Information about Udaipur

Information about Udaipur

The Taj Lake Palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola is a dream of white marble and mosaic glistening in the moonlight, very reminiscent of the most beautiful tourist cliché in the world; the Taj Mahal. Conceived in romance, the palace was built in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, 62nd successor to the royal dynasty of Mewar – believed to be descendants of the Sun God.
Set against the backdrop of the majestic Aravalli Mountains on one side of the lake, and lofty palaces on the other, the Taj Lake Palace spreads across a four-acre island – an almost surreal vision in marble.
The successive rulers used this cool haven as their summer resort, holding their regal durbars in its courtyards. These courtyards lined with columns, pillared terraces, fountains and gardens all add to its impressive image. The rooms are decorated with cusped arches, inland stones of pink, and green lotus leaves and painted mirrors. apartments like the Bada Mahal, Kush Mahal, Ajjan Niwas, Phool Mahal and Dhola Mahal. All enhance the romance of the elegant setting. Among the facilities available are swimming pool, conference hall and a bar. Other events of recreation organised here are excursions in and around and a bar other events of recreation organised here are excursions in and around Udaipur .

Rajsamand Lake On the way to Kumbhalgarh lies their royal lake with a magnificent dam created in the 17th century offers a spectacular views of the sunset adorned by beautiful Torans [arches] and Chhatris And number of attractive pavilions. Stunning sculpture and Sanskrit verses are vividly inscribed in store a small counterpart of Nathdwara.

Jaisamand Lake Maharana Jai Sigh had built this picturesque artificial lake. It the second largest lake in Asia. The lake has elegant step leading to the water and marble Chhatri (cenotaphs) on its bank and a small Shiv temple marks the grace of the lake. On either side are the palaces built for the king favourite queens. The local tribe for Bhils still inhabit the island.

Fateh Sagar Lake This delightful lake, bordered by hills and woodland was constructed by Maharana jai Singh to the north of Lake Pichola. It is an artificial lake dug up in 1678, reconstructed by Maharana Fateh Singh A canal links the two, via Swaroop Sagar and Rang Sagar Lakes. The beautiful Nehru Island as well as an islet bearing a solar observatory rises from the lake. Lake Fateh Sagar is a medium-sized perennial storage reservoir constructed in the year 1678 A. D. by the rulers of former Mewar State. Although primarily constructed for irrigational purpose, this water body has lately formed a second major source of drinking water for the city of Udaipur. The main feeder canal of the lake comes from Madar tank situated at a higher altitude about 15 km from Udaipur City. Lake Fateh Sagar is also connected to the adjoining Lake Pichhola through a canal having gates. This (former) lake has somewhat pear-like shape and is surrounded by hills except on its eastern side where a straight masonry dam of about 800 m length is located. The lake lies on the northwest of main Udaipur city. The runoff emerging from surrounding hillocks drains into this lake. Along the eastern shore line runs a beautiful serpentine road which has a stone wall on the lake periphery. This lake has got three prominent islands. The largest is developed into a public park. The second island is situated on the northern side and has an installation of solar observatory. The smallest island on the western side near shore supports a jet fountain. The western bank of lake is occupied by marginal agricultural field. The vegetation cover around the lake is scanty. However, several species of plants are found along the undulating roads and hillocks around this lake.Leaching of nutrients from the catchment area and agricultural activities in the marginal areas of the lake has influenced the nutrient level of this water body. Similarly, incoming silt has also reduced the water holding capacity of this lake. Lakes are focal point for social and economic activities of Udaipur people. Every year thousands of tourists from India and abroad come to this 'City of Lakes'. Yet this water body is facing acute shortage of water sometimes due to scanty rains. For checking loss of water through evaporation, Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) has been using cetyl alcohol (hexadecanol) during drought period. In the year 1972 the lake exhibited heavy bloom of blue green algae Microcystis. In 1978, local citizen groups and environmental conservation organizations undertook desilting operation through human labour wherein about 10 thousand truck loads of silt were removed from the shallow basin of this lake
Lake Pichola Pichola Lake derives its name from Pichola Village was submerged and Maharana Udai Singh enlarged the lake after he founded the city. He built a masonry dam known as Badipol and lake is now 4 km long and 3 km wide. This picturesque lake encloses the Jag Niwas Island and the Jag Mandir. And, the City Palace extends along its eastern banks.

How to Reach Udaipur

Air : Debock Airport is 24 km from the city centre, Dairy Indian Airliness flights connect Udaipur with Jodhpur Jaipur aurangbad, Mumbai and Delhi.
Rail : Udaipur is directly linked by rail with major cities some important train connection are : 9643 Express (Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Jaipur-Ajmer-Chittaurgarh-Udaipur.)
Road : A wide network of bus service link Udaipur with several destinations. Some of the important distance are Agra 630km, Ahmedabad 262 km Jaipur 406 km .Jodhpur 275km and Mount Abu 185km.
Local Transport : Unmetered taxis, auto-rickshaws, tongas, city bus, regular city bus service is available for dabok airport, badi Lake, Bedala and shaeliyon ki Bari.
Banks/ Money ChangersState Bank of India, Hospital road
State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur, Chetak circle
Punjab National Bank, town hall road
Bank of Rajsthan, Bapu Bazar
Bank of India, Town hall road
Canara Bank, Hospital Road
Union Bank of India, Town hall road
Andhra Bank, Shakti Nagar

Haldighati The extensive terra firma, towards the south west of Nathdwara, this historical site witnessed the great legendry battle fought between Maharana Pratap and the Mughal Emperor -Akbar in 1576 AD. See Your AD Here The vast terrain that was supposedly covered with blood (the sand turned Red in colour) evokes a chill in the spine till date and envelopes a feel of nostalgia, this was the place where the heroic Chetak the gallant charger with his dedicated loyalty towards his chivalrous master (the Maharana Pratap) proved his worth by co-operating till his last breath.A 'Chhatri' with delicate white marble is dedicated both to the indomitable hero and his loyal charger, is note worthy. A jeep drive to this place is rather interesting.

7 Tips for a Holiday

7 Tips for a Fun Filled Family HolidayWith five children ranging from four through to sixteen, I have experienced some of the best and worst of travelling with children. Tempting as it often is to postpone our annual trips away together, albeit with backseat fights, clothing of every shape, colour and size hanging out of seven overstuffed suitcases, and of course the never ending hunger pains, we seem to forget all the reasons why we shouldn't do this thing called the 'Family Road Trip', and continue to plan our next great adventure into unchartered Australian soil and what undoubtedly becomes the making of memories.Below are some tips we have learnt along the way for a more enjoyable family campervan holiday:

TIP 1: Choose a family friendly destination. This should be common sense, but many parents don't think carefully enough about where they are going and what route they are taking with the kids in mind. Travelling Australia in under a month is a great ideal, but little children may not appreciate the hours upon hours of sunburnt country as much as you. Setting up camp next to the 'Beware of Crocodiles' sign in the Outback Aussie Caravan Park also might not be the best choice. Do some internet research and find some family friendly parks that offer children facilities, or base yourselves near some great family attractions that will become an exciting part of the holiday. Talk about where you are going as a family and get the children involved in the research and planning. This will double the anticipation as well as provide some extra information along the way.

TIP 2: Preparation. Lists are my sanity savers. Write them weeks in advance of your packing frenzy. Stick them on the fridge or on the toilet door if that works. Food lists, what to bring and what to buy lists, what to do with the pets lists. The list goes on. Once you are on the road and away from your day to day routine you will be glad you put a lot of effort into your luggage. Being organised does not come naturally to me, so this step is always a long and arduous process, and then once we pull out of the driveway, I allow myself a few deep breaths before someone remembers that inevitable item that Mum forgot to add to the list.

TIP 3: Make it fun. This is a must do in our family. What is the point of a holiday if there's no fun involved? Of course there are always the moments that sneak up on us (usually in the back seat) but the general plan is to have as much fun as possible even when circumstances don't go as much to plan as we expected. Rain can be one primary dampener of fun, but children are adaptable, and having to resort to Plan B, or C, won't wreck the holiday. Travel games, packs of cards and some books for a possible few days inside the campervan are always a great idea. Turning up to an attraction on the one day it's closed for maintenance doesn't have to spoil the fun either. Head to the nearest information centre and make the most of your day together. Being flexible is the key to a fun family holiday.

TIP 4: Shorter trips and longer stops. Being a very relaxed person but having a big family means there still has to be a daily plan, even if we don't have to stick to it. Writing up a day to day schedule allowing enough time for day to day tasks helps to minimize the stress of travelling, and the children will remember a more relaxed holiday. Allow enough time for everything, from getting all the kids up in to morning to preparing dinner. Instead of leaving at 6am to make the most of the day, leave refreshed a few hours later with a happy family in tow. A more leisurely itinerary with longer stops will give you a chance to enjoy the moments, the scenery and your time together, instead of rushing around and getting stressed. There are always days when you need to get up early, but if you incorporate a few relaxing days you will be glad.

TIP 5: Lots of good food. The family holiday is not the time or place to start a weird diet or health kick. Before you shop, ask everyone in the family what favourite meal they would like, and try to slot it in somewhere. If you are eating in, allow for lots of extra treats and a change from meals at home. There is something about holidays that increases the appetite. Maybe it's the salt air, or change in routine? Whatever it is, embrace the moment and enjoy your dinners! If you are eating out, choose a family friendly restaurant or take away so that everyone is enjoying themselves. Stock up on delicious good food, and of course buy plenty of snack food for any lengthy road trips. Some of my best family memories are eating ice creams together on the beach, a simple tradition that we made sure took place every holiday.

TIP 6: Exercise. Children need to exercise every day, its that simple. A family holiday is a great opportunity to get out in the sunshine and play together. Pack a soccer ball, tennis racquets or fishing rods and enjoy the outdoors with the people you love most. Choose a destination with plenty of walking tracks, or close to the beach. Visit attractions where there is exercise involved, or just make sure you visit a park daily and play. There are many tourist parks offering kids programmes that will get them out and about and also give you the break you much deserve. Interacting with each other as a family is what your holiday should be about anyway, and its so easy to do.

TIP 7: Record your holiday. It doesn't matter how you do it, but in this modern age we live in, there are so many ways to preserve your holiday for years to come. Video footage from your children can be the funniest to watch when you get home, and captures the moment from their perspective. Take plenty of photos and use them as a slide show on your laptop later on. Buy a visual arts book for your child/children and suggest they write a travel journal. Every night before bed they can draw or write about their day. This is a great way to get them asking questions and writing, even at an early age. Collecting mementos from every place visited is another fun idea and will end up as holiday treasures when they get home.A campervan is the perfect choice of travel for the family getaway, and with a lot of kids in tow, the savings in accommodation and food alone is a drawcard for us. Our travel costs are almost halved when staying in a campervan as we would normally require two motel rooms each night. Multiple beds, a kitchen and a loo on wheels, what more could you ask for? Wherever you decide to travel, plan carefully, have lots of fun each day and eat lots of good food. This will ensure you are on the road to great family holiday.