Lake Palace
Lake Palace was built by Maharana Jagat Singh II (1628-52)
as a summer palace to escape the heat of Jaipur. Undoubtedly
the most familiar and photogenic feature of Udaipur, the palace
is indeed a reverie in pure white marble. Formerly called
Jag Mandir, the palace is an amazing confection of delicate
columns, filigreed screens, cupolas and fountains. Now converted
as a luxury hotel, you can visit the palace for lunch or afternoon
tea.
Jag Mandir
Jag Mandir, another island palace in the Lake Pichola was
built by Karan Singh in 1615. It derives its name from Jagat
Singh who added to the initial structure. It was never used
for the purpose for it was built. This palace was used to
provide shelter to the Mughal prince Khurum (later Emperor
Shah Jahan) who rebelled against his emperor father Jahangir,
in the 1620s. Jahangir was succeeded by Shah Jahan who was
still in Udaipur at the time of his father's death. During
the 1857 Mutiny this island palace once again served as a
safe haven for European women and children.
City Palace
Udaipur's fascinating City Palace is the largest royal complex
in Rajasthan. Standing on a rocky promontory the palace has
balconies, towers and cupolas and presents a wonderful view
of the lake and the city. The complex has eleven constituent
mahals (palaces), constructed by successive maharanas during
the three hundred years that followed the foundation of Udaipur
in 1559. Added to this, Crystal Gallery and Durbar Hall within
the complex is spectacular. Explore them for their mosaics,
miniatures, mirror work and motifs.
Sahelion Ki Bari
The "garden of the maids of honour", Sahelion-ki-Bari
was designed and laid out early in the eighteenth century
as a retreat for ladies of the royal household to spend their
time in leisure. The lotus pool, fountains, lawns, flowerbeds,
and marble pavilions all combine to make it a captivating
place.
Jagdish Temple
Built in 1651 A.D. by Maharana Jagat Singh, this Indo-Aryan
temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a manifestation of
Vishnu. The largest and the most beautiful temple of Udaipur,
it is always seething with constant activity and noted for
its beautiful sculpted images and towering shikhara.
Fateh Sagar
West of Sahelion-ki-Bari is Fateh Sagar, a lake built by
Maharana Fateh Singh. It is bordered by sharp hills and a
canal built at the beginning of the twentieth century connects
it to the Lake Pichola. In the middle of the lake is Nehru
Park, a popular garden island with a boat-shaped cafe.
Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandir
Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandir is home to an attractive collection
of folk dresses, puppets, ornaments, dolls, masks, folk musical
instruments, folk deities and paintings. The museum is the
best place for those interested in puppetry. Short amusing
puppet shows are staged throughout the day. In addition, the
museum runs short courses in puppet making and theatre.
Sajjangarh
Dominating the skyline of Udaipur is the "Monsoon Palace"
of Sajjangarh. Deserted by the royal family soon after its
construction in 1880 due to the impossibility of pumping water
to the palace, it offers an unrivalled view of the city's
lakes, palaces and the surrounding countryside.
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