Sightseeing in Udaipur, India

Lake Palace

Lake Palace was built by Maharana Jagat Singh II (1628-52) as a summer palace to escape the heat of Jaipur. Undoubtedly the most familiar and photogenic feature of Udaipur, the palace is indeed a reverie in pure white marble. Formerly called Jag Mandir, the palace is an amazing confection of delicate columns, filigreed screens, cupolas and fountains. Now converted as a luxury hotel, you can visit the palace for lunch or afternoon tea.

Jag Mandir

Jag Mandir, another island palace in the Lake Pichola was built by Karan Singh in 1615. It derives its name from Jagat Singh who added to the initial structure. It was never used for the purpose for it was built. This palace was used to provide shelter to the Mughal prince Khurum (later Emperor Shah Jahan) who rebelled against his emperor father Jahangir, in the 1620s. Jahangir was succeeded by Shah Jahan who was still in Udaipur at the time of his father's death. During the 1857 Mutiny this island palace once again served as a safe haven for European women and children.

City Palace

Udaipur's fascinating City Palace is the largest royal complex in Rajasthan. Standing on a rocky promontory the palace has balconies, towers and cupolas and presents a wonderful view of the lake and the city. The complex has eleven constituent mahals (palaces), constructed by successive maharanas during the three hundred years that followed the foundation of Udaipur in 1559. Added to this, Crystal Gallery and Durbar Hall within the complex is spectacular. Explore them for their mosaics, miniatures, mirror work and motifs.

Sahelion Ki Bari

The "garden of the maids of honour", Sahelion-ki-Bari was designed and laid out early in the eighteenth century as a retreat for ladies of the royal household to spend their time in leisure. The lotus pool, fountains, lawns, flowerbeds, and marble pavilions all combine to make it a captivating place.

Jagdish Temple

Built in 1651 A.D. by Maharana Jagat Singh, this Indo-Aryan temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a manifestation of Vishnu. The largest and the most beautiful temple of Udaipur, it is always seething with constant activity and noted for its beautiful sculpted images and towering shikhara.

Fateh Sagar

West of Sahelion-ki-Bari is Fateh Sagar, a lake built by Maharana Fateh Singh. It is bordered by sharp hills and a canal built at the beginning of the twentieth century connects it to the Lake Pichola. In the middle of the lake is Nehru Park, a popular garden island with a boat-shaped cafe.

Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandir

Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandir is home to an attractive collection of folk dresses, puppets, ornaments, dolls, masks, folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings. The museum is the best place for those interested in puppetry. Short amusing puppet shows are staged throughout the day. In addition, the museum runs short courses in puppet making and theatre.

Sajjangarh

Dominating the skyline of Udaipur is the "Monsoon Palace" of Sajjangarh. Deserted by the royal family soon after its construction in 1880 due to the impossibility of pumping water to the palace, it offers an unrivalled view of the city's lakes, palaces and the surrounding countryside.