Udaipur-the ‘City of Dawn’-seems many worlds away from the golden sand dunes and arid wastes that epitomize Rajasthan. A city of shimmering lakes, of elegant palaces built of white marble, of flower-filled gardens and gurgling fountains; and of a tradition of regal living that takes some beating: Udaipur is exquisite, alluring and very easy to fall in love with. So much so, in fact, that this pretty city, tucked away amidst the green hills of the Aravalis, has been called one of the most romantic cities in India.
Situated on the banks of the Pichola Lake, Udaipur was founded in 1568, supposedly after Maharana Udai Singh was instructed to build a palace at a spot indicated by a hermit whom he met while out hunting. Legend has it that Udai Singh built the palace according to the hermit’s advice, and that around this palace grew the pristine and lovely city known today as Udaipur. Whether this tale of Udaipur’s origin is accurate or not, one thing is certain: that Udaipur, as the centre of power for the rulers of Mewar, enjoyed an importance that few other kingdoms anywhere in India ever saw Mewar, in fact, was able to hold its own against the Mughals and its royal family is today perhaps one of the oldest in the world.
Udaipur is an enticing blend of history and culture, of romance and valour. Its picture-perfect palaces, its quiet lakeside gardens and medieval temples look straight out of a fairy tale. The outlying hills, dominated by the majestic fortresses of Chittaurgarh and Kumbhalgarh, are a stark reminder of the fact that this lovely city was also the capital of a valiant clan of warriors. A combination, in short, of all that captures the senses, evoking admiration, awe, appreciation — and even, for countless visitors, adulation.
Getting around Udaipur
Local transport in Udaipur includes buses, tongas, auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws and taxis. The latter are perhaps the best bet for those who put comfort as top priority; but even if hiring a taxi, it is very essential to insist that the driver use the meter. Travelers keen on opting for more adventurous ways of moving around are best off using tongas-travel is invariably interesting in one of these horse-drawn carts, although one must necessarily decide on the fare before embarking on the journey!
For sightseeing, another option is the city tempos, which run on specific tempo routes according to a fixed timetable. These usually go from Fatehpura, via Hathipol and then to Pratap Nagar or Suraj Pol; or from Mulla Talai via Hathipol to Pratap Nagar or Suraj Pol and beyond. Tempos are an economical option, and can be a great choice for budget travelers- while at the same time offering a close look at life on Udaipur’s colorful streets!
Accommodation in Udaipur
Udaipur is one of Rajasthan Travels lovers top destinations, and as such is choc-a-bloc with places to stay, running the gamut from luxurious five-star hotels to more economical mid-rung and budget hotels and paying guest accommodation. At the upper end of the spectrum are the plush deluxe properties (many of them heritage hotels which were once the residences of Udaipur’s royalty) that dot Udaipur. Of these, among the best-known are the pristine white Lake Palace, which stands on an island in Lake Pichola; and the Shiv Niwas Palace Hotel and the Fateh Prakash Palace Hotel, both of which are part of the City Palace complex. All recreate the grandeur of the maharajas, complete with opulently furnished rooms, personalised service and a taste of a regal lifestyle that few modern travellers can even imagine. Further out of the city lie more heritage hotels, which can also be a good option for those on a leisurely vacation. For more details Click Here luxury hotels in Udaipur
Shoestring travelers, however, need not worry: Udaipur has its fair share of places where tariffs are reasonably low. Among these are the RTDC’s low-budget rooms and dormitories; various privately-owned and operated tourist hostels and budget hotels across town; rooms at municipal guesthouses; and even paying guest accommodation. The latter can be arranged by contacting the local RTDC office, and is a great way to get a feel of life in a typical Rajasthani home.
If you are planning to travel in India and looking for Holiday packages in India , Luxury tours in India ,contact Swan Tours – one of the most prominent travel agents in India since 1995.
Swan Tours - Blogs 