Showing posts with label rajasthan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rajasthan. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Udaipur : The Lake City

The city of lakes,Udaipur, is perhaps one of the most beautiful and romantic cities of India. In contrast with its desert neighbourhood, it stands out with its enchanting image of white marble palaces, placid blue lakes, gardens, temples surrounded by hills and mountains. It is an oasis of colour in the stark arid region and so indeed is the Venice of east.Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar, a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 years. It is said that this city was founded by Maharaja Udai Singh at the advice of a hermit whom he met at the lake Pichhola during a hunting expedition. The city was built in 1559 A.D. and was named after Udai Singh. He died in 1572 A.D. He was succeeded by his son Maharana Pratap (1572 - 97), who defended the city from many attacks of the Mughals. After the Mughals it was the Marathas attacked the city. Rana Pratap as he is known, was a great warrior and lived in troubled times.An end to the bloody battles came with the British intervention in the early 19th century, when a treaty was signed to protect the city from any further attacks. Later, after independence, like all other princely states, Udaipur too became a part of the United India.

Location: Located in the Aravali ranges of Rajasthan, the city of Udaipur is situated at a distance of about405kms from the state capital of Jaipur. The city is well connected by air, rail and road to other important cities of India like Jaipur,Mumbai and Delhi.If Jaipur is study in pink, then Udaipur is vision in white. The city of dawn, surrounded by the ancient Aravali mountains and set on the edge of three lakes, is a brilliant Kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces and temples.


Languages Spoken: Rajasthani, Hindi, English
Long Distance Code:+91-7833
Importance: Known as the city of Lakes
Area 37 sq.kms.
Best Time To Visit: September To March

Udaipur Attractions:

City Palace

City palace is a complete white structure, standing majestically on a hill and the largest palace complex of Rajasthan. This enormous structure is 30.4 meters in height and 244 meters in length and was started by Udai Singh and subsequently built by later rulers. The entrance to this palace is through Hathi pol or the Elephant gate, along the main street of the old city. The Bara pol or the big gate opens into the first court which leads to the Tripolia gate which has eight carved marble arches.Then there are series of courtyards overlapping pavilion of terraces, corridors and hanging gardens. There is the Suraj Gokhada, the balcony of the Sun, where the Suryawanshi (sons of the Sun God); Maharanas of Mewar, presented themselves in times of trouble to the people to restore their confidence. The Mor chowk or the peacock courtyard gets its name form the glass decoration it has. The chini chitrashala is noteworthy for its blue and white ceramics, while a series of wall paintings on Lord Krishna are on display in the Bhim Vilas palace.

Jagadish Temple:

Built in1651 A.D. by Maharana Jagat Singh, this Indo - Aryan temple is the largest and the most beautiful temple of Udaipur with noteworthy sculpted images. Alligators, Elephants, horsemen and celestial musicians are seen on the exterior. It is a gigantic construction and is just like a Hindu iconography school. Temples of Eklingji and Nathdwara are known as the most sacred pilgrims in Mewar.

Lake Palace:

The most enchanting tourist attraction of Udaipur, the Lake Palace (also known as Jag Niwas) is a beautiful island palace built by Maharana Jagat Singh II in 1754. Situated on picturesque Lake Pichola, the white marble structure appears like emerging out of the shimmering blue waters on the lake, creating a spellbound effect on visitors.

Jag Mandir

Jag Mandir is another beautiful island palace on Lake Pichola, built by Maharaja Karan Singh in 1615 AD. The palace once sheltered the Mughal prince Khurram (later Emperor Shah Jehan, who built the world-famous Taj Mahal) who rebelled against his father Jehangir in the 1620's. The Palace has a giant stone sculpture of elephants and an impressive chattri (cenotaphs) that add to its beauty.

Saheliyon-Ki- Bari:

The Saheliyon-ki-Bari Garden was built in early 18th century AD as a retreat for ladies of the royal household to spend their time in leisure. The enchantingly beautiful Garden is famous for its lotus pool, fountains (in the shape of birds), lush green lawns, flowerbeds, and marble pavilions, offering a breathtaking view to visitors.

Hotels in Udaipu:


Total Rooms : 55
Star Category : 2.5
The Lalit Laxmi Vilas PalaceLaxmi Vilas Palace Hotel located at the bank of Fateh Sagar lake enjoys a picturesque view of the lakes, Aravalli Hills and Sajjangarh Palace. The hotel was built by Maharana Bhupal Singh originally in 1911 as a residence of Mr. Winn Gate political agent at that time and in 1945 Mr. Winngate was shifted to Hathi Pole and the Laxmi Vilas Palace was rebuilt as a royal guest house to house the dignitaries, visiting princes and British officers. In 1966 the Laxmi Vilas Palace was transferred to DOT and in 1969 it was handed over to ITDC. Ever since Laxmi Vilas Palace was run under the banner of Ashok Group of Hotels. The hotel Laxmi Niwas Palace expanded in two phases, firstly in 1977, 23 rooms were added to the existing 11 and in 1984, 20 more were added, thus taking total number of rooms to 55 (44 regular rooms and 11 suites) the banquet hall was also added during this period.



Total Rooms : 83
Star Category : 5
The Taj Lake Palace is a marble fantasy that floats magically on the still blue waters of Lake Pichola. The hotel has 83 rooms including 17 suites, some of which are breathtakingly beautiful. The Taj Lake Palace is located 26 km from the Udaipur airport and a kilometre from the city centre.



Total Rooms : 143
Star Category : 5
Trident Hilton Udaipur is located on the banks of the picturesque Pichola Lake and is ten minutes drive from the city center. Forty three acres of land with lush green landscaping surrounds the hotel.The hotel provides a perfect base to explore the fabled city of Udaipur, acclaimed worldwide for its beautiful lakes, medieval palaces and colourful bazaars. All rooms are furnished in shades of indigo blue and gold. The architecture reflects the ancient heritage of Udaipur city.



Total Rooms : 87
Star Category : 5
The Oberoi Udaivilas stands on the banks of Lake Pichola facing Udaipur, with views across the water to the 17th Century palaces of Jagmandir and Jagniwas. Udaivilas took ten years to build.A fabulous resort hotel set among thirty acres of former hunting grounds, Udaivilas itself is nothing short of palatial. A pristine version of an original Rajasthani Mewari moated palace, Udaivilas incorporates every conceivable modern comfort.Visual treats include open-air colonnades flanked by 450 hand-carved stone columns. Domes covered in gold leaf. Hand-painted murals, arches and fountains. Landscaped terraces and acres of white marble. A decorative pool of giant marble lotus flowers. And, a treat for all the senses, a superb banyan Tree Spa.



Total Rooms : 36
Star Category : 3
A crescent adorning the southern end of the Palace complex, the Shiv Niwas Palace Hotel Udaipur was originally Maharana Fateh Singhji's residence. The rooms around this awe-inspiring courtyard were used as a place for entertaining personal guests. Shiv Niwas Palace Hotel Udaipur was the vision of the His Late Highness Maharana Bhagwat Singhji Mewar, which led to its conversion into a luxury hotel. Shiv Niwas Palace Hotel Udaipur is now categorised as a Grand Heritage Palace as it has been restored to its original pristine glory.


Monday, February 08, 2010

Jaipur-The Pink City

The City of Victory, Jaipur, was founded by Kachhawaha Rajput King, Maharaja Jai Singh II in 1727, who ruled from 1699 -1744. His took special interest in the designing, planning and execution of the making of this city. This has been divided into nine blocks, two of which were kept for the city palace and other state buildings. The rest were for the public. The city was encircled by a city wall and seven gates opened in to the city.In 1728 maharaja Jai singh II built the observatory, still one of the main tourist attractions of Jaipur. The old city of Jaipur has neat and broadly laid out avenues, all painted in pink thus giving a magical glow to the city in the evenings. Jaipur has what the most other Indian cities do not have, a combination of cultural and architectural beauty. This is evident in the various historical sites that dot the city. Amongst the most striking monument is the Hawa Mahal. As against the popular belief it is not actually a wind palace, but a sandstone screen, specially built for the ladies of the palace to watch the processions on the roads below, without being seen.Jaipur is also famous for semi-precious stones and the best place to buy them is the Johari Bazar. Miniatures, handicrafts, clothes, Jewellery of silver and Lakh are the other items that can be bought in Jaipur.


Languages Spoken:     Rajasthani, Hindi, English.

Long Distance Code:  +91-141

Importance:                 The pink City and the capital of the state of Rajasthan

Area:                             64.75 Sq.Kms.(Pinkcity:9.8sq.kms.)

Best Time To Visit:      September To March

Jaipur Attractions:

The City Palace:
In the heart of the old city stands the majestic city palace, a former residence of the royal family. It ahs a fine blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The carved arches are supported by grey white marble columns ornate with floral motifs in gold and colored stones.Two marble elephants guard the entrance. The palace houses a museum with an excellent collection of Rajasthani costumes and armory of Mughals and Rajputs, including swords of different shapes and sizes. Some of them have precious stones embelled handles in gold.The palace has an art gallery with an excellent collection of miniature paintings, carpets, and rare astronomical works in Arabic, Persian, Latin and Sanskrit acquired by Sawai Jai Singh-II.

Rambagh Palace:
A lush spacious garden with a zoo, an aviary, a green house, a herbarlum, a museum and a popular sports ground.It was built by Sawai ram singh-II in 1868 A.D. as a famine relief project.Recently the Rabindra Manch with an auditorium, a modern art gallery and an open air theatre has been added to promote the cultural activities.Rambagh palace has now been converted in to a leading Heritage hotel of India. The rooms have an imperial legacy and the hotel has greenery all around. The Chinese room and the swimming pool in this hotel are interesting.

Amber Fort:
A fascinating blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture, this fort was built by Raja Man singh on the hill side in the 16th century. The construction was started by Raja Mansingh I in 1592 and was completed by his descendant Jai singh I. While the exterior of the fort are rugged, equally bewitching are the interiors where the fusions of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles find ultimate refinement. Painted scenes of hunting and war adorn the wall with precious stones and mirrors set in to the plaster. In the foreground is the Maota Lake giving a magnificent reflection of the Fort.

Jaigarh Fort:
The Jaigarh fort means the fort of Victory. The fort is a rugged structure built in 172 by Sawai Jaisingh. It was the royal treasury for several years. The fort is perched on a cliff and is surrounded by huge battlements and inside walkways offering a stunning view from all sides. The world!¦s largest cannon on wheels, Jaivan is found here. It has 20 feet long barrel and the wheels are 9 feet in diameter.

Nahargarh Fort(Tiger Fort)
A sentinel to the pink city, the Nahargarh fort is situated on the Nahargarh hills about 600 feet above the city. Also known as the Sudarshangarh, this fort, is 6 km North West of the city palace providing stunning view of the city. It was built in 1734 A.D. for the defense of the city by Jai singh II. This is first of the here forts built by the kings of Jaipur. The fort carries many legends and every ruler left his stamp on it by adding to the structures within the fort. In the midst of the lake is a palatial duck blind which was used for shooting parties by the erstwhile royal families. A royal retreat for the Maharanis is also there which was used as a personal treasury for many years.

Hawa Mahal:
The Hawa Mahal is the most important landmark of the city. This honey-combed building, known as the wind palace was originally built to facilitate the women of the royal families to watch the everyday life and the processions held in the pink city, without being seen by the people downstairs. This remarkable structure was built by Sawai Pratap singh in 1799. The outer structure look like a crown (mukut) adorning Lord Krishna!¦s head, as the building is dedicated to the Lord of whom, Sawai Pratap singh was a great devotee. It overlooks one of the main streets, adjoining the outside of the city palace wall, and lies sandwiched between the more prosaic buildings.This five storeyed, pyramid shaped structure is made up of small casements, each with windows arched roofs with hanging carvices, exquisitely modeled and carved. It looks more like a screen than a palace. The top three storeyes are single rooms but at the base are two courtyards. It is a 50 feet high thin shield less than afoot thick. The carved sandstone grills, and domes gives this palace its unique facade. At sunrise the Hawa mahal bathes in the golden light glowing like a gem and is best viewed then.

Jaipur Hotels:


Total Rooms : 216
Star Category : 5
Rajasthan's first 5 Star Hotel is now India's first ISO 9001:2000 certified Deluxe 5 Star Hotel by QSI America Inc., USA.A unique blend of traditions and modern comfort awaits you at the Hotel Clarks Amer. Standard Double Rooms, Deluxe Guest Rooms and Suites, Poolside Barbeque, Golf, Bar, 24-hour Coffee Shop, Shopping Arcades, culinary delights, the ambience and the leisured and royal entertainment keeping with the spirit of Rajasthan, all add up to offer a charming holiday experience at the Pink City.



Total Rooms : 160
Star Category : 5
Located in the business district of the Pink City, Ramada Jaipur Promises international hospitality standards and the best of services, affiliated to Ramada worldwide it is a mid scale brand of Wyndham hotel group which has 10 lodging brands, 6300 properties and presence in 5 continents. Ramada Jaipur ecoes with international standards and trained staff. Business travelers will appreciate the hotel's strategic location to the Jaipur Airport, Train Station and Bus Terminal. "The key to a successful holiday is choice, which is why every action break is tailor-made for you!!" Ramada Jaipur offers 155 guest rooms and 5 suites with contemporary and stylish decor. It is the venue for the latest taste & Ramada Jaipur is owned by Dangayach Group, locally renowned in the field of Real Estate, Hotels, Jewelry and others. Business travellers will appreciate the hotel's strategic location to the Jaipur Airport, Train Station and Bus Terminal. The hotel is 10 minutes from Jaipur Airport, 15 minutes from Railway Station and 15 minutes from Bus Terminal.


Total Rooms : 73
Star Category : 5
Chokhi Dhani Resort literally meaning the "Fine Hamlet" is a 5 star Ethenic resort, the only one of its kind in the country. With quaint mud & thatch dwellings set in sprawling acreage of land, it has 65 cottages, 8 Haveli Suits, 2 Conferences Halls, Chaupal, Chandi Mahal Bar and Bindola Multi-cuisine restaurant.


Total Rooms : 96
Star Category : 5
The Shiv Vilas Resort has been specially built on "The Palace Theme' with the feeling of giving the "Best to the Guest" A heavy mix of romance and grandeur, it promises to offer a never before leisure and luxury with breathtaking interior and magnanimous architecture. This resort is simply a paradise on earth.Set in a beautiful landscape of Aravali mountain range, the majestic Shiv Vilas Resort is a masterpiece of architecture is an ultimate magnificence built on "Palace Theme" with world class modern hi-tech amenities. It is attracting global leisure & business Tourists from all over the world. Its easy to approach location is another big advantage.The royal ambience, the intricate craftsmanship and beautiful landscape makes it the most preferred destination in the itinerary of tourists. A visual delight for holiday maker, it revives the gracious life style of India's legendary Rajput Princes.