Ahar: Today, what is in crumbling ruins, is where stood, in the yesteryears, the ancient capital of the Sisodias who built the kingdom of Mewar. The royal cenotaphs of the Maharanas, built of white marble encircle the sacred tank of Gangabhar kund. There is also an archaeological museum here containing the excavations around Ahar including earthen pots and iron objects, which are of great archeological and historical importance.

Bagore Ki Haveli: Situated on the banks of Lake Pichola and incorporating the majestic Gangaur Ghat, this Haveli was built in the second half of the 18th century by the then Prime Minister of Mewar. Every evening at 7.00 p.m. a cultural programme is organized especially for tourists, it is called `DHAROHAR'. At present it is a cultural museum and is a part of the West Zone Cultural Center.

Saheliyon-ki-Bari: `Sahelion ki Bari' Garden of the Maids of Honour' was laid out for a group of forty-eight young women attendants who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of her dowry. The gardens set below the embankment of the Fateh Sagar Lake have beautiful lotus pools, marble pavilions and elephant-shaped fountains. These fountains are fed by the waters of the lake gushing through ducts made for the purpose. Each water channel has its distinct sound and the mingling of these sounds complaints the ambience of the place.

Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum : A museum of folk arts, it displays a rich collection of folk dresses, ornaments, Puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments and paintings. Is has a section devoted to tribal art. The world-renowned puppeteers of Udaipur-custodians of an ancient tradition-regularly put up splendid shows here.

City Palace (Timings: 0930 to 1630 hrs.): This is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, construction of which was started by Udai Singh. This white marble architectural marvel, standing majestically on a hill is surrounded by crenellated walls. The entrance to the palace is through `Hathi Pol' (the Elephant Gate) along the main street of the old city, past the Jagdish temple. The `Bara Pol' or Great Gate takes one into the first court leading to the Tripolia Gate, which has eight carved marble `Torans' or archways.

One is now led to a series of courtyards, overlapping pavilion terraces, corridors and hanging gardens. Here, the eye catches the Suraj Gokhada (Balcony of the Sun) where the `Suryavanshis' (descendants of the Sun God)-the Maharanas of Mewar appeared before their people to sort out their problems. The Chini Chitrashala is especially attractive with its blue and white ceramics while the wall paintings of Lord Krishna's life at Bhim Vilas Palace command attention. The other palaces are Dilkhush Mahal, Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal and Krishna Mahal.

Jagdish Temple: This is the older water Palace built by Rana Jagat Singh in 1620 AD. It also served as the asylum for the Mughal prince Khurram, while in revolt against his father, Jehangir. The foundation stone of the big dome in this building was laid by prince Khurram. It is also the place where European families were sheltered by Maharana Sarup Singh during the uprising of 1857 AD. Of these two island palaces Ferguson wrote, "Indeed I know of nothing that will bear comparison with them anywhere."

Jag Niwas or Lake Palace: Better known as the Lake Palace, it is regarded as one of the most beautiful palaces in the world, and the mere sight of this white wonder rising from the turquoise waters of Lake Pichola is dream-like. It was the pleasure palace of Maharana Jagat Singh II, built by him in 1746 AD. It has been called " one of the most romantic creations of man." Today the Lake Palace is a fire-star heritage hotel.

Pratap Memorial (Moti Magri): An impressive bronze stature of Maharana Pratap on his horse, Chetak stands at the top of Moti Magri overlooking Fateh Sagar. Local people climb the hill to pay homage to Rana Pratap and his faithful charger Chetak, who was killed in the historical battle of Haldighati.

Manikya Lal Verma Park (Dudh Talai): This is a beautiful park located on the hill known as `Machla Magri'. The place is known for its sunset point and musical fountain. A small pond known as Dudh Talai is also situated down the hill. The place is known for its known for its scenic beauty.

Fateh Sagar: Maharana Jai Singh originally built this fine lake, lying to the north of and connected by a small canal with Lake Pichola,, in 1678 AD. Because of excessive rains, the old dam was washed away and Maharana Fateh Singh built the present embankment.

Pichhola Lake: The legendry lake the entranced Maharana Udai Singh. It is surrounded by hills, Palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embank- ments.Set splendidly in the lake are two inland palances, Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas (Lake Palace).

Sajjan Garh: This Monsoon Palace dominates the skyline and is visible from most parts of the city. It affords a spectacular view of the city - its lakes, palaces and the surroundings countryside.

Gulab Bagh: Few gardens in India offer such a spectacular beauty as this rose garden lay out by Maharana Sajjan Singh. An elegant building, it houses a library with a rich collection of old hand written main scripts and books.

Nagda (23 km): This ancient place in Mewar was the first capital of Bappa Rawal and has a magnificent `Toran' or archway, exquisitely carved. The Sas Bahu temples, or the temples of the Mother-in-law & Daughter-in-law, built in the 10th century, are dedicated to Lord Vishnu. They are situated by the side of a lake and are known for their beautiful carvings. These temples are rated among the best temples of India. The Jain temples of Abudji are also worth visiting.

Haldighati (40 Km): This is the historic battlefield where Maharana Pratap fought Akbar, the Great in 1576 AD. Here stands a cenotaph with delicate white marble columns, which is dedicated to the indomitable Maharana Pratep's loyal horse, Chetak. Haldighati Museum is worth visiting. The Museum entertains tourists with a light & sound show, depicting the life of Maharana Pratap & the battle of Haldighati.

Nathadwara (48 Km): Built in the early 18th century, this is the most celebrated of the Vaishnava shrine of Shri Nathji or Lord Krishna. Thousands of pilgrims from all parts of India Visit this shrine everyday, and the number exceed a lakh during Diwali, Holi and Janmashtami. Foreign visitors are not permitted inside and no photography of this monument is allowed.

Eklingji (22 km): Built in 734 AD, it is a complex of 108 temples with a flight of steps leading down to a water tank (Kund). The temples are exquisitely carved out of sandstone and marble and are devoted to Lord Shiva, the family deity of the Mewar rulers. It has an ornate `Mandap' of pillared hall. The canopy of the huge pyramidical roof is composed of hundreds of knots. The sanctum sanctorum has a four-faced image of Eklingji. Outside the main sanctuary, beneath a vaulted roof, is a large statue of Mappa Rawal standing beside `Nandi' Lord Shiva's bull.

Kankroli (65 Km): Dedicated to Lord Krishna, it is an important Vaishnava temple and ranks Very high among the temples of the Vallabhacharya sect. It is popularly known as Dwarkadhish and resembles the famous Nathdwara Shrine.

Rajsamand Lake (66 km): This is a big artificial lake, with a many-stepped embankment having gracefully carved `Torans' (archways) and pavilions. The complex was built by Rana Raj Singh I (regned 1652-80 AD) who married the Rajpur princess of Kishangarh, Charumati, in defiance to the wishes of emperor Aurangzeb who had proposed marriage to her.

Kumbhalgarh Fort (84 Km): This second most important fort in Rajasthan after Chittaurgarh. Perched atop the Aravallis, it was built by Maharana Kumbha in the 15th century. It is accessible only by jeep from Kelwara through the seven great gates.'Badal Mahal' or The Cloud Palace at the top offers a scenic view of the surrounding countryside. Renovated in The late 19th century, a few temples here are of great beauty and interest. The Kumbhaigarh Wildlife Sanctuary nearby is worth a visit.

Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary (90 km): Situated in a thickly wooded region of Udaipur, the sanctuary is a haven for some rare species of animals. The fauna of the sanctuary includes wolf, leopard, jackal, nilgai, sambar and variety of birds. It is also a well-known archaeological site.

Jagat (58 km): The 10th century Ambika Mata Temple is well preserved in its entire splendor. It is popularly referred to as the 'Khajuraho of Rajasthan' for intricate erotic carvings on its outer walls.


Jaismand Lake (48 km): Built by Maharana Jai Singh in the 17th century, this is the second largest artificial lake in Asia.Graceful marble chhatris festoon the Embankment and summer palaces for the king's favourite queens are built on either side a trip to Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary makes an exciting visit, the animals in their natural habitat can be observed at close range. Wildlife here includes panther, wild boar, deer, four-horned Antelope, mongoose and various species of migratory birds.

Ranakpur (90 km): One of the biggest and most important Jain temples, it is one of the five holy sites for the Jains. The main temple in the complex is Chaumukha temple, or the Four-Faced temple dedicated to Adhinathji and built in the 15th century. It has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, all of which are different from each other. The Surya Narayana temple and the other Jain temples in the complex are also worth visiting.

Rishabhdeoji (65 km): This 15th century Jain temple of Rishabhdeoji, one of the twenty-four `Tirthankaras' of the Jains, is also an important center of pilgrimage for both Jains and Hindus.

Shilpgram (3 km): This is a cultural center and village just outside Udaipur. This crafts village has huts typical of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa delightfully replicated. Shilpgram provides a platform for the rural craftsmen representing these regions to exhibit their talents. It is a "living ethnographics museum" that gives one a peep into the rural lifestyle of western India. You can see demonstrations by folk musicians, dancers and artisans from various states. The village is more alive during festival times. The puppet shows and folk daces are very entertaining. The annual Shilpgram Utsav held here, lasts for ten days. It is an excellent place for tourists looking for mementos, curios and other gift articles at reasonable prices.