Udaipur Fair & Festivals :
Craft Bazaar :- The Shilp Gram (Craft Bazaar) is situated just
3 km off Udaipur and is a great place to see the art and craft
of all the states of western India. The Directorate of Tourism
organizes a 10-day festival from December 15 every year, which
is a treat for the visitors interested in village crafts.
Mewar Festival :
The onset of spring brings the Mewar festival on April
7-8. A traditional welcome to spring, this festival is a visual
feast with Rajasthani songs, dances, processions, devotional
music and firework displays. It is celebrated in the romantic
city of Udaipur during the Gangaur Festival. A procession of
colorfully attired women carrying images of the goddess Gauri
makes its way to Lake Pichola. A procession of boats on the
lake offers a fitting finale to this splendid celebration.
Location :
Udaipur is located in the North Western corner of India and
part of Rajasthan. The city is a part of Aravalli Hills that
gives it a sense of vegetation and a welcome respite from the
arid land that Rajasthan is. Udaipur is well connected through
air, rail, and road to other important cities of India like
Jaipur, Delhi, and Mumbai.
Sightseeing:
City Palace:
The imposing City Palace, towering over the lake, is the largest
palace complex in Rajasthan. The palace is surmounted by balconies,
towers and cupolas and there are fine views over the lake and
the city from the upper terraces. The palace stands along the
shores of Pichola.
Lake Palace:
Founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh, the Lake city of Udaipur
is often referred as the 'Venice of the East'. Studded with
extravagant palaces, hilltop fortresses, awe-inspiring temples
and romantic gardens filled with blossoming trees, this 'City
of Dreams' is, not surprisingly, a favourite with travellers,
both Indian and Foreign. A fantasy island palace shimmering
on mirror-calm Lake Pichola, the Lake Palace is one of the most
romantic hotels in the world.
Saheliyon- Ki- Bari:
Saheliyojn-Ki-Bari was designed by Maharana Fateh Singh on the
embankment of Fateh Singh Lake, towards the north of Lake Pichola.
A Lotus pool, flowerbeds, lawns, fountains and marble pavilions
in Rajputana style, all combine to make it an enchanting place.
The hill top Sajjangarh Palace fort in the west of Udaipur is
a vantage point, from where a magnificent view of the city,
its lakes and palaces can be enjoyed.
Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal:
This is a museum of folk arts which has rich collection of folk
dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments
and paintings. World famous puppeteers put shows here on request
in advance.
Lakes of Udaipur:
Udaipur is known as the 'city of lakes'. The two most scenic
and famous lakes of the city are Lake Pichola and Lake Fateh
Sagar. Lake Pichola is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples,
bathing ghats and has two island palaces- Jag Niwas and Jag
Mandir.
Lake Fateh Sagar:
It lies to north of Pichola and was built by Maharana Jai Singh
but it got the name of Fateh Singh who rebuilt its dam. Both
the lakes are breathtakingly beautiful and one can take a cruise
on their waters. The Sunset over these lakes are moments to
be cherished.
Jagdish Temple:
In the midst of the lake stands another piece de resistance,
Jag Mandir. It a lake retreat built by the Maharana as a refuge
for Prince Shahjahan. The Palace, made in red sandstone of translucent
thinness, was once laid with jasper, jade and rubies. It has
spacious courtyards, a beautifully proportioned white marble
dome, high ceiling rooms, majestic cupolas, arched pavilions
and a garden planted with trees and flowering creepers. A beautiful
structure here is the temple of universe. With stone colonnades,
it is dedicated to the lord of the universe. The temple of Jagdish
is built in
classical style and is dedicated to Vishnu. It was built by
Jagat Singh I in the midst of the city, on the street that leads
to the palace. Its walls are covered with bas-relief, friezes
of makar (crocodiles), elephants, carved dancers statue of Garuda.