Udaipur is also known as City of Lakes. It is located on the banks of Chandrabhaga River in Spiti and Lahaul districts of Himachal Pradesh. This is most sacred place to Buddhists and Hindus. Earlier name of Udaipur is Markul as in this located a Markula Devi temple is located. She is incarnation of Goddess Durga. Later in 1695 AD, Markul is renamed as Udaipur in the honour of King Udai Singh of Chamba.
Udaipur is the best place to see Hindu and Tibetan style of architecture. Temple in this place is constructed with stone and wood. On the outside walls of the temples carvings of Kinnaras, Yakshas, Ganga, Sun god, Navgrahas, Lord Vishnu can be seen. Pauri is the most famous festival in Udaipur.
What to see in Udaipur:
Lake Palace: It is a luxury hotel. This is located on 4 acres rock on the Jag Niwas Island in Lake Pichola, Udaipur. There are 83 rooms in this hotel. It is having white marbel walls.
City Palace: In 1559, this was built by Maharana Udai Singh. This complex consists of several small palaces. It was built in Flamboyant style.
Lake Pichola: It is an artificial fresh water lake which was created in 1362 AD. Within this lake 4 islands are located. They are Jag Mandir, Mohan Mandir, Arsi Vilas and Jag Niwas.
Fateh Sagar Lake: It is an artificial Lake constructed in 1678 by Maharana. It is one of the 4 lakes of Udaipur. Other 3 are Jaisamand Lake, Udai Sagar Lake, and Lake Pichola.
Jagmandir Island Palace: This was constructed in 17th century. Now this is completely redeveloped to host 21st century guests.
Jagdish Temple: This is largest Hindu temple built in 1651. Other name of this temple is Jagannath Rai and Jagdish –Ji. It attaches to double stored Mandapa to double story Saandhara.
Saheliyon Ki Bari: This was built by Maharana Bhopal Singh. It is the largest garden consists of marbel elephants, lotus pool, kiosks, Fountains.
Gulab Bagh and Zoo: Innumerable varieties of roses can be seen here. It is 4th oldest zoo in semi continent. Garden consists of Lotus pond and several trees such as citron, guava, mangoes etc…
Other places to visit in Udaipur: Other places to visit in Udaipur are Moti Magri, Shiv Niwas Palace, and Monsoon Palace.
What to see around Udaipur:
Nathdwara: Nathdwara means gateway to Lord Devotees. It is famous for Pichwai Paintings. It is located 48 kms away from Udaipur.
Eklingji: It is located 23 kms away from Udaipur. It is a temple complex consists of 108 temples. These are constructed with marbles and sandstones.
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary: It is located 101 kms away from Udaipur. Large varieties of wild animals such as nilgai, smabhar, jungle cat, jackal etc can be seen here.
Getting to Udaipur: This is well connected with road and railways. From all the major cities like Indore, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai etc… buses and trains are available. Nearest airport is Dabok Airport.
Getting around Udaipur: Buses, taxis, private cabs are available to visit the places around Udaipur.
Best time to visit Udaipur: Between July to September visitors are requested to come to place. Rohtang Pass which serves as entrance to Udaipur will be closed in the remaining months as it is covered with snow.
Where to stay in Udaipur: Plenty of hotels are available to stay in Udaipur. Best hotels are Hotel Aashiya Haveli, Taj Lake Palace, Hotel Sarovar, and Ram Pratap Palace.
Where to eat in Udaipur: Plenty of restaurants are available to eat in Udaipur. Best restaurants are Green Chilly restaurant, Lal Bagh Restaurants, Sheraton Udaipur Palace Resort and Spa.