Best place to visit in Rajasthan

[Ham88]

My family who are coming from Jammu and want to go to Rajasthan. The time they would have to visit Rajasthan would be very less, and they would only be able to visit one destination. They would not be coming anytime soon, so I want to take them to a place which is the best in Rajasthan.

I was thinking of Jaipur, but then there are other better places in Rajasthan as well such as Udaipur, but it is getting very confusing deciding.

In your opinion which is the best place to visit in Rajasthan?

 

[briannagodess]

Hi there, welcome to the forum!

If I must recommend only one place to visit in Rajasthan, it has to be Udaipur. From its various lakes, architecturally beautiful palaces and culture, it's no wonder why Udaipur is one of the most visited cities in the country. There are a number of resorts and hotels as well, ranging from budget to expensive ones, so you can choose according to your price range. The city is very peaceful and clean, which is very rare for a metro city. The backdrop of the lakes against the palaces and mountains is quite beautiful. The cuisine here is also worth trying, from the street foods to the restaurants. Udaipur is dubbed as the most romantic destination in India but even families would enjoy a visit to it.

Here are some of the best attractions in the City of Lakes:

Lakes

• Lake Pichola - This artificial lake had captured the heart of even the royal, Maharana Udai Singh. This just proves that Lake Pichola is more than just a normal lake. Originally built by a gypsy named Banjara during the 13th century, the lake was further enlarged by Maharana Udai Singh. It is the main attraction of the city of Udaipur. Cruising along the lake through a boat ride, especially during sunset, can take all your worries away. The palaces within the lake add some rustic charm to the boat ride, giving you a glimpse of the royal era. A private boat ride can take you along the attractions within the lake as well.

• Fateh Sagar - This is yet another artificial lake, located in the northern part of Lake Pichola. It was originally made in the 16th century by Maharana Jai Singh but was later enlarged and renovated by Maharana Fateh Singh. It also has islands within its water, one of which is Nehru Park. Sunsets are best viewed from this island so make sure you visit just before it gets dark. A boat ride along the lake can be very serene and awe-inspiring due to the backdrop of the mountains amidst it.

• Lake Jaisamand - This is the second biggest artificial lake in Asia. It was built by Maharana Jai Singh during the 16th century and is sometimes referred to as the Dhebar Lake. The lake has numerous islands within it, with palaces, pavilion and even a temple. An added attraction of the lake is that it houses a sanctuary near it which can be a great place to visit for the wildlife lovers. A boat ride along the lake is also a great experience and a must do when you're in Udaipur.

Historical

• City Palace of Udaipur - This palace complex is one of the biggest in Rajasthan. Originally, the foundation for it was laid by Maharana Udai Singh II but many more succeeding rulers contributed to the expansion of the palace complex. There are about 11 palaces within this complex that reflect each ruler's personality and style. The oldest structure in the complex is the Rai Angan or the Royal Courtyard. Both the Mardana Mahal and the Zenana Mahal have been converted into museums showcasing the personal items used by the royal family during their lifetime. There's also a Crystal Gallery, found at the Fateh Prakash Palace Hotel, which showcases collections of exquisite crystal items. You can even opt to stay in the two heritage hotels within the complex, the Fateh Prakash Palace Hotel and the Shiv Niwas Palace Hotel. The descendants of the royal family resides in the Sambhu Niwas Palace. With the many attractions in the complex, you can easily spend a day or two here just exploring its many nooks and corners.

• Monsoon Palace - This palace was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh, thus it's also known as the Sajjangarh Palace. The king died at a young age and so the completion of the palace can be attributed to Maharana Fateh Singh. The palace is best visited during the sunset as its location, mildly elevated, provides a panoramic view of the city and the sun setting. If you're wondering about the name, well, the palace used to be an observation ground for the upcoming monsoon season. It was even used as a hunting reserve as the area around it is comprised of a dense jungle.

• Ahar Cenotaphs - Ahar is located about two kilometres away from Udaipur. There are over 250 cenotaphs here dedicated to the Mewar royalties. The cenotaphs were built using marbles and stones, with intricate carvings on each. It also has 19 chhatris or dome-shaped pavilions, for the rulers who have been cremated in Ahar. Each chhatri has a carving of Shiva along with the stone for the emperor cremated and a stone for his wife or wives who committed sati. The chhatris of Amar Singh and Swaroop Singh II depict that their wives committed sati.

Religious

• Eklingji Temple - This temple is locate about 22 kilometres away from Udaipur. The temple is very ancient, believed to have been built in the 734 AD by Bappa Rawal. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity here, in the form of Eklingji, which is a four-faced form of the Lord. That main temple houses the main sanctum, in which the idol of Lord Shiva is located, along with statues of Nandi. There are also other shrines, dedicated to Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikay.

• Jagdish Temple - This temple is located within the City Palace. It is dedicated to the Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu. The temple is elaborately carved, from its stairs and up to its walls. Many of these carvings were destroyed by the Mughals though some can still be seen. Outside the temple, you can see a sculpture of Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu, guarding the main entrance.

Gardens

• Sahelion Ki Bari - This garden was built in the 17th century by Maharana Sangram Singh. Its other name is the Garden of the Maidens, as reference to the fact that this garden was built for the attendants of the queen of Sangram Singh. The beauty of the garden can be attributed to the numerous fountains and water works within it. There are also sculptures of animals within the garden which add to the appeal of it. The sound of the gushing waters can relax any visitor and thus, it's one of the most visited gardens in the region. There's a small flower garden within the area with over a hundred species of flowers in it.

• Duddhtalaii and Musical Garden - Located at quite a proximity to the Lake Pichola, this musical garden is a great place for relaxing after a tiring day of touring the city. It also provides a great view of the lake within its premises. It also houses a musical fountain, said to be the first of its kind in the state. There are many food stalls and restaurants surrounding the garden so you can enjoy the views while dining with your loved ones as well.

Wildlife

• Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary - This is located just outside the Monsoon Palace. The sanctuary is home to many species of animals like hyenas, tigers, sambars, wild boars, panthers and jackals. There's also an artificial lake within it named the Jiyan Sagar, which attracts a huge number of birds. The sanctuary is surrounded by dense forests which provides a breath of fresh air to guests. There's also a Shiva temple located within it that you can visit.

• Gulab Bagh and Udaipur Zoo - Gulab Bagh is the largest garden in the state. It houses many species of rose, arranged in an organised manner amidst the garden. The garden is very spacious and is a great place for kids to run around. There are also many trees, plants and other varieties of flowers here. Within the garden, the Udaipur Zoo can also be found. It's just a small zoo with caged animals like birds and tigers. But it would be a great place to visit if you have kids with you.

Museums

• Shilpgram Village Museum - This village museums showcases the culture and tradition of the tribes of the region. The museum houses an amphitheatre in which cultural and folk programs are held. There are also traditional huts within the village, each of which showcases the traditional items used by the tribal people everyday. There's also a crafts shop wherein guests can buy authentic handicrafts made by the tribes. During the month of December, the Shilpgram Festival attracts numerous visitors all over the country and the world.

• Bagore Ki Haveli - This haveli was built in the 18th century by Amir Chand Badwa but Maharana Shakti Singh added a few storeys to it as well. The main feature of the haveli is its intricate mirror work, found on the walls and ceilings here. The haveli also has numerous pillars and balconies which are all intricately carved and has delicate lattice work. All throughout the haveli you can find personal items used by the royal family like nut crackers, hand fans and jewelry boxes. A tour around the haveli can take you back to the lavish lives of the royal. Don't forget to watch the evening show which features some of the traditional dances of Rajasthan.

I hope this helps you even a little bit.