palace in Udaipur can be admired for its surroundings, the views of Lake Pichola and the Aravalli hills. The iconic palace is related to the kingdom of Mewar. The city of Udaipur was chosen as the capital of the state by Maharana Udai Singh II. The construction of this city palace started during his rule. Over the next 400 years, his successors have ruled from this very palace. Located on the top of a hill, this palace is a fine blend of Mughal and typical Rajasthani architecture. It also offers an excellent view of the other attractions of the city, like Jag Mandir, Lake Palace, Monsoon Palace, etc.
City Palace
Address: Old City, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
Website: City Palace
Opening hours: 9:30am - 5:30pm (daily)
Price: 2.89 USD (200 INR)
9. The palace amidst clouds - Sajjangarh Palace
Sajjangarh Palace is also known as the Monsoon Palace, as it technically built to enjoy the monsoon clouds. This palace, perched on the Aravalli hills, is named after Maharana Sajjan Singh. He had built this palace originally to overlook his hometown, Chittorgarh. The main attraction of this palace is the panoramic view of the entire picturesque city from the top of the mountain. The palace is built in a typical Rajput style using white marble. Maharana Sajjan Singh had also planned to build a nine-storied astronomical tower which would keep track of the clouds to predict the arrival of the monsoon. Sadly, it remained incomplete due to his unpredictable death! In spite of that, this palace is an architectural marvel and a must-visit destination for tourists.
Sajjangarh Palace
Address: 11Monsoon Colony, Sajjan Garh Rd, Near Mewar Garh hotel, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
Website: Sajjangarh Palace
Opening hours: 9am - 8:30pm (daily)
Price: 1.16 USD (80 INR)
10. Vintage Car Museum
The luxurious lifestyle of the royals in Rajasthan can be defined by the choice of the cars they used to drive. Rajasthan blends two major dynasties of India, the Rajputs and the Mughals. So, undoubtedly, the cars that they used represented the grandeur of the era. The Vintage Car Museum hosts most of the important cars used by the Mewar dynasty residing in Udaipur. The museum was founded in the year 2000, with the collections of cars which were custom-built to fit in with the Mewar rotal lifestyle. Rare models of Rolls-Royces, Mercedes, and many more luxurious car brands are presented all through the property. The cars are still in perfect working condition although most of them are now antiques.
Vintage Car Museum
Address: Near By The Garden Hotel, Gulab Bagh Rd, Shakti Nagar, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001
Website: Vintage Car Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
Price: 1.73 USD (150 INR)
The land of Mewar
The city of Udaipur used to be known as Mewar during ancient times. The legends of the brave rulers of Mewar are well known in the land of Rajasthan. Established in the year 1558 by Maharana Udai Singh II, the capital was shifted to this city from Chittorgarh. The stories are still very much alive in the streets of this city and they are just waiting to be discovered!!
History
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