Exploring the Royal Heritage of Udaipur with a Private Luxury Guide

We landed on an early December morning in the grand city of Udaipur which is also referred to as the “City of Lakes”. My wife and kids were eagerly excited for the week-long trip exploring the ancient Indian heritage sites that are of legendary significance. Fortunately for me, I chose a luxury travel package from Travelosei for my 7 Day Rajasthan Tour Itinerary.

How does a private luxury guide transform your Udaipur experience?

Sail across shimmering lakes, wander majestic palaces, and uncover royal tales with Travelosei’s 7-Day Rajasthan Tour. From curated heritage walks to exclusive cultural encounters, explore the City of Lakes in unmatched comfort, style, and personal attention for a journey you’ll cherish forever.

Table Of Contents

1. What did we do on Day One: Visit to the Jagdish Temple?
2. What did we do on Day Two: Visit to the City Palace?
3. What did we do on Day Three: Bagore Ki Haveli?
4. What did we do on Day Four: Moti Magri?
5. What did we do on Day Five: Sajjangarh Palace?
6. What did we do on Day Six: Eklingji Temple?
7. What did we do on the Seventh and Final Day: Ahar Cenotaphs?
8. Conclusion
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What did we do on Day One of our 7 Day Rajasthan Tour Itinerary : Visit to the Jagdish Temple?

Nestled in the hearts of the old bustling city of Udaipur, the Jagdish temple is just a short walk away from the old City Palace. The majestic Hindu temple towered over the narrow city lanes as a symbol of great devotion, artistry and spiritual energy. According to our tour guide, the Jagdish temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singh I in circa 1651 CE, dedicated to the Lord Vishnu of the Hindu mythology. The temple has since stood the test of time, standing tall as one of the most iconic heritage sites of Udaipur. We were awestruck with the exquisite architecture of the temple and its premises.

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What did we do on Day Two of our 7 Day Rajasthan Tour Itinerary: Visit to the City Palace?

The next day of our itinerary took us to the royal City Palace of Udaipur, sitting on the banks of Lake Pichola. The City Palace was richly bedecked with striking architecture, courtyards, pavilions, gardens, and eleven magnificent palaces. Known as the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, this royal historical wonder struck our heartstrings. Our tour guide explained that the City Palace was built by Maharana Udai Singh II in circa 1559 CE.

Over the next 400 years, successive rulers of the Mewar dynasty contributed to its expansion, resulting in a harmonious fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The City Palace served as the main seat of power for the Maharanas of Mewar, and even today, a portion of it is still the royal residence of the descendants of the Mewar family.

The City Palace’s balconies and towers offer panoramic views of Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir, and the heavenly abodes of the distant Aravalli hills. The palace strikingly features intricate mirrorwork, marble inlays, colored glass and wall paintings which reflect the craftsmanship of artisans who have crafted each corner delicately.

Our guide toured us through the enigmatic Zenana Mahal, which were once the Queen’s quarters and the Mor Chowk (Peacock Courtyard) which left us amazed with its mosaic peacock artwork representing the cycle of seasons.

Besides the tour of the palace, one of the major highlights was the museum of artifacts. Our guide educated us about the royal costumes, weapons, armor, antique furniture, paintings, and historical photographs which etched deep into our memories.

At the end of the day, we were guided back to our hotel by the Bespoke tour agent for a night’s rest to continue with the Udaipur destinations.

What did we do on Day Three of our 7 Day Rajasthan Tour Itinerary: Bagore Ki Haveli?

The Bagore Ki Haveli is a centuries old royal mansion sitting right on the waterfront of Lake Pichola since its inception in the 18th century.

It offered a vivid glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Rajasthan’s nobility with its intricate architecture, fascinating museum, and vibrant cultural performances making it, as our guide said, one of Udaipur’s most engaging heritage sites.

The story of Bagore Ki Haveli dates back to the mid-18th century, when Amar Chand Badwa was the Prime Minister of Mewar under Maharana Pratap Singh II.

Our guide explained that it was used by members of the royal family and served as a residence for noble guests. In the late 20th century, the haveli undertook restoration by the West Zone Cultural Centre, making it still stand tall today as a historical cultural venue.

The gigantic haveli boasts of over 100 rooms arranged around airy courtyards, arched doorways, jharokhas or overhanging balconies and walls that reflect traditional Mewari architecture. We were lucky enough to be guided through the beautifully decorated royal chambers and women’s chambers dazzling with mirrors and glass work. Traditional costumes, jewelry, musical instruments and artifacts that depict everyday life of the Mewar’s elite were also on special display, accentuating our experience.

The highlight of the place was the Sheesh Mahal or the Room of Mirrors which demonstrated the delicate Rajasthani tapestry of artisanship.

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What did we do on Day Four of our 7 Day Rajasthan Tour Itinerary: Moti Magri?

The fourth day of our exquisite excursion to Udaipur’s royal heritage sites with our Bespoke tour guide took us to Moti Magri, a hilltop tribute to Rajasthan’s greatest warrior kings, Maharana Pratap Singh.

The Moti Magri also known as the “Pearl Hill”, overlooks the shimmering water of the Fateh Sagar Lake. A majestic bronze statue of Maharana Pratap Singh astride his loyal horse, Chetak gloriously stands at the summit of Moti Magri. Built in the 1940s by Maharana Bhagwat Singh of Mewar and public contributions, the bronze statue atop Moti Magri commemorates the Battle of Haldighati (1576), which was a fierce conflict between Maharana Pratap and the Mughal forces of Emperor Akbar.

The depiction captures the intensity of the Rajput warrior’s defiance and has become an iconic image of Rajasthan’s martial spirit. Our day ended with a reflective note on the enthralling historical discussions with our tour guide.

What did we do on Day Five of our 7 Day Rajasthan Tour Itinerary: Sajjangarh Palace?

Our next planned excursion was the majestic Sajjangarh palace perched high upon the Aravalli hills with sweeping views of Udaipur’s lakes, palaces, and sunsets. It was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh, the 72nd ruler of the Mewar dynasty, in 1884.

The fact of the day shared by our guide was that the palace was originally planned as a nine-story astronomical observatory to track the monsoon clouds. But the ambitious project was left incomplete after the Maharana's untimely death. It later came to be used as a monsoon retreat and a hunting lodge for the royal family.

The Sajjangarh Palace provides breathtaking views of the Fateh Sagar Lake of the Udaipur city from its lofty perch, along with the distant Chittorgarh plains. The palace was exquisitely constructed with white marbles with distinctive arched windows, dome pavilions and wide terraces. The exciting part about the location of Sajjangarh Palace is its location within the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to panthers, deer, jackals, and a variety of birds.

Another interesting fact shared to us by our guide was the appearance of the fort in the James Bond movie, “Octopusst” (1983). The sunsets were legendary, painting the sky in gold and orange hues during the evening time.

What did we do on Day Six of our 7 Day Rajasthan Tour Itinerary: Eklingji Temple?

Our sixth day itinerary was off to a hearty beginning with our tour guide taking us 22 Kms north of Udaipur, to the revered deities of the Maharana's of Mewar, the Eklingji Temple. Nestled in the small town of Kailash Puri, the Eklingji temple is considered by the locals to be the one true ruler and deity of Mewar with the Maharanas of Mewar serving as his Diwans (regents).

The flamboyant Eklingji temple, as explained by our private luxury tour guide, dated back to the 8th century CE, originally built by Bappa Rawal who was the founder of the Mewar dynasty.

Over the centuries, it has been expanded and renovated, with its present form largely shaped by 15th-century renovations under the rule of Maharana Raimal. The key feature of the temple includes a magnanimous black marble, four-faced idol of Lord Shiva in his Ekling form in sanctum with a silver canopy, 100 smaller shrines dedicated to other Hindu Gods, carved pillars, domed ceilings and ornate spires in the classic Nagara styles of architecture.

The temple also features two beautiful kunds (water tanks) within the temple premises for ritual bathing. Our travel instructor informed us that only Hindu visitors were allowed inside the sanctum, but all can explore the complex and admire its architecture. Thus ended our spiritual and divine journey of the 6th day.

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What did we do on the Seventh and Final Day of our 7 Day Rajasthan Tour Itinerary: Ahar Cenotaphs?

Our final day at Udaipur brought us into our final royal heritage visit of Udaipur, the Ahar Cenotaphs also known as Ahar ki Chhatriyans. The specialty of the heritage site is the sprawling cluster of beautifully carved chhatris (cenotaphs), which is a solemn and stunning memorial ground dedicated to the Maharajas of Mewar. The Ahar Cenotaphs has served as the cremation site of the Maharana's of Mewar for over 400 years, according to our private luxury tour guide. The site houses over 250 cenotaphs, commemorating 19 kings of the dynasty, each cenotaph marking the spot where a ruler was cremated.

The Cenotaphs were built with reflective white marble and pale sandstone, featuring intricately carved domes, pillars and arches. The design is a blend of Rajput and Mughal styles with lotus motifs, chhatris (domed pavilions), and carved platforms. The most prominent cenotaph was that of Maharana Sangram Singh, which stands out with its elevated platform and detailed carvings. Despite being a cremation site, the Ahar Cenotaphs brimmed with a peaceful ambience.

Nearby the Cenotaphs, the Ahar Archaeological Museum is located which provides a rich access to artifacts, pottery and sculptures dating back to 1700 BCE, Terracotta figures, coins and tools from Indus Valley and Gupta periods. My family was pleased to be shown around it entirely by the private luxury tour guide.

Conclusion

Udaipur is truly a city of kings and lakes. Our luxury 7 Day Rajasthan Tour Itinerary helped us discover its rich history and grand palaces. It was an amazing journey, leaving us with beautiful memories of India's royal past.

Also Read: Insider Tips for Effortless Luxury Travel Planning for India

FAQs

1. What is the best time to visit Udaipur’s heritage sites?
The best time to visit Udaipur’s heritage sites are between October and March, when the weather is cool and pleasant. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for sightseeing and photography.

2. Where can I book private luxury guide tours available at these sites?
Guided tours elevate your touring experience with detailed briefing and planning itineraries. It is always preferable to hire a professional and licensed guide. For more information, contact Travelosei on 1(813)344-8306.

3. Is photography allowed at heritage locations?
Photography is allowed at most sites, but some museums and temples restrict flash or interior photos. Always check signage or ask staff on arrival.

4. How much time should I allocate to explore Udaipur’s royal sites?
Generally, a 2-3 day long itinerary would include half a day at the City Palace, an evening at Bagore ki Haveli, and a sunset visit to Sajjangarh.

5. Are these sites accessible for seniors or people with limited mobility?
Most major attractions offer basic accessibility, but some older structures (like haveli stairs or hilltop forts) may be challenging. City Palace and Bagore Ki Haveli have some ramps and lifts, but uneven terrain is common. It is inadvisable for senior citizens or people with limited mobility to explore these vast locations.