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Udaipur � the lake city is an enthralling tourist destination in Rajasthan. It is an important city in Rajasthan today, attracting a large number of tourists. The medieval attractions of the city are its chief draw, but the scenic beauty of Udaipur and its surroundings is also a major attraction for the tourists. There are some beautiful lakes, man made as well as natural that give the city the sobriquet of �the lake city�. Know more about Udaipur to understand the origins, history, and other aspects of this fascinating medieval city in Rajasthan.
History of Udaipur:
The city of Udaipur was founded by the Sisodia ruler Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar, a medieval kingdom in Rajasthan. The Sisodias were hostile towards the newly arrived Mughuls whom they saw as invaders to be thrown out of India. They refused to be subjugated to Mughul might, and did not enter into matrimonial or other alliances like many other Rajput rulers during the reign of Akbar. The clash between the Sisodias and the Mughuls started with Babur who had to defeat Rana Sanga of Mewar to consolidate his position in India. The story took a tragic turn when Akbar defeated the Sisodias and Chittorgarh was sacked. The Sisodias were forced to shift their capital to Udaipur, and remained the headquarters of Mewar till Indian independence.
Tourism in Udaipur:
The tourist attractions in Udaipur include the magnificent palaces, temples, serene lakes and some interesting sites like museums and the crafts village. The city is famous for the three palaces namely The City palace, The Jag Mandir Palace, and the Jag Niwas palace (also known as the lake palace). The city palace is the largest palace in Rajasthan covering an area of 5 acres. Much of it has been converted into a wonderful museum while two of its palaces have been converted into luxury hotels. The lake palace is built on an island amidst the lake Pichola. It is one of the most luxurious hotels in India and presents a fascinating sight when lit up at night. The other tourist attractions in Udaipur include the cenotaphs of the Ranas of Mewar at Ahar, which also has a museum. The Bagore ki haveli is another museum preserving the arts and crafts of Udaipur. Besides Lake Pichola, the Fateh Sagar Lake and the Jaisamand Lake add to the beauty and tranquil ambience of the city. The Jaisamand wildlife sanctuary is a wonderful wildlife destination near Udaipur.
There are several religious spots in and around the city. These include the Jagdish temple, the Eklingji temple complex the Saas Bahu temples at Nagda, and the Srinathji temple at Nathdwara.
Shilpagram is an interesting tourist spots in Udaipur. It is a venture meant to promote and save the indigenous arts and crafts of the region. Saheliyon ki Bari is a beautiful park decorated with fountains and trees, and should be visited during tours of the city.
Shopping:
The bazaars in the old, walled part of the city are still bustling with activity and offer a wonderful opportunity to soak in the ambience of the city. The major shopping centers are the Chetak circle, Baapu bazaar, Palace road, and Shastri circle. You can get a large number of interesting articles here that would make fine souvenirs. These include carved stone items, miniature paintings, pottery, silver and golden jewelry, antiques, and colorful puppets.
With all this and much more to offer, Udaipur-the lake city promises to be a great destination for your next vacation.
Learn more about Udaipur � the lake city in touristplacesinindia.com which offers information about the tourist destinations in India.
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