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About Other Attraction

Lake Palace :- The Lake Palace is regarded as one of the most beautiful palaces in the world. The mere sight of this white wonder rising from the turquoise waters of Lake Pichola is mesmerizing. Situated on the island of Jag Niwas ,it was previously known as the Jag Mahal after the founder , Maharana Jagat singh II. Built in 1754. it is a marvel in stone and a wonderful example of Mugal-Rajput architecture .Successive rulers used the cool haven as a summer resort, but in the late '50s,it was converted into a luxury hotel. The rooms and the suites of the hotel are beautifully designed; each having a particuler theme & decorated with textiles and handicrafts of the region.The royal banquet rooms are now reception rooms,bars and restaurants. Apartments `names the Bada Mahal, Khush Mahal, Sajjan Niwas, Phool Mahal and the Dhola Mahal add to the romantic setting and give a taste of the regal splendor of a bygone era.

MAHASHTIAYAN (ROYAL CENOTAPHS) :- In the east of Ahar village and near Dhulkot are the royal cenotaphs called Mahasatayan. Here lie in eternal peace the Maharanas of Mewar after Udaipur was founded. The sculpture of these cenotaphs is worth seeing. EXCAVATIONS AT AHAR While going from the old Railway Station to city via Ahar road, one would see on one’s right hand a huge mound of earth, popularly known as ‘Dhulkot’. The mound, under it, treasures the ruins of a great ancient civilization distinguished and known as Ahar Civilisation in the history of civilization of mankind. The type of houses, ring wells, earthen pots (black-on-red-pottery), copper articles, smelting furnaces, statues etc. belonging to the period between the Chalcolithic period and the Kushan period , have been recently excavated from the mound. The material excavated reveals that rich human civilization, culture and prosperity beginning from as back as 4,000 years, rose, flourished and vanished from time to time in this part of the country. The site (ring wells, drainage etc.) also shows that the inhabitants of this region had a good sense of town planning much earlier than the Christian era. The excavated articles are on show in the Ahar Museum on the site. It is open on all working days for visitors. A visit to the site and the museum will be really instructive and interesting.

Crystal Gallery :- The Crystal Gallery located in Fateh Prakash Palace (Part of grand City Palace Complex) was opened to the public in 1994. Overlooking the Darbar Hall, the Crystal Gallery has a grand collection of more then Six Hundred rare objects collected from different parts of world. Inspired by the showroom of Birmingham based company F& C osler in Calcutta, this unique collection of the gallery was ordered by Maharna Sajjan Singh Ji in year 1887. From lamps to washing bowls, Perfume bottles to paperweights and writing instruments, the collection has it all. The Crystal gallery also boasts a crystal bad, the only one its kind in the world. Besides these, other fascinating objects include a sofa set, a dining table, fountains, various colored crystal objects mirrored tabletops and exquisites decanters. For further information please contact The Fateh Prakash, City Palace Udaipur

Lok kala Mandal :- The puppetry of Mewar is well known not only in India but in foreign countries also. It has been introduced to the wider masses of people by the initiative taken by Lok Kala Mandal. Lok Kala Mandal is situated at a walking distance from Chetak Circle on the road which leads to Sukhadia Circle. The institute has promoted folk art, artifacts, puppetry and folk literature. It was founded by Padam Shri Devilal Samar. The museum located in the building has a collection of folk articles of Rajasthan. When we enter the gate of the museum there is a room where objects of theater are displayed. The adjoining room have collection of folk musical instruments and ornaments used by tribals. After crossing a gallery we reach to a puppet theatre where they have a regular short duration display of puppetry. On the other side of the room there are designs of henna handprints, and colour decoration of cow dung floors. The temple of wood, devras of terracotta from village Molela (Close to Nathdwara) are also displayed very nicely. Visit to Lok Kala Mandal introduces the visitor to the world of folk culture and various forms of folk.

Shilpgram :- A little away from Fatehsagar ring road, close to the Village Havala, 3 Kms. away from Udaipur lies Shilp Gram (literally means A Village of Craftsmen), a Village concieved as a living ethnographic Museum. Shilp Gram depicts the life style of the Folks of not only Mewar but the whole Western India. It also includes the Tribal folks. Traditional Huts have bee constructed here featuring Household Articles of everyday use like Terracotta, Textiles, Wooden, metal & decorative objects etc. with appropriate signals and explanatory details. It provides an opportunity to the Visitors to observe and learn about the rich traditional and ethnic Crafts and Arts, the various facets of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Goa, and Maharastra. The Village generates a better appreciation of the extra-ordinary diversity of designs and ethnic sense of the rural Craftsman. A huge open air amphitheatre is the venue of major Festivals. There is a Museum representing the 4 member States West Zone, which has Turbans, Household Items, Toys, Musical Instruments, Decorative etc. used in the Village areas of these member States.

JAGMANDIR ISLAND :- The other island palace, Jagmandir, was commenced by Maharana Karan Singh, but takes its name from Maharana Jagat Singh(1628-52) who made a number of additions to it. It is said that the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan derived some of his inspiration for the Taj Mahal from this palace. After staying here in 1623-24 AD while leading a revolt against his father, Jehangir. Flanked by a row of enormous stone elephant, the island has an impressive chhatri carved from grey-blue stone. The view across the lake, to the city and its glorious golden palace, is a scene of rare beauty.

CITY PALACE & MUSEUM :- The huge City Palace, towering over the lake, is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Actually a conglomeration of buildings added by various Maharanas, it still manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design. The building was started by Maharana Udai Singh II, the city's founder. The palace is surmounted by balconies, tower and cupolas and there are fine view over the lake and the city from the upper terraces. The palace is entered form the northern end through the Baripol (built 1600 AD) and the Tripolia Gate (1725 AD) with its eight carved marble arches. It was once a custom for Maharanas to be weighed under the gate and their weight in gold or silver distributed to the populace. The main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum. It includes the MorChowk with its beautiful mosaics of peacocks, the favourite Rajasthani bird, the Manak (or Ruby) Mahal has glass and mirror work, while Krishna Vilas has a remarkable collection of miniatures (no photography allowed). In the Bari Mahal, there is a pleasant central garden. The Moti Mahal has beautiful mirror work and the Chini Mahal is covered in ornamental tiles. There's an armory section downstairs. More paintings can be seen in the Zenana Mahal. There's a large tiger-catching cage near the Zenana Mahal entrance. The huge City Palace, towering over the lake, is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Actually a conglomeration of buildings added by various Maharanas, it still manages to retain a surprising uniformity of design. The building was started by Maharana Udai Singh II, the city's founder. The palace is surmounted by balconies, tower and cupolas and there are fine view over the lake and the city from the upper terraces. The palace is entered form the northern end through the Baripol (built 1600 AD) and the Tripolia Gate (1725 AD) with its eight carved marble arches. It was once a custom for Maharanas to be weighed under the gate and their weight in gold or silver distributed to the populace. The main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum. It includes the MorChowk with its beautiful mosaics of peacocks, the favourite Rajasthani bird, the Manak (or Ruby) Mahal has glass and mirror work, while Krishna Vilas has a remarkable collection of miniatures (no photography allowed). In the Bari Mahal, there is a pleasant central garden. The Moti Mahal has beautiful mirror work and the Chini Mahal is covered in ornamental tiles. There's an armory section downstairs. More paintings can be seen in the Zenana Mahal. There's a large tiger-catching cage near the Zenana Mahal entrance

SAJJAN GARH PALACE :- The massive and magnificent is the Sajjangarh palace donned by the top of a high hill visible from all directions and many long distances. It is at a height of 930 m. (3,100 ft) from the sea-level and 350 m. )1,100 ft) from the ground level. It is approachable by a good motorable road. The palace was constructed by Maharana Sajjan Singh (1859-84). It is thrilling to see such a massive and huge construction at such a height done during those old days when no mechanical means and aids were available for such activities. From this site, an enchanting and panoramic view of the whole landscape around – green and lofty hills, lakes, rivulets, fields, forests, palaces and town- is quite refreshing. The palace, during the rainy season, kissed and caressed by hovering clouds, presents a romantic sight. It is now under the control of the Public Works Department of the State Government.

RANAKPUR :- The exceptionally beautiful ranakpur complex, 60 km north of Udaipur, is one of the largest and most important Jain temple in India. It is tucked away in a remote valley of the Aravalli range and is certainly worth seeing. The main temple is the Chaumukha Temple, or Four-Faced Temple, dedicated to Adinath. Built in 1439, this huge, superbly crafted and well-kept marble temple has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, no two alike. Within the complex are two other join temples to Nominate and Peasant and, a little distance away, a Sun Temple. One Kilometer from the main complex is the Amba Mata Temple.

HALDI GHATI :- Haldi ghati, the famous battle field where the bloody battle between Maharana Pratap and Akbar had taken place in 1576 A.D. and where the loyal chetak (the saddle house of Maharana Pratap) lost its life in the service of his master, is on a motorable distance of 27 miles from Udaipur and 15 miles from Nathdwara. Regular bus service also goes to Nathwara via Haldi Ghati. It thrills a visitor to stand on the yellow soil of this ‘Thermopylae of India’ where every stone tells tacitly the story of innumerable heroic deeds of the sword and shielf and carries him into fancy to the realm where freedom raised its sword against slavery and where indomitable will fought against brutal force. It is cherished desire of every tourist to pilgrim to this place of national pilgrimage.

RAILWAY GHAT SECTION :- One should, if not inconvenient, come to Udaipur via Marwar Junction by rail, particularly by the train which passes through the Ghat Section during the day time. Nature blooming on the hills, train crewling on the serpentine railway line passing through the wonderful trunnels cut out of massive hills and the engine puffing out clouds of smoke in its struggle to pull the load on the gradually rising sublimity of the track – all give simply a joy to see them, and present an amazing example of man’s perseverance and will to rise victorious over Nature.

GAME SANCTUARY :- Near Jaisamudra is a game sanctuary in an area of 64 sq. km. (25 sq. miles) provided jeepable fair weather road inside. The sanctuary abounds in wild animals like deers, pigs, panthers, etc. For a tourist, the sanctuary provides to see and photograph wild life. The sanctuary can be visited by previous arrangements in consultation with the Divisional Forest Officer, Udaipur