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Places to Visit

You, Me and Udaipur

Strolling Hand In Hand Through Udaipur’s Stunning Landscapes And Making Memories That Last A Lifetime

Udaipur is perhaps one of the most romantic places across the globe. It is a dreamy holiday destination specifically for young couples, whether for their honeymoon or just a romantic getaway. Udaipur has its special aura because this City of Lakes is also a City of Love.

Whether it’s lounging on the grass of Sahelion Ki Badi or purring sweet nothings besides Lake Pichola or embracing the beauty of the Royal City Palace, Udaipur is a spree to celebrate love and togetherness. Blessed with limitless arenas of natural beauty, Udaipur offers seemingly endless opportunities for romance to the honeymoon couples or couples on a romantic getaway. Here is our top pick of the idealistic places of Udaipur, where couples can share their romantic moments with their soulmates and fall in love all over again.

Top 10 Romantic Places to Visit in Udaipur for Couples 
1) Lake Pichola

One of the top-notch places to visit in Udaipur is Lake Pichola. Boating at Lake Pichola, ideally in the mornings and nights, will provide you with a stunning view of the city’s outline. It is less busy, and the scenery is at its most beautiful at these times.

This freshwater lake was crafted in 1362 and is surrounded by a plethora of gorgeous temples, palaces, and other renowned old monuments, that you may admire while boating in the lake. This, my friends, is one of the most romantic things to do in Udaipur.

Address: Lake Pichola

Boating Time: 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM

2) The Ambrai Ghat 

Ambrai Ghat, the principal Ghat of Lake Pichola, is one of the ideal spots to relax and unwind while enjoying the view of the flowing lake. Many residents and travellers come here to perform yoga, bathe, and meditate early in the morning. The crowds continue to swell throughout the day. The water of the lake glitters with the reflection of city lights in the evening, providing breath-taking views of the city from its location, making it one of Udaipur’s most romantic spots.

Address: Maji ka Mandir, Chandpole, Udaipur.

Visiting Time: 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM

3) Manak Chowk- Mewar Light and Sound Show

The light and sound show, which is organized by a non-governmental private organization, may be seen in the exquisite Manak Chowk at The City Palace, which is one of Udaipur’s most romantic locations.

It provides an opportunity to relive the area’s rich past to raise awareness, interest, and pride in Mewar’s heritage. This one-hour show narrates the greatness of Rani Padmini and Chittorgarh, as well as the sacrifice of Panna Dhai and other legends of Mewar.

Address: City Palace Museum, Udaipur

Visiting Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (June- August)

7:00 PM- 8:00 PM (September to March)

7:30 PM- 8:30 PM (April)

4) The Jag Mandir

This magnificent floating marble artefact sits within the lake and was built by three Mewar monarchs during their reign. Since its construction got completed during the governance of Maharaja Jagat Singh and was hence named after him.

It attracts a large number of tourists each year and has a museum as well in its premise. The museum speaks a lot about the important historical and cultural beliefs of the Mewar dynasty. Enjoy a romantic boat trip to the temple with your soulmate, which is yet another one of the most romantic activities to do, when in Udaipur.

Address: Lake Pichola- Udaipur

Visiting Time: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

5) The City Palace

The City Palace, which is situated on the banks of Lake Pichola, is one of the most romantic spots to visit in Udaipur. This luxurious Palace was built by Maharana Uday Singh in 1559. Take a stroll through the grounds of this magnificent palace, and treat your eyes to the stunning look of The Hanging Garden, Mahals, Courtyards, and much more. The elegant architecture contributes a lot to the place’s royal appeal.

Address: Old City, Udaipur

Visiting Time: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM

6) Saheliyon Ki Badi 

This gorgeous garden is also often referred to as the Garden of Maidens. With its construction going back to the 18th century, this monument is historically significant.

The beauty of this spot is enhanced by several glorious bird fountains and a lotus pool. Another interesting site to visit is the museum, which houses many royal household items that are worth seeing. Learn more about Udaipur’s history by visiting one of the city’s most romantic locations.

Address: Saheli Marg, New Fatehpura, Udaipur

Visiting time: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM

7) The Sajjan Garh Palace

Situated on the hilltop on the outskirts of the city, the Sajjan Garh was the regal private home that was made for the Mewar dynasty kings centuries before.

The complex Rajput architecture, lofty towers, balconies, and other sights are worth seeing with your partner. Visiting this fort with your soulmate is another one of the most romantic things to do in Udaipur.

Address:  Kodiyat, Udaipur

Visiting Time: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

8) The Crystal Art Gallery

The Crystal Art Gallery, which houses some of the most magnificent and captivating crystal objects one has ever seen, can instantly make everyone fall in love with it. This magnificent place is located in the Palace and is home to the world’s biggest and the rarest collection of crystals. Maharana Sajjan Singh established the famed Crystal Gallery in 1877 and has gained a reputation as one of the quirky places to visit in Udaipur for couples.

Address: Jagdish Chowk, City Palace Road, Rao Ji Ka Hata, Udaipur.

Visiting Time: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM

9) Jagdish Temple 

Located in the heart of the city, the Jagdish Temple is a great Hindu temple which is nothing less than an architectural sensation, that brilliantly displays the traces of the Mewar era. The temple’s colourful and massive halls, intriguingly designed and wonderfully carved pillars, painted walls, and carved ceilings make it an incredible place to visit. The temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singh and is home of multiple deities, including Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, the Sun God, Goddess Shakti, and many others.

Address: Old City, Near Bagore ki Haweli, Jagdish Chowk, Udaipur.

Visiting Time: 4:15 AM to 1:00 PM and 5:15 PM to 8:00 PM

10) The Ambrai Restaurant

Wait! Don’t let your fairy tale end here. End your day with a romantic dinner with your partner at a lakeside restaurant, in a quiet and serene ambience? There are multiple romantic diners in Udaipur, and one of them is the Ambrai Restaurant. Its seating arrangement is by the lakeside, a perfect ambience for a candlelight dinner with your partner. The menu covers everything, from authentic Rajasthani dishes to continental cuisine! It surely is the nicest and the most perfect place to have a romantic dinner with the love of your life.

Address: Maji ka Mandir, Chandpole, Udaipur.

Visiting time: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM

These are the best places which are situated in Udaipur for Couples to visit. These are also one of the famous places where couples from various states and cities come to visit. Udaipur is known for its romanticism when the monsoon is also a part of it.

Let us know at udaipurblog.com which places you have visited and which are your best ones.

Categories
History and Culture

Historical Places in Udaipur and the History Behind Them

Jagdish temple

Historical places in Udaipur and the history behind them
Picture by: Anil Vohra

Jagdish temple was made by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651. Maharana Jagat Singh ruled Udaipur for 25 years from 1628 to 1653. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (the preserver of the universe). It is the largest temple in the city. After 28 years of the construction of the temple, Mughal ruler Aurangzeb wanted the temple to get destroyed and sent his army to do so. But the army of Maharana Raj Singh (ruler of Udaipur back then) didn’t let him do so. And so, Jagdish Mandir was saved from getting destroyed. To know more about Jagdish temple, click here.

You may also want to read Famous temples in and around Udaipur

 

Saheliyon ki Bari

Historical places in Udaipur and the history behind them
Source: guidetrip

Saheliyon ki Bari can be translated as the courtyard of Maiden in English. It is a major garden of the city. Saheliyon ki Badi was built in the year 1710 by Maharana Sangram Singh for the royal ladies. It was built for a group of forty-eight young women attendants who came with the princess as a part of her dowry. It has beautiful lotus pools, marble pavilions, and elephant-shaped fountains. According to the legend the garden was designed by the king Sangram Singh himself and he presented it to the queen. To know more about Saheliyon ki Bari, click here.

 

City Palace

Historical places in Udaipur and the history behind them
Source: holidify

City Palace is the palace complex situated on the east bank of Lake Pichola. It was built over a period of 400 years back by Maharana Udai Singh II when he shifted his capital from Chittor district. The palace constantly got addition and modification by other rulers of the dynasty. It is built in both Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. It is designed so beautifully that it overlooks several other historical monuments such as Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir, Jagdish Temple, Monsoon Palace, and Neemach Mata temple, and a perfect view of the entire city. To know more about City Palace, click here.

To watch the video of city palace, click here.

 

Ahar Cenotaphs

Rarely visited places in Udaipur that you need to visit right now
Picture by: maximvo

About at a distance of 3 km, Ahar is called Udaipur’s royal cremation ground. It has a total of 372 cenotaphs of around 19 Maharanas who once ruled the city. This spectacular city of domes was built approx. 400 years back. The most striking cenotaph that you will be able to spot will be of Maharana Sangram Singh and the newest was built in the year 2004 of Udaipur’s last Maharana, Bhagwat Singh. At a distance of just 150 m from Ahar Cenotaphs, you can find Ahar government museum which contains copper and pottery objects of more than around 3300-year-old. It also has sculptures of Hindu gods and Jain tirthankars from the 8th and 16th century AD.

You may also want to read Maharanas of Udaipur. 

 

Bagore ki Haveli

Historical places in Udaipur and the history behind them
Bagore ki Haveli

Bagore ki Haveli was built by ‘Shree Amarchand Badwa’ who was the Prime minister of Mewar from 1751 to 1778. He remained at the position throughout the reigns of Maharanas Pratap Singh II, Raj Singh II, Ari Singh, and Hamir Singh respectively. After the death of Amarchand, the Haveli was occupied by Nath Singh, a relative of Maharana back then. The property remained in the possession of Mewar state until 1947. After independence the government of India used the site for housing government employees. But after that for almost forty years, the Haveli’s condition got deteriorated and finally, the government handed it to West zone cultural center. West zone cultural center then renovated the Haveli into a museum. To know more about City Palace, click here.

 

Sajjangarh palace or monsoon palace

Source: twitter

The monsoon palace, also called Sajjangarh palace is a hilltop palace at a distance of around 7 km from the city. It was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in the year 1884. It is said that Maharana Sajjan Singh built it at the top of the hill so that he can see his ancestral home which was Chittaurgarh. It was previously owned by the royal family of Mewar and is now owned by the forest department of the government of Rajasthan. The beautiful palace gives you a mind-blowing view of the sunset and is supposedly called monsoon palace because it seems like the palace is floating in the heaven during Monsoon. To know more about Sajjangarh Palace, click here.

 

Moti Magri

Historical places in Udaipur and the history behind them
Source: Trip advisor

Moti Magri or pearl hill is a memorial of the great Rajput hero Maharana Pratap. There is a bronze statue of Maharana Pratap on the top of the hill with his favorite horse, Chetak. It is said that Chetak was a very brave horse who climbed upon an elephant in the battle of Haldighati which crippled one of his legs. But when he thought that his master needs to be rescued from the battle, he landed him in a safe spot away from the battle with his crippled legs. He also jumped upon a stream while this journey and this led him towards his death. Along with the gardens, smaarak, and a magnificent view, Moti Magri has a hall of heroes which consists of 20 large paintings on the history of Mewar and modals of Chittaurgarh and Haldighati battle. To know more about the brave horse of Maharana Pratap, Chetak, click here.

 

Ghanta Ghar

Historical places in Udaipur and the history behind them
Ghantya Ghar

Ghanta Ghar which is also called clock tower was built around 130 years back by Maharana Sajjan Singh. The reason for it being built was a conflict between Bohra and Mahajan religion. Then Maharana made them pay 5000 Rs. Each as a penalty and this money was used to build the Ghanta Ghar. That is the reason why Ghanta Ghar is called to be made from the sum of ‘Nazrana and Jhurmana’ (Penalties and punishments). The clock used in it was imported from London. The architecture of the clock is unique and splendid. The length of Ghanta Ghar is around 50 feet. It was city’s first public watch. Know more about Ghanta Ghar here.

 

Sas Bahu Temple

Historical places in Udaipur and the history behind them
Source: pinterest

Sas Bahu or if we refer it to its full name which is Sahastra Bahu is a temple of Lord Vishnu. It is at a distance of 17 km from the city in Nagda. Sas Bahu temple was built back in 10th century AD. Nagda was once an important city for Mewar. It was probably the capital of some Mewar ruler back then. The temple is surrounded by Bagela Lake. Although the temple is now in ruins, one can easily see the magnificent architecture and the beautiful carvings on the walls of the temple. To know more about Sas Bahu temple, click here.

 

Eklingji temple

Historical Places in Udaipur and the History Behind Them
Source: Udaipur tourism

Eklingji temple was built by Bappa Rawal who was also the founder of Sisodia clan in Mewar. The original temple was built by Bappa Rawal but it has been renovated and refurbished by the successive rulers. It is said that Bappa Rawal was a firm devotee of Lord Vishnu and that he dedicated his entire kingdom in the feet of the deity. He proclaimed that the kingdom is of the deity and he is ruling it on behalf of the deity. The temple was attacked by the enemies several times but it got rebuilt and reconstructed repeatedly. To know more about Eklingji temple, click here.

 

Jag Mandir Palace

Historical places in Udaipur and the history behind them
Source: Trip advisor

Jag Mandir Palace is a palace built amidst the Lake Pichola on an island. It was earlier called Gul Mahal. The history of Jag Mandir Palace is dated back to the year 1623. Maharana Karan Singh (1605-1627) extended a helping hand to protect Emperor Shahjahan (before he became the Mughal emperor) from the danger of getting thawed in his campaign. Initially, he was kept safe in city palace along with his wife Mumtaz Mahal and his two children Prince Aurangzeb and Prince Dara. After that, they were shifted to safe refuge, Gul Mahal. Gul Mahal was specially built for Shahjahan. It is said that the inspiration for one of the wonders of the world, Taj Mahal, came from Gul Mahal in Shahjahan’s mind. The palace is now converted into a resort. To know more about the Palace, Click here. 

 

Fateh Prakash Palace

Historical places in Udaipur and the history behind them
Source: booking.com

The palace was constructed by Fateh Singh who ruled Mewar from 1885 to 1935. The purpose of the palace back then was to serve the esteemed guests of the royal family during any royal functions. And the purpose has still not changed much. It is now converted into a heritage hotel where renowned people stay during their time in Udaipur.

You may also want to read Palaces and forts in Udaipur.

 

Lake Palace

Historical places in Udaipur and the history behind them
Source: travel triangle

Lake Palace was built under the direction of Maharana Jagat Singh during his ruling time from 1743 to 1746. It was initially called Jagat Niwas or Jan Niwas. Lake Palace was built as a winter palace by Jagat Niwas, however later on the successive rulers used it as a summer resort by holding their durbars in its courtyard. Now, it is converted into a luxury hotel where renowned guests and celebrities stay during their visit to Udaipur. To know more about Lake Palace, click here.

 

Shiv Niwas Palace

Historical places in Udaipur and the history behind them
Source: booking.com

The work of Shiv Niwas Palace was started by Maharana Sajjan Shambhu Singh and finished by his successor Maharana Fateh Singh at the beginning of 20th century. Initially, it was the royal guesthouse for all the royal guests coming to visit the Maharanas. In those times it hosted a number of royal gatherings which includes George V of the United Kingdom in 1905, and Edward the Prince of Wales. But later it became difficult for the royal family to afford the cost of large number of royal residencies that it owned and so along with the Lake Palace, they decided to convert it into an income-generating hotel.

You may also want to read A list of the Best Hotels and Resorts of Udaipur.

 

Mewar has always been rich when it comes to its history and culture. While most of us knew some of these places and their history behind, some of these were quite new for us, isn’t it? If you have any feedback regarding the article, you can either share it with us in the comment section below or write to me at juhee@udaipurblog.com.

Categories
Places to Visit

Dudh Talai – Deliberate Potency of Aestheticity

Doodh Talai and Lake Pichola

Dudh Talai is a dainty lake in Udaipur studded with enhancements of human pleasures. The lake beautifies the south-east part of Lake Pichola and has an affable view from the twinkling places like City Palace, Jag Mandir etc. The small inlet of this lake, contributes its water to the larger lake Pichola. This place is unique with the presence of conspicuous view of Shiv Niwas Palace on its southern side and is adorned by two parks which adds grace its shore. M.L Verma Garden and Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park are showcase of modern architecture and allows one to stroll along its beauty. It is located at the coordinates: 24°34’8″N 73°41’9″E

Doodh Talai Udaipur

Manikya Lal Verma Garden :

The Manikya Lal Verma Garden or the Rock Garden, on a hillock near Dudh Talai is the best place to catch a spectacular landscape and is carved out of a rugged rock at an attractive eminence. There are curved stones inducted in the bottom of the garden and the small stream of water goes across through it. It was constructed in year 1995 by Nagar Parhisad (Municipal Council) Udaipur. The blue and white paint is unfortunate but adoption and use as ‘public open space’ is probably the best way of managing India’s brilliant heritage of stepwells. A peep from here gives a panoramic view of sediments of nature. The grandeur of this garden lies in its wall maintained smallness. The scene of dusk, which appears shuddering through the ripplets of the gloomy lake Pichola is astonishing. There are steps constructed to reach to the garden, as well as a separate road for vehicles.

Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Park :

At the same elevation of Maanikya Lala Varma Park there is another garden called Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Park. It was developed by Urban Improvement Trust (UIT) Udaipur. The lake is horizoned by masterpiece like Pichola Lake on west and the beautiful City Palace in the north and the rocky M L V Garden in east. These places together make a chain of ‘must visit’ tourist attraction of the city. It also has Rajasthan’s first “Musical Fountain” manufactured by “Yagnik Mechanical Engineering Works”. In this colored milieu fountains dance according to the tunes of music. On the other hand it is a sunset point, from where the sun sets in the lap of lake Pichola reflecting crepuscular light.

The Ropeway :

A ropeway to Karni Mata temple was constructed between tourist spot Deen Dayal Park, on the top of hill near lake Pichola and the Machhala Hill. Inside the temple there is a white stone idol of the goddess Karni Mata. It was built by the businessman Kailash Khandelwal in collaboration with UIT. It is a delightful ride of 500 meters over a fixed grip mono cable and is the first ropeway of Rajasthan. It is not just a 4 minute ride but a joyful adventure, the altitude bounded with scenery and the people bouncing in the air is so experiencing that one can just fall in short of words. It gives a breath-taking view of the city including Lake Pichola, magnificent City Palace complex, Sajjangarh Fort and many more, from its cabin. Being the major attraction the ropeway system has also developed the ease to visit the temple and other historical sites at Machhala Hill. The ticket costs Rs.69/- per adult.

To add more attractions for tourists, boat rides and camel rides are also introduced near the Dhudh Talai pond, by Udaipur Municipal Corporation.

Being a famous relaxing spot of the city it offers a serene and scenic environment with beautiful lake side drive and one can spend a very intimate quality time here.