Best Travel to Udaipur
The valley of Udaipur (Oodipur), the most diversified and most romantic spot on the continent of India
- Col. James Tod, Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan (1829)
There is no doubt that James Tod's assessment of Udaipur some 175 years ago still holds true. Explore this "city of lakes" with a comprehensive travel guide with Best of Indian Travel.
It's a city of hills, lakes, palaces, forts, temples and ornate private mansions. It's rustic and romantic, luxurious and welcoming. It's a city that's receptive to poets, painter, singers, actors, men and women nimble on their feet and skilled with their hands.
Udaipur is one of the most famous tourist destinations of India. An Udaipur visit is something which always catches the conscious attention of a tourist's mind.
Udaipur is among the most beautiful cities of Rajasthan. The defining landmark of this city is the Lake Pichola, along one side of which stands the splendid city palace. The main part of the palace is now a museum, and is worth an unhurried visit. Check out the dazzling mirror work of the Manak Mahal and the quaint tiger trap near the Zenana Mahal.
Set in the calm waters of the Lake Pichola are two islands, Jagniwas and Jagmandir. Ferries to both are available from the City Palace. Jagniwas has now been converted into a luxury hotel. You can also take the longer boat ride to Jagmandir Island and check out the impressive chhatri there.
While in Udaipur, visit the unusual Jagdish Temple. The main deity here is Vishnu. But the idol worth a view is the brass replica of Garuda, the king of winged steeds and the vehicle of Vishnu.
Boating is a hot pastime with Udaipur's young-at-heart and there's no better place for this than Fateh Sagar. To the west of his lake is Shilpa Gram, a village dedicated to handicraft from different parts of the country.
To the north of Udaipur is Ranakpur, one of the largest and most important Jain temples in India. The Chaumukha Temple occupies pride of place here, with the equally magnificent Neminath and Parasnath temples complementing it.
How To Get There
Air: Indian Airlines connects Udaipur with Jodhpur, Jaipur, Aurangabad, Mumbai and Delhi.
Rail: Udaipur is directly linked by rail with Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer, Chittaurgarh, Jodhpur and Ahmedabad.
Road: Udaipur is well connected by road with Agra (630 km), Ahmedabad (262 km), Ajmer (264 km), Jaipur (406 km).
