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When you think of a tour to India, what do you imagine? Is it imposing hilltop forts and shimmering royal palaces floating on tranquil lakes? Is it deserts and camel safaris, and tigers roaming through their natural habitat, majestic and protected? Is it fascinating peoples, fiercely proud of their unique cultural heritage and elegant women draped in sari's all the colours of the rainbow? If it is all these things and more, than you're imagining Rajasthan, a fabulous tour destination located in the north west of India.
Rajasthan is fairy tale India. A vibrant blend of peoples, colours, smells, architecture, stunning scenery and unforgettable energy. Rajasthan assaults your senses from all sides and leaves you wanting more. In the following pages we hope to give you a little taste of this incredible place and encourage you to tour Rajasthan as part of your trip to India.
Udaipur
Lake Palace - Udaipur is known as the "City of Lakes" and is home to the Pichola Lake and Fateh Sagar Lake, amongst others. Udaipur has a rich history, which is still evident in many of its wonderful buildings and royal homes. Many tourists travel to Rajasthan just to see the Lake Palace, a fantastic white marble, Rajput palace which straddles Jag Niwas Island in the centre of the Pichola Lake. Originally built as a summer palace for the local rulers, it's now part of the Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces and is a luxury 5 star hotel. No journey to Udaipur can be complete without traveling to the shores of the lake and admiring the beauty of the palace as it hangs suspended between the blue of the horizon and the azure of the water. A good way to savour it's gorgeous interior is to take the private boat trip over to the Lake Palace and enjoy afternoon tea within the splendor and luxury of the hotel. Many tour groups now offer such an excursion as part of a Rajasthan tour package.
Jagdish Temple (Jagdish Mandir)- Located in the centre of bustling Udaipur and housing images of the Hindu deities Lord Vishnu and Garuda, the Jagdish Temple is an impressive religious monument and a vital feature on any tour itinerary. Constructed in 1651 under the orders of Maharana Jagat Singh I, it is famous for its wonderful exterior stone carvings of creatures such as elephants and alligators and people on horseback or playing musical instruments. It is very much a working place of worship and is alive with music, singing and chanting throughout daylight hours.
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City Palace - Dominating the east side of The Pichola Lake, the City Palace is actually a number of palaces, the earliest dating back to 1559. To enter the sprawling royal complex you go in via the Elephant gate (Hati Pol). From here you pass through another entrance which leads you to the Big Gate (Bari Pol), where in times gone by the Maharaja was weighed and the equilivant of his weight was given to his subjects in precious metals. It is possible to find a local guide to escort you through the maze of buildings, or to have a tour of the Palace built into a custom made tour when you book with a travel agent who specializes in trips to India. However you decide to visit the Palace, be sure to check out the fantastic Peacock Courtyard (Mor-Chowk) which sparkles from the thousands of glass mosaic tiles that decorate its walls, some forming the shape of a glittering blue peacock. The City Palace also serves as a museum, and houses a number of interesting exhibits, including paintings, sculptures and armaments.
Sanjjangarh Fort - No sightseeing tour of Rajasthan is done until you've made the trip to Sanjjangarh Fort, which sits astride Bansdara Mountain outside Udaipur and commands an impressive view of the city and its famous lakes. The Fort served as a summer retreat for the royal family, though it was initially planned as an observatory. Now it is a great place for travelers to get birds-eye view of Udaipur and the striking countryside that surrounds it.
Udaipur has so much to offer visitors and is justly loved by tourists from all over the globe. If you plan to tour India and are including Rajasthan on your schedule, be sure to get Udaipur into your timetable. Udaipur has wonderful sights, some amazing hotels and guesthouses and some great cafes and restaurants. It's a magical place and you'll be glad you to took the time to explore it.
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