Udaipur is known as a city that possesses water lakes filled with tranquility and is also popularly called the City of Dawn. This city is naturally beautiful and along with its beauty it also possesses a very wealthy social, natural and cultural heritage, ecological richness and aesthetic beauty. The scenic beauty of the city is preserved in its lakes, the opulent and serene Aravalis, pleasant gardens, harmonious monuments and abundant green vegetation. Lake Pichola is considered to be one of the treasured possessions of Udaipur that plays a very important role in adding to the beauty of the city and alluring visitors to the city from time to time.
Udaipur, previously known as Mewar, is a very old kingdom in Rajasthan and it is typically found that even today the city instills great pride and seniority among the citizens. There can be absolutely no doubt in the fact that Udaipur is a city that possesses historic importance because it was the capital of Mewar that was ruled by Maharana Pratap. The Venice of East and another Kashmir of India are the other popular names that have been given to the city. Cultural heritage at its widest range is found in Udaipur. Udaipur also possesses a very huge capacity of water retainment because of its lakes that are interconnected. The mountains, the habitat and the lakes of Udaipur serve as an example of unbelievable harmony between built environment and nature.
The traditional heritage
Udaipur is known for its traditional heritage, which is very intricately woven within the lives of the citizens of Udaipur and it is greatly found in the behavior and the conduct of the people and it also offers them a very strong sense of togetherness. Heritage is considered to be the most important part of the lives of the people of Udaipur and it is preserved in a very special way in the city. There are many other cities in India that are found to be very rich in heritage but the heritage that is covered and preserved in Udaipur is not found in any other city or state of India.
The social environment and the climate of Udaipur
are very conductive and pleasant for its visitors. The city has always been successful in attracting international and domestic tourists because of its possession of great many religious and historical landmarks. There is continuous cultural transformation, increase in tourism and growth being found in the city and it has also been found that culture of Udaipur is even visible in the other cities and states of India.
Location
Udaipur, the city came into being in 1559 A.D. as the capital of Mewar and it is situated on the eastern side of Lake Pichola. The city possesses a very rich hinterland that consists of natural fauna and flora. The fact that the city is located amidst the Aravalis offers it a number of spots that are naturally very beautifully. Udaipur also consists of various historical monuments like havelis, kunds, palaces, temples and bavaris that are surrounded by hills accompanied by a pleasant climate that has made the city grow from a minuscule town to a significant tourist center.
Udaipur also possesses a palace and the entire city is surrounded on all sides by fort walls that was constructed in 1770 and consists of nine gates. Many communities that specialize in various kinds of crafts, residing in various localities, galis and mohallas of Rajasthan, participated and cooperated in raising the monuments of Udaipur irrespective of their creed and their caste. The people of Udaipur have lived together harmoniously for generations and have supported each other.
City of Lakes
Udaipur is believed to be a place that resembles Heaven and it also possesses the award of being the most beautiful city in Asia. The city is located at a distance of 403 kilometers from Jaipur which is the capital of Rajasthan. The city served as Mewar’s capital in the past and the people of city believe in “Atithi Devo Bhav” and it is only because of this reason that the visitors and the guests of Udaipur are treated very warmly in comparison to any other city in Rajasthan. The city was founded by Maharana Udai Singh and the Sesodia’s shifted Mewar’s capital to Udaipur from Chittorgarh. When the Britishers ruled in India, Rajasthan did not consist of Mewar as its important part but after Independence, Rajasthan took in Mewar.
Enjoy the Serene Lakes
Lake Palace is a major attraction in the city and it also ranks amongst the best hotels all over the world. The Palace is located in the centre of Lake Pichola on an islet and it exhibits the greatness of the Rajputana Empire in Rajasthan. There are many places of historic importance in Udaipur that have been transformed into hotels at present. There are a total of six lakes in and around Udaipur. The most important lakes are Lake Pichola, Swaroop Sagar, Udai Sagar and Fateh Sagar located within the city while the other two are found in the outskirts of Udaipur.
Festivals in Udaipur
The city is rich in culture and tradition and it is only because of this reason that there are a large number of fairs and festivals celebrated in Udaipur with great fervor. The most important festivals and fairs that are very closely related to the city are Shilpgram Fair and Mewar Festival. There are many desert people located in Udaipur and they celebrate these festivals and fairs with great vigor.
The people of Udaipur celebrate Mewar Festival and at the same time they also celebrate Gangaur Festival. These festivals have great religious significance and celebrated with equal enthusiasm by the people of Udaipur. Shilpgram Fair is a fair arranged in the city for the promotion of crafts and art of Rajasthan and this fair is held in December’s last week.
Hariyali Amavasya is yet another fair that is organized in Udaipur and the venues for this fair are Sahelion Ki Bari and Fateh Sagar Lake in Udaipur. This fair continues for two days and one of the days is completely for the women of the city. Previously, the Fateh Sagar Lake was known as Shiv Sagar named after Duke of Cannaunght. In order to celebrate the victory of the dam, one particular moonless night during rainy season was sacredly chosen and it is from that day onwards that the Hariyali Amavasya Fair is organized in Udaipur at the Sahelion Ki Bari.
Gangaur is also a festival in Udaipur that is celebrated by women who perform a pooja known as ‘Parvati Pooja’. Gangaur is a festival that is celebrated after Holi which is also a very famous festival in Udaipur. The other festivals celebrated in Udaipur and the ones that add to the cultural charm of Udaipur are Kartik Poornima, Ashwan Pooja and Shriji’s Birthday. The people of Udaipur indulge in the process of relishing homemade sweetmeats, adorning bright attires, visiting holy shrines and following ritualistic traditions during these festivals.
Art in Udaipur
Udaipur is also said to possess a very splendid and rich heritage of sculpture, art, marble and wooden handicrafts and miniature painting. The art of Udaipur carries an embodiment of royal essence accompanied with great spiritual virtue that represents Mewar.
The painters that are found in Udaipur possess an expertise in creating forms of rajwadi and miniature.
The marble and wooden handicrafts and the sculpture of Udaipur have earned a very rich fame worldwide.
Puppet, blue pottery, leather items, tattoos, weaving embroidery and mirror work also have a great role to play in providing a great standard to art specification in Udaipur.
These types of art have really paved the way towards artistic scenario for Udaipur.
Traditonal Dance
There are a lot of lively and rejoicing dance forms that are found in Udaipur. Ghoomar is one dance form that is famous worldwide and it represents folk art and culture. Gait and gait Ghoomar are the local dances that are performed at Holi. Chari dance is also very popular in Udaipur and it is a dance form where dancers dance with pot and lamp on their heads. Kacchi Ghodi is another dance form where dancers perform as dummy horses. Other dance forms that are very popular in Udaipur are Pabuji ki Pach, Maand, Teerah Tali, Drum dance and Fire dance.
Folk Music
Music has always remained in the environment and the airs of Udaipur since the ancient times and during the era of the Rajputana. The people of Udaipur have remained great lovers of hard music because the rulers of this city have always loved music. The people find great solace in listening to melodious music of the Tanpura, Sarangi, Naad, Morchang and various other instruments.
Udaipur Fast Facts
Country: India
State: Rajasthan
Area: 37 square kilometers.
Geographical location: Udaipur is situated at 73.68 degrees east and 24.58 degrees north in Rajasthan.
Altitude: 598 meters above the level of sea.
Climate: Main seasons- monsoon (July to September), winter (October to February) and summer (March to June).
Minimum temperature: 11.6 degree centigrade
Maximum temperature: 38.3 degree centigrade
Rainfall: 937 mm.
Languages spoken: Hindi, English and Mewari.
Religion: The most important religion that is observed in Udaipur is Jainism and the other religions that are also followed are Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism.
Best time of the year to visit Udaipur: Winters.
STD Code: 0294
Nearest city: Kota, Ahmedabad, Indore and Jaipur.
Population: 608,891 according to 2011 census.
Density: 16,457 per square kilometers
Famous for: Heritage.
Weather: Summer 32-45 degrees and Winter 5-28 degrees.
Time Zone: IST (UTC+05:30)
Elevation: 600 meters
Pin code: 313001/24
Vehicle: RJ-27
Literacy rate: 77%
Sex ratio: 956 women per 1000 men
These are some of the common facts that are associated with Udaipur which is considered to be a very beautiful city in Rajasthan. The major beauty of this city lies in its monuments, palaces, lakes and gardens that have remained as the charm and the essence of heritage that is largely found in this city. The city of Udaipur has great stores of beauty, culture, heritage and traditions for the people who visit it from India and abroad.
Healthcare Facilities in Udaipur
Whether you belong to a big cosmopolitan city or small town health has always been an area of concern for all. Keeping in mind to avail the best health care services to the people of Udaipur, an array of facilities have been provided. Government of Rajasthan has established numerous Government Hospitals and nursing homes to provide medical treatment at economical prices within the reach of rural population. Udaipur city is incorporated with various health care centres to ensure better healthy living in the society.
Hospitals in Udaipur: An array of hospital has been established in the city to ensure healthy living in the city. Hospitals like Aravali Hospital, Dr. Atray Eye Hospital, Udaipur Hospital and many more are established in the city. GBH American Hospital is one of the most renowned hospitals in Udaipur. This is NABH Accredited and ISO 9001:2008 Certified hospital featuring highly advanced health care facilities in Udaipur. The hospital offers several health care units like Intensive Care Unit (ICU), emergency ward, clean OPD, pharmacy, ambulance services, etc. with the best medical facilities and amenities.
Nursing Homes in Udaipur: To enhance the health care facilities and provide better care, several nursing homes are also available in the city which includes Kalpana Nursing Home Pvt Ltd, Shreyas Children & Maternity Hospital, Bhaktawar Poly Clinic and many more are included in the list. The city of Udaipur has been inhabited by numerous health care professionals like Dieticians, Occupational Therapists, Psychologist and Psychiatrists.
Yoga in Udaipur: To live healthy and peacefully life Yoga has been practiced in India since long. Yoga involves various asanas depending upon the body part involved. In Udaipur some of the most popular Yoga Centres are Preetis Yoga N Medication Classes, The Art of Living, Dynamic Yoga Studio and many more.
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