The indigenous art forms are the soul of any place. They make up the city’s beauty in the same manner as the landscape does. Udaipur is indeed quite beautiful with the landscape part and also has a lot of artforms coexisting beneath the layers of modernization and technology. Well, there are many art forms such as handcrafted wooden toys, zinc artifacts, and others. Paintings take up a bigger portion of the art of the city and are one of the things not to be missed.
Mewar (Udaipur) is famous for its paintings. Miniature art is one such artform that is quite popular in the subcontinent and is aboriginal to Udaipur.
There are hundreds of miniature painting artists in the old city of Udaipur who are making their living by selling these arts to locals, foreigner and to bigger retailers.
I happened to come across one such artist who is painting miniatures since ages and makes his living through his art. The meager amount of money and newer generations not opting to learn the art is making this art of Miniature paintings drift into oblivion.
Let’s hear it from him- Is Miniature Art in Udaipur Dying?
(earphones recommended)
What are thoughts about the same? Do you also think that the artists are not valued much and hence are losing their art in the hands of inflation?
Share your inputs/queries at fouzia@udaipurblog.com
Vaibhav Khater, a student from Udaipur will represent India in the 12th International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO). This event will be organized in Thailand, from 8th August -17th August 2018, at Mahidol University Kanchanaburi Campus. The Geological Society of India conducted an objective-type Entrance Test (ET) in which 20 students were selected to attend a Training Camp. A team of four students has been selected to represent India in the final stage of which Vaibhav Khater is a part.
Vaibhav Khater
The Earth Science Olympiad has a four-stage procedure for selection:
National level Entrance Test,
Training Camp culminating in the Indian National Earth Science Olympiad,
Pre-departure training camp and
International Earth Science Olympiad.
What is the International Earth Science Olympiad?
International Earth Science Olympiad or IESO was founded as one of the major activities of the International Geoscience Education Organization (IGEO). It is an annual competition for secondary school students. The main aim of the IESO is to encourage students’ interest and increase public awareness on Earth Science and to enhance Earth Science learning/teaching at the school level.
Aren’t you proud of the students of the City of Lakes? If Yes do share this article to let your friends and family know.
Proud Moment for Udaipur | Gunjan Jadiya has grabbed the AIR 4th in CLAT!
Gunjan Jadiya, a resident of Shobhagpura Udaipur, has grabbed AIR 4th in Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) 2018.
Gunjan Jadiya
She completed her education from DPS Udaipur and then headed to the Blue City Jodhpur for pursuing her dream career’s preparation. She did her preparation from ‘Law Prep Tutorials’ and it took a lot of hard work, Complete separation from social media to achieve this
Gunjan has been a meritorious student and has always made her parents proud. She scored 95% in her higher secondary examinations which was a great achievement for her. Upon asking about the aim of her life she exclaimed that she wants to become the most amazing lawyer!
Below you can find her mark sheet and as you can see she has scored a whopping 150 marks in her examination with the 4th rank all over India in the general category.
Gunjan has not only made her parents proud but also our City. May such talents keep budding in Udaipur and keep making the city’s name highlighted!
We all know that Maharana Udai Singh II was the one who established Udaipur. But do you know who was the one who founded Mewar? Well in this article we are going to tell you about the founder of Mewar dynasty.
In earlier times Mewar was known as Marupradesh and also Medhapat. Maharana GuhAditya (Guhil/Gohil) was the founder and ruler of Medhapat. After Maharana GuhAditya several rulers came and dictated the kingdom of Mewar.
Bappa Rawal became the 8th King or the Maharana of the Dynasty of Guhilot (Gahlot) Rajput after his father Rawal Mahendra-II.
Source: जय मेवाड़
Bappa Rawal founded the Dynasty of Mewar.
Although several ancestors had ruled over this part, they were always confined to some of the hilly regions in the west and southwest only. Bappa Rawal is considered to be the first ruler to expand the limits of this part to its current boundaries.
Who was Bappa Rawal?
Prince Kalbhoj, later known as Bappa Rawal, was born in 713 AD. He spent his childhood at a place called Nagda and afterward made it his capital. Nagda is situated 19 km from Udaipur.
It is said that Bappa was only 3 years old when his father Rawal Mahendra-II was assassinated. It is also believed that after his father’s death Bappa and his mother were in the shelter of the Bheel Tribal community and they helped Bappa in learning warfare tactics, battlefield tips and tricks. At the age of 21, he succeeded to the throne and became the king.
Source: हिन्दुस्थानम्
He gave up his name after he ascended on the throne and took the title of Bappa Rawal, where Bappa means father and Rawal is their royal name. Bappa Rawal extended his kingdom to the east by defeating Man Singh of the Mori (Mauryan) clan from Chittor in 734 AD.
Bappa Rawal died in the year of 753 AD at Eklingji. It is said that he was the last king of the Guhilot Clan.
It is also mentioned in historical pieces of evidence that Bappa Rawal was a devoted follower of a sage named Harit Rishi. As per the sage’s instruction, after ruling the kingdom for 19 years, he resigned from the title of the king and left the throne of Mewar for his son and became a devotee to Lord Shiva.
His name is marked in the history as one of the most valorous warriors of the kingdom of Mewar.
Top 10 Things to Do on Your First Visit to Udaipur
Udaipur is known by various names like the City of Lakes, Kashmir of Rajasthan, Venice of the East and so many more. The beauty of the place is evident in the pictures you must have seen all over the internet. Now that you are planning your visit to the spectacular and heavenly City of Lakes, let me help you build your personal itinerary for your first visit to Udaipur. I am aware that some of you won’t be able to cover all the spots enlisted below, but it is worth giving a shot.
Here are the Top 10 Things to Do on Your First Visit to Udaipur!
Start your day by getting a perfect breakfast
Empty stomach won’t get along with you very far. So, first things first, get a perfect start to your day by having some good English breakfast. Although you might find a lot of places to eat in the city, especially if you are staying in the old city, but you obviously need a filtered list.
Source: Google Images
Thank us later, we are making you equipped with the list of the best places to have an English breakfast in Udaipur. Click here!
Take a bike or car on rent and explore the streets of Old City
As per your convenience, you can take a caror abike on rent and explore the nooks and corners of the Old City. There is a lot that you would see on the streets- from local vendors to artists painting at the roadside and a lot of scenes that you wouldn’t witness anywhere on earth!
Source: kanishka bike rental
Plus, not just for the view, taking a vehicle is quite comfy for your to-and-fro as well and makes it easy for you to touch the extremes of the city effortlessly.
Go shopping!!!
You have come down to Udaipur, would you dare to leave without any ‘oh-my-god-wow’ souvenir from the city? No, right?
Source: My Udaipur City
Well, the shopping markets in Udaipur are like a color palette. Hundreds of shops selling things that are unique, vibrant and exhibit the very soul of the city. You can get apparels, tribal jewelry, gold/silver jewelry, zinc artifacts, wooden artifacts, leather bag, totes, to bedspreads, upholstery and so much more.
City Palace Complex Udaipur is one of a kind places in the city. It is a grand-majestic-palace and is the official dwelling of the Maharana (king) of Mewar. A part of the palace is closed where the Maharana resides with his royal family while a greater part of the palace is open to the public.
Source: Wikipedia
You can take a tour of the City Palace and have a walk through the time. Also, you can watch the light and sound show happening in the City Palace every evening.
Take the Ropeway and watch the sunset from the Karni Mata hill
Karni Mata Temple is situated on a small hillock in Udaipur. The place is also known for its sunset point. You can either take the stairs to the peak of the hill for the sunset point or you can take the ropeway.
Source: Trawell
Alternative: If you want to have a glimpse of the culture of the city and sunsets do not entice you anymore, then you must pay a visit to the Darohar Show at the Bagore Ki Haveli Museum.
Source: UdaipurBlog
The show starts in the evenings and is a must-watch if you are a fan of cultural dances.
Spend your evenings at the Ghats of Udaipur
Source: inside_the _window (Instagram)
Ghats are a noticeable part of the city. There are various ghats in Udaipur which are immensely peaceful and give you a close view of the waters of the lakes. Gangaur Ghat is the most significant and popular ghat in the entire city. It is known for hosting the Ganguar Festival and in recent times the place was seen in various movies in both Hollywood and Bollywood.
Go for a boat ride in the Lake
You can go on a boat ride in Lake Pichola. It is a 20-25 minutes ride in the lake which covers all the places in the lake- I mean, you can have a close look at the Taj Lake Palace which is built in the middle of the lake, if in case you aren’t staying there! Also, you get to have a look at the Jag Mandir, which is also a floating (metaphorically) palace and is known for its beautiful life-size elephants standing at the entrance, carved out of stone.
Source: Tripzuki
Alternatively, you can go for a jet boat ride in the Lake Fatehsagar, which is one of the most prominent lakes in Udaipur. It is a great place to hangout and you would get a lot of street food and other delicious snacks just near the lakeside ‘chowpaty’. Also, you can visit the nearby parks and gardens to get a refreshing feel.
Don’t miss Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace) and the Biological Park
Source: makemytrip
If you aren’t fond of riding in the boat, then taking a brisk tour to the Monsoon Palace would be great for you. Sajjangarh aka Monsoon Palace is perched on a hillock and gives one of the best views of the entire city.
Source: Siddharth Nagar
Adjacent to this palace is the biological park of Udaipur which has a variety of flora and fauna. This is a super fun and refreshing place for the nature lovers.
Go to the largest aquarium in India- ‘Under the Sun’
Source: Siddharth Nagar
Under the Sun is the largest aquarium in India and is situated attached to the lake Fatehsagar. This is one great place to spend some hours. You would find a huge number of fish here, some of which are even rare to find in the Indian Subcontinent. Plus, you can find a Virtual Reality zone here which lets you enjoy underwater scenes in real time.
Last but not the least, Binge on the luscious food at a lakeside hotel/restaurant
Source: www.udaigarhudaipur.in
By this time, I am sure you’d be feeling terribly hungry and what is better than having some great authentic Rajasthani or Continental Food at a lakeside hotel/restaurant.
I knew you would be reading this on your first visit to the City of Lakes and hence I have prepared for you a list of the best Lakeside hotels where you can stay as well as eat at utmost peace, enjoying the natural beauty that Udaipur is! 😉
Narayan Lal Gurjar (19 years old), a student of the second Year, studying Agriculture Engineering at Maharana Pratap Agriculture and Technology University Udaipur has developed a polymer that will not dry! The idea of developing this polymer came seeing the dying crops. His father asked him to develop something that can be beneficial for the farmers as Narayan himself is from a farmer family. After a deep research, Narayan came up with a ‘manure’ that retains water and do not let the plants die.
About Narayan Lal Gurjar
Born in a farmer family of Borj village in Rajsamand district, Narayan is the brain behind the eco-friendly water retention polymer. By usage of the same, less water will be required in agriculture and horticulture and it will also prove to be effective in the fields for the low water table, as well as increase productivity of the crop.
Awards and Appreciation
Narayan has up till received a huge number of awards. He has received the Gandhian Young Technological Innovation (GYTI) at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on March 19, 2018. He has also received an award from IIM-A for the same. Also, the state government has given him a grant of 2.5 lakhs for developing labs for this polymer.
Usage of the Polymer
Narayan told Team UB, that it is a type of manure that can be added to the soil and its moisture can be increased up to five times. His team is working on trying to make it available for the farmers until next year. He has already received an order for 60 Kilograms of polymer for which he is developing his workplace to a bigger level.
Let us now hear it from the inventor himself, Narayan Lal Gurjar:
The Taj Lake Palace is one of the most romantic hotels in the entire world and no wonder the unsurpassed beauty of this floating palace is one of a kind! But do you know that before it was a luxury hotel, it was the summer palace for the then Maharana of the Udaipur kingdom? This summer palace, now known as Lake Palace is indeed the most sought after destination in the whole world.
Let us read about the legendary palace built on the lake!
Source: Taj Lake Palace
Jag Niwas Palace aka Lake Palace
Formerly known as Jag Niwas, the Lake Palace is built on a natural island of around 4 acres. It was built between the years 1743-1746 by the Maharana Jagat Singh II who ruled Mewar from 1734 to 1751 as the 62nd successor to the royal dynasty of Mewar. The Maharana decided to build a palace and named it Jag Niwas after himself. It’s an east facing palace and was built to enjoy summers.
Source: Taj Lake Palace
It is said that the Maharana had friendly relations with the Mughal emperors and hence Jag Niwas was inspired by the Mughal art and architecture. As one can avidly see, the palace has a remarkable Mughal architecture blending seamlessly with Mewar’s beauty.
The Lake Palace was once a Refuge to British Families
Source: Taj Lake Palace
It was during the Indian Sepoy Mutiny in 1857 that several European families fled from Nimach and sought refuge in the Mewar kingdom. Maharana Swaroop Singh (reigned 1842–1861) helped these families by keeping them safe at the Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) and wiped out all the boats so that the agitators could not reach the families.
The Journey from Jag Niwas to the ‘Taj Lake Palace’
Source: Taj Lake Palace
By the end of the 19th century, time and weather had deteriorated Jag Niwas, and the Palace started losing its fame. A French writer described Jag Niwas as – “slowly moldering in damp emanations of the lake.” Even its furniture and interiors started losing its dignity. Broken old chairs, clocks, and abrupt colored glass ornaments made the palace impassive towards foreign tourists. They described the place totally deserted.
Source: Taj Lake Palace
In 1961, Maharana Bhagwat Singh decided to convert Jag Niwas Palace to a luxury hotel in Udaipur. An American artist became the interior designer and consultant of the project. He also mentioned in his words that – the palace was deteriorating and turning it into a hotel was only the way to restore and keep it maintained. He termed it as a job of conservation.
Source: Taj Lake Palace
In 1971 the Taj group took over the management of Jag Niwas and the new name came out to be the Taj Lake Palace. Taj added another 75 rooms to it. Jamshyd D.F. Lam became the first General Manager of the Taj Lake Palace. Later in the year 2000, another restoration of the hotel was undertaken.
The art and architecture of the Taj Lake Palace
Source: Taj Lake Palace
The upper room of the Lake Palace is a perfect sphere of 21 feet in diameter. Its walls, decorated with Arabic designs similar to Taj Mahal of Agra. However, they all are made according to the Hindu religion. The floor is ornamented with the finest quality of black and white marble. The courtyards lined with columns, pillared terraces, fountains, gardens and exquisitely beautiful domes.
Amenities at the Taj Lake Palace
Source: Taj Lake Palace
The Taj Lake Palace has a total of 66 rooms and 17 suites namely Bada Mahal, Khush Mahal, Ajjan Niwas, Phool Mahal and Dhola Mahal. These exotic rooms are bejeweled with carved arches, paintings, crystal work, stained glass work, inland stones of pink and green lotus petals.
Source: Taj Lake Palace
The rooms and suites give a magnificent look of the Lake Pichola. There are restaurants which serve Indian as well as European cuisines. This hotel is famous for Jiva Spa, outdoor pool, and yoga center. You can go for a boat ride on Lake Pichola provided by the Taj Lake Palace itself.
Source: Taj Lake Palace
The Taj Lake Palace is undeniably one of the most luxurious properties across the country. It is invariably featured in the lists of all ‘Most Luxurious’, ‘Most Romantic’, ‘Best heritage Property’ that can give you an idea how travelers across the world praise the property. The palace’s beauty is well-known in the entire world and makes one of the most sought-after sights for travelers visiting Udaipur!
Source: Taj Lake Palace
Have you ever been to the Taj Lake Palace? If yes, then share us your views on the most romantic hotel in the world, in the comments below!
Udaipur is among the most beautiful places you would visit! The lush valleys and hills; the picturesque lakes, the culture, and heritage make Udaipur the most sought-after destination. Although the city is situated in Rajasthan (which is the desert state of India), Udaipur is totally different. The place doesn’t have a desert and the climate is also not extreme.
The Best Time to Visit Udaipur
Winter (October to Mid-March)
Source: Benoy Thapa
Unlike any other place in Rajasthan, winter is great in Udaipur! The season witnesses mild drop in temperature throughout the daylight with ample of sunlight to make you warm. While the mornings and nights experience a drastic drop in the temperature going as low as 5-6 degree Celsius. Winters is one of the best time to visit Udaipur, as the city observes fog, a little bit of shower, winter breeze and so much! Summing up, Udaipur becomes all the more romantic in winters! And thus, if you are a seeker of romantic dewy weather then winters must be your time to visit Udaipur.
Scorching sun might want you to stay in shade! The summers are not the ideal time to visit Udaipur, although it often rains in the middle of summer months hence lowering the temperatures. Exploring the city becomes quite strenuous in the daytime because of the sun. Evenings and nights are comparatively cooler than the day but people do not prefer to spend their vacations in summer in Udaipur until it’s where their granny’s stays!!! The temperature in summers in Udaipur reaches up to 42-43 degree Celsius while the minimum remains somewhere around 24-27 degree Celsius.
Monsoon (July to September)
Source: UdaipurBlog
Monsoons can be considered to be the Best Time to Visit Udaipur for the love of petrichor! Although the city receives somewhat lesser rainfall, Udaipur is considered at its best during the rain showers. All the lakes are filled with water, the Ayad River flows fervently during this season – the entire city’s beauty is at its peak in the monsoons. It is highly recommended for tourists to visit Udaipur in the Monsoon season as it is great to witness lush green Aravali Ranges along with the overall beauty of the city.
Now that you know the best time to visit Udaipur, when are you planning your trip??? Let us know in the comment section below, Udaipur will be glad to host you!
From Indians to foreigners, all have become quite interested in the idea of getting married in a royal way in India. The dreamland for Royal Weddings is Rajasthan- and Udaipur has become the hub for the weddings celebrated and hosted in the most royal way!
Known as the city of lakes, Udaipur really is one of the most romantic places in India due to its picturesque backdrop of Aravali Hills and obviously, the lakes are most sumptuous part of the entire city. Not only these, Udaipur has many fantabulous palaces and havelis that are been restored and converted into luxurious boutique hotels. These palaces, havelis, and hotels can serve as the best venues for your wedding. Made for weddings of all sizes, these are the choice of many who wish to tie the knots in the most royal style. Let’s find out which are these places that make Udaipur such an outstanding destination for weddings in India- the Royal Wedding Venues in Udaipur.
City Palace Complex
Manek Chowk
Source: Eternal Mewar
Manek Chowk was once used for public meetings, elephant parades, horse cavalry, and other festivals. Built by Rana Karan Singhji during the period 1620-1628, this place is perfect for accommodating a regal wedding of 1,000 guests. It has a Mughal style garden which is perfect for celebrating a Royal Wedding. Be it the sangeet or the main reception, every function becomes grand at the Manek Chowk inside City Palace Complex
Zenana Mahal
Source: Wedding Destinations
Constructed in the early 1600s, the Zenana Mahal has hosted a number of royal weddings. The place can accommodate up to 500 guests and the main courtyard of the Zenana Mahal, known as the Laxmi Chowk is a great place to host any function of the wedding.
Mor Chowk
Often referred to as the most amazing courtyard of the City Palace Udaipur, Mor Chowk is where the Maharajas used to dine. In present times, it can accommodate up to 20-50 people and is a great venue for a petite function.
Shiv Niwas Palace
Source: TripAdvisor
Shiv Niwas has a grand courtyard and large open area, for a smooth flow of. The palatial hotel boasts 19 Palace Rooms, 8 Terrace Suites, 6 Royal Suites, 3 Imperial Suites. The hotel has a lawn, exquisite poolside and terrace to host a regal wedding ceremony.
Jagmandir Island Palace
Jag Mandir Island Palace is located on an island in Lake Pichola and is celebrated venue for royal weddings in Udaipur. The place is ideal for hosting a lavish reception party and as it is located in the middle of the beautiful waters of Lake Pichola, this place is considered to one of the most romantic as well.
The Leela Palace
Source: TripAdvisor
The Leela Palace boasts a total of 80 Rooms & Suites. It has a lavish banquet hall that can accommodate up to 200-seated guests in one go, with an additional outdoor capacity for 100 guests. Bifurcation of rooms: 16 Lake View Rooms, 56 Heritage Lake View Rooms, 4 Luxury Suites, 2 Duplex Suites, 1 Royal Suite, 1 Maharaja Suite.
Oberoi Udaivillas
One of the most lavish and expensive options is the Oberoi Udaivillas. The hotel spreads over 50 acres, which includes a 20-acre wildlife sanctuary with deer and wild boar. The hotel is huge and thus allows you to carry out your weddings proceedings in a smooth and wondrous manner. Peacocks dancing and deer grazing is a common site at Udaivillas; imagine spending your nuptials at such an exotic place.
Chunda Palace
Situated right next to Oberoi Udai Vilas is the Hotel Chunda Palace. The place is a great option for a lavish wedding of a size of 200 guests. Having two open terraces, halls and 46 rooms in total, the Chunda Palace becomes ideal for hosting all the functions under a single roof. The place gives a fine view of the city and lets you enjoy the beauty of Udaipur.
Fort Fatehgarh
Fort Fatehgarh is a Heritage Renaissance Resort-Sanctuary with a 360° view of Aravali Hill Ranges, Lake Pichola, City Palace and the old city. It great to host exceptional weddings away from the hustle bustle of the city as its perched on a hillock. It has spacious and beautiful 51 rooms and is idyllic for a phenomenal royal wedding.
Devigarh Palace
Source: rareindia
The Devigarh palace is an ideal fusion of past, present , and future and hence a perfect set up for palatial weddings. To solemnize your nuptials, no place can be as beautiful and peaceful as Fort Fatehgarh. It is an 18th-century hotel in the village of Delwara, 28km from the main city of Udaipur. It is considered to be one of the Dream Hotels across the country and is perfect for your D-Day.
Lalit Laxmi Villas
Located in the heart of the city Lalit Laxmi Villas has an outstanding location for your royal wedding. It overlooks Lake Fateh Sagar with a stupendous backdrop of Aravalli hills. This palace was built by Maharana Bhupal Singh in 1911 and has 55 rooms in total. The place is ideal for celebrating your big day!
Weddings bells ringing already? So, which place would be your venue for a royal wedding!?
If you love shopping, celebrating and winning loads of prizes then Lakecity Summer Shopping Carnival is made for you. Whether it’s about having fun with your family and friends or getting your hands on the newest trends, Summer Shopping Carnival is where you would want to be. Starting from 12th May, the festival will conclude on the 27th of this month. The Summer festival is in accord with big in-house Brands like Pantaloon, Reliance Smart, Levis, UCB, Wrangler, Woodland and so many more. It is time to change your wardrobes I guess because Summer Shopping Carnival at the Lakecity Mall is all set to entice you!
Shopping at the Carnival
Shopping will take on a whole new meaning during the Lakecity Summer Shopping Carnival. You will have an encounter with the latest styles and fashion trends and you can buy eye-catching items right on the spot at the Summer Shopping Carnival!
And not just shopping, celebrating and winning; the Mall has arranged for you the best of the entertainment that is sure to leave you spellbound.
Win, Celebrate and get Entertainment by the best at The Carnival
Win: A lucky draw for you for winning big prizes
Entertainment: Get entertained by Daily events like Music, Games, Quiz, Contests etc. at the mall
Celebrate: Mother’s Day Celebration, Fashion Show, Live Music Concert with the Closing Ceremony
Feel the entire mall buzzing with excitement upon the lucky draw and yes, you can be a part of this excitement too. Thinking how to? The answer to all your questions is right below:
At the Lakecity Summer Shopping Carnival, if you make a purchase of worth Rs 1999 from any store of the Mall, you will be eligible to fill/drop a coupon for the lucky draw!
Who is going to be the winner?
At the end of the Summer Shopping Carnival on 27th May mall management will Conduct a lucky draw and the winning buyers would be called to collect the prize at the closing ceremony of the event. 3 lucky shoppers will be the winners that shall get outstanding prizes like LED, microwave, washing machines and so much more. will be announced for them.
Take home luxury with you!!!
The Summer Shopping Carnival is managed by Bandhan Events and Supporting Partners are TVS, Club Mahindra, and Udaipurblog
Isn’t it amazing! Tell us in the comments below how many of you will be going to the Lakecity Summer Shopping Festival!!!
