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"Sir, I'll take you to another enchanting city of
Rajasthan-Udaipur." exclaimed Ranvir, my guide in Rajasthan. "Udai
ya pur.!What's special about that city?" I asked. " You'll
come to know only when you will visit the place" he replied and I
kept on looking his face. His face had a glow that was sufficient enough
for me to understand that there was something intresting ahead.
On the way to Udaipur, ranvir told me that Udaipur is popularly known
as the Jewel of Mewar and the city was founded by Maharajah Jai Singh in
16th century. Ranvir was brilliant in history as he topped his
University in the first year. He was completing his History (hons) from
Rajasthan University and was in second year then. The city of Udaipur
endorse three major lake, Pichhola, Fatehsagar and Udaisagar. We landed
on Maharana Pratap Airport, that was 21 km from the city.
Exploring Udaipur!!
"You know it is also known as the lake city, as it endorses three
beautiful lakes out which Lake Pichola is the most beautiful and is of
importance to Udaipur" Ranvir aquainted me the fact. The name of
the lake is kept after the the name of the village Pichali and is
beautiful dotted with hills, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. The
lake adorns with two exquisite palaces Jag Niwas, a summer residence of
the princes of Mewar and now a hotel and Jag Mandir built in red
sandstone with marble dome.
Oh! there was a magnificent palace.. I am forgeting its's name....oh
yes! The city palace of Udaipur... yes, this was one monument that left
me spellbound. Without asking Ranvir started " The construction of
this beautiful building was started by Udai Singh and is largest palace
complex and was completed by Successive rulers. The complex houses a
with large collection of artifacts." " Hold on Ranvir...hold
on.....let me explore the beauty with my on eyes" as I stopped him.
And then he took me to Jagdish temple that was built in 1651 by
Maharana Jagat Singh I, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Oh! Yes the most fascinating was the Saheliyon Ki Bari (friends
garden). The garden is well laid, with extensive lawns and shady walks.
Its manicured lawns display a fascinating variety of bougan villea and
five fountains release showers in tune with their titles namely,
'Welcome'; 'Raining Cats and Dogs'; 'Rains in Midnight', 'Rains without
Clouds'; 'Gentle Shower in Mid Day'. Well, I was quite impressed by the
garden as I still remember it vividly.
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Udaipur
