An important stopover on Palace on Wheels tour, UDAIPUR is also known as the "City of Palaces", a "Fairyland" and a "Vision in Dream". It is surrounded by hills, mountains, and its beautiful palaces are mirrored in the calm blue water of Lake Pichola. Udaipur, as the capital of Mewar, was created by Maharana Udai Singh in 1568. The lakeside city was built on a small wooded plain encircled by mountains, which was in direct contrast to the masculinity of Chittor and Kumbhalgarh. The houses and temples of the old city stretch out around the Lake Pichola in a pale honeycomb that makes Udaipur an oasis of colors in a stark and arid region like Rajasthan.
What make Udaipur truly memorable are the exquisite lake palaces, shimmering like jewels on Lake Pichola. Jag Niwas, the summer residence of the princes of Mewar, is today a luxury hotel of breathtaking magnificence. Jag Mandir, the other island palace, is a marvel of red sandstone, with a marble dome. The mosaic pools and fountains of Sahelion-ki-Bari near Fateh Sagar Lake are open to the public.
Lake Palace or Jagat Niwas is a white marble summer residence of the princes of Mewar, which was built in 1746 by Jagat Singh. Set on an island, the whole Palace appears to float on the blue water of Lake Pichola. The airy stucco complex with dainty balconies, terrace gardens, water fountains and arched windows, reflects the brightness of the sun, sky and lake. The interiors are profusely decorated with paintings, stained glass and crystal.
In the midst of the lake stands another piece de resistance, Jag Mandir. It a lake retreat built by the Maharana as a refuge for Prince Shahjahan. The Palace, made in red sandstone of translucent thinness, was once laid with jasper, jade and rubies. It has spacious courtyards, a beautifully proportioned white marble dome, high ceiling rooms, majestic cupolas, arched pavilions and a garden planted with trees and flowering creepers. A beautiful structure here is the temple of universe. With stone colonnades, it is dedicated to the lord of the universe. The temple of Jagdish is built in classical style and is dedicated to Vishnu. It was built by Jagat Singh I in the midst of the city, on the street that leads to the palace. Its walls are covered with bas-relief, friezes of makar (crocodiles), elephants, carved dancers statue of Garuda.
Saheliyojn-Ki-Bari was designed by Maharana Fateh Singh on the embankment of Fateh Singh Lake, towards the north of Lake Pichola. A Lotus pool, flowerbeds, lawns, fountains and marble pavilions in Rajputana style, all combine to make it an enchanting place. The hill top Sajjangarh Palace fort in the west of Udaipur is a vantage point, from where a magnificent view of the city, its lakes and palaces can be enjoyed.
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