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Udaipur
is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and
experiences - an inspiration for the imagination of
the poets, painters and writers. Its kaleidoscope of
fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens an
narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavour
of heroic past, epitomising valour and chivalry.
Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake
Pichhola is an enticing sight.
Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar - a kingdom ruled by
the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 years. Several places
in and around worth visiting, some of them are :
 City
Palace : A
majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake
on a hill surrounded by crenallated walls, it is a
conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces,
corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. The main
entrance is through the triple arched gate, the
"Tripolia" with eight marble portiocs. The
maharanas were weighed under the gate in gold, the
euivalent amount of which was distributed among the
populace.
Fateh
Sagar & Nehru Park :
A beautiful lake,
overlooked by a number of hills on the three sides
and the Pratap Memorial on the north was built by
Maharana Fateh Singh. In the middle of the lake is
Nehru Park - a lovely garden island with a boat
shaped cafe accessible by an enjoyable boat ride.
 Sahelion
- ki - Bari (Garden of the maids of honour) :
This small ornamental garden was a popular relaxing
spot where royal ladies came for a stroll and hence
the name. The garden has many fountains in its four
delightful pools, chiselled kiosks and marble
elephants.
On
the eve of his departure from Mewar, Col.Tod had
shifted to it so as to have some needed solitude.
Much later, a thoughtful had located a library in it
!
 Pratap
Smarak (Memorial) :
Atop the Moti Magri or Pearl Hill, overlooking the
Fateh Sagar Lake. Entrance
is made of huge gate and in
the garden a
memorial of the Rajput hero Maharana Pratap with a
bronze statue of the Maharana astride his favourite
horse "Chetak".
This 11 feet bronze statue is unique. The view of
lake & mountain ranges from the hill top is
worth climbing.
Dudh
Talai : A
beautiful laid out "Rock Garden" from
where one can enjoy sunset view in Lake Pichhola and
panoramic view of old city.
Musical Fountain is an another
attraction for the visitors.
Gulab
Bagh & Zoo :
A spectacular rose
Garden laid out by Maharana Sajjan Singh, is
situated near the palace on east side of Lake
Pichhola. A library in the garden has a rare
collection of ancient handwritten manuscripts and
books.
Within the garden, there is
a zoo with tigers, leopards, chinkara and many wild
animals and birds are being kept.
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