Udaipur

On the eastern bank of Lake Pichola, stands the lofty City Palace of Udaipur. Although constructed by 22 different Maharanas between the 16th and 20th centuries the uniformity in its design is remarkable. Quite a portion of it is now transformed into museums and heritage hotels. The approach is through the Tripolia Gate – a spot where the rulers were weighed against gold and silver and the value of it was distributed in the public.

At the entrance of the museum complex is a beautiful marble statue of Lord Ganesh surrounded by dazzling mirror and glass inlay work. The museum houses several paintings depicting important events from the lives of its rulers. The notable feature of these is that many of them narrate a series of events in a single frame. For instance, the painting of the battle of Haldighati shows how Maharana Pratap’s beloved horse Chetak got injured but still landed his master safely before breathing his last.

You will be surprised to see trees on the fourth floor of the building. It is simply because the palace is constructed in a hilly terrain.

The Sheesh Mahal is characterized by exquisite mirror work, Krishna Vilas by superb frescos, Moti Mahal by colored glass work, Chini Chitrashala by blue and white Chinese and Dutch tiles and the much talked about Mor Chowk by vivid mosaics of peacocks, the national bird of India.

Another costlier ticket permits you to enter the Royal Durbar (assembly) hall and the crystal gallery, which has a huge collection of rare cut-crystal furniture and ornaments imported by Maharana Sajjan Singh from England in 1877. But the consignment arrived just a day before the Maharana’s death, so they were considered unlucky and remained unpacked for almost 10 years.

Just north to the city palace this 17th century temple has a huge black stone idol of Lord Vishnu. Outside the main temple, right opposite to the idol stands his vehicle garuda, a mythical bird. Usually in the afternoon one can find group of ladies singing devotional songs on the beats of dholak (Indian version of drum) and manjira. Outside the temple there are plenty of handicraft shops lining the street.

Adjacent to the city palace, it has now become the hallmark of this city of lakes. An hour’s boat ride here, especially when the sun goes down for the day is really a delight. In the lake are two islands – one is Jag Niwas, one of the world’s great hotels, and the other is Jag Mandir, a beautiful sandstone pavilion where once Shah Jahan (who built Taj Mahal) took refuge when he rebelled against his father. It is now a hot venue for top notch parties. The Lake Palace hotel of Taj group gives an illusion of a ship afloat.

With ornamental fountains, lotus pool, and marble elephants, this garden was laid in 18th century by Maharana Sangram Singh for the amusement of the 48 maids who came in dowry of one of the queen’s of Udaipur. Appropriately the name of this garden literally means ‘Garden of the Maids of Honour’.

Though not very well maintained the museum exhibits masks, paintings and photographs of India’s tribal people, their musical instruments and various art forms. One thing you will surely enjoy is an enchanting puppet show that is held daily at 6 pm but, on a request, shorter versions of them can be seen at any time you are there.

On a very huge tract of land, this is actually an arts and crafts village settled within a well defined boundary line. With traditional huts and craftsmen from Rajasthan, Gujrat, Goa and Maharashtra, it is basically dedicated to States lying on the western border of India. Some mesmerizing performances are held everyday, but the place is worth your time only when it comes alive during a 10 days festival in December every year.