Places of Interest - India

"udaipur"

introduction

The city is best known as a romantic city, the Venice of Rajasthan, located in a valley 600 meters above sea level. The misty hills, the beautiful old buildings in the historic center and of course the three lakes that surround the city. Especially the "Lake Pichola" with the mythical "lake palace" is known but the city is a wealth of temples, havelis and palaces. Udaipur is often used to serve as a film decor; the best-known film shot in Udaipur is James Bond's "Octopussy". Udaipur was founded in 1568 by Maharana (king) Udai Singh II, ruler of the Mewar empire in southern Rajasthan. Shortly before that he had escaped the conquest of Chittorgarh, his 100 km eastward residence until then, by the Mogul emperor Akbar the Great. Udaipur became the new capital of the Mewarkon Kingdom. Today Udaipur is a popular tourist resort but also has its rough edges with pollution and slums on the edges.

highlights

The inner city (and the city palace):

The old part of the historic city is an attraction in itself with its small narrow alleys and streets. A labyrinth filled with bicycles, carts, elephants, monkeys, local people and tourists. On the south side of this chaos you will find the stately "city palace" back. This is Rajasthan's largest palace with a façade of 244 meters long and more than 30 meters high. The construction started no later than 1600 by the city's founder Maraharaja "Udai Singh II" and has been adapted and extended by many later rulers so that a mix of different architectural styles is visible. The palace contains countless museums and viewpoints where you can see, among other things, the city and the lake. Perhaps the "Durbar hall" is the highlight of a visit to this palace; this was used for official (state) visits and is one of the most admirable of India.

About 150 meters from the gates of the city palace you can view the "Jagdish" temple. Built in 1651 by the then Maharaja "Jagat Singh" this is a beautiful specimen with stone treatments. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu God "Vishnu". Located on the water side is the graceful "Bagore-ki-Haveli" building built in the 18th century. Built by a former prime minister this property has no less than 138 rooms around a courtyard. There is room for (temporary) art exhibitions and you can watch a traditional dance. On the north side of the palace you can see a number of interesting "ghats" (laundry places) and washing places.

"Pichola" lake and its islands:

The most famous lake in Udaipur is of course the "Pichola" lake. At the foundation of the city it was reduced by building a dam but also now there are still dry spots in the lake visible. The city lies on the northeast side of the lake. There are two islands in the lake; "Jagniwas" that is completely used by the palace built by Maharaja "Jagat Singh II" in 1754. The former summer palace is now a group of luxury hotels. This island served as the main decor in James Bond's Octopussy from 1983. Non-guests are only allowed to come for lunch or dinner. The other island is "Jagmandir" and also a palace has been built here (by Maharaja "Karan Singh" in 1620). The story is that this palace was (partly) the inspiration for the construction of the "Taj Mahal".

"Sajjan Garh" palace and Shilpgram

The "Sajjan Garh Fort", also known as monsoon palace, was built in 1884 and is situated on a hill above the city, about 8 kilometers from the center. This "Disney" palace/fortress was built in the 19th century and was originally built as an astronomical center. Later it was recently converted into a monsoon palace and hunting place (see also the national park around it). This palace was also used in the movie "Octopussy" by James Bond (1983).

At 3 km distance from Udaipur center is "Shilpgram" which is a cultural village with many different traditional architecture of India. It serves every year in December as a scene of the "Shilpgram" festival. Local dances are also organized. Other attractions are the Moti Magri, or Pearl Hill; on this hill is a statue of the former ruler Maharana Pratap Singh II. "Bhartiya Lok Kala" museum and the gardens of "Saheliyon-ki-Bari".

Ranakpur

In the town of Ranakpur about 90 kilometers north of Udaipur is one of India's most beautiful temple complexes. The temples, made in "Jain" style, have the most detailed pillars, made of milky white marble, of the country and perhaps of the world. The main temple "Chaumukha" contains no less than 1400 pillars and all of them unique. The complex was created in the 14th century.

tips & advice (2004)

Udaipur's airport is located about 25 km east of the city. There is no airport shuttle bus so you have to take a taxi. The train station is located southeast (about 2 to 3 km) from the center. One kilometer north of this is the bus station.

Udaipur - Ranahpur - Jodphur: you can travel by bus in 6 hours from Udaipur to Jodphur via Ranahpur (which is next to the road). Buses depart every hour. Ranahpur is about halfway (3 hours bussing). A ride to Ranahpur costs about 35 to 40Rs.

Whatever you do it is well worth a night on an "upstairs" terrace on the roof of one of the many buildings in the center of Udaipur to eat and enjoy the sunset. Often during dinner the James Bond classic "Octopussy" is shown as it is also filmed here in Udaipur (lake, city and monsoon palace).

There are numerous places where you can stay overnight in Udaipur, most of which are in the historic center. Most romantic are the hotels on the island in the lake but these are very pricey. For budget travelers, one of the many hostels in the center on the lake is the most convenient and fun. A room with a view of the lake is more expensive. Keep in mind the noise in the small streets and alleys.

You can enjoy the sun going down on one of the many roof terraces but you can also go to the popular "sunset point" just south of the center. You pay an entrance fee but you are offered a more natural place where bands often play.

Places of Interest - India

"udaipur"

introduction

highlights

tips & advice (2004)

see also:

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