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Introduction |
VENICE
OF THE EAS
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the
azure water lakes, hemmed in by the lush hills of the
Aravalis. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty,
Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experiences
– an inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters
and writers.
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Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces,
lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls,
carry the flavour of a heroic past, epitomising valour
and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of
the Lake Pichhola is an enticing sight.
Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar – a
kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 years. The
foundation of the city has an interesting legend associated
with it. According to it, Maharana Udai Singh, the founder,
was hunting one day when he met a holy man meditating
on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichchola.
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The
hermit blessed the Maharana and advised him to build a palace
at this favourably located spot with a fertile valley watered
by the stream, a lake, an agreeable altitude and an ampitheatre
of low mountains. Maharana followed the advise of the hermit
and founded the city in 1559 A.D. |
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Overlooking the aquamarine expanses of the Lake Pichchola
stands the splendid City Palace – a marvel in granite and
marble.
Of the original eleven
gates of the Udaipur City, only five remain. The Suraj Pol
or Sun Gate on the eastern side is the main entrance to
the city.
Exquisite lake palaces
of Udaipur, shimmering like jewels on Lake Pichchola are
overwhelming in splendour.
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Several places of interest around Udaipur, including the
majestic Chittaurgarh, the mountain fortress of Kumbhalgarh,
beautiful Jain temples of Ranakpur, Eklingji and Nathdwara
and the cool retreat of Mt. Abu, make the visit to Udaipur
a memorable one.
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