Udaipur is popularly know as the “City of Lakes”. It is a city located in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. It is surrounded by the beautiful Aravali Hills in all directions. Udaipur is a tourist destination and is known for its historic forts and palaces, museums, galleries, natural locations and gardens, architectural temples, as well as traditional fairs, festivals and structures.
The major contributions to the city’s economy come from tourism, agriculture and mineral industries. The handicraft and cottage industry sectors play an important part in contributing to the growing economy. The city is rich in it’s culture and also keeps up with the modern advancements and changes in lifestyle.
The dynamic and vibrant dances of Bhavai, Ghoomar, Kachchhi Ghodi, Kalbeliya, and Terahtaali add a sparkle to the rich cultural heritage of Udaipur. From dancing puppets, wall decorations, pens, pen stands, traditional lanterns,bags, handmade papers, painted wooden boxes, exquisite pottery, Batik and Bandhani print sarees, Rajasthani Jutis, etc.Udaipur offers a wide variety of Rajasthani delicacies like Dal Baati Choorma, Gatte Ki Sabzi, Pyaaz Kachori, Mirchi Bada, Ghewar, etc.
Udaipur is also famous for film shoots. Many films like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Yaadein, Ram Leela, Guide, Octopussy, etc were shot here.
There are several tourist places in Udaipur like:
City Palace is a large and magnificent palace has beautiful courtyards, terraces,hanging gardens ans so on. We can take a tour of City Palace and visit the City Place Museum where we can see the brilliant work of architecture, exclusiove wall paintings and antqiues.
Lake Pichola is surrounded by huge hills, palaces, temples and bathing ghats. A boat ride is also a wonderful option to enjoy the scenic view around the lake. A sunset boatride gives you a baeutiful view of the palaces with stunning lights in the evening.
The Lake Palace is situated on the island of Jag Niwas in Lake Pichola. It is popular as tourism and wedding destiantions. You can luxurious meal in many restaurants, take a tour of this historic heritage site and also visit the Jagdsih temple nearby.
Bagore Ki Haveli is situated near Pichola Lake. This was concerted into a musuem presenting the culture of Mewar. There are a veriety of antique collections used by Rajputs like jewellery boxes, hand fans, copper vessels and so on. One can witness the muisical and folk dance shows, catch a theatre show at theatre ground, enjoy a puppetry show listen to folk tales and shop for handicrafts, souvenirs and other artwork.
Vintage Car Museum is an awesome place for automobile and car lovers. The museum is a collection of a good many vintage automobile models used by the Mewar dynasty of Udaipur. One can have a traditional Rajasthani Thali at the Garden Hotel, take up a vintage car tour, and visit Gulab Bagh nearby.
Saheliyon Ki Bari is a majestic garden located in one of the shores of Fateh Sagar Lake, Saheliyon-ki-Bari has expensive lawns, shady cool walking lanes and imposing fountains. It is one of the best places in Udaipur to relax.
The Jagdish Temple stands in the City Palace Complex in the city of Udaipur. It is dedicated to preserver of the Universe Lord Vishnu. One can witness the beatiful wall carvings, elephant sculptures and stunning architecture. It is the perfect place for a devotee to find faith and solace.
Shilpgram is a rural arts and craft complex set up to promote traditional arts and crafts of Rajasthan and represents the simplicity of village life. It prvides employment to many rural craftsmen and is a centre of many cultural festivals which are organised here on a regular basis. One can eat at the Shilpi restaurant, shop at Rural Arts and Crafts Complex, enjoy theatre, art or dance showacases at the Amphitheatre and also visit the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctury nearby.
Hathi Pol Bazar is a perfect attraction for shopaholics. One can find a variety of branded and local items including intricately embroidered and colourful block-printed apparel, ethnic silver jewellery, accessories, traditional home decor items, textiles, etc. Hathi Pol Bazar is famous for Miniature paintings, Ichhwai Paintings and hand paintings on silk.
Moti Magri hosts a stunning bronze statue of Maharana Pratap on his beloved horse Chetak as a fitting tribute to Maharan Pratap and his horse Chetak. Situated on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake, this iconic structure is a landmark in the city. One can visit the Moti Mahal Museum, enjoy the light and sound show in the evening, visit the Japanese Rock Garden and also visit the nearby Fateh Sagar Lake and Swaroop Sagar Lake.
There are many other places to visit while in Udaipure like, Monsoon Palace, Eklingji Temple, Doodh Talai Musical garden, Bada Mahal, Sukhadia Circle, The Mansapurna Karni Mata Temple, etc.
Udaipur has well connected ways of travel. One can travel to and from Udaipur by flights. The Maharana Pratap Airport have scheduled flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur. Road travel is also convenient as it well connected with National Highways. One can opt to travel by Rail. There are two railway stations in Udaipur- Udaipur City railway station and Rana Pratap Nagar railway station, both well networked to most of the cities in India like Kolkata, Bangalore, New Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Ajmer, Kota, Agra, etc. The local transport of Udaipur is also convenient when travelling to visit tourist spots. Hiring a cab for a day is a good idea. Travelling via three wheelers is an easy option and relatively cheaper too.
One can visit Udaipur from October to March during the pleasant atmosphere of Winter to explore the city conveniently. July to September is another duration where one can visit Udaipur to witness the Monsoon spirit of the city.
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