- Glory of City Palace, Udaipur
City Palace in Udaipur, the second-largest palace in India after Mysore Palace, holds the distinction of being the largest in Rajasthan and North India. Located about 23 km from Maharana Pratap Airport and 3 km from the railway station, the palace is constructed with marble and granite, overlooking Lake Pichola. Built on a mountain, its unique design conceals the uneven terrain, featuring meticulous artwork, marble design, paintings, murals, and mirror work throughout.
Udaipur, the last capital of the Mewar Kingdom, shifted from Chittor to Udaipur in the 16th century for strategic reasons. The palace, situated on a 600 m high plateau, provided natural defenses with lakes, forests, and mountains surrounding it. The City Palace took almost 400 years to complete, witnessing the rule of several kings. After being under Mughal rule, it returned to the Rajputs, with rulers like Amar Singh, Bhim Singh, and Sajjan Singh, until India gained independence. Arvind Singh Mewar is the current successor overseeing the palace.
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Notably, City Palace served as a filming location for movies like ‘Goliyo ki Rasleela – Ram Leela’ and James Bond’s ‘Octopussy,’ adding to its cultural significance.
- Jag Mandir Palace
Jag Mandir Palace, located 3.5 km from Udaipur City Railway Station on the southern island of Lake Pichola, is a popular tourist destination and renowned wedding venue in Udaipur. Accessible only by boat from the Bansi Ghat jetty near City Palace, the three-storied palace is constructed with yellow sandstone and marble, featuring intricate carvings, including elephants guarding the palace.
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Known as Lake Garden Palace, it was constructed by three Maharanas of the Sisodia Rajputs of Mewar kingdom—Maharana Amar Singh initiated the construction in 1551 AD, Maharana Karan Singh continued it (1620-1628), and Maharana Jagat Singh I completed it (1628-1652).
Inside Jag Mandir Palace, notable architectural structures include Gul Mahal, Garden Courtyard, Darikhana, Bara Patharon ka Mahal, Zenana Mahal, and Kunwar Pada ka Mahal. The palace also houses a small museum, attracting historians. Named in honor of Maharana Jagat Singh, the palace served as a summer resort and pleasure palace for the royal family, hosting parties.
- Saheliyon ki Bari
Just 5 kms away from the City Palace, Saheliyon Ki Bari, also known as the Garden or the Courtyard of Maidens, is a majestic garden in Udaipur, Rajasthan, situated on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake. Built by Maharana Sangram Singh in the 18th century for the 48 maidens who accompanied the Queen, the garden features lush green lawns, canopied walking lanes, and magnificent fountains. It offers a serene environment for relaxation, attracting visitors worldwide with its historical significance, traditional architecture, and regal ambiance.
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The garden, showcasing the lavish lifestyle of royal ladies, includes pools, lily ponds, marble fountains, and intricately carved elements like elephants and lions. Considered of immense historical importance, Saheliyon Ki Bari is beautifully landscaped with tall trees, green shrubbery, and flower beds. The inclusion of majestic fountains, a lotus pool with marble pavilions, and statues enhances its beauty. Initially exclusive to royal ladies, the garden is now open to the public, allowing exploration of its magnificent corners and providing a glimpse into the lifestyle of the royal maidens. As one of the rare green retreats in the arid region of Rajasthan, Saheliyon Ki Bari is a must-visit attraction.
- Karni MataTemple
Established between 1620 and 1628 by Maharana Karan Singh, the temple is inspired by the famous Karni Mata temple in Bikaner. Karni Mata is considered a reincarnation of goddess Durga, known for her divine powers and miracles. The temple’s architectural marvel reflects a blend of Rajput and Mughal styles, featuring intricately carved stone pillars and exquisite artwork. The complex includes multiple halls, courtyards, and shrines, with the main sanctum housing the idol of Karni Mata adorned with vibrant decorations.
Devotees visit the temple seeking blessings for prosperity, protection, and fulfillment of desires. Visiting the temple twice a day is considered auspicious, with believers claiming that Karni Mata fulfills aspirations and desires for those who follow this practice. Karni Mata is regarded as the Kulmata of Raja-Maharajas of Rajasthan, and every Maharaja traditionally seeks her blessings before heading to war.
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Situated near Pichola Lake, the temple offers a 360-degree view of Udaipur, and reaching it via the ropeway adds excitement to the journey, taking only 5-7 minutes.The temple’s location, surrounded by the lake, fort, ropeway, greenery, and religious ambience, makes it a popular destination for both religious and casual tourists in Udaipur.
- Hathi Pol Bazar
Hathi Pol Bazar in Udaipur is a vibrant market that serves as a haven for art lovers, offering a variety of local artwork, paintings, and traditional crafts. The market is known for its rich representation of Rajasthan’s culture, showcasing folk art, miniature paintings, authentic souvenirs, and wooden handicrafts. Additionally, it features bandej and leheriya sarees, adding to its appeal for shoppers seeking traditional textiles.
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One of the market’s unique selling points is the camel skin footwear known as ‘Nagra.’ These intricately embroidered slippers, made from camel hide, have gained a dedicated fan following. The market is a must-visit for those interested in experiencing the cultural richness of Rajasthan through its art and craftsmanship. The paintings of Phad and Pichwai, as well as the colorful ‘Nagra’ slippers, contribute to making Hathi Pol a significant tourist attraction in Udaipur, providing an immersive shopping experience that reflects the region’s artistic heritage.