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Impressions of India - Udaipur
~ the fairytale city of lakes ~
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 Coming
from Jodhpur we passed the Thar desert in the direction of Udaipur. On
the road, close to Udaipur, we visited the magnificent Jain-Temple
in Ranakpur, which is in any case a "must". Finally we reached the
fairy tale "city of lakes", Udaipur (266 km), which is often referred as
the 'Venice of the East' also. It is the most romantic and most charming
city we have seen on our tour - a jewel in the kingdom Mewar in Rajasthan,
ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 years. After the legend Maharaja
Udai Singh founded the city in 1559 A.D, following the advise of a hermit.
The marvellous city is a blend of fairy tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens
and narrow streets.
 The
imposing City Palace
is on the Eastern shore of the
lake, , towering over the lake on a hill. It is the largest palace
complex in Rajasthan. The majestic, architectural marvel in granite and
marble is a composition of courtyards, pavilions, terraces and palaces,
decorated with numerous balconies, cupolas and towers.  The
interior impresses by interesting and elaborate works of art, among them
the famous peacock mosaic.
Close to the City Palace is the Jagdish
Temple, which is consecrated
to Lord Wishnu. Built in 1651. It is
the largest and most splendid temple in Udaipur. Its walls are decorated
with a lavish abundance of marvellous
stonemason works on white marble. There are also beautiful wall paintings
of the most important Hindu deities.
The
two most scenic and famous lakes of the city are Lake Pichola and
Lake
Fateh Sagar. Our hotel
"Lake Pichola" was located right at shore of lake
Pichola and offered a charming view of the lake and the skyline of the
city. In the morning we awoke with rhythmical
noises,
which came from the opposite site of the lake, where people at the ghats
beat their washing with sticks.
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 Lake
Pichola is surrounded by hills, palaces,
temples and bathing ghats and has two island palaces- Jag Niwas (Lake Palace)
and Jag Mandir, which appear to be floating on the lake. Thus a highlight
of our stay in Udaipur was a boat ride on this charming lake. The small
cruise started at the City Palace. and this lovely
girl was sitting in our boat. First we passedhotel
"Lake
Palace", formerly Jag Niwas and were told, that it is one of
the world's most spectacular hotels. The palace, built in 1754, covers
an area of about 4 acres with landscaped courtyards, fountains, and
gardens and may be the very image of what a maharaja's place should
be like.
 Then
we arrived the picturesque island palace Jag
Mandir, where the elephant sculptures
welcomed us. It is the place, where Prince Khurram (later emperor Shahjahan)
took refuge in the 17th century. We were allowed, to visit the place and
enjoyed the beautiful cupolas, a lofty dome, majestic palms, beautiful
rooms with inlaid stones and paintings, as well as a  marvellous
view back to the skyline of the city with the City Palace.
Another highlight was
'Saheliyon-ki-Bari
or
the Garden of the Maids of Honour'
in
the north of the city, so called because this charming ornamental garden
was a popular relaxing spot, where royal ladies came for a stroll.
It is a picturesque garden with well tended extensive lawns, shady walks
and beautiful flower beds, with fountains, kiosks, marble elephants and
delightful lotus pools. |
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