Pichola lake

Pichola Lake

Location:	Besides Udaipur City Palace
Built by:	Pichhu Banjara
Built in:	1362
Significance:	Oldest Lake of Udaipur that is known for its picturesque background
How to reach:	One can easily reach Lake Pichola either by taking Local buses, Tongas, auto-rickshaws and taxis from the city

Pichola Lake is one of the most beautiful and picturesque lakes of Rajasthan, India. Located in the heart of the city, Pichola Lake is the oldest and one of the largest lakes of Udaipur. In 1362, the beautiful lake was built by Pichhu Banjara during the ruling period of Maharana Lakha. Talking about the dimensions of Pichhola Lake, it is extended to 3 miles in length, 2 miles in width and has depth of 30 feet. 

The beauty of this lake has not separated anyone to attract towards it. The lake looks more enchanting with its scenic surroundings. Maharana Udai Singh must have been certainly captivated by the charm of this pristine lake with the perfect backdrop of lush green hills as when he founded the city of Udaipur, he enlarged this lake. He also constructed a dam made in stone that falls under the 'Badipol' region on the shore of this lake. 

Pichola Lake is enveloped by lofty Palaces, temples, bathing ghats and elevated hills on all its sides. In the southern part of this lake, there is a hill that is known as Machhala Magra and one can see glimpse of Eklinggarh Fort from here. The City Palace of Udaipur broadens along the eastern banks of this lake. Built by Jagat Singh, Mohan Mandir is situated in the north-east corner of Lake Pichola. 

Lake Pichola comprises several islands that accompany the calm waters of the lake. The world-renowned Lake Palace is perfectly located on the Jag Island of this tranquil lake. Even the Jag Mandir, another destination of tourists, is located on an island of this lake. Above all, a trip to Pichola Lake would be incomplete with a boat ride. The pristine blue waters of the lake leave a soothing impact on the spectator. At the time sun-set, a boat ride in this lake is sufficient to enthrall anyone. 

Rudyard Kipling mentioned this lake in his Letters of Marque (1899), "If the Venetian owned the Pichola Lake, he might say with justice, `see it and die'". The beauty of Lake Pichola attracts people from all over the world. One can undeniably say for Pichola that once, if you see this lake, you would definitely fall in love with it. The mesmerizing beauty of Lake Pichola makes it worth visiting during your visit to Udaipur.

Below are some pics showing the scenic beauty of the lake...

Fateh sagar

Location:	In the north of Lake Pichola & north-west of Udaipur
Built by:	Maharana Jai Singh
Built in:	1678
Highlights:	Three beautiful islands
How to reach:	One can easily reach Fatehsagar Lake either by taking local buses, Tongas, auto-rickshaws and taxis from the city

Fateh Sagar Lake is the second artificial lake of Udaipur, the first being Jaisamand lake. Located in the north of Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake lies just besides the entrance to Moti Magri Hill. Built in 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh, Fateh Sagar Lake got its name from Maharana Fateh Singh, who later made additions to it. Talking about the statistics of Fateh Sagar, the lake extends to the length of 2.4 km, 1.6 km. in width and deep to the extent of 11.5 meter. During the monsoons, the lake covers the total area of around 1 sq km. 

Fateh Sagar Lake is well-planned with three intake channels and an overflow channel that is usually brought into play in the rainy season. Fateh Sagar Lake is embellished by three small islands, which can be reached by taking a boat ride in the lake. The largest island of the lake is developed into a park by the name of Nehru Park. The garden comprises a boat-shaped restaurant and a small zoo for children. This island park is the favorite picnic spot of Udaipur dwellers. 

The second island is converted into a public park with brilliant water-jet fountains by the Government of Rajasthan. The third island addresses Udaipur Solar Observatory, which is the best solar observing site in Asia. Fateh Sagar Lake is quiet place where people usually come for relaxation and to lighten up amidst the serene waters of the lake. From the bottom of Moti Magri Hill, you can hire pedal boats or motor boats as per your convenience to enjoy a boat ride in the lake. 

This pear-shaped lake is encircled by hills, with the exception of its eastern side, where a straight stone dam is to be found. You can enjoy this lake taking its circumference while driving through Moti Magri Road, Fateh Sagar Drive and Rani Road. This twisting route would present stunning views of the lake as well as the encompassing Aravalli Hills. Fateh Sagar Lake is a nice place to explore and tourists certainly come to enjoy the tranquil beauty of this lake.

 

 

Nehru Garden

Nehru Garden in Udaipur is beautiful attractive Garden, constructed in an Island at the heart of Fateh Sagar Lake. This enchanting Park can be reached by a pleasant boating from one side of the Fateh Sagar Lake. 

The park, established in a lawn of about 4.5 acres in spread, encloses many distinct water fountains resembling those in Brindavan Gardens of Mysore. The fountains are of channel type and Pyramid shaped. A floating restaurant, in a boat shape is an added attraction here, located in the north west of the garden.

 

 

A SKetch of FS

 Some mezmerizing pics of this beautiful lake

Maharana pratap the greatest warrior

Birth and early life of Rana Pratap

Rana Pratap was born to father Maharana Udai Singh II and mother Maharani Javantha Bai Songara on 9th May 1540, (Jyestha Sudi), third day of Vikram Era 1597 in Ardh Naksatra. Though born at Kumbhalgarh fort, some historians believe it to be “Juni Kacheri” near Pali District. His birth was considered auspicious and predictions were made about the Glory he will bring to the clan. His education was worthy of a prince and early he mastered the warfare tactics and weaponry.

Jealousy among the queens of Udai Singh however, resulted in depriving Maharana Pratap from father’s love and royalty and forced him to live in village below the ridge of Chittorgarh. There he was raised by his maternal grandfather Akheraj Sonagar(pali) who soon died in a battle.

Maharana Pratap got married to Ajabade(daughter of Rao Ram Rakh Panwar), at the age of 17 and were soon blessed by a son named Amar Singh.

Coronation of “Rana Pratap”

Maharana Udai Singh II died at the early age of 42 in “Gogunda”, leaving behind twenty-five sons. Setting aside the established laws of “Primogenitor”, he proclaimed his favorite son “Jagmall” his successor. But surprisingly, in a coronation performed at Gogunda Maharana Pratap was crowned the 54th king in the lineage of Sisodia Rajputs Girding Pratap with the sword, thrice touching the ground, hailed him the “King of Mewar” when Jagmall too was moved out of the seat by Rawat Kistna and ex-prince of Gwalior.

Akbars Motive

 

 

By the year 1573, Akbar the then Mughal king had control of Chittorgarh. But to realize his dream of being theJahanpanah of Hindustan he needed to bring the ruling state of Mewar under him which wouldn’t be possible under the rule of Maharana Pratap.

Akbar sent six diplomats to get Maharana Pratap agree to the former’s servitude whereby the sovereignty and honor of Mewar would remain intact.

However, Maharan Pratap turned down each one of them. The last of these missions were headed by Raja Man Singh, the brother-in-law of Akbar and king of Amber (Jaipur).  Even the lack of recourses never lured him and he scorned comfort and luxury when they had to be bought at the cost of his independence.

For a quarter of a century he withstand the combined effects of the Mogul empire; at one time carrying destruction into the plains, at another flying from rock to rock, feeding his family from fruits of the jungle, and rearing the nursling Hero Amar Singh, amidst savage beasts, and scarce less savage men. Though wealth and fortune tempted the fidelity of his chiefs, not one was found enough to abandon him.

A Short Introduction of the battlegrounds

Warfare Tactics and the Heroes

“Guerrilla Warfare” had been in existence since times unknown, but Rana Pratap was probably the first to use “Organized Guerrilla Warfare” against a mighty enemy and very successfully administered a disastrous blow to the Mughal army.

Many, at times it seemed that Rana Pratap was on the verge of being victorious. To lead his battle against the Mughals Maharana Pratap has the bravest of all brave leaders- Jhala Bida, Hakim Khan Sur, Poonja Bhil ( in photo) including Raja Ram Shah of Gwalior, Rawat Netsi of Kanod, Kishandas Chundawat of Salumber,Bheem singh Dodiya, Ramdas Rathore of Badnore, Shankardas Rathore of Kelwa, Jhala Maan of Delwara, Ram Singh Sandoo, Jaisa Barhat and Keshav Barhat were few of the leaders who laid their lives for the brave Rana Pratap in his efforts to keep the lamp of Independence burning.

The Brave Tribe of Bhils

Rana Pratap had the very strong support of the indigenous tribe of Mewar- Bhils, who fought with him to till end and sacrificed their lives for the Honor of their ruler.

Rana Pratap made his descendants Vow that until he brings back the glory of Chittor, he would sleep on straw bed and eat off a Pattras (leaf Plate). Rana Pratap could not win back Chittor and even today, many Rajput follows that promise and places a leaf under their plates and a straw under their bed.

 

Battle of Haldighati 1576 A.D.

Akbar launched an offensive against Rana Pratap in A.D. 1576 after all the efforts, to bring Rana Pratap to his servitude failed. Akbar established his headquarters at Ajmer and this became one of the 22 subahs of Akbar’s empire.

As a “Guerilla Warfare” tactic Rana Pratap restricted his region in the mountains of Aravali i.e from north to south, Kumbhalgarh to Rishabdev and from west to south Mirpur to Satola. The faithful aborigines “ The Bhils” took to field, with Rana Pratap with their ordinary weapon the Bow and Arrow and huge stones ready to roll upon the combatant enemy, above and below the Rajputs were posted and on the cliffs and pinnacles the “Bhils”.

To save the honor of their land against the mighty Mughal army with the strength of Two Lakh soldiers. There stood the Twenty Two thousand on that day 7th of Sawan Sanwat 1632(July 1576), for the defense of Haldighati and only eight thousand quitted the field alive.

The Turn around

The turning point again came in 1582 when Rana Pratap Inflicted a crushing defeat to the Mughal army in Dewair( the northern entry point of Mewar connecting Marwar, Gujarat, Malwa and Ajmer). From this battle onwards Rana Pratap moved from being defensive to Offensive and in a very short time he regained all the lost land of Mewar except Ajmer and Chittor.

The legend of Maharana Pratap

The Legendary Maharana Pratap’s Gratitude can be summerised in two incidents.

To save the honor of their land against the mighty Mughal army with the strength of Two Lakh soldiers. There stood the Twenty Two thousand on that day 7th of Sawan Sanwat 1632(July 1576), for the defense of Haldighati and only eight thousand quitted the field alive.

One day Raja Man Singh the commander in chief of the Mughal army was out hunting with a few hundred of his troops. Pratap’s Bhil spy reported this to him at his camp a few kilometers away and as he seems to be on a hunting sprawl he can be easily targeted but Maharana Pratap straight forwardly refused to back stab him and defeat him other than that on a battlefield.
Other time the women from the family of Abdur Rahim Khankhana(Mogul commander) were captured by  Pratap’s son Amar Singh, and presented in front of the Rana.

At this point of time, Khankhana was actually on the march against Pratap, and was camping at Sherpur. Infuriated and not withstanding this act, immediately Pratap commanded his son Amar Singh to arrange for the safe conveyance of the mogul ladies to their camp. Khankhana was so affected by this incident that he refused to fight against such a chivalrous monarch. He petitioned Akbar to be relieved of his post and was subsequently (in 1581) appointed guardian of Akbar’s own son, Salim.

The After Story

After the Haldighati Battle, Mughal Emperor Akbar made repeated attempts to capture or kill Maharana Pratap, but he did not succeed. Where in the year 1576 he captured Udaipur and named it Mohammadabad and likewise Chittorgarh was named Akbarabad (source), both the names were never accepted. Maharana Pratap served (struggled) for 25 years and died a peaceful death on January 19, 1597 at Chawand, the capital founded by him in deep hills south of Udaipur, the reason of his death being injury caused during a hunting game.

Maharana Pratap’s arch foe Mogul Emperor Akbar is believed to have shed tears at end of this brave warrior, because he was the only ruler who refused to compromise his honor for comfort & safety and, in the end, he died a proud and free king. Maharana Pratap was affectionately called “KIKA” especially by the tribal’s and the poets.

Maharana Pratap left behind him 17 sons and 5 daughters. It is said that on his death bed the Rana made his eldest son, Amar Singh swear to keep the torch of independence burning and the “aan” of his motherland intact from the “Turks”.

It is a very sad saga; we do not have any original portrait of the person we worship so deeply. It is said that there was only one portrait of Rana Pratap made during his struggle against the Moguls, and that one was taken by the British.

Map of udaipur containing all major tourist destiantion

The map contain all the major places to visit in udaipur....

Here I have mention the visiting time and the ticket rates of some of the major places so it will be convinient for you if you plan on visiting udaipur....

City Palace of Udaipur  A majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake Pichola on a hill surrounded by crenallated walls ,it is a conglomeration of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens .The city palace complex of udaipur is the the largest palace complex of Rajasthan . Visit timingMorning 0930hrs to 1630 hrs .Admission: INR 50-Adults / INR 30-child(7-12 years). Still & video camera INR 200 Visit timing Durbar hall   10:00am to 07:30pm .Admission: INR 325/- Visit timing Crystal Gallery  09:00am to 08:00pm .Admission: INR 325/-  Jagdish Temple Udaipur  Built in 1651 A.D. by Maharana Jagat Singh ,Jagdish temple in udaipur an Indo Aryan temple is the largest and most beautiful temple of Udaipur with noteworthy sculpted images.The Jagdish temple Udaipur is dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the universe whose black stone image is placed in the jagdish temple udaipur. The exterior and the plinth are covered with basrelief of alligators, elephants , horsemen and celestial musicians rise in tiers.Chanting bells and music canbe heard throughout the day.Visiting time :Morning 4:14 am to 01.00 pm . Evening 5:15 pm to 8:00pm.  Sahelion ki Bari Udaipur  This small ornamental garden in udaipur was a popular relaxing spot where royal ladies came for a stroll and hence the name. Sahelion ki Bari garden in Udaipur has many fountains in its four delightful pools, chiselled Kiosks and marble elephants , protected by a series of walls and shady trees.The fountains of the Sahelion ki Bari udaipur function solely by water pressure.Visit timing :Morning 08:00 am to 07:00 Pm    Admission : INR 5 .  Eklingji & Nagda Temples  Built in 734 A.D is the beautifully sculpted temple complex with 108 temples within its high walls. The temples of Eklingji in udaipur are dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of rulers of Udaipur.Nagda temples in udaipur is the ancient site dating back to sixth century A.D. There are splendid Jain temples of Adbudji at Nagda Udaipur .Visit timing :Morning 04:00 am to 07:00 Pm , Noon :11:30 AM to 01:30 PM ,Evening 05:30 PM to 08:30 PM.  Maharana Pratap Memorial  Atop the Moti Magri or pearl hill , overlooking the Fatehsagar Lake is the memorial of the Rajput hero Maharana Pratap with his bronze statue. Nearby are the remains of the old palace known as Moti Mahal which was occupied by Maharana Pratap's father Maharana Udai Singh , when he first came to live at Udaipur . Visit timing :Morning 09:00 am to 06:00 Pm    Admission : INR 15, Light and sound show timings -Winter :7:30pm and Summers :8:15pm. Shilpgram ( Craftsmen village ) Udaipur  Literally meaning "craftsmen's Village" is a living ethnographic museum depicting depicting the enormous diversities in craft ,art and culture between various Indian states. Shilpgram in udaipur comprises 26 huts set in 70 acres of natural surroundngs at the foot of the Aravali hills. A Huge ten day festival (Shilpgram Utsav) is held annually around new year drawing huge crowd from across the world. Visit timing :Morning 08:00am to 06:00Pm    Admission : Indian Adult-INR 15,child-INR 7 ;Foreigner INR 25. Museum of Folk Art ( Lok Kala Mandal ) Udaipur  This is a museum of Indian Folk arts. Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum in Udaipur have an interesting collection including folk dresses, ornaments puppets, masks ,dolls ,folk musical instruments ,folk deities and paintings.Visit timing :Morning 09:00 am to 05:30 Pm    Admission : INR 10 ,still camera charges INR 20 Puppet Shows12:00 to 13:00 and 18:00 to 19:00. Haldighati Near Udaipur  Haldighati near udaipur was the site of the famous battle of 1576 between Maharana Pratap and Mughal Emperor Akbar.The Chhatri of Maharana Pratap's horse Chetak is noteworthy.The Maharana Pratap Museum Haldighati near Udaipur Rajasthan offers to the tourists a movie film on Maharana Pratap and Haldighati,light and sound show depicting Maharana Pratap's Life, cave inscriptions, arms and ammunitions and literature on Maharana Pratap.Visit timing :Morning 08:00 am to 07:00 Pm. Boat cruise to Jagmandir Island in Pichola  Jagmandir is an island palace in lake pichola developed by maharana Karan singh in about 1620 A.D.Maharana Jagat SinghI (1628-1652)made several additions to it.Jagmandir island udaipur is well proportioned and attractive with large gardens and courtyards.The bird life at Jagmandir Islandmakes the visit worthwhile .One hour boat ride from Bansi Ghat in city palace takes you to the Jagmandir Island. Visit timing :Morning 10:00 am to 05:00 Pm    Admission :1 hour boat ride INR 325

History of udaipur....

The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure water lakes, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravalis. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experiences - an inspiration for the imagination of the poets, painters and writers. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavour of heroic past, epitomising valour and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichhola is an enticing sight.              Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar - a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 years. The foundation of the city has an interesting legend associated with it. According to it, Maharana Udai Singh, the founder, was hunting one day when he met a holy man meditating on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichhola.               The hermit blessed the Maharana and advised him to build a palace at this favourably located spot with a fertile valley watered by the stream, a lake, an agreeable altitude and an amphitheater of low mountains. Maharana followed the advise of the hermit and founded the city in 1559 A.D. It was in Udaipur that legendary Maharana Pratap was born. Rana Pratap who fought against Emperor Akbar in 1576 is remembered throughout India for his bravery on the battlefield. The rulers of Udaipur never gave any of their women in marriage to the Mughals unlike some of the other royal houses of Rajputana.

The famous "white" city of Rajasthan state, Udaipur stands on the banks of the lake Pichola, its many white marble palaces reflecting in the lake's calm waters. Udaipur is voted one of the most romantic cities of India. Due to an abundance of water, there are a number of gardens in and out of town. There are a number of reservoirs surrounding the town, along with a few forts and ancient ruins. Overlooking the aquamarine expanses of the Lake Pichhola stands the splendid City Palace - a marvel in granite and marble. Of the original eleven gates of the Udaipur City, only five remain. The  Surajpole or Sun Gate on the eastern side is the main entrance to the city. Exquisite Lake Palace of Udaipur, shimmering like jewel on Lake Pichhola are overwhelming in splendour. Several places of interest around Udaipur, including the majestic Chittaurgarh, the mountain fortress of Kumbhalgarh, beautiful Jain temples of Ranakpur, Eklingji and Nathdwara and the cool retreat of Mount Abu, make the visit to Udaipur a memorable one. Rulers of Udaipur

Title: Maharana Race: Sisodia Rajput Religion: Hindu RULERS OF MEWAR PERIOD Rana Udaya Singh 1537-1572 Rana Pratap Singh      1572-1596 Rana Amar Singh 1596-1607 Rana Sugra 1607-1615 Rana Karan 1620 -1628 Rana Jagat Singh 1628-1652 Rana Raja Singh 1652 -1680 Rana Jaya Singh 1680 -1699 Rana Amar Singh II 1699 -1711 Rana Sangrama Singh II 1711 -1734 Rana Jagat Singh II 1734-1752 Rana Pratap Singh II 1752-1754 Rana Raja Singh II 1754-1761 Rana Ari Singh II 1761 -1771 Rana Hammir II 1771-1777 Maharana Bhim Singh 1777 -1828 Maharana Jawan Singh 1828-1838 Maharana Sardar Singh 1838-1842 Maharana Sarup Singh 1842-1861 Maharana Sambhu 1861-1874 Maharana Sujjan Singh  1874-1884 Maharana Fateh Singh 1884-1930 Maharana Sir Bhupal Singh 1930-1955 Maharana Bhagwat Singh 1955-1985