Pichola Lake, Jagmandir Palace, City Palace & Jagdish Temple
A journey to the city of Udaipur, (The City of Lakes), in the Rajasthan Province of India, is incomplete without a visit to at least the Udaipur City Palace and Jagdish Temple.
Both these sights are major attractions in India, visited by millions each year.
Start your tour early in the morning in order to have the time to visit every monument on our recommended travel route.
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1) PICHOLA LAKE
We arrive early in the morning around 8am to Pichola lake in the city of Udaipur, India. Pichola lake is a 55 km2 (21 sq mi), artificial fresh water lake, with an average length of 4 km (2.5 mi). It was amazingly created in the year 1362 AD, and is still in superb condition today.
Travelers Tip 1: Upon reaching and entering throught the City Palace gates, will you need to turn to the left to park your car. Once you park your car, will you notice the lake right in front of you. Close by is a ferry. Use this ferry for an early morning exploration and tour of Pichola lake.
Photo Credit: Free image by Uri Sittan Tripo
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Pichola#/media/File:Udaipur_Lake_India.JPG
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2) THE JAGMANDIR PALACE
Going on a ferry ride is wonderful so early in the morning - fresh air, the area is still mostly quiet and you have the time to explore the outdoors while it not so hot yet.
Ask the ferry sailor to take you past the Jagmandir Palace (Lake Garden Palace), which was built in 1551 by Maharana Amar Singh but only completed in 1652 by Maharana Jagat Singh I.
Interesting Fact I: Want to stay on an island? The Jagmandir Palace is today an hotel.
Interesting Fact II: In 1983 does the James Bond film, Octopussy, film most of its scenery here.
Photo Credit: Free image by CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1340929
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3) CITY PALACE
Back on dry land do we walk from the ferry towards City Palace. The palace is still in excellent condition with various inner gardens on different levels, traditional baths and a museum filled with old artefacts and treasures.
Interesting Fact I: In 1553 does construction start on City Palace, but the construction and addition of units took nearly 400 years to complete.
Interesting Fact II: The City Palace Complex is considered to be the largest throughout the province of Rajasthan in India.
Photo Credit: Rakesh Nagda
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4) INSIDE CITY PALACE
A seating area restored as it would have looked like in the 15th century. The artwork, colors and decor looks authentic and gives one a sense of what it must have been like in those times.
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5) THE CITY PALACE MUSEUM
Artefacts, 3D Models and other features can all be seen within the museum. (Photography is allowed.)
Photo Credit: mbSteyn @ MBS Photography
6) JAGDISH TEMPLE ARTWORK
From City Palace is it possible to walk on City Palace Road directly to Jagdish temple, a mere 190m away. Along the way will you pass merchant shops where you could buy some souvenirs, or have something to eat at the various restaurants serving traditional Rajasthani food.
En route will you notice the temple on your left. We absolutely loved this temple. It is not as large as the magnificent Ranakpur temple, but it has an aura unique unto itself.
Photo Credit: Rakesh Nagda
7) JAGDISH TEMPLE
From the street does one have to walk up plenty steep steps to get onto the raised platform. Once you reach the platform will you need to take of your shoes and leave them at the entrance. There is an area to wash hands and feet, which most Hindu's do before entering the temple.
The temple is beautiful inside. Various people - locals, pilgrims and tourist were seated meditating. The temple has a calmness and beautiful energy.
Travelers Notice: No photography is allowed inside the temple.
Interesting Fact I: Jagdish temple was first known as Jagannath Rai Temple.
Interesting Fact II: It was built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh in the style of Māru-Gurjara Architecture.
Photo Credit: Ingo Mehling @ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagdish_Temple,_Udaipur#/media/File:Jagdish_Temple_Udaipur.jpg
8) JAGDISH TEMPLE
The elderly work or do volunteer work up onto a very old age in India. I just couldn't resist taking a picture of this beautiful, old lady serving us water after our visit to the temple. At most temples will you find water is given freely, and served by an older gentleman or lady.
Photo Credit: mbSteyn @ MBS Photography
Route from the Traveling India: North to South Series
For more info or related routes in Udaipur or India, visit our Routes or Travel Blog section regularly, as we do update and post on a weekly basis. Link: www.routes.tips.com
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