CITY PALACE
The City Palace stands on a hill on the banks of Lake Pichola, surrounded by crenulated walls. Founded in 1567, it is composed of 4 major palaces and several minor palaces forming a single façade. The Palace's main entrance is through a triple arched gate, the Tripolia, which was built in 1725. The gate leads to a series of courtyards, corridors and gardens. The Rai Angan (Royal Courtyard) has a shrine, which is the oldest part of Udaipur. It is here that the founder Udai Singh met an ascetic who suggested this site for Udaipur. The centrally located 17th century Mor Chowk (Peacock Courtyard) derives its name from inlaid glass mosaics of peacocks on its walls. Other exotic rooms include the Krishna Vilas dedicated to a 16 year old princess's tragic suicide, the Zenana Mahal (Palace of the Queens) and the Chini Chitrasala which houses exquisite mosaics and blue and white ceramics.
To the west of the main gate lies Khush Mahal (Palace of Happiness) and to its south lies Shambhu Niwas, built in the 19th century. The third palace is Shiv Niwas, which is now a hotel. This was followed by Fateh Prakash, which is also a hotel now and known for its Durbar Hall and Crystal Gallery. A complete tour takes approximately 3 hours. 25 minutes drive from the hotel
CRYSTAL GALLERY
The Crystal Gallery in Fateh Prakash Hotel overlooks the grand Durbar Hall. It has a rare collection of Osler's crystal ordered from England by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1877. It includes crystal chandeliers and crystal furniture like chairs, dressing tables and a bed. 25 minutes drive from the hotel
JAGDISH TEMPLE
Built in 1651 AD by Maharana Jagat Singh I and dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is known for its imposing 79 ft high pagoda covered with sculpted figures of dancers, musicians, elephants and horsemen. It is the city's largest and most resplendent temple.
A visit to the Jagdish temple takes 20 minutes. Shoes need to be removed before entering the temple. 25 minutes drive
SAJJAN GARH
Also known as the Monsoon Palace, it is located atop a hill called Bansdara overlooking Lake Pichola and dominates the city's skyline. Built in the late 18th century by Maharana Sajjan Singh as an observatory for monsoon clouds, it has a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding lakes, rivers and the Aravalli range. It is said that Chittor is visible from its lofty heights on a clear day. Sajjan Garh is surrounded by wooded hillsides, which were once a royal hunting ground.
A visit to Sajjan Garh is recommended. It is an excellent place to view the sunset. Some sections of the road are however very steep and narrow. The palace building is currently used by the Government of India and is a restricted security area. The hillside leading up to Sajjan Garh is a wildlife sanctuary. 20 minutes drive from the hotel
SAHELION KI BARI
Maharana Sangram Singh built this garden for his daughter and the ladies of the Queen's court. It is said that he wished to recreate the monsoon for his daughter, who had been confined to bed due to a long illness. The garden has numerous fountains in four pools embellished with delicately chiselled pavilions and elephants. The fountains still work on the unique hydraulic system devised in 1700.
25 minutes drive from the hotel
LAKE PICHOLA
Udaipur's legendary lake is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, and bathing embankments. Rising from the lake are the two island palaces, Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir. Visible from the hotel
FATEH SAGAR
Built by Maharana Fateh Singh, this elegant lake is surrounded by hills on three sides and a dam on the fourth side. A boat ride to Nehru Park, an island garden, can be arranged from the banks of the lake.
15 minutes drive from the hotel
PRATAP MEMORIAL
The memorial has a bronze statue of Maharana Pratap and his fabled horse Chetak at Moti Magri (Pearl Mount), overlooking Fateh Sagar. The way to the top of the hill is covered by elegant gardens, including a Japanese rock garden. 20 minutes drive from the hotel
SHILPGRAM
Literally meaning, 'Craftsmen's Village', it is a living ethnographic museum depicting the enormous diversities in rural folk craft, art and culture in India. It consists of 26 huts set amidst rustic surroundings representing the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Daman, Gujarat and Rajasthan. Musicians and dancers perform daily and camel rides are also available. Authentic handicrafts of the region are sold as well. 30 minutes drive from the hotel
UDAIPUR EXCURSION OPTIONS
SRI EKLINGJI:
Located 25 km from The Oberoi Udaivilās, in a remote mountain pass on the way to Nathdwara, this temple of Eklingji is chiselled out of sandstone and marble and was originally built in 734 AD by Bappa Rawal, founder of the Sisodia clan. IT was rebuilt in the 15th century. Eklingji, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, is the principle deity of the people of Udaipur. The complex of 108 temples is built on the shore of a lake and enclosed by high walls.
A visit to the complex takes 30 minutes and is recommended. 30 minutes drive from the hotel.
NAGADA
Located 2 km north of Sri Eklingji and 27 km from The Oberoi Udaivilās, Nagada has temples dating back to the 6th century, including the famous 11th century Sas-Bahu (mother-in-law-daughter-in-law) twin temples and the Adbhutji temple. Both temples are at the edge of a lake and submerged within the lake are several later structures.
A visit to the complex takes 30 minutes and is recommended. If combined with a visit to Sri Eklingi, it is a half-day excursion. 35 minutes from the hotel.
JAISAMAND LAKE
Located 50km from The Oberoi Udaivilās, it was created in 1691 by Maharana Jai Singh and is the second largest man made lake in Asia. On the banks of the lake are vast marble steps descending to the water, embellished with pavilions and sculpted elephants. There are 11 islands in the lake, some providing sanctuary to migratory birds. Its surrounding area is now the Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary. Covering 64 square km it houses spotted deer, antelopes, gazelles and panthers.
1½ hours drive from the hotel
RANAKPUR TEMPLES
Located 95 km from The Oberoi Udaivilās, is one of the holiest Jain sites of India. Nestled on the banks of the river Maghai and sequestered by mountains, Ranakpur's beauty is accentuated by its seclusion. The main Chaumukha (four faced) temple was built in 1439 and is dedicated to the first Enlightened One, Adinatha Rishabdeva. An inscription in it traces its origin to the reign of Rana Kumbha. Erected on a raised platform, it is surrounded by 66 subsidiary shrines. It has 1444 beautifully carved pillars, no two of which are alike.
We recommend a visit to these unique temples. Open from midday to 5p.m, leather clothing or accessories are not allowed on the premises. Visitors are requested not to wear shorts.
2 ½ hours drive from the hotel
KUMBALGARH FORT
Located 95 km from The Oberoi Udaivilās, 1,100 meters above sea level, this fort was built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha, one of Mewar's greatest warriors. This vast bastion was renowned for its inaccessibility. It was captured only once (that too due to poisoning of its water supply) and was the most important fort in Mewar, after Chittor. It had 7 massive gates and 7 ramparts, one within another, strengthened by rounded bastions and towers. It encloses a smaller fort called Katargarh, the Palace of Rana Kumbha and the ethereal Badal Mahal or Palace of the Clouds, along with numerous temples.
We recommend a visit to this majestic fort. A tour takes approximately two hours and involves some uphill walking. It is a full day's excursion, which can be combined with a visit to the Ranakpur temples. 2 ½ hours drive from the hotel. 1 ½ hours drive from Ranakpur temples
CHITTOR FORT
This fort is located 125 km from The Oberoi Udaivilās, at the end of the Aravallis on a rocky outcrop. For 8 centuries it was the most important bastion of Rajput power and its occupation was the primary objective of any aspiring ruler. It survived waves of Turkish, Afghan, Tartar and Mongol invaders and was sacked 3 times. Now deserted, it has 7 gates where many died fighting. The ruined palace of Rana Kumbha (1433-68) is its oldest building. The fort is dominated by two towers, the 12th century Kirthi Sthambha (Tower of Fame) dedicated to a Jain saint, and the 15th century Vijay Sthambha (Tower of Victory) built to commemorate a famous victory over the Sultan of Malwa.
A visit is recommended. It is a full day's excursion and a tour of the fort takes 2 hours. 3 hours drive from the hotel
MOUNT ABU
Located 195 km from The Oberoi Udaivilās at 1,220 meters above sea level, it is a summer resort and a Jain pilgrimage centre. The Dilwara Jain temples are Mount Abu's main attraction and are amongst the finest examples of Jain architecture in India. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, their sober exterior belies the rich, intricate marble carvings inside.
The temples are open for non-Jains from 12 noon to 6 p.m. only. Photography, leather clothing and accessories are not permitted on the premises.
Nakki Lake, situated in the centre of Mount Abu and a hub of activity, is another attraction. It is India's highest lake outside the Himalayas.
5 hours drive from the hotel.
