A
visit to Udaipur is incomplete without a boat cruise in Lake Pichola
the historic 14th century lake made by a local banjara (gypsy) that was extended in the 16th century by Rana Udai Singh II to establish Udaipur, the city of lakese.
For the eco-sensitive:
Solar-powered
boats were first introduced on Lake Pichola. In 1992, an initiative
was taken by Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur, Chairman and
Managing Trustee of the Maharana of Mewar Charitable
Foundation, the vision of Udaipur as a solar city. He
initiated research that led to the development of solar power as a
source of energy for transportation systems in Udaipur. A
small diesel engine boat with the capacity to carry up to
five passengers was converted to operate off batteries
powered by solar panels fixed onto the roof. It now operates on Gajner
Lake, besides Gajner Palace, a Grand Heritage Palace of the
HRH Group of Hotels in Gajner, Bikaner. The success of this
water taxi led to the building of RA II an eight-seater passenger
boat that was successfully completed in 1995 and is used for
ferrying visitors on Lake Pichola, Udaipur.
For the history lover:
The
picturesque boat ride on Lake Pichola not only provides the best scenic
view of the lake and the mountains in the city, but also
presents some of the most important historical monuments
dotted along the lakeside or submerged within the lake. Beginning
with the monumental lakeside façade of the City Palace Complex,
the boat ride moves to the picturesque ghats with their
distinctive steps, still used by the locals. The lake-side
is lined with the havelis of the nobles, most prominent being the
Bagore ki Haveli. The Gangaur Ghat with the triple-arched Tripolia
stands as a magnificent piece of architecture at the end of
Bagore ki Haveli.
One can also relish the beauty of the small
island structures in the midst of Lake Pichola i.e. the
Mohan Mandir and the Arsi Vilas. Mohan Mandir was built by Rana
Jagat Singh II as a dedication to Lord Krishna. It is a delightful
perching place for the water birds little cormorants. Arsi
Vilas is an island structure that has three rooms and an
open courtyard at the rear. It was built by Rana Ari Singh II
in the late 18th century.
The most resplendent sights on the
boat ride are the island palaces. The 17th century Jagmandir
Island Palace is one of the oldest and most grandiose
palace that is legendary as place of refuge to Prince
Khurram (later Emperor Shahjahan). Know more about Jagmandir Island
Palace by visiting Jagriti an exhibition about the
historical and architectural development of Jagmandir Island
Palace. The exhibition is located within the Gol Mahal at
Jagmandir Island Palace and uses archival photographs and
paintings to show the evolution of Jagmandir Island Palace as an
incomparable pleasure-palace.
The other island palace of Jag
Niwas, now the Lake Palace Hotel is an 18th century creation
of Rana Jagat Singh II. It is said that he constructed the palace in
response to his father statement that if he wanted to stay
in an island palace like Jagmandir Island Palace, he should
build his own.
Beyond the lakeside history and the beautiful
island palaces, the boat ride provides a fantastic view of
the distant monsoon palace perched on the hills. Sajjangarh
was the palace built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in the late 19th century
to enjoy the beautiful monsoon season of the lake city of
Udaipur.
Facilities:
Permission visit Jagmandir Island Palace - a palace on an island in Lake Pichola
Enjoy
the refreshment at the all day cafe ( on chargeable basis) or
alternatively soak in the ambience at the Picholi Bar,
sipping beer or wine.
Visit Jagriti the heritage exhibition on-site Jagmandir Island Palace
www.colourfulindiatravel.com
+919911751646
