Undoubtedly Udaipur is a famous and popular travel destination. Glorious history of rajputas, Rajasthani culture and tradition makes this city more remarkable. Many globe trotters from India and around the Globe visit this city every year. Let me tell you that this city was founded in the 16th century, after Chittaur, the previous capital of Mewar, was annexed by Mughal emperor Akbar. Over the next four centuries, Mewar’s rulers built a picturesque city with numerous lakes, palaces, havelis and gardens. Follow this heritage trail and watch the city’s fascinating history unfold before you. 

AHAR

About 3km east of the old city, at Ahar, is Udaipur’s royal cremation ground, with 372 cenotaphs of maharanas and queens of Mewar forming a spectacular city of domes built over 400 years. Nineteen maharanas were cremated here, and the most striking cenotaph is that of Maharana Sangram Singh (r 1710–34). The newest, erected in 2004, is that of Udaipur’s last maharana, Bhagwat Singh (r 1955–84), father of the current head of the ex-ruling household.

SAHELIYON KI BARI

Sahelion Ki Bari was laid for a group of forty-eight young women attendants who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of her dowry. The gardens set below the embankment of the Fateh Sagar Lake have beautiful lotus pools, marble pavilions and elephant- shaped fountains. These fountains are fed by the water of the lake gushing through ducts made for the purpose.

This garden is located on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake, presenting a green retreat in the dry lands of Rajasthan. Garden of maids was built from 1710 to 1734 by Maharana Sangram Singh for the royal ladies.

As per the legends, the garden was designed by the king himself and he presented this garden to his queen. Actually, the Queen was accompanied by 48 maids in her marriage. To offer all of them pleasurable moments away from the political intrigues of the court, this garden was made. This patterned garden used to be the popular relaxing spot of the royal ladies. The queen with her maids and female companions used to come here for a stroll and spend their time in leisure.

JAGDISH TEMPLE

This 17th century temple was built as an ode to Lord Jagannath, a form of the Hindu god Vishnu. It was built by Maharaja Jagat Singh, and lies in Udaipur’s Old City. Its magnificent central mandapa is covered with sculptures of Vishnu, as well as musicians, dancers and elephants.

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