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Impressions of India - Udaipur
~ the fairytale city of lakes ~
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 Coming
from Jodhpur we passed the Thar desert in the direction of Udaipur.
On the road, close to Udaipur, we visited the magnificent
Jain-Temple
in Ranakpur, which is in any case a "must". Finally we reached
the fairy tale "city of lakes", Udaipur (266 km), which is often
referred as the 'Venice of the East' also. It is the most romantic
and most charming city we have seen on our tour - a jewel in the
kingdom Mewar in Rajasthan, ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200
years. After the legend Maharaja Udai Singh founded the city in
1559 A.D, following the advise of a hermit. The marvellous city
is a blend of fairy tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow
streets.
 The imposing
City Palace is on the Eastern shore of the lake, , towering over the lake
on a hill. It is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan.
The majestic, architectural marvel in granite and marble is a composition
of courtyards, pavilions, terraces and palaces, decorated with numerous
balconies, cupolas and towers. The interior impresses
by interesting and elaborate works of art, among them the famous
peacock mosaic.
Close to the City Palace is the
Jagdish Temple, which is consecrated to Lord Wishnu.
Built in 1651. It is the largest
and most splendid temple in Udaipur. Its walls are decorated with
a lavish abundance of marvellous
stonemason works on white marble. There are also beautiful wall
paintings of the most important Hindu deities.
The two most scenic and famous
lakes of the city are Lake Pichola and Lake Fateh Sagar.
Our
hotel "Lake Pichola"
was located right at shore of lake Pichola and offered
a charming view of the lake and the skyline of the city. In the
morning we awoke with rhythmical noises, which
came from the opposite site of the lake, where people at the ghats
beat their washing with sticks.
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 Lake Pichola is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples and bathing
ghats and has two island palaces- Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) and Jag
Mandir, which appear to be floating on the lake. Thus a highlight
of our stay in Udaipur was a boat ride on this charming lake. The
small cruise started at the City Palace. and this lovely girl was sitting in our boat. First we
passedhotel "Lake Palace", formerly
Jag Niwas and were told, that it is one of the world's most spectacular
hotels. The palace, built in 1754, covers an area of about 4 acres
with landscaped courtyards, fountains, and gardens and
may be the very image of what a maharaja's place should be like.
 Then we arrived the picturesque island palace
Jag Mandir, where the elephant sculptures welcomed us. It
is the place, where Prince Khurram (later emperor Shahjahan) took
refuge in the 17th century. We were allowed, to visit the place
and enjoyed the beautiful cupolas, a lofty dome, majestic palms,
beautiful rooms with inlaid stones and paintings, as well as a  marvellous view back to the skyline of the city
with the City Palace.
Another highlight
was 'Saheliyon-ki-Bari
or the
Garden of the Maids of Honour'
in the north of the city, so
called because this charming ornamental garden was a popular relaxing
spot, where royal ladies came for a stroll. It is a picturesque
garden with well tended extensive lawns, shady walks and beautiful
flower beds, with fountains, kiosks, marble elephants and delightful
lotus pools.
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