Also known as the "City of Lakes" and "Venice of the East", Udaipur is the capital of mewar and a famous and beautiful city in the royal state of Rajasthan. It is located close to Gujarat in Southern Rajasthan. Founded in 1559 by Maharaja Udai Singh II, Udaipur is known as the land of old havelis, azure water lakes, valour, ancient forts, age-old temples, chivalry, colorful shopping centers, mountains, massive palaces, romantic backdrops, natural beauty, lush green gardens, bollywood movies backdrops, delectable cuisine, royal architecture, glorious history.
Udaipur is the best place for travelers who look for spending some time amidst the serene and peaceful nature. It is also on the wishlist of people who look for some romantic destinations around. Also famous among the people who look to satiate their taste buds and have a great food around, Udaipur is a like a package for travelers who look for completeness in their trip.
So, if you are looking for a charming break, pack your bags and head over to this beautiful destination and have the best time of your life. Here is the list of some of the best places to visit in Udaipur. Do check it out:
1. Lake Picola
The first thing that you will notice on entering Udaipur is Lake Picola. It is one of the most famous and oldest lakes in Udaipur. It is 4 km in length and 3 km in width. Built in 1362 A.D. by Pichhu Banjara(a gypsy Banjara tribesman), Lake picola is actually an artificial freshwater lake. Named after the nearby Picoli village, it is known as one of the biggest lakes of India. Located in the heart of the Udaipur city, there are namely 4 islands on the lake - Mohan Mandir, Jag Niwas, Jag Mandir, and Arsi Vilas. In and around Lake Picola, there are also palaces, palatial mansions, ghats, temples. Lake Picola is one of the best places in Udaipur and people from far come to visit it to enjoy the romantic sunsets, sunset boat ride, lakeside cafes and restaurants, and many nearby tourist attractions.
2. City Palace
Located on the east bank of Lake Picola, City Palace Udaipur leaves no chance unturned to impress its visitors by its Mughal and Mewar architecture. The place is no doubt best when it comes to architectural beauty. Visit City Palace Udaipur if you want to explore the age-old history it possesses. It is the biggest building in Udaipur and the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. It also possesses mahals, courtyards, arches, hanging gardens, towers, terraces, huge rooms, domes, pavilions, corridors. The palace is also a home to a museum that possesses the finest Rajput elements of culture and art including colorful paintings and brilliant sculptures. Built by Maharana Udai Singh II, it took nearly 400 years to build City Palace. Situated on a hilltop, City Palace Udaipur gives panoramic view of its surroundings and is surely among the best places in Udaipur to visit.
3. Sajjangarh Palace
Another among the best places to visit in Udaipur is the Sajjangarh Palace which is also known as the Monsoon Palace. It was built as an astronomical center for tracking monsoon and weather and hence also called Monsoon Palace. It is located outside the main Udaipur city on a hilltop and offers mesmerizing views of the Sajjangarh wildlife sanctuary and Fatehsagar lake. Named after Maharana Sajjan Singh who built it in 1884, Sajjangarh Palace Udaipur is on the wishlist of travelers who want to enjoy views, scenes of the Udaipur city and its beautiful mountains, amazing lakes, and palaces from the top. It is a not to miss place when it comes to enjoying sunset and bird-eye view of the beautiful and serene Udaipur city. The palace looks more beautiful in the evening when it is completely lit. Visit Sajjangarh Palace Udaipur, take some of your best pictures here, and have the best time of your life.
4. Fatehsagar Lake
Built by Maharana Jai Singh in 1678, Fatehsagar lake is one of the most beautiful places to see in Udaipur. It was earlier called Connaught Dam but was later renamed as Fateh Sagar to honor Maharana Fateh Sagar who reconstructed the entire project in the 1900's. Located on the Northern side of lake Picola, this man-made lake is said to be the second largest in the Udaipur city. Fatehsagar lake has three beautiful islands and one can easily reach any of them by taking a boat ride to the lake. When at Fatehsagar lake, you can also enjoy taking speed boat ride experience. Or you can just enjoy having a soothing walk around the lake.
5. Saheliyon Ki Bari
Last but not the least, Saheliyon Ki Bari is another among udaipur best places. It is a not to miss tourist garden for you to explore when you are in Udaipur. The place was built by Maharana Sangram Singh. The king gifted the garden to his queen. Actually, 48 maidens accompanied the queen post her marriage. So, to offer them peace and happiness away from their regular life, this garden was built. The queen along with her maids used to come to this garden often and spend lesiure time. Because it was built for the maidens, the place got the name saheliyon ki bari. The place is also called Courtyard of Maidens or the Garden of Maidens. Today, this place has a marble elephants, kiosks, bird fountains, water pools, lotus pool, rain fountains. Rain fountains were added later to the garden by Maharana Bhopal Singh.
If you are looking forward to a trip to some places, you can consider Udaipur as one of your holiday destinations. Above is the list of some of the best places to visit in Udaipur. Now that, you know about them, plan a trip and head over to Udaipur. You'll get to see many more beautiful places there and also have the best time of your life.