Introduction
Udaipur is located in the State of Rajasthan, India. Udaipur is often referred to as the “City of Lakes,” and “Romantic City of East” and considered is a stunning destination in the state of Rajasthan, India. This City welcomes millions of tourists every year of its rich history, regal architecture, and vibrant culture, and even Udaipur’s close feelings of past and present, making it a must-visit destination for travelers from every corner of the world.
There are multiple things to do in Udaipur and more than that we can learn a lot of things like traditional practices, terracotta, handicrafts, and paintings from local people. Lakes are another major attraction here; these lakes give a glimpse of views and calm feelings while you travel in a boat. Palaces, Forts, Cuisines and Hospitalities are other attractive things to discover. So, let’s go deeper in that.
Here are 10 Major reasons Why you should visit Udaipur City;
1. Rich Heritage and Culture
Udaipur is a unique city in the State of Rajasthan popularly famous for its Vibrant heritage and Culture like “Pink City” Jaipur. Udaipur holds great history and boasts a rich cultural heritage from the time of Rana Udai Singh. Colorful folk dance performed during festivals and wedding times is famous here in Udaipur. Ghoomar, Chari dance, Bhavai dance, and Kalblieyan dance styles are major forms here in this city of Palace. Apart from this, this city is shining with palaces, forts, and havelis built during the Rajput era. The Palace architecture and artwork and colorful festivals tell of Udaipur’s cultural richness.
2. Captivating Lakes
Udaipur itself is called the “City of Lakes”. You can explore very eye-catching and beautiful lakes nearby in this city. Such as Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, and Udai Sagar Lake.
Lake Palace Udaipur (Lake Pichola):
Lake Pichola (sweet water lake) is a major attraction lake in this city. It is located in the heart of the city and is considered the biggest lake, built in 1362 by the Pichhu Banjara. These calm water bodies surrounded by hills and palaces create a tranquil atmosphere. This Lake Pichola gives a scenic view of Udaipur city while boating. Don’t miss boat rides, to enjoy witnessing breathtaking sunsets, and explore the islands within the lakes. Badi Lake, Doodh Talai, Swaroop Sagar Lake, and Madaar Lake are some of the finest lakes in this city.
3. Palaces and Forts
For me, Udaipur really wonders because of its Palace and Forts. Majorly, we can see and explore Sajjangarh Palace and the City Palace of Udaipur. Chittorgarh Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site) here is considered as the largest fort not only in Rajasthan even in India too. This city is called “White City” because the majority of palaces are in white color. The City Palace complex, perched on the banks of Lake Pichola, is known for great artwork mixed with Rajput, Mughal, European, and Chinese styles. Lake Palace, converted into a luxury hotel, grabs the attention of a visitor during travel. Chittorgarh Fort, city palace, shiva niwas palace and Kumbhalgarh city are must-visit palaces and forts in Udaipur.
4. Art and Craftsmanship
Udaipur is home to incredible handicrafts and traditional artworks over a long period of time. These include Paintings, Marble articles, silver art, and terracotta. The city is known for its miniature paintings, colorful textiles, exquisite silver and gold jewelry, courteous painting, portraits, murals, and Mandan are made by the local people. Leather Diaries are never missing things to learn here in this Palace city. This is a superior quality homemade leather product that was made by tanning, skinning, crafting, and stitching in their ancient method. You can also see these products while traveling in local markets or you can directly visit makers. But seeing and learning of these making surly will give a unique experience while traveling in these markets.
5. Spiritual Sites
Spirituality is deeply rooted in Udaipur with examples of good number of Jain and Hindu religious sites and temples. The Mahakaleshwar temple is noted as the oldest temple having a more than 900-year-old history. Mainly dedicated to the god Shiva. Jagdish Temple is another temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, considered the largest and most beautiful temple in Udaipur. Rankapur Jain temple is worshipped by the Jain community. The Eklingji Temple, Galta Ji, and Karni Mata Temple are major temples that are worshipped by people for a long period of time.
6. Cuisine
You can taste Rajasthani foods and Cuisines in Hotels nearby in Udaipur while traveling. Dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and pyaaz kachori, which are a treat to the taste buds are must-try dishes here. Gatta curry, kadhi pakora, Banjara murgh, and many more dishes are famous here in this city. Even sweets like Malai Ghevar and Malpua are great ways to satisfy your mouth watering. Gatta curry is popular in this city because of its gram floor. Here Dal baati churma is considered the most cooked and consumed food in this city. If you are a non-veg lover, then you can try red mutton curry, maans most traditional non-veg dish. Malai and dry fruits, ghewar must try sweets along with foods.
7. Shopping Delights
Udaipur is a hub of cultural, traditional, and heritage centers. Here, you can explore many homemade handcrafted products and terracotta in local stores. Apart from handicraft items, you can also shop for textiles, jewelry, local Rajasthani artworks, Rajasthani clothing, footwear, paintings, gifts, and many more things. There are several street shops like Hathipole, Bapu Bazar, Bada Bazar, Chetak Circle, Maldas Street, City palace street, Jagdish temple street.
8. Festivals and Celebrations
Yearly or Occasionally Udaipur witnessed numerous festivals and Fairs. Mewar Festival, Shilpgram Art Crafts Fair, and the world-famous Shivratri Festival, Dassara, and Deepavali are the best examples of the world-famous festivals hosted in Udaipur. During the Mewar festival, you will find women wearing traditional attire. A type of Parade they host during that festival in Lake Pichola. There both lord shiva and Parvathi idols are dropped off at the lake as per their beliefs.
9. Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Never miss it, if you are visiting Udaipur. You will find numerous flora and fauna within this human-made habitat of Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary. Located at the top of Banswara Hill provides a calm and adventurous view of this city along with a number of species. Wild boars, blue bulls, hyenas, sambhars, panthers, wild rabbits, jackals, and spotted deer are common animals including many migratory birds that are welcoming tourists in this Wildlife sanctuary. Latifolia, boswellia seratta, and Anogeissus pendula are must-see and explore floras here.
10. Hospitality and Hotels
You may have heard that Udaipur has a greater number of Hotels and Resorts which are world-famous. You will get hotels from an olden architectural feeling to modern top quality well-furnished ones. In some places, palaces are converted into hotels to catch tourists. Warm and welcoming locals who ensure that visitors feel at home in this enchanting city (Athithi Devo Bhava).
Q: Where to Stay in Udaipur?
A: 1. Trident, Udaipur
2. The Leela Palace, Udaipur
3. Shiv Niwas Palace,
4. Hotel Laked
5. The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur
6. The Ananta, Udaipur
7. Taj Lake Palace
8. Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace
9. Shree Kanak
10. The Artist House.