UDAIPUR INDIA VACATIONS
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Scintillating white wonder.... The city of dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure water lakes, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravalis. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur, a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experiences- an inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavour of a heroic past, epitomising valour and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the lake pichhola is an enticing sight.
Exquisite lake palaces of Udaipur, shimmering like jewels on lake Pichhola are overwhelming in splendour. Several places of interest around Udaipur, including the magnificent majestic chittaurgarh, the mountain fortress of Kumbhalgarh, beautiful Jain temples of Ranakpur, Eklingji and Nathdwara and the cool retreat of Mt. Abu, make the visit to Udaipur a memorable one.
Tourist Hot Spots
City Palace
A majestic architectural marvel over the lake on a hill surrounded by crenellated walls, it is a conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. The main entrance is through the triple arched gate, the 'Tripolia' with eight marble porticos. The Maharanas were weighed under the gate in gold, the equivalent amount of which was distributed among the populace.
Lake Palace
Founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh, the Lake city of Udaipur is often referred as the 'Venice of the East'. Studded with extravagant palaces, hilltop fortresses, awe-inspiring temples and romantic gardens filled with blossoming trees, this 'City of Dreams' is, not surprisingly, a favourite with travellers, both Indian and Foreign. A fantasy island palace shimmering on mirror-calm Lake Pichola, the Lake Palace is one of the most romantic hotels in the world.
Fateh Sagar
A beautiful lake, overlooked by a number of hills on the three sides and the Pratap Memorial on the north was built by Maharana Fateh Singh. In the middle of the lake is Nehru Park-a lovely garden island with a boat shaped café accessible by an enjoyable boat ride. The larger shape of lake resembles the map of India.
Saheliyon ki Bari or Garden for the Maids
Saheliyon ki Bari or Garden for the Maids of Honour of the queen, is at Saheli Marg on the eastern banks of lake Fateh Sagar. Built by Maharana Sangram Singh, this garden has beautiful fountains, pools with delicately chiseled kiosks and elephants in marble. There is a delightful Lotus pool and a sitting room decorated with paintings and glass mosaics. There is a children's museum nearby.
Shilp Gram
A Craft village, displaying traditional houses from all over Rajasthan, Gujrat and Maharashtra (two of Rajasthan's neighboring states). Craftsmen can be seen at work, giving live demonstration of making beautiful handicrafts like wooden toys, embroidery, carpets, leather articles and pottery. Rajasthan's vibrant folk music and dance can also be enjoyed here.
Excursions
Kumbhalgarh
Built by Maharana Kumbha in the 15th century, this is the most extensive fortress in Rajasthan after the Chittaurgarh fort. Perched atop the Aravalis, this secluded fortress extends over 36 kms, enclosing many temples, palaces, gardens and water storage facilities. The Kumbhalgarh wildlife sanctuary, nearby, has a rich variety of wildlife.
Ranakpur
Tucked away in the remote valley of the Aravali ranges are the beautifully sculpted Jain temples of Ranakpur. The main 'Chaumukha Temple dedicated to Tirthankar Adinath is a marvel in marble. This superbly carved crafted temple has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, all visibly distinct in their carvings.
Jaisamand Lake
Maharaja Jai Singh built this stunning lake, which is the largest man-made lake in Asia. Graceful marble chhatris flank the embankment and beautiful summer palaces of Udaipur queens, are built on either side of the lake. It boasts of an elaborate royal game sanctuary with Cheetals, Chinkaras, wild boars, panthers and a wide variety of birds.
Eklingji Temple
This is a beautiful sculpted temple complex with 108 temples within its high walls! The temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and the presiding deity of Mewar rulers. The walled complex encloses an elaborately pillared hall under a large pyramidal roof, which has a rare four-faced image of Lord Shiva in black marble
Festive Fun
Just like the local fervour of the Rajasthan fairs, the festivals of the desert state are also worth a watch. Comprising of numerous dance performances, musical events and cultural programmes, the festivals of Udaipur are a site to anyone who craves to see the variance of India's cultural heritage.
Marwar Festival
Marwar Festival that showcase the best of Rajasthan's culture and lifestyle. The festival starts with a bash and for two days the city of Udaipur reverberates with various festivities. Originally known as the Maand Festival, it features folk music centered on the romantic lifestyle of Rajasthan's rulers. The festival offers a variety of attractions including camel tattoo show and polo. The various competition take place in and around that symbolizes the might and valour of this royal land.
Gangaur Festival
The festival is held to welcome the arrival of spring and holds a very prominent place among the women of Rajasthan. They dress up in traditional clothes and perform various religious activities. They gather to dress the images of Isar and Gangaur and then carry them in a ceremonial procession through different parts of the city. Once the religious part is over, it is time for cultural events where Rajasthani culture is portrayed through dance, culture and other programs.
Food and Beverages
Each region in India has its own traditional dishes and specialities. In the royal kitchens of Udaipur, Rajasthan, food is a very serious business and raised to the level of an art-form. Udaipuri cooking was influenced by the war -like lifestyle of its inhabitants and the availability of ingredients in this region. Udaipur presents a wide variety of cuisine that will fell you nostalgic for a long time.
Popular Dishes
Main Dishes
Gram flour is a major ingredient here and is used to make some of the delicacies like Khata, Gatte Ki Sabzi and Pakodi. Powdered lentils are used for Mangodi and Papad. Bajra and corn are used all over the state for preparations of Rabdi, Khichdi and Rotis.
A soup of legumes, flavored with red chilli peppers, yoghurt or milk and sometimes a vegetable such as Okra, Jackfruit, Eggplant, Mustard or Fenugreek leaf. The wealthy can afford to eat meat regularly, but many abstain for religious reasons. Though the Rajasthani kitchen was able to create much from little, it had also to cater to different communities with their own ritual observances.
Chutneys Galore
Various chutneys are made from locally available spices like turmeric, coriander, mint and garlic. Perhaps the best-known Udaipuri food is the combination of Dalai and churma but for the adventurous traveller, willing to experiment, there is a lot of variety available.
Shopping
Udaipur offers shoppers a similar array as in Jaipur, though on a much smaller scale. It is also renowned for precious and semi-precious stones and jewellery, meenakari (enamel work), a unique type of blue pottery, pichwai and miniature paintings, bangles to name just a few. Fabric-wise there are brocades, tie-and-dye, block printed, and the famous 'mirror work' embroidery, also used in table linen, cushion covers and readymade garments.
