Udaipur

This article is about the municipality in Rajasthan, India. For its namesake district, see Udaipur district. For other uses, see Udaipur (disambiguation). For the history of the entire region, see Mewar.

Udaipur (Template:Lang-raj) (उदयपुर), also known as the City of Lakes, is a city, a Municipal Council and the administrative headquarters of the Udaipur district in the state of Rajasthan in western India. It is located 403 kilometres (250 mi) southwest of the state capital, Jaipur, 248 kilometres (154 mi) west of Kota, and 250 kilometres (155 mi) northeast from Ahmedabad. Udaipur was the historic capital of the former kingdom of Mewar in Rajputana Agency.

Apart from its history, culture, and scenic locations, it is also known for its Rajput-era palaces. The Lake Palace, for instance, covers an entire island in the Pichola Lake. Many of the palaces have been converted into luxury hotels. It is often called the "Venice of the East" and is also nicknamed the "Lake City". Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar in this city are considered some of the most beautiful lakes in the state.

History

Main article: Udaipur State

Statue of Maharana Pratap of Mewar, commemorating the Battle of Haldighati.

Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the final capital of the erstwhile Mewar kingdom, located to the southwest of Nagda, on the Banas River, the first capital of the Mewar kingdom. Legend has it that Maharana Udai Singh II came upon a hermit while hunting in the foothills of the Aravalli Range. The hermit blessed the king and asked him to build a palace on the spot, assuring him it would be well protected. Udai Singh II consequently established a residence on the site. In 1568 the Mughal emperor Akbar captured the fort of Chittor, and Udai Singh moved the capital to the site of his residence, which became the city of Udaipur.

As the Mughal empire weakened, the Sisodia ranas, and later maharanas (also called the Guhilots or Suryavansh), who had always tried to oppose Mughal dominance, reasserted their independence and recaptured most of Mewar except for Chittor. Udaipur remained the capital of the state, which became a princely state of British India in 1818. Being a mountainous region and unsuitable for heavily armoured Mughal horses, Udaipur remained safe from Mughal influence in spite of much pressure. The rajvansh of Udaipur is the oldest running dynesty of the world. Even the Nepal kingdom, Jammu are originated from udaipur.

Geography and climate

Udaipur is located at 24.58°N 73.68°E / 24.58; 73.68. It has an average elevation of 598.00 metres (1,962 ft). It is located in the southern region of Rajasthan and is close to Gujarat. It has five major lakes, which are under restoration with funds provided by the National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) of the Government of India:

• Fateh Sagar Lake
• Rangsagar Lake
• Pichola Lake
• Swaroopsagar Lake
• Dudh Talai Lake
• Udaisagar Lake

Udaipur Panorama from Jag Mandir Island

Udaipur's autumn / winter climate is the most appealing time to pay her a visit. Tourists arrive in numbers, anytime between mid-September to late March or early April. Even in January, the coldest month, the days are bright, sunny and warm with maximum temperature around 28.3 °C (82.9 °F). Mornings, evenings and nights are cold with minimum temperature around 11.6 °C (52.9 °F) especially if there is a slight breeze in the air.

Economy

Tourism

Udaipur is a popular tourist destination in India. The lakes, palaces and lively workspaces and culture attract foreign and domestic visitors. It is a favourite marriage destination. Many celebrities, including film stars, business families, politicians chose Udaipur to hold marriage ceremonies and parties.

City palace complex

The Udaipur Palace Complex at night

City Palace

Jagdish Temple

Sajjangarh Palace flood-lit during late evening

Nehru Garden on an island in Fatah Sagar Lake

Udaipur Bathing Ghat

Jag Mandir

Lake Palace

File:Sukhadia circle.jpg

Sukhadia Circle at Night

City Palace, Udaipur

Main article: City Palace, Udaipur

Standing on the east bank of Lake Pichola is a massive series of palaces built at different times from 1559. The balconies of the palace provide panoramic views of the "Jag Niwas" (the Lake Palace Hotel). They also have views of Jag Mandir on one side and the city of Udaipur on the other. Its main entrance is through the triple-arched gate - the Tripolia, built in 1725. The way now leads to a series of courtyards, overlapping parations, terraces, corridors and gardens. There is a Suraj Gokhda, where the maharanas of Mewar presented themselves in the times of trouble to the people to restore confidence. The Mor-chowk (Peacock courtyard), gets its name from the mosaics in glass decorating its walls. The chini chitrashala is noteworthy while a series of wall paintings of Krishna are on display in Bhim Vilas. There are numerous other palaces such as Dilkhush mahal, Sheesh mahal, Moti mahal and Krishna vilas - in memory of a princess of striking beauty who poisoned herself to avert a bloody battle for her hand by rival princes. Now the palace contains many antique articles, paintings, decorative furniture and utensils and attracts thousands of visitors every day.

The former guesthouse of the city palace, Shiv Niwas Palace and the Fateh Prakash Palace have been converted into heritage hotels.

Lake Palace

Main article: Lake Palace

The Lake Palace was built in 1743-1746. It is made of marble and is situated on Jag Niwas island in Lake Pichola. It was originally built as a royal summer palace, but is now a luxury 5 Star hotel, operating under the "Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces" banner.

Jag Mandir

Main article: Jag Mandir

Jag Mandir is another island in Lake Pichola which is known for its garden courtyard. Shah Jahan took refuge here while revolting against his father. There is a restaurant run by the HRH group of hotels.

Monsoon Palace

Main article: Monsoon Palace

Monsoon Palace also known as Sajjan Garh Palace The summer resort of the Maharajas is atop the hill overlooking all of the lakes. This palace had a way to collect rain water for consumption all year around.

Jagdish Temple

The Jagdish Temple is a large Hindu temple in the middle of Udaipur. It was built by Maharana Jagat Singh I^st in 1651 A.D. It is an example of Indo - Aryan architecture. This temple is a great example of architecture and art. The area is the main tourist place in the city. You can also find some special kind of things like rajasthani dress, paintings etc.

Fateh Sagar Lake

Main article: Fatah Sagar Lake

Fateh Sagar Lake is situated in the north of Lake Picholas. It was originally built by Maharana Jai Singh in the year 1678 AD, but later on reconstructed and extended by Maharana Fateh Singh after much destruction was caused by heavy rains. In 1993-1994, the water vanished from the lake, but in 2005-2006, the lake regained its water.

Lake Pichola

Main article: Lake Pichola

Lake Pichola has two islands, Jag Niwas and the Jag Mandir. This lake is 4 km long and 3 km wide, originally built by Maharana Udai Singh II. There are many ghats, like the bathing and washing ghats, which can be approached through boats from the City Palace of Udaipur (Bansi Ghat). In the heart of the lake the Lake Palace stands, which is now converted into a heritage palace hotel. The lake remains fairly shallow even during heavy rains, and gets dry easily in times of severe drought.

Saheliyon-ki-Bari

Main article: Saheliyon-ki-Bari

Sahelion ki Bari was laid for a group of forty-eight young women attendants who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of her dowry. The gardens set below the embankment of the Fatah Sagar Lake have lotus pools, marble pavilions and elephant-shaped fountains. These fountains are fed by the water of the lake gushing through ducts made for the purpose.

Gulab Bagh and Zoo

Main article: Gulab Bagh and Zoo

A rose garden laid out by Maharaja Sajjan Singh is situated near the palace on the east side of Lake Pichhola. A library in the garden has a collection of ancient handwritten manuscripts and books. Some of the part of the Satyarth Prakash have been written in this library. Styarth Prakash stup is situated in Gulab Bagh. Within the garden, there is a zoo with tigers, leopards, Chinkara gazelle, birds, and many wild animals. Children can enjoy mini train, track of which covers the main part of the garden and the zoo.

Doodh Talai

A rock and fountain garden and the sunset point from which one can enjoy the sunset view in Lake Pichhola and a panoramic view of the old city. Also one can enjoy the Aerial tramway (rope way) which connects one of the dudh talai gardens to Karni Mata temple.

Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal

A museum of folk arts. It also hosts puppet shows in its auditorium.

Maharana Pratap Memorial or Moti Magri

Atop the Moti Magri or Pearl Hill, overlooking the Fatah Sagar Lake is the memorial of the Rajput hero Maharana Pratap with a bronze statue of the Maharana astride his favourite horse "Chetak".

Bohara Ganesh Ji

This temple is situated near old railway station (Thokar) and M L S University. This is old and famous Ganesh Temple with standing statue of Shree Ganesh Ji considered very fruitful (Chamatkarik).Thousands of Bhaktas(devotees) come here every Wednesday.

Nehru Garden

This is a park situated in the middle of Fatah Sager Lake. This park covers about 41 acres (170,000 m²), with flower gardens and a lily pond. It was inaugurated on the birth anniversary of the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. The garden overlooks the ancient Moti Mahal of Maharana Pratap and gives a view of the Aravalli hills on three sides.

Bagore-ki-Haveli

This is an old building built right on the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangori Ghat. The haveli now stages Rajasthani traditional dance and music.

Ahar Museum

Main article: Ahar Cenotaphs

Located about 2 km east of Udaipur is a cluster of cenotaphs of the Maharanas of Mewar. There are about nineteen cenotaphs of Maharanas cremated there. One cenotaph is that Maharana Amar Singh, who reigned from 1597 to 1620. Nearby is also Ahar Museum, where on display is limited but very rare earthen pottery, as well as some sculptures and other archaeological finds. Some pieces date back to 1700 BC, and a tenth-century metal figure of Buddha is a special attraction.

Shilpgram

A crafts village located northwest of Udaipur, Shilpgram hosts an annual crafts fair which is one of the biggest in India; people from different states in the country have stalls showcasing their art and crafts work.

Neemach Mata Temple

This temple is located on a green hill in the Dewali area of Udaipur. It has both stairs and an uphill slope way to climb, which is around 800 meters.Bellow this area is located new bohra colony named as Burhani Nagar,and a new Masjid is named as Burhani Masjid.This area is very peaceful,very near to Saheleion ki badi and Fateh Sager.

Udaipur Solar Observatory

Main article: Udaipur Solar Observatory

Asia's only solar observatory, the Udaipur Solar Observatory, is situated on an island in the middle of the Lake Fatah Sagar.

Sukhadia Circle

Sukhadia Circle (Square) is a large roundabout in the city's northern suburb of Panchwati, on the road to Ranakpur and Mt. Abu. The Circle is a popular recreational centre and meeting place.

Status of Shiva (45, eastern). The beautiful and BHAHIM village "Menar" between Udaipur and Chittor. This Status is on bank of Bhram Sagar and giving bless to all villager

Demographics

According to the 2011 India census, Udaipur has a population of 3067549, Urban = 571178, Rural = 2496371, making it the fourth largest city of Rajasthan. Males constitute 53 percent of the population and females 47 percent. Udaipur has an average literacy rate of 77 percent, the national average is 79 percent: male literacy is 83 percent and female literacy is 72 percent.

As per 2011 census

• Area profile of Udaipur (M CI) town of Udaipur district, Rajasthan state
• Number of households 78,557 Average household size (per household) 5.0
• Population-total 389,438 Proportion of urban population (%) 100
• Population-rural 0 Sex ratio 897
• Population-urban 389438 Sex ratio(0-6 Year) 879
• Population(0-6Years) 48,241 Sex ratio (SC) 921
• SC population 36,879 Sex ratio (ST) 798
• ST population 18,553 Proportion of SC (%) 9.0
• Literates 296,893 Proportion of ST (%) 5.0
• Illiterates 92,545 Literacy rate (%) 87.0
• Total workers 123,560 Work participation rate (%) 32.0
• Main worker 114,980 % of main workers 30.0
• Marginal worker 8,580 % of marginal worker 2.0
• Non worker 265,878 % of non workers 68.0
• CL (Main+marginal) 711 Proportion of CL (%) 1.0
• Al (Main+marginal) 574 Proportion of AL (%) 0.0
• HHI (Main+marginal) 6,975 Proportion of HHI (%) 6.0
• OW (Main+marginal) 115,300 Proportion of OW (%) 93.0

Culture

City seen from the Palace

Udaipur in popular culture

Udaipur was named Best City of the World in 2009 by Travel + Leisure. Udaipur is also known as the "Venice of the East", and the Kashmir of Rajasthan. It is claimed that Jag Mandir of Udaipur was the inspiration behind Shahjahan's creation of the Taj Mahal.

Udaipur is mentioned under the spelling Oodeypore in Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book as the birthplace of Bagheera, the fictional panther in the king's Menagerie.

Indian sections of the James Bond film Octopussy were filmed in the city, the Lake Palace, and the Monsoon Palace. The nearby desert was the backdrop of the remarkable rescue of Octopussy (Maud Adams) by Bond (Roger Moore) from an aeroplane being flown by the villainous Kamal Khan (Louis Jourdan) and Gobinda (Kabir Bedi), which resulted in Gobinda falling to his death and (after Bond and Octopussy escaped) Khan being killed when he lost control of his aeroplane and crashing it into a ravine.

Some scenes from the British television series The Jewel in the Crown were filmed in Udaipur. The Disney channel film, The Cheetah Girls One World, was shot in Udaipur in January 2008.

Additional non-Indian movies/TV serials filmed in Udaipur include: Darjeeling Limited, Opening Night, Heat and Dust, Indische Ring, Inside 'Octopussy', James Bond in India, Gandhi, and The Fall.

Hindi movies filmed in Udaipur have included: Guide, Mera Saaya, Phool Bane Angaray, Kachche Dhagey, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Jalmahal, Yaadein, Return of the thief of the bagdad, Eklavya: The Royal Guard, Dhamaal, Jis Des Mai Ganga Rahta Hai, Chalo Ishq Ladaaye, Fiza, Gaddaar, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Khuda Gawah, Kundan, Nandini, Saajan ka Ghar. In addition, many Bollywood films' songs were filmed in Udaipur. Udaipur is also the setting of Star Plus's hit serial Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. TV serials Swayamber of Rakhi Sawant and Swayambar of Rahul Mahajan on NDTV Imagine also filmed here at Hotel Fatehgarh. A hit historical show by Contiloe Telefilms named "Maharana Pratap" on Star Plus is shooting in that place. The pop Star Shakira performed in a party on 15 November 2011 of real estate tycoon owner of DLF Kush Pal Singh.The Party was held in Jag Mandir Palace

Places nearby

• Nathdwara - Shri Nathdwara (a pathway to Lord Shri Krishna) lies 48 km from Udaipur and literally means the gateway to the Lord. Devotees throng the shrine in large numbers during occasions of "Janmashtmi", the day of the Lord's birth, and other festivals like Holi. It is famous for its 'pichwai paintings, with Shri Krishna in the centre and is recognized for profuse use of gold colour.
• Ranakpur - A village that is home to one of the most important Jain temples. 1400+ marble pillars support the temple. Opposite the Jain temple is the much older Sun Temple. Located in Pali District, 110 km north of Udaipur.
• Chittorgarh- About 112 km from Udaipur, Chittorgarh was the capital of Mewar from 734 AD to 1559. Chittorgarh Fort is a massive fort situated on a hilltop near Chittorgarh town in Rajasthan state in India.
• Haldighati - A mountain pass in Rajsamand District that hosted the battle between Rana Pratap Singh of Mewar and the Mughal emperor Akbar. Now a memorial site.
• Kumbhalgarh - A 15th-century fortress, built by Rana Kumbha of Mewar, with 36 kilometres of walls. Over 360 temples are within the fort. It also has a wildlife sanctuary. Located in Rajsamand District, 64 km from Udaipur. The vista from the top of the palace typically extends tens of kilometers into the Aravalli hills.
• Mount Abu - A popular tourist hill station.
• Eklingji - Eklingji is a temple complexes situated nearly 22 km in the north of Udaipur. It was built in 734 A.D. and consists of 108 temples chiseled out of sandstone and marbles; it is devoted to the royal family of Mewar.
• Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the most rugged of the Aravali in Pali, Rajsamand and Udaipur districts of Rajasthan. It takes its name after the historic fort of Kumbhalgarh, which comes into view over the Park. It is 578 km² in area and at an altitude of 500 to 1,300 metres. It is home to a very large variety of wildlife, some of which are highly endangered species. The wildlife includes wolf, leopards, sloth bear, hyena, jackal, jungle cat, smabhar, nilgai, chaisingh (the four horned antelope), chinkara, and hare.
• Kankroli and Rajsamand Lake: Dwarakadish Temple, Nau Choukiya, JK Tyre factory
• Rishabhdeo: also known as "Kesariya ji" or "Kala Baoji" Famous Jain pilgrimage center sacred to Jains and local tribals, local name is Dhulev.
• Jagat: known as Khajuraho of Rajasthan, famous for Jagadambeshwari Durga temple.
• Bambora: fort and Idana mata temple nearby.
• Jaisamand Lake: second biggest man-made lake in the Asia.Very picturesque and beautiful lake has many inhabitable islands.
• Udaisagar Lake
• Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary: It is said that Sita spend her exile period here in Guru Valmiki ashram, here are many palces related to Sita and Luv-Kush. Sita also go into mother Earth's lap here it is near Bansi, Barisadri and Dhariyawad, famous for flying squirrel, teak forest, tiger and very big fair of Sitamata is also organized every year in May. Jakham dam is alsoinside this sanctuary.
• Baneshwar:120 km from Udaipur on Banswara road near Sabla, Jakham, Som and Mahi river are merged here, every year Kumbh for Aadiwasi's in January month organiged.
• Galiakot (Mazar-e-Seyadi Fakhruddun Shaheed)
• Dungarpur: Gap sagar, city palace
• Banswara:Mahi dam and Tripura Sundari temple
• Chawand -The Third Capital of Mewar and also the place where Great Maharana Pratap spent his last 21 years.
• Bandoli: near Chawand, Maharana Pratap's canopy is situated here
• Mayaro ki Gufa; Rana Pratap used to keep his arms and ammunitions here.
• Molela - A village near Haldi Ghati famous for its red pottery "terracota".
• Kamal Nath- near Jhadol, it is said that Ravana the demon king of Lanka worshiped here of Lord Shiva and offer his head instead of lotus flower to God. Rana Pratap also stayed here for some time after Haldighati war.
• Matrikundia: it is known as Prayag of Mewar, holi place near Rashmi on Banas river bank.
• Sanwaliaji Temple: 70 km east from Udaipur famous krishna temple.
• Avari Mata temple: 80 km in east from Udaipur
• Jhakham Dam: in Sita mata century
• Salumber: fort, pond, temples, famous for Hadi Rani's sacrifice.
• Charbhuja ji: at Gadbor village in Rajsamand district, one of the char-dham of Mewar, 90 km in north from Udaipur.
• Sardar garh: fort and lotus (Kamal) shaped Alakh mandir [self-realization place of Mahatma Bhuri Bai]
• Laksmanpura: famous for Ram Jharokha,village of notable saint Sri Guman Singh ji, 25 km east from Udaipur
• Nauwa: near Khemli 20 km from udaipur, self -realization place for yogivirya Baoji Chatur Singh ji Mewar.
• Bemla: famous for Kurabadia Bheruji, beautiful land-scape, Bemleshwar mahadev, dhuni.
• Tidi Dam: 40 km in south of Udaipur near Jawarmines
• Som Kagdar Dam: 65 km in South of Udaipur and near Kherwara
• Som-Kamala-Amba Dam: near Aaspur
• Nandeshwar ji: 11 km south-west from Udaipur on Jhadol road.
• Ubeshwar ji:19 km west from Udaipur
• Mansi Wakal dam: 60 km from Udaipur
• Keleshwar Mahadeo: 29 km west of Udaipur
• Jhameshwar Mahadeo: 22 km in south of Udaipur, mahadeo temple, Ambika mata temple, water fall and picnic spot
• Baghdada:Crocodile park and habitate center, 12 kn south of Udaipur

Sports

Cricket is the most popular sports in Udaipur. Other popular sports include football, hockey, tennis, badminton, archery, etc. Luv Kush Indoor Stadium is generally used for the indoor sports especially Badminton and TT. Mahrana Bhupal Singh Stadium is a multi purpose stadium used for organizing matches of football, cricket and other sports. The lakes provide an opportunity for water sports.

For Encouraging Sports in the city and even for encouraging International Sports in this ‘City of Lakes’.A step has been put forward by establishing ‘Khel Gaon (village)’or Maharana pratap khel Gaon in Chitrakoot Nagar. It would be committed to 12 sports presently like Basketball , Volleyball , Tennis , Kho-Kho , Kabaddi , Handball , Archery , Rifle shooting , Judo – Karate, Boxing , Swimming , Squash. The mam stadium will have the work done of about 7.53 crores. At present it would have a capacity of including 15000 visitors.

Education

Main article: Schools in Udaipur, Rajasthan

Udaipur has a well-established education infrastructure. There are number of universities, colleges and schools meeting the requirements of not only the city but the region and country as well. The main universities in Udaipur include IIM Udaipur, Mohan Lal Sukhadia University, Sir Padampat Singhania University and Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology. Other educational institutes include RNT Medical College, Bhupal Nobles' College, J.R.N.Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, Techno India NJR Institute of Technology,Cambridge Classes Pvt Ltd etc.

Media

Newspapers in Udaipur include Hindi dailies as Rajasthan Patrika, Dainik Bhaskar, Navbharat Times, and English dailies such as The Times of India, The Economic Times, The Hindustan Times, The Hindu, etc. The state-owned All India Radio is broadcast both on the Medium Wave and FM bands (101.9 MHz) in the city. It competes with Three private local FM stations — Big FM (92.7 MHz), My FM (94.3 MHz) by Bhaskar Group, Radio Tadka [95 MHz]. The public broadcaster Doordarshan (Prasar Bharati) provide a regional channel besides the mainstay channels. DTH is gaining popularity over private cable operators for television viewing. The city's telephone services are provided by landline and mobile operators such as BSNL, Reliance CDMA & Reliance GSM, Airtel, MTS, Tata Docomo, Aircel, Vodafone, Idea and Tata Indicom.

Transport

Udaipur is well connected to the major cities of India by land, rail and air.

Air

Dabok airport, also known as Maharana Pratap Airport, is situated in a satellite town about 20 kilometres from Udaipur. Daily Indian Airlines flights connect Udaipur with Jodhpur, Jaipur, Mumbai and Delhi. There are daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur on Jet Airways, Indian Airlines and Kingfisher Airlines. The new airport has been constructed by the Airport Authority of India and will be upgraded to international airport status by 2011.

Rail

Udaipur City has direct trains on the broad gauge network to most of the major cities in Rajasthan and the rest of India such as Jaipur, Kota, Chittorgarh, Ajmer, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Indore, Bhopal, and Gwalior and a metre gauge network to Ahmedabad. One of India's most famous and luxurious trains, The Palace on Wheels, makes a scheduled stop in Udaipur. There is a BG line from Chittaurgarh to Udaipur City via Mavli Jn.

Road

The city lies on the Golden Quadrilateral National Highway (NH) 8, midway between Delhi and Mumbai, located around 700 kilometres from either city. The East West Corridor which starts from Porbandar and ends at Silchar passes and is intersecting the Golden Quadrilateral and shares the common space from Udaipur to Chittor. The roads in this part of the country are paved and fit for private vehicles. One can either drive from Jaipur (around 6 hours via Chittorgarh) or Surat (9 hours), or take a Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) bus from Bikaner House, India Gate in Delhi.rajasthan roadways

Local transport

Unmetered taxis, auto rickshaws, tongas, and regular city bus services are available for Udaipur City main roads to Dabok Airport, Badi Lake, and Bedala. City bus route number 1 runs from Badgaon to Hiran Magri and route number 2 runs from Rampura to Dabok.

Udaipur panorama with dried Lake Pichola

Fateh Sagar Lake

References

• "Udaipur State (also called Mewar)". The Imperial Gazetteer of India. 1909. p. 85.
• Masters, Brian (1990). Maharana: the story of the rulers of Udaipur. ISBN 0944142281. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |pubisher= ignored (|publisher= suggested) (help)

External links

• Udaipur District Govt website
• Template:Wikitravel