A trip to the royal and culturally rich state of Rajasthan is a family vacation that you are likely to create beautiful and lasting memories in. Udaipur, in particularly is all about exploring the colourful past but combining it with luxury and comfort in these days of modern development. Udaipur offers the perfect opportunity to combine an educational tour with a fun holiday. Here are some of the top places in the city that you may want to explore with your family and children.
- City Palace – This sprawling, regal palace is definitely the center of attraction in Udaipur. Construction on the city palace started in around 1553 under Maharana Udai Singh II and each subsequent ruler of Mewar contributed to its construction. The grandiosity of the palace is a reflection of the royal and cultural heritage of the city. This is perfect for you and your family to explore, read up on, and appreciate.
- Lake Pichola – Udaipur is called City of Lakes for a reason. The 5 large artificial lakes in the city and its vicinity have lent it its true character and turned it into a luxurious oasis in the middle of a desert region. Lake Pichola, however, is the lifeline of the city. The palaces, the best resorts in Udaipur, the famous restaurants and hotels, the top attractions are all located around the lake itself. A boat ride with your family with take you on an explorative journey through its clear waters.
- Lake Palace – The Lake Palace or Jag Niwas was built on an island in the center of the Lake Pichola by Maharaja Jagat Singh II in 1746. With the serene waters of the Pichola surrounding it and the majestic Aravalli Hills towering in the backdrop this is arguably one of the most romantic places in Udaipur. The palace turned hotel is now run by the Taj group and is called the Taj Lake Palace. This is the perfect place to visit for a sunset view and for a candlelight dinner.
- Fateh Sagar Lake – If you are staying in one of the hotels in Udaipur near the airport, a short drive will take you to Lake Fateh Sagar named after Maharana Fateh Singh. The banks of the lake are ideal for a great picnic but you will certainly want to make it to the Udaipur Solar Observatory and the Nehru Park – both located on islands in the middle of the lake. There is a wonderful fountain on another island here.
- Kumbhalgarh Fort – The Kumbhalgarh Fort is about an hour’s drive from Udaipur. It is the second largest fort in India and is one place you will have fun exploring with your kids and your family. The fort was built in the 15th century by one of the best-known Rajput kings – Rana Kumbha. Not only is this a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kumbalgarh Fort also holds claim to have the longest continuous wall after the Great Wall of China. This fort withstood the onslaught of many powerful enemies of Mewar and gained the reputation of being an impregnable fort.
- Sahelion Ki Bari – Located very close to some of the most luxurious hotels such as the LaLiT Laxmi Vilas Palace Udaipur, is the magnificent Sahelion ki Bari. This was a grand garden built for the pleasure of the queens and womenfolk of the Rajputana. The manicured lawns, the exquisite flowerbeds, the marble fountains are as delightful now as they were back in the times of the maharajas.
