Trip to Udaipur - Part II

As promised in my earlier blog, I am sharing  part II of the trip to Udaipur.

Pratap Smark (Moti Magri) 

Moti Magri is one of the interesting tourist attractions of Udaipur. One can see a statue of Maharana Pratap on the top of the Moti Magri Udaipur. Moti Magri or the Pearl Hill is a beautiful hill from where one can enjoy the bird-eye view of the Fateh Sagar Lake. The statue of erstwhile Rajput ruler Maharana Pratap Singh with his horse Chetak or Pratap Memorial was built to pay homage to this legendary Rajput hero. The statue in this Pratap Memorial on the top of Moti Magri Udaipur is made of bronze. One can  reach the Moti Magri of Udaipur through lush gardens.   

Saheliyon ki Bari- the Garden of Royal Ladies 

Saheliyon ki Bari lies just beneath the Fateh Sagar Lake. Maharana Sangram Singh II designed this garden in the early 18th century purely as a pleasure garden and a summer palace for the 48 young maids that formed a part of the prince’s dowry.

Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum 

The museum deals mainly with the tribal and folk art of India. It has an extensive collection that includes dresses, dolls, masks, musical instruments, paintings and the famous puppets of Rajasthan.

Mansoon Palace (Sajjangarh Fort)  

¤ The Palace Attractions 
Sajjangarh Fort is at a height of 3100 feet above sea level and 1100 feet over the Fateh Sagar Lake. The palaces of the fort look like a tiara on the head of a rocky hill, the one on which the fort proudly stands. The rocky crag is massive and has an excellent view of the surrounding hills, pristine lakes and snow-white palaces. The fortplace is crowned by the Monsoon Palace, which also has a panoramic view of the lakes and palaces and the city below.

Vintage Collection of Classic Car Museum
 
The collection within the grounds of the Garden Hotel comprises a variety of classic and interestingly rare transportation vehicles.


The garages here are a home to around 24 vehicles which were once the means of transportation for the Maharajas. Vintage cars like Cadillac, Chevrolet and Morris are simply rocking. There are other models of cars which are unique in their own way. Some are sleek while the others are broad exhibiting the taste of the royal Maharajas.


Excellent car museum for vinatge car lovers... Have a look at the pics...

Images : Personal Album

Trip to Udaipur - Part I

Last year on our anniversary my hubby planned a surprise trip to Udaipur.  Udaipur, also known as City Of Lakes,  is one of the beautiful cities of India. Udaipur is known for its Lakes, Museums, Temples, Havelis, Forts, gardens. It is one of the most artistic cites i have come across. The city is beautifully decorated with paintings on street walls, lamp post etc.

We were booked in Mewar Haveli, next to Pichola Lake. We could see the lake from our Hotel.

Mewar Haveli

City Palace

City Palace is the most magnificent palace  and is the most important tourist spot in Udaipur. If you have been to Udaipur and have not seen City Palace, then you have not seen Udaipur.

Enterance of City Palace

One can see the influence of both Mughal and Rajput style of interiors. The balconies are in Rajput style with miniature paintings on the walls and coloured glass, topped in gold. 

Inside the palace are various extensions including the Suraj Gokhada, Bada Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Bhim Vilas, and the Mor Chowk. 

Ganesh Temple inside the Palace 

The 'Krishna Vilas' has a remarkable collection of miniature paintings depicting royal processions, festivals and games of the Maharanas.

 

Painting of Maharana

Laghu Gokhra

'Mor Chowk' has unique glass mosaics of peacocks, set in the walls showing the three seasons: summer, winter and monsoon.

 Mor Chowk

The Bada Mahal is considered as the Men’s section of the City Palace, constructed in Rajput-Mughal architectural style, encloses beautiful garden, greenish landscaped lawns, vast courtyards, massive pillars and terraces, attractive fountains and royal apartments.  

Fountain

Bhim Vilas Palace has beautiful paintings of Radha and Krishna adorning its walls while the Zenana Mahal or Ladies Chamber has beautiful murals as well as wall paintings to make it appear attractive. There is also the Dilkhush Mahal with similar charming interiors.

Communication centre

One way mirror used by Ladies to see outside 

 Chopar game played by the Maharanis

The Manak Mahal is yet another fantastic part of the City Palace complex where crystal and porcelain figures mesmerise the visitors.

Manek Mahal

Within the palace complex there is Suraj Gokhada from where the king addressed a large number of his people, primarily during crisis. A beautiful palace, Moti Mahal, is breathtakingly beautiful with its exquisite mirror work. The name of the palace itself is an indication of the beauty that lies in store for the visitors.  

Suraj Gokhada

Suraj Gokhanda from outside

Manek Mahal

Sheesh Mahal beams with thousands of sparkling pieces of mirrors.

 Sheesh Mahal

City Palace is used for Marriages and film shooting.  During our visit the shooting of Master Chef, India hosted by Askhay Kumar was going.

Jag Mandir

Jag Mandir Palace is a beautiful palace located on the southern island of Lake Pichola which is on the other side of the Lake Palace. One need to reach there by Ferry / Boat from inside the Lake palace.

Jag Mandir was made by Maharana Karan Singh as a refugee for Prince Shahjahan.

View of City Palace from the ferry

Breathtaking view from the ferry

 View of Jag Mandir

 Jag Mandir

Taj Mahal - Symbol Of Love ( In Jag Mandir)

Paintings of Elephants 

 

Grey Stone Elephant

Jagdish Temple

Jagdish Temple is one of the famous temple of Udaipur situated in the heart of the city. The temple was build by Manharana Jagat Singh and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the Universe.

Jagdish Temple

 Jagdish Temple

Bagore Ki Haveli

One  can trace the exclusive stuff of Rajputs like jewellery boxes, hukkas, pan boxes, n hand fans, paintings, murals, wooden sculpture, copper vessels and other items of the rulers. The Queen's Chamber showcases fascinating original paintings of Mewar. This building has well-arranged balconies, terraces, courtyards and corridors.
 

While strolling in the museum, one can also see the private quarters of the royal ladies, their bath rooms, dressing rooms, bed rooms, living rooms, worship rooms and recreation rooms along with the dresses, turbans etc. In the evening, the haveli lightens and stages enjoyable performance of traditional dance and music of Rajasthan. The haveli looks marvelous with glowing lights in the night. Bagore Ki Haveli is a perfect place to explore the ancient architecture and life style of the royal family.

There is one room entirely dedicated for puppets.

There are many tourist attraction in Udaipur and cannot be described in one post. Concluding part in next post....

Images : Personal Album