It’s aptly said, “If there is paradise on earth, it is in the Rajasthan state of India.” While the state is renowned for its deserts and arid landscapes, few people are aware of its hidden gems, including lakes, the Aravali hills, wildlife, and many other attractions that Rajasthan has to offer.
All about Udaipur district
Known by different names such as the “Venice of the East,” the “Canvas of Color,” and the “Heritage City,” this city has a unique story to tell. It is situated in western Rajasthan and is a part of the Mewar region of the state, covering an area of 11,724 square kilometers.
About the Rivers
Udaipur, known as the “City of Lakes,” is characterized by its western part being drained by three rivers: the Wakal and Sei rivers, while the southern part of Udaipur district is drained by the Jakham, Som, and Gomti rivers.
Udaipur
Economy of Udaipur district
Having a population of 4,050,315, the economy of the district is dependent on agriculture and tourism. Udaipur people prefer speaking Mewari and Hindi languages.
Famous places in Udaipur district:
1. The City Palace
Built along the banks of Lake Pichola, it has a magnificent architectural structure with a central garden side.
city-palace-udaipur
Visiting time: 9.30 pm- 5.30 pm
Entry fee: for adults INR 300, Children INR 100.
2. Jagdish temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, constructed by Maharaja Jagat Singh, this structure is praised by several devotees and rush is present every time as the temple is located in the main Udaipur city.
Visiting time: Morning 4:15 AM – 1:00 PM
Evening 5:15 PM – 8:00 PM
3. Gogunda Palace
This palace, featuring an expansive garden area, has been transformed into a hotel for tourists and is situated in Gogunda town within the Udaipur district.
4. Hadi Rani Mahal
In the city of Salumbhar, there is a beautifully carved palace named as Hadi Rani Mahal.
Visiting time: 9.30 AM – 5.30 PM
5. Lake Pichola
Constructed in 1362 AD, this lake measures 3 miles in length, 2 miles in width, and reaches a depth of 30 feet. Tourists can also enjoy boat rides on the lake.
6. Jaisamand lake
Constructed in the 17th century and spanning a width of 100 feet, it is an artificial lake surrounded by the Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this place offers tranquility to tourists.
Visiting time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Neighbouring districts of Udaipur
The nearby districts of Udaipur are also fabulous and are worth visiting. Neighboring districts of Udaipur district that touches the boundary are:
1. Sirohi district:
The name of the district is derived from the Siranwa Hills and was founded by King Sehastramal, the son of Raja Rao Sobha Ji of the Deora Clan of Chauhan in 1425 AD. The district covers an area of 5136 square kilometers and features hills, rocky ranges, dry deciduous forests, and conifer forests in the Mount Abu ranges.
Famous places in the district
Mount Abu
Sun Temple
Pavapuri temple
Sarvadham temple
Dilwara temple for Jains
Nakki lake, Guru Shikhar
Peace park
How to reach
By air: The nearest airport is in Udaipur around 100 km far from the Sirohi district.
By trains: The nearest railway station is Abu Station, Kishanganj, and Morthala Station in the whole Sirohi district.
By roads: There is bus connectivity available from Udaipur city to Sirohi district via State Highway 19 and NH14, which also connects Gujarat state with Sirohi district.
2.Pali district:
Located in the southwestern part of Rajasthan, this region offers plenty to explore, especially in its summer-oriented climate. Temperatures can soar up to 47 degrees Celsius during the peak of May. However, in the green and hilly areas, the temperature remains more moderate with occasional rainfall. Meanwhile, winters are moderately cool, typically in December and January.
Famous places of the district:
Sojat Fort
Parashuram Mahadev temple
Somnath Mandir
Sri Bangur Government Museum
Jawai Dam
Todgarh-Rawali Wildlife Sanctuary
Shri Takhatgarh Teerth
Ranakpur Jain temple
How to reach:
Pali is well connected by road and railways.
By airport: The nearest airport is in Udaipur, named as Maharana Pratap Airport, and it is 193 km.
By roads: Government and private buses are available to other major cities. The journey from Udaipur to Pali district is 4hour 30miutes and the distance is 145km
By railway: Trains are also available from Udaipur railway station to Pali and it takes approximately 10 hours to reach by train.
3. Chittorgarh:
This fort is an integral part of the district’s rich history, bearing witness to numerous historic battles fought by Rajput heroes. Popularly known as the “Pride of Rajasthan State,” this colossal fort holds immense significance.
Famous places of the district:
Gaumukh Reservoir
Kirti Stambha
Vijay Stambha
Padmini’s Palace
Rana Kumbh Palace,
Fateh Prakash Palace,
Meera Temple.
Wildlife sanctuaries such as Bhainsrodgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and the Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary
How to reach
By Air: The nearest airport is Dabok Airport or say Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur district.
By Road: There is a direct bus service available, running every 2 hours, covering the 115 kilometers from Udaipur city to Chittorgarh. The journey typically takes approximately 3 hours to reach the destination.
By Rail: By train, it takes 3 hours
4. Rajasmand District:
The district, stretching over an area of 4527 square kilometers, holds significant historic importance and offers a range of tourist spots to explore.
Famous places of the district:
Gilund (an archaeological site)
Kumbhalgarh fort
Haldi Ghati
Nathdwara
How to reach
By Air: The nearest airport is Dabok Airport or say Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur district. Rajsamand is 80 km away from Udaipur.
By Road: From Udaipur, the district is at 2 hours distance
By Rail: By Udaipur railway station, trains are available to Kankroli station near Rajasmand city.
5. Pratapgarh district
The district covers an area of 4117 square meters and was founded by Maharawat Pratap Singh. It is known for its black cotton soil.
Famous places of the district:
Devgarh temple of Jains
Bhanwar Mata temple
Thewa Art fair
Amba Mata Fair
Dashamata Fest
Beeja Mata temple
How to reach:
By Air: Pratapgarh does not have its own airport; the nearest airport is Udaipur’s Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR), approximately 130 kilometers away.
By Road: Travel by road from Udaipur to Pratapgarh takes around 2.5 to 3 hours via NH76 or NH48.
By Rail: There is no direct train to Pratapgarh; you can take a train from Udaipur to Chittorgarh and then proceed to Pratapgarh by road.
6. Banswara District
The name is associated with the bamboo tree, or ‘bans,’ as they grow abundantly in this area. Additionally, the district receives higher rainfall and boasts numerous islands on the Mahi River, as well as several stunning waterfalls. It covers an area of 5037 square kilometers.
Famous places of the district
Andheswar Parshwanathji temple
Abdullah Pir dargah
Anand Sagar Lake
Dailab Lake
Bhim Kund
How to reach:
By Air: The closest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport of Udaipur City which is 185km away from Banswara By Road:It takes 3 hours to reach from Udaipur, Buses and cabs are available. By rail: The nearest station is Ratlam railway which is 80km away from Banswara
7. Dungarpur district
Has an area of 3781 sq km founded by King Rawal Veer Singh. A less developed district in Rajasthan but also most visited by local people of the state and tourists including foreigners.
By Air: The nearest domestic airport is Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur which is 125km away from the Dungarpur district.
By Road: The distance from Udaipur to Dungarpur district is 2 hours and Government and Private buses are available which take NH48 and NH927 route
By Rail: The nearest railway station is in Dungarpur. From Udaipur several trains are available.
Conclusion
The state has a lot to offer, not only in terms of historic forts and traditional attractions but also with its natural beauty, including lakes, and the warmth and hospitality of its people, making it even more tourist-friendly
