Udaipur offers a historical spectacle guaranteed to wow every visitor with its undeniable architectural beauty and captivating cultural energy. This city draws visitors from all over the world since it is situated in the Indian state of Rajasthan, on the southern slope of the magnificent Aravalli hills. After being established in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II, Udaipur served historically as the Mewar Kingdom’s capital. While lakes and the surrounding soothe your spirit and promise a refreshing stay, the palaces, huge gardens, museums, and cultural performances offer a glimpse of its rich past. The titles that have been given to Udaipur reveal the enchantment that it possesses. Here is the list to the places to visit in Udaipur for the travelling architects.
1. Jag Mandir | Places to Visit in Udaipur
Jag mandir, also known as ‘lake garden palace’, was built from 1620 to1652 on lake Pichola. A few structures inside the Jag Mandir complex include the Gul Mahal, garden courtyard, Datikhana, Bara Patharon Ka Mahal, Zenana Mahal, and Kunwar Pada Ka Mahal. It was constructed in the Rajput architectural style. A story attached to Jag mandir was that Prince Khurram revolted against his father, Emperor Jahangir, and became Emperor Shah Jahan; he was offered refuge here. The Palace had such a profound effect on Emperor Shah Jahan that it later served as the model for The Taj Mahal, one of the most spectacular Wonders of the World.
2. Ahar Museum and Ahar Cenotaphs
Ahar Museum is a royal cremation area with around 372 cenotaphs. The most recent cenotaphs were built in 2004 in memory of the last Maharaja of Udaipur – Bhagwat Singh. A tiny yet unique collection of clay pottery may be seen at the museum. Additionally, you may look at sculptures and artefacts, some of which date as far back as 1700 BC. The main draw in this area is a metal Buddha statue from the 10th century.
3. City Palace | Places to Visit in Udaipur
The City Palace complex, constructed of granite and marble, is impressive for its flawless fusion of Chinese, European, and Medieval architecture. The complex’s several palaces are shown wonderfully behind the 100 feet high and 801 feet long facade that was expertly constructed on the Lake Pichola ridge.
The 22 generations of Sisodia Rajputs constructed the City Palace complex, which is located at the height of 1,962 feet, over a protracted period of time beginning in the year 1559. The building of this spectacular edifice has received major support from Udai Singh II and subsequent Maharanas. The ensemble consists of 11 miniature palaces and other uniformly designed buildings.
4. Monsoon Palace
Also known as Sajjangarh Palace, the Monsoon Palace is made of magnificent white marble, situated on a Bandara peak of the Aravalli range, which rises 3100 feet above sea level. The marble pillars that support the Fort’s foundation are intricately carved with floral and leafy designs. Lime mortar was used for plastering the palace walls. There is a sizable centre court, a magnificent staircase, and several rooms and quarters. The Fort features tall towers with soldiers watching each one of them. The wonderful works of Rajasthani architecture surrounding the palaces are the domes, fountains, and jharokhas.
5. Lake Palace | Places to Visit in Udaipur
Taj Lake Palace, formerly known as Jag Niwas, served as Maharana Jagat Singh III of the Mewar dynasty’s luxurious retreat. The Taj Lake Palace is situated in the middle of Lake Pichola in a superb location. The Taj Lake Palace, an 18th-century historic lodging in the City of Lakes that offers an ethereal experience of the era of kings and queens, stands tall and gorgeous in the middle of the lake.
6. Jagdish Temple
This three-story temple is situated on a high platform and boasts wonderfully carved pillars, expansive, light-filled halls, and painted walls with bright decorations. Two enormous stone elephant sculptures have been placed at the entryway to greet guests. The stone slab at the entrance has writing etched on it. The inscription was put in place by Mahara Jagat Singh to commemorate his contributions to the temple.
7. Bagore Ki Haveli
Bagore ki Haveli is a magnificent collection of sizable courtyards, balconies, jharokhas, ornamental archways, cupolas, and a fountain that reflects the aristocratic lifestyle of the Mewar. The Haveli’s interiors, which number about 138, are exquisitely embellished with mirrorwork. Beautiful mural murals and captivating glasswork decorate Haveli’s walls. The royal family has several chambers that are worth appreciating for their exquisite craftsmanship. For its magnificent architecture and expert craftsmanship, the Bagore ki Haveli would be a must-see for every architect.
8. Shilpgram | Places to Visit in Udaipur
Every traditional village home or hut has a unique design that reflects the history and culture of the state it is meant to represent. To symbolize the idea of “Unity in Diversity,” the artists’ working cottages are built next to one another. There are around 26 huts, including seven from Gujarat, five from Rajasthan, five from Maharashtra, and five each from Goa. The little homes are constructed from mud and other natural materials to accurately depict the ethnic variety of India’s western regions. The hut gives working residents a place to work, making the neighbourhood much livelier.
9. Vintage Car Museum
The old Mewar State Motor Garage, which doubles as a museum, is where the impressive collection of automobiles is kept. A significantly wider courtyard surrounds the forecourt of a semi-circular auto garage. You’ll be astounded to see how well the automobiles have been kept. Late-1900s automobiles are still maintained spotless.
10. Ambrai Ghat | Places to Visit in Udaipur
This Ghat, formerly known as Manjhi Ghat, has unquestionably taken up permanent residence in the hearts of people, particularly the young. The Ambrai Ghat is the entrance to a delightful adventure that departs from the historic alleyways of Udaipur’s “Old City.”
11. Dudh talai
The Dudh Talai Musical Garden is the ideal illustration of modern Rajasthani architecture. Along with Manikya Lal Verma Garden, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Park, and Karni Mata Temple, Dudh Talai Musical Garden is one of the lake’s three main attractions. It is surrounded by little hillocks.
12. Eklingji Temple
Eklingji Temple is well constructed. The temple has two stories, a massive pyramidal roof, and an exquisitely carved tower, all of which add to its splendour. The Ekalinga Mahatmya, a historical work produced in the 15th century, contains information about the history of the Eklingji Temple. The scripture claims that the first temple was erected in 734 AD by king Bappa Rawal. The idol is built of black stone and is roughly 50 feet tall. The four-faced image represents Lord Shiva in four distinct guises. Surya (the sun) is recognized on the eastern side, Lord Brahma (the ultimate creator) on the western side, Lord Vishnu (the highest deity) on the northern side, and Rudra on the southern side (the mightiest of the mighty).
13. Lake Pichola | Places to Visit in Udaipur
Maharana Udai Singh was so mesmerized by the alluring lake that he founded the city of Udaipur right there on its shores. By constructing a dam on the lake’s edge, Maharana Udai Singh is credited with significantly increasing the lake. The lake’s environs thereafter saw the development of a number of islands, palaces, temples, residences, and bathing ghats over time, enhancing its allure.
14. Saheliyon ki Bari
The Saheliyon Ki Bari is adorned with marble elephants, carved kiosks, and several fountains in each of its four swimming pools. The lotus lakes and bird fountains are two of the garden’s many notable features. One white marble kiosk in the middle and four black marble kiosks in each of the four corners adorn the garden’s central reservoir. These kiosks’ tops are decorated with sculptured figures of birds that shoot water from their beaks to simulate rain. Saheliyon Ki Bari, also known as the Garden of Maidens, is an exotic beauty that has been kept to this day thanks to the marble throne, 2000 crystalline fountains positioned in practically every garden corner, the lotus flower pool, water sprinklers, birds, and elephants.
15. Sahastra Bahu Temple | Places to Visit in Udaipur
A collection of five to ten tiny shrines to different Gods and Goddesses make up Sahastra Bahu Temple. The mother-in-law’s shrine features an archway in the front area where the Lord Vishnu statue is kept during important occasions. There are three doors on it, each facing one of three ways. The fourth door is located in a space with restricted access. The idols of Goddess Saraswati, Lord Brahma, and Lord Vishnu may be seen on the entryway. The temple’s stunning architecture and beautiful sculptures will make an impression on you.
References
Udaipur tourism (2011-2012). 15 places to visit in Udaipur for travelling architect. [online]. Available at: https://udaipurtourism.co.in/
[Accessed 16 September 2022].
