If Jaipur is a study in pink, Udaipur is a 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.
Overlooking the aquamarine waters of the Lake Pichola stands the shimmering granite and marble Lake Palace, a harmonious arrangement of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms, and hanging gardens.
Eight marble entrances mark the spot where the Mewar monarchs were weighed in gold, the equivalent value of which was then distributed to the poor. Within the City Palace are several architectural and artistic highlights such as the Mor Chowk, known for its stunning peacock mosaics and the Bhim Vilas Palace that has a series of lovely wall paintings.
However, the most memorable parts of Udaipur are its lake palaces, shimmering like jewels on the Lake Pichola. Jag Niwas, the summer residence of the princes of Mewar, is today a magnificent luxury hotel. Jag Mandir, the other island palace, with a marble dome, is a marvel in red sandstone. It was a refuge for the Prince Khurram (better known as the Mughal Emperor-Shah Jahan) when he was in exile following a quarrel with his father, Emperor Jahangir.
Just outside Udaipur, on a hilltop, lies Sajjangarh, a dramatic 18th century palace that gives a breathtaking view of the Mewar countryside. The palace was originally intended to be a five-story astronomical center, but was later abandoned and used as a monsoon palace and hunting lodge. |
