History of Udaipur | Tourist attractions in Udaipur | Tour to Udaipur

Udaipur is in the central part of the fascinating region of Mewar. The kingdom of Mewar, with which many legends of bravery are associated, was considered the most respectable of all Rajput princely states in Rajasthan. Claiming descent from the, the Sisodia dynasty that ruled Mewar for 1200 years is one of the oldest dynasties in the world. With a lineage of 67 generations behind, this clan fought for its respect and freedom. Like other Rajput kingdoms of the time, it never married off its daughters to the Mughals. A part of this lineage was Rana Sanga and Rana Pratap, great warriors who fought to defend their kingdom from invaders.

The capital of the Sisodia dynasty was Chittor till the 6th century, when it was moved to Udaipur, named after Maharana Udai Singh. According to legend, the Maharana was out hunting one day when he met a holy man meditating on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichola. The hermit blessed the Maharana and told him to built a palace at that very spot, as it would be well protected. The Maharana followed his advice and Udaipur came into being.

Today, Udaipur is a one of the better-known tourist destinations of India and an integral part of any itinerary for Rajasthan.

A desert kingdom tucked away in the midst of hills, an impregnable citadel, an impressive royal lineage stretching back 26 generations, a do or die attitude and a fierce sense of independence characterize Udaipur. Unlike its desert counterparts in Rajasthan, Udaipur is situated in the forested, hilly region of Aravalli Ranges in complete contrast to the arid deserts of Marwar in the northwest.

Udaipur- dream destination in the desert, whose sagas of great valor and stories of high romance add color and character to a history as proud and unrelenting as it is long. The kingdom of Mewar was ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for over 1200 years from Chittorgarh before Maharana Udai Singh II founded Udaipur in 1568 following the final sacking of their hill fortress. In sharp contrast to its spartan and martial persona are lakes, hills, temples, gardens, and fairy-tale palaces that make Udaipur the most romantic and enchanting place in Rajasthan. Apart from Udaipur's own splendors, there are several other places to visit in its vicinity - Jaisamand Lake, the fort of Kumbhalgarh and the temples at Ranakpur, Eklingji, Nagda, Kankroli, and Nathdwara.

Udaipur was the premier house in Rajasthan. Maharana Udai Singh founded the city of Udaipur after the Mughals under Emperor Akbar sacked his old capital, which was based around the Chitthorgarh fort. It is said that Udai Singh sought the advice of a holy man as to where to locate his new capital, the holy man is said to have told him to build near Lake Pichola. At this site grew the famous city of Udaipur. Maharana the title of the Udaipur rulers means Light of the Hindus.Rana Pratap who fought against Emperor Akbar in 1576 is remembered throughout India for his bravery on the battlefield. The rulers of Udaipur never gave any of their women in marriage to the Mughals unlike some of the other royal houses of Rajputana.

History of Udaipur | Tourist attractions in Udaipur | Tour to Udaipur