Udaipur City, one of the most beautiful cities and known as ‘Jewel of Mewar’, is the administrative head quarters of Udaipur District in the state of Rajasthan, India.It is also known as the ‘City of Lakes’ as it is interconnected with three lakes, the Pichola Lake, Swaroop Sagar Lake and Fateh Sagar Lake..It was founded by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1559 as the capital of the Mewar kingdom. Located in the Aravalli Ranges, Udaipur is one of the most well-known tourist destinations of the country and beautifully exemplifies the Rajasthani culture. It is a city rich in history and culture and is visited by tourists from all over who come here to get a glimpse of the Rajput way of life.It is nick named as ‘Kashmir of Rajasthan’ or ‘Venice of the East’, owing to its natural beauty, enchanting location and picturesque surroundings. The city had eleven entrances in its glorious past, out of which five are still remaining.
How to reach here:
By Air: Maharana Pratap Airport Udaipur is located at Dabok, 22 km away from the heart of Udaipur city. Many domestic airlines connect the city to most of the major cities in India including Kolkata, Jaipur, Delhi and Mumbai. Regular flight services are available from Udaipur to Delhi and Mumbai.
By Rail: Udaipur is located in the main broad gauge railway line and the railway station is connected to all other railway stations in India. Passenger and express train services are available from Udaipur to nearby cities like Jaipur and Jaisalmer.
Best time to visit: September to March.
Languages spoken: Hindi, Rajasthani, English.
Must eat: Gatte ki sabji ,Ker-Sangri-Kumatia, Gunda ki Sabzi,Tarfini.
Famous Restaurants: Pushkar's cafe, Millets of Mewar, Ambrai, Lake Palace, Ambrosia.
Places you must visit:
The City Palace was built by Maharana Udai Mirza Singh as the capital of the Sisodia Rajput clan in 1559, after he moved from Chittor.Considered the largest of its kind in Rajasthan, the palatial building displays a fusion of the Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. Built on a hilltop, the palace provides an aerial view of the city and its surrounding.With the establishment of Udaipur City by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559, the palace was built concurrently. Set at an average elevation of 598 metres, the palace has various towers, domes and arches, which add to the flavour of this heritage site.Courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens make up the entire palace. 'Pols' is used to refer to the gates of the palace.Eight marble arches or toranas, where kings used to weigh themselves with gold and silver, are located between these two gates. Near Tripolia lies an arena where elephant fights were staged.The interior of the palace is adorned with unique paintings, antique furniture and exquisite glass, mirror and ornamental tiles work.Figures of crystal and porcelain embellish the Manak Mahal (Ruby Palace). A collection of miniature paintings depicting the real life stories of Radha-Krishna adorn the Bhim Vilas.An album of miniature paintings portraying royal processions, festivals and games of the Maharanas is the highlight of the 'Krishna Vilas'. While Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) is known for it mirror work, Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace) is celebrated for its lavish decor. The biggest temple of the city, Jagdish Temple is also located within the palace complex.
Gulab Bagh derives its name from its abundance of rose species. Often referred to as Sajjan Niwas Garden, it was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in the 1850s. Spread over an area of 0.40 sq km, it is the largest garden in Udaipur. Situated in the south-east of the City Palace complex, the garden also encompasses a museum, originally known as Victoria Hall Museum.In the museum are housed antiques, curios, royal household items and other relics from the past. Within the garden, at a short walk away through rose plants and open parks, a zoo is situated.Constructed by Maharana Fateh Singh, Saraswati Bhawan Library is also located within the precincts of the garden. Books related to history, archaeology, ideology and several manuscripts that date back to the early mediaeval period are housed in the library.
Fateh Sagar is an artificial lake that was constructed by Maharana Fateh Singh to the north of Pichola Lake in 1678. Situated to the north-west of Udaipur, the lake is considered to be the pride of this 'City of Lakes'.Maharana Jai Singh initially constructed the lake, in 1687. However, after a span of 200 years, the earthen bund, which formed the lake, was washed away during floods. Thereafter, Maharana Fateh Singh, who was the ruler of the former Mewar State, reconstructed the lake in 1888.The foundation of the present day lake was laid by the Duke of Connaught, the third son of Queen Victoria. The lake got its present name after Maharana Fateh Singh. Through means of a water canal, the lake is linked to the Rang Sagar Lake and Pichola Lake. On the banks of the lake, the Ram Pratap Palace is located.The source of water of the lake is the runoff emerging from surrounding hills. The lake is also fed by three inlet channels, along with an overflow section on the eastern side in the Masonry Dam. This pear-shaped lake is surrounded by the Aravalli Hills on three sides, with a straight gravity stone masonry dam on the eastern side.
Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary surrounds the Sajjangarh Palace.This sanctuary is home to sambars, wild boars, chitals, hyenas, jackals, panthers, hares and blue bulls.Bansdara Hill provides the backdrop of the sanctuary and provides beautiful views of sunset and sunrise. In the sanctuary, chitals, sambars, wild boars and blue bulls can also be seen.Apart from a variety of reptiles and birds, the sanctuary is also home to animals like panthers, hyenas, hares and jackals. The ecosystem of the sanctuary is supported by the Tiger Lake that is also known as Bari Lake or Jiyan Lake. This artificial lake was built by Maharana Raj Singh, the erstwhile ruler of Mewar, in 1664. Maharana Raj Singh named the lake after his mother, Jana Devi.An unusual small fish shaped hill that is known as Machla Magra, is located a short distance away from the sanctuary.
Saheliyon Ki Bari is famous for its lush green lawns, marble art and fountains. Located on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake, the garden was built in the 18th century by Maharana Sangram Singh for the royal ladies.Legend states that the garden was designed by the king himself, after which he presented it to his queen. To offer a place of recreation to all the 48 maids, who had accompanied the queen after her marriage, this garden was made.Apart from fountains in its four water pools, chiselled kiosks and marble elephants, the garden is also embellished with a lotus pool and bird-fountains. Green lawns, flowerbeds and marble pavilions are the highlights of the garden. Built by Maharana Bhopal Singh, a pavilion of rain fountains was made in order to form an illusion of rain dancing in cadence with dancing maids.From England, these fountains were imported. Four black marbled kiosks are visible at the corners of the main reservoir. The fountains are in the form of sculpted birds, on the top of kiosks. These birds spurt water from their beaks producing the rain effect. A huge collection of royal households is put on display in the museum located within the garden complex.On the left of the central square, the 'Savan-Bhado' fountain is present. Daintily sculptured chhatris (pavilions) of soft black stone adorn the pond on the west. These sculptured chhatris are surrounded on all sides by fountains.
Bada Mahal, literally meaning 'Large Palace', dates back to the 17th century. Constructed on a 90 feet high natural rock formation, the palace is considered as the men’s section of the City Palace.The palace is surrounded by a beautiful garden, lush green landscaped lawns, courtyards, pillars and terraces, royal balconies, fountains and royal apartments. Painted mirrors, ceilings, carvings on the walls and portraits adorn the rooms of the palace.
Udaipur Folk Museum houses a collection of folk articles of Rajasthan. Typical rural-dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings from the compilation of the museum.Placed to the north of Chetak Circle in Udaipur, it is also known as Bharatiya Lok Kala. A collection of paintings, folk musical instruments, folk dresses and ornaments, dolls, masks and puppets are housed in the museum.Idols of gods and goddesses are housed in the museum. All through the day, puppet shows are performed. The museum offers many short term courses like puppet making and theatre.
Udaipur Solar Observatory was built following the model of the Solar Observatory at Big Bear Lake in Southern California. Located on an island in Fateh Sagar, the observatory was built in the year 1976 by Dr. Arvind Bhatnagar.High-resolution equipment for solar chromospheric magnetic field, velocity and spectral observations are there in the observatory. This equipment permits studies pertaining to solar flares, mass ejections and the evolution of solar active regions.Managed by the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, for the Department of Space, the observatory fills the large longitudinal gap between Australia and Spain.
The Maharana Pratap Memorial is dedicated to both Maharana Pratap and his loyal companion Chetak. Situated atop a hill called Moti Magri (Pearl Hill) on the banks of Fateh Sagar, the memorial comprises a life-sized bronze statue of Maharana Pratap balanced on his loyal and favourite horse, Chetak.Considered a loyal companion by Maharana Pratap, Chetak stood by him till his last breath, before being killed in the battle of Haldighati. Near the hill, the Japanese Rock Garden and the remnants of one of the forts of Udaipur are located.
Duddhtalaii Musical Garden is a rock garden in Duddhtalaii, which is maintained by the Udaipur Urban Development Trust. Located near the Pichola Lake, it is the first garden initiated in Rajasthan. From this hilly garden, the sunset point that lies far beyond the Aravalli Mountains is visible.
Pichola Lake is an artificial freshwater lake that has been named after the nearby Picholi Village. Created in the year 1362 AD, it is one of the several contiguous lakes, developed over the last few centuries in and around Udaipur city.o meet the drinking water and irrigation requirements of the city and its neighbourhood, the lake was primarily created by building a dam. In 1362 AD, the lake was built by Banjara, a gypsy 'Banjara' tribesman, who transported grain during the reign of Maharana Lakha.Impressed by the beauty of the lake with the backdrop of green hills, Maharana Udai Singh founded the city of Udaipur on its banks. With the construction of a stone masonry dam in the Badipol region located on its shore, he also enlarged the lake.The 4 km long and 3 km wide lake has a palace, called the Lake Palace, in its centre, which is now converted into a heritage hotel. The lake that has a surface area of about 696 hectares has depth varying from a minimum of 4.32 metres to a maximum of 8.5 metres.
Sajjangarh is a hilltop palatial residence in the city of Udaipur, which is often referred to as the 'Monsoon Palace'. It derives its name from Maharana Sajjan Singh (1874–1884) of the Mewar Dynasty, who was responsible for its construction. Built in 1884, the palace is located in the Aravalli Hills, just outside Udaipur. The aim behind the construction of the palace was to watch the monsoon clouds.Appropriately known as the Monsoon Palace, it is believed that the Maharana built it at the top of the hill to get a view of his ancestral home of Chittorgarh. Reflecting the history of the Mewar Kingdom, the palace is located on Bansdara Peak of the Aravalli range, at an elevation of 944 metres. Built with white marble, the palace overlooks the Pichola Lake and provides beautiful views of the palaces and surrounding countryside.The nine storey complex aimed to serve as an astronomical centre. From the palace, the Maharana planned to keep a track of the movement of monsoon clouds in the area surrounding the palace, and also to provide employment to people.Owing to his untimely death, the construction of the palace was completed by his successor Maharana Fateh Singh, who used it to watch the monsoon clouds.For the Royal Family, the palace also served as a hunting lodge. Built on marble pillars, the palace has high turrets and guards regulating each of the towers, along with a central court, a staircase and many rooms and quarters.The pillars that support the palace have been carved with exquisite motifs of leaves and flowers. In the precincts of the palace, a unique water harvesting structure exists to collect rainwater in an underground cistern. Lime mortar has been used to plaster the walls of the palace.
Laxmi Chowk has been the prime atrium of the Queen’s Palace, the Zanana Mahal. Viewed as the atrium of Goddess Lakshmi, it was constructed especially for royal ladies. The atrium provides access to Rang Bhawan and Bada Mahal. This Courtyard of Goddess Lakshmi is adorned with many flower plants and greenish lawns. A collection of paintings is displayed in the atrium.
City Palace Museum provides an insight into the culture and history of the Maharanas of Mewar. Opened in 1969, the museum displays royal family photographs. The museum was opened to the public, in order to generate income and maintain the building, after India became a democracy.Overseen by the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation, the museum also houses personal portraits of Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar. Artworks, which document royal history before Udaipur got its first camera in 1857, adorn the interior of the museum. The collections of the museum are evenly spread out in the edifice that is 33 meters high, 333 meters long and 90 meters wide.
Crystal Gallery displays a collection of Oslers Crystals that were ordered by Maharana Sajjan Singh from the famous manufacturers F and C Osler Company, Birmingham, England. This 129 years old gallery is home to a collection of crystals that were sourced around 1877 AD. Located in Fateh Prakash Palace, the gallery was opened to the public in 1994.Collections of the gallery include fountains, dresses, dining table, mirrored table tops and washing bowls. Sofa sets with hand rest and frames, jewel encrusted carpet, a four-poster bed with rich hangings, tables, throne like chairs and table fountains are among the prominent highlights of the gallery.Royal perfume and honey bottles, trays and cups, plates and champagne glasses, candle stands and coasters, all made up of glass, showcase the minute glass cutting skill.The portraits of the former rulers of Udaipur like Maharana Pratap and others, who fought bravely and frequently challenged Akbar, are hung in the Darbar Hall. Crystal dressing tables, chairs, crockery, table fountains and the regal beds are other items put on display in the gallery.
Raj Angan, considered as King's Courtyard, is located in the direction of Badi Chowk at the entrance to the City Palace. Adjoining the City Palace, it is dome shaped. Designed in the Mughal architectural style, the edifice shows an influence of the Taj Mahal. Established by Maharana Udai Singh in 1572, it was the lawn where the king’s undertakings regarding justice were carried out.Portraits of erstwhile Mewar rulers can be seen in this palace. Often referred to as Gol Mahal, it also showcases many memorabilia of Maharana Pratap Singh, along with paintings, personal weapons of Mewar kings and armours. A portion of this display has been dedicated to Chetak, the favourite horse of Maharana Pratap.
Shilp Gram is located at the foothills of Aravalli Hills. Often referred to as the 'Handicrafts Village', it encloses twenty-six huts constructed in the traditional architectural style.Many theatre festivals from different states of the country are hosted by a large amphitheatre located in this village. The Rural Arts and Crafts Complex, as it is also called, spread over an area of 70 acres, displays the craft, art and cultural heritage of different Indian states, including those of the aborigines.Conceived as a living ethnographic museum, it depicts the lifestyle of the folk and tribal people of the West Zone. Huts of the member states are constructed by incorporating traditional architectural features of different geographical and ethnic groups residing within the West Zone of India. With its display of arts, crafts, theatre and music, the museum generates awareness and knowledge of rural life and crafts.Traditional huts of the complex contain household articles of everyday use, including terracotta, textile, wooden, metal and decorative objects. Five of the huts represent the weaver's community from Mewar.
Jag Mandir was constructed by three Maharanas of the Sisodia Rajputs of Mewar Kingdom. Built on an island in the Pichola Lake, it is also known as the 'Lake Garden Palace'.Maharana Amar Singh began the construction of the palace in 1551, which was continued by Maharana Karan Singh (1620–1628) and finally completed by Maharana Jagat Singh I (1628–1652). In honour of the last builder Maharana Jagat Singh, it has been named Jag Mandir.In the three storey palace, Gul Mahal is located, which was initially built as a refuge for Prince Khurram. The first structure built in 1551, during the reign of Maharana Amar Singh, Gul Mahal was further developed during the reign of Maharana Jagat Singh to house the Mughal Prince Khurram.This small sandstone palace has a dome, with the crescent of Islam fixed on top of it. Placed at the corners, octagonal towers support the palace. The towers are topped with cupolas.Inside the palace, a labyrinth of reception halls, residential suites and internal courts were built. All these structures display a blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. The palace is adjoined with the Zanana Mahal (residence of royal ladies).At the western end of this palace lies the Kunwar Pada ka Mahal (Palace of the Crown Prince). A pavilion of white colonnade of cusped arches marks the entrance of the palace. Large elephants carved in stone, four on each side of the entry steps, adorn the pavilion.The flower garden in the palace complex is decorated with yew bushes, jasmine, frangipani trees, bougainvillea, palm trees, nasturtiums, verbena and moss rose. Black and white tiles cover the courtyard.
Udaysagar is located on the Berach River. Constructed in 1565 during the reign of Maharana Udai Singh II, the lake has sufficient water inflow and maintains required water level for the use of the Udaipur Region. Spread over an area of 10.5 sq km, the water of the lake is used for agricultural purposes.
The Sukhadia Circle has been named after the first chief minister of Rajasthan, Mohan Lal Sukhadia. With a garden and large fountain surrounded by a pond, it also offers boating facility.Often referred to as Sukhadia Square, it is a turnaround in Panchwati, the city’s northern suburb. Opened in 1970, the square has three tiered fountain in its centre. In order to attract kids, it has been provided with some duck shaped paddle boats and toy trains.
Nehru Garden is named after the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. Inaugurated on his birth anniversary on 14th November, 1967, it is an oval shaped island. Located in the centre of Fateh Sagar, it overlooks the ancient Moti Mahal of Maharana Pratap. Within its area of 4.5 acres, the park contains flower gardens and a lily pond.Water fountains resembling those in Brindavan Gardens of Mysore also adorn the park. Pyramid shaped, the fountains are of channel type. In the north-west of the park lies a boat-shaped floating restaurant.
Bagore Ki Haveli stands on the platform of Gangori Ghat in the vicinity of Pichola Lake. This ancient edifice displays delicate carvings and glass work. Built by Amir Chand Badwa, the Chief Minister of the Mewar Royal Court, it dates back to the 18th century. Maharana Shakti Singh of Bagore, who resided in the haveli, incorporated three storeys to the main structure, in 1878.This mansion of Bagore that used to serve the royalty of Mewar was handed over to the West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC) in 1986 which planned to renovate the haveli and restore it to its old architectural style. In the museum present within the haveli, the aristocratic culture of Mewar has been portrayed.Premium mural paintings of Rajasthan designed in Mewar, along with the costumes of the royal kings and modern art are notable highlights of the museum. Exclusive things of Rajputs like jewellery boxes, dice-games, hukkas and pan boxes form the collections of the museum.In the museum are also displayed nut crackers, hand fans, rose water sprinklers, copper vessels and other items of the erstwhile rulers. Original paintings of Mewar are displayed in the Queen's Chamber.The collections of the museum also include beautiful peacocks created with small pieces of coloured glass. After renovation, the haveli contains more than 100 rooms with well-arranged balconies, terraces, courtyards and corridors.Intricate and fine mirror works embellish the interiors of the haveli. A visit to the haveli permits tourists to view the private quarters of the royal ladies, their bathrooms, dressing rooms, bedrooms, living rooms, worship rooms and recreation room.
Eklingji Temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, the tutelary deity of the former Mewar rulers, the temple is said to have been founded by Acharya Viswaroopa, a contemporary of Adi Sankaracharya.Spread over an area of about 2,500 square feet, the temple houses a 50 feet high multi-faced black stone statue of Lord Shiva. High walls with bathing terraces leading down to the water enclose the temple.Built in 734 AD, the temple complex houses 108 temples chiselled out of sandstone and marble. Mahadeva Chaumukhi, the quadriform divinity, represented by a bust with four faces, is one of the prominent deities of the Maharanas of Mewar.The four faces of the statue point to the four directions that represent Surya (East), Brahma (West), Vishnu (North) and Rudra (South). The entrance of the temple contains a beautifully sculpted huge Nandi, which is the loyal steed of Lord Shiva. A shivlinga, encircled by a silver snake, is located at the centre of the images. The whole family of Lord Shiva, including Parvati (wife of Shiva) and Ganesh (son of Shiva), is represented in the temple.Statues of Yamuna and Saraswati are also housed in the temple. Silver doors having images depicting Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya are other highlights of the temple. The temples of Amba Mata, Ganeshji and Kalika are located nearby this temple.Nymphs in erotic dance postures and a life size image of Bapparawal also adorn this temple. The interior of the temple is adorned with a pillared hall and a huge pyramidal roof that is composed of hundreds of knots, carved and decorated with coloured stones.
Fateh Prakash Palace stands along the shores of Pichola Lake. Named after Maharana Fateh Singh, one of the rulers of the Mewar Dynasty, it has been converted into a heritage hotel.
Jagdish Temple is located in the City Palace complex of Udaipur. Made in the Indo-Aryan style of architecture, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Laxmi Narayan), the preserver of the Universe. Built by Maharana Jagat Singh, who ruled Udaipur during 1628-1653, it is celebrated for being the largest temple in the city. Originally called the Temple of Jagannath Rai, it dates back to 1651. Beautifully carved pillars, decorated ceilings, painted walls and halls adorn this three-storey temple. The skyline of Udaipur is dominated by the spire of the main temple that is around 79 feet high. Sculptures of dancers, elephants, horsemen and musicians adorn the shikhar (spire). At the entrance, visitors are welcomed by two huge stone elephants.A stone slab that is imprinted with the inscriptions referring to Maharana Jagat Singh is located in front of the temple. 32 marble steps need to be scaled for reaching the temple.The doorway of Lord Vishnu is guarded by a brass image of Garuda, a figure of half-man and half-eagle. A four-armed image of Lord Vishnu, carved out of a single piece of black stone, can be seen in the main shrine.
Four smaller shrines are encircled by the main shrine of Lord Vishnu. These four shrines are respectively dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Sun God, Goddess Shakti and Lord Shiva.A pyramidal spire, mandap (prayer hall) and a porch form the architecture of the temple. Each of the first and the second storey of the temple possess 50 pillars. The Hindu architectural science of 'Vastushastra' has been kept in mind while constructing the temple. Raised on a tall terrace, the temple contains a double storey mandapa (hall), which is linked with a double-storey saandhara.
The Adinath Jain Temple is located in Ranakpur, a valley on the western side of the Aravalli Range. Dedicated to Adinatha, the temple was built during the reign of Rana Kumbha, in the 15th century.The largest Jain temple in India, it has a 4,500 square yards basement. Constructed using light coloured marble, the temple has four subsidiary shrines and 24 pillared halls.The 1,444 marble pillars of the temple are decorated with elaborately carved sculptures and filigrees, including the domes. Spread over an area of 3,720 square metres, the temple with its distinctive domes, shikhara, turrets and cupolas, rises from the slope of a hill. All the statues in the temple face each other. Out of a single marble rock, 108 heads of snakes and numerous tails have been carved.The images face all four cardinal directions. The largest image is present on the western side of the temple. Designed as chaumukha, with four faces, the temple is believed to be from the late 14th to the mid-15th centuries.
Machla Magra is an unusual small fish shaped hill. Often referred to as Ekling Garh, the hill is located a short distance away from Sajjangarh. During the attack of the city in 1764 by the Scindias, this hill was used as an ordnance dump.Having a height of 2,469 feet above sea level, the hill provides an aerial view of the entire city lying below. It is attached to the walls of 'Kishan Pol', one of the gates of the City Palace.
MLV Tribal Research Institute provides an insight into Mewar's tribal communities. In the museum are housed artefacts belonging to the tribal culture, along with a library on tribal life and issues.
Rajiv Gandhi Park, located on a hill, contains a spacious children's park and a food court.
Sas-Bahu Temple, dating back to the 10th century, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is made of two structures, one by a mother-in-law and another, by a daughter-in-law.Carved lintels and a multi-lobed arch in its middle mark the entrance of the temple. Both the structures have an altar, a mandapa (columned prayer hall) with projections and a porch.Comparatively smaller than the temple of Sas, the 'Bahu' temple has an octagonal ceiling, which is adorned with eight intricately carved female figures. In its front, the 'Sas' temple has a torana (archway).It is widely believed that the image of Lord Vishnu was swung from the torana along with hymns in the praise of the lord on ceremonial occasions. Facing towards the east direction, both the temples are constructed on a common platform.Incidents of Ramayana adorn the temple. Made in two steps, the sculptures are arranged in such a way that one encircles the other. Images of Lord Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu are carved on one platform.On the other platform, images of Rama, Balarama and Parashurama have been carved. Built by King Mahapala in the 10th century, the complex includes a cluster of temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Shrinathji Temple of Nathdwara is dedicated to Lord Krishna, with his image carved out of a single block of black marble.One of the richest temples in the world, the temple serves as a place of worship for the royalty of Udaipur. The temple has been named after the head of the clan, the Maharana who is also called as Shriji among his people. According to legend, Goswami Dev fled from Mathura to escape from Aurangzeb.During the escape, he carried the particular idol in a chariot with an intention to take it to Udaipur. On the way, his chariot got stuck in Sinhad, which he saw as a token of the divine will.The place where he decided to consecrate the temple came to be known as Nathdwara. Commonly referred to as 'Haveli', the temple has servants wearing the clothes and costumes of the bygone era of kings and queens, and serving the deity. These servants serve the beloved prince and darling of Nandaraj and Yashoda, the adoptive parents of Lord Krishna. In its many marble halls and courtyards, a live performance of classical music is organised at regular intervals to entertain the lord. To cool the interiors, 'pankhwalas' still pull on the large fans manually. In order to announce the 'Royal Darshan' in noon, drums and trumpets are played.For keeping it airy, the temple is built around several split-level courtyards. The exterior of the temple contains a solid-white facade. On all the doorways, paintings of elephants, horses, maidens and doorkeepers are present.
Ahar is famous for being the cremation ground of the rulers of Mewar. Renowned as an archaeological site, the town is famous for the cenotaphs of the royal rulers and an archaeological museum.Located at a distance of 3km from Udaipur, the town has more than 19 cenotaphs of the kings, who were cremated here. The memorial consists of several columns that are supported by platforms sheltered by arched roofs.Ornamentations that are similar to the 15th century temples embellish the architraves of the roofs. An image of Lord Shiva and a figure representing Maharana with his 'Satis' adorns the single upright stone of these architraves.Some of the cenotaphs of the site include the ones dedicated to Maharana Amar Singh, Maharana Sangram Singh, Swaroop Singh and Shambhu Singh.Other rulers of Mewar that have their cenotaphs at the site include Fateh Singh, Bhupal Singh, Bhagwat Singh Mewar and Sajjan Singh. A rare collection of antiques is housed in a museum located close to the cremation ground.
The Ahar Archaeological Museum houses an assortment of antiques that date back to the 10th century. Items on display in the museum include earthen pots, iron objects and other artefacts that used to be part of the lifestyle of primordial people.Objects belonging to 1700 BC, a metal figure of Lord Buddha dating to the 10th century and a statue of Vishnu-Nag-Nathan are prominent highlights of the museum. Items excavated from the mound of Dhulkot, which is believed to be a 4,000 years old township, are also on display in the museum.Also on display are a skin scrubber, grain pot, animal figures, stone weights, balls and seals that date back to the 1st century BC. Other exhibits in the museum include terracotta, toys, pottery remnants and a huge earthen pot.
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Nagda is located at distance of 23 km from Udaipur. A small town, Nagda was found by Nagaditya, the fourth Mewar King, in the 6th century. During the time when it was known as Nagahrida, it served as the capital of Mewar.Located beside Bagela Lake in the north-west of Udaipur on the way to Nathdwara, the town comprises many temples. Its Sas-Bahu Temple, which dates back to the 10th century, is the prime attraction.Dedicated to the Jain Saint Shanti Nath, the Jain Temple of the town is another popular attraction. Said to have been built during the rule of Rana Kumbha, the temple has a strange idol, which is 9 feet high.
