City Palace
One of the finest architectural piece, the palace gently rests on the banks of Lake Pichola. This largest complex in Rajasthan prides itself in being a surprising blend of Medieval, European and Chinese architecture. The very many towers, domes and arches enhance the flavor of this heritage structure. While the old part of the palace serves as a museum, protecting the legacy of the Rajput rulers, two newer sections have been turned into hotels.
Durbar Hall
In the middle of lavish interiors and exquisitely designed walls, this mighty hall houses the royal weapons and massive paintings of the former kings of Mewar. The top floor is lined by several galleries from where royal gatherings were viewed. The hall glitters with grand lightings soaked in the aroma of flowers, escorted by antique glass lamps and wooden work. This regal hall cannot be missed by those who would like to visualize what royal gatherings were like.
Shilgram
Famous for handicrafts, this rural complex classically exhibits Rajasthani art by the numerous ethnic groups based there. Art works are displayed in huts where the prime motto is to showcase the skill of Indian craftsmen. Begining with an ethnographic museum it is now a warm collection of about 26 huts. This village-cum-exhibition center invites frequent visitor to catch a glimpse of the remarkable artifacts made by the tribal artists.
Vintage Car Collection
This unusual museum will show that the passion of the mighty Kings of Udaipur was much beyond palaces and wardrobes. Fond of possessing royal vehicles, they experienced luxury at its best. The Chevrolets, Cadillacs, Morris’ and other classics of a bygone era, are displayed royally at the grounds. Most of these vehicles offer an unmatched dignified ride for exclusive guests.
Jag Mandir
One of the most supreme style of accommodation, this palace hotel was built in early 1600. The island is a pleasant escape into the natural beauty with a regal touch, surrounded by the scenic Pichola Lake. Standing at a significant location, it also offers exciting views of the neighboring historic places and the Aravali hills. Keeping up to the beauty outside, the interiors of the palace are designed to reflect elegance with a majestic taste.
Lake Pichola
Not only is it the most beautiful and charming lake, it also happens to be the oldest and largest one. The lake gets added delight with the perfect backdrop of lush green hills. And not just nature, proud palaces, temples and bathing ghats circle it from all sides along with a calm glimpse of the Eklinggarh Fort. Located in a lonely corner on the north-eastern front is the Mohan temple that was a creation of a historic king.
Fateh Sagar Lake
Found that the northern end of Lake Pichola, it was built as a permanent reservoir in 1678. Hills guard it on either sides and thus present a fascinating view. If you find driving thrilling, cruise along its eastern absorbing the scenic charm. The more adventurous can draw the same feeling from boat rides around any of the three islands amid a panoramic setting.
Sahelion Ki Bari
A spot once reserved for the royal ladies who strolled here, this well-planned garden is blessed with extensive and shady lawns on the banks of the Fateh Sagar Lake. The garden’s lotus pools and fountains show ancient science since they’ve been placed at a lower level than the Lake, thus being gravity-driven. The main fountain lies in the center on a white marble deck with black marble marking its four corners. On the western face are pavilions, delicately sculptured of black stone that are embraced by more fountains on all sides.
Eklingji
It’s a holy complex that has an unbelievable collection of 108 temples, all carved out of sandstone and marble. At the entrance of the main temple stands a massive sculpture of the sacred bull, Nandi. The holy experience here gets richer with the presence of gigantic hills around, separated by abundant springs of water where stopping for a break will be hard to resist.
Haldi Ghat
Famously called the “yellow valley,” it has earned this name from the fact that the earth is turmeric colored. It now is a historical site where a remarkable idol of Maharana Pratap’s horse symbolizes the great battle fought in 1576 AD. The fierce battle had badly wounded the king whose faithful horse, Chetak, safely took him away. In memory of this loyal horse, the memorial rests here.
Jaisamnd Lake
This second largest artificial lake in the world comes as a gentle break from hectic lives. Built in 1685, it was then a glorious spot used as hunting grounds by the kings. Nature enthusiasts are swiftly drawn here by its pleasant scenic surroundings, dotted by marble canopies and the palaces of past queens, around the banks of this massive water body.
Nathdwara
Placed on the banks of the Banas river, this small town draws pilgrims mainly for its famous 17th century temple. Though simple in structure, it has a fine artistic taste, complimented by the idol of the deity carved of a large black stone, amid images of two cows, a snake, a lion, two peacocks and a parrot. Interestingly, the temple has more than five hundred cows, and, one of them is regarded holy. Not only with the temple, it also attracts many for its famed paintings, ivory articles and, of course, mouth-watering sweets.
Ranakpur
It’s a small town in a remote valley of the Aravalli ranges that presents abundant natural beauty. With lush greenery, sliced by gently flowing streams, beautiful strings of admiration will bind you with its refreshing atmosphere. Surrounded by this charming scenery is an unbelievable Jain temple, carved out of white marble, with a unique collection of 29 halls held by 1444 pillars, no two of which are alike. So much of this unbeatable significance has brought this town onto the map of the most admired Jain pilgrim site in the country.
Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary
Guarded by a grand fort, it lies at the most rugged core of the Aravali hills. Though dry for a major part of the year, the monsoons transform it into a green shelter where wild animals, from leopards to deers, feast in this haven. It also happens to be the only place where you spot activities of the otherwise secretive wolves. A perfect place for wildlife lovers, a safari through this natural dreamland is breathtaking.
Sajjangarh
Sitting atop a hill, this striking 18th century palace provides spectacular views of the surrounding hills, untouched lakes and glowing palaces. Originally planned to be a observatory to keep an eye on the monsoon clouds, it later became a monsoon palace and hunting house. Though a bit in ruins now, it still strongly dominates the skyline that’s visible even from great distances.
Ghanerao
It’s a small town sheltering a splendid castle, built in 1606, that resembles a fairyland. It offers a delightful approach to the lavish lifestyles of the royal families’ era. Built in Rajput style architecture, it stands proud of numerous sandstone palaces and marble sanctuaries. Its beauty seems richer with walls dotted by paintings amid carved patterns marked by huge chandeliers. The boundary walls still bear marks of cannon ball strikes, which depicts the harsh times of the past era.
Maharana Pratap Memorial
Placed on a historic location, its topmost appeal is the life-like bronze statue of Maharana Pratap, seated on his faithful horse. This gigantic memorial lies atop the Moti Magri, on the banks of the Fateh Sagar.
Ahar
A place where all rulers of Mewar were cremated, it has a fine museum named after it. Its beautifully decorated memorials present a rare collection of skin scrubbers, grain pots, animal figures, toys and earthen ports of the 1st century B.C.
Rajsamand Lake
This spectacular Lake has an outstanding damn that was built in the 17th century. Sunsets create brilliant views as its orange hue shades the entire sky with a sight you would never want to miss.
Gulab Bagh
Gorgeous and lavish, this garden creates pleasant views with exotic rose beds, fruit trees and orchids. A toy train will help you cruise around the park that also holds a zoo and a library full of historical and archeological records.