Global Treasures: Udaipur

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1208

UPC: 879061008078

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Set along an artificial lake and surrounded by picturesque mountains, Udaipur, "City of Lakes," is one of the most beautiful cities in the Indian province of Rajasthan.

Part of the City Palace of Udaipur is still inhabited by the present head of the Mewar, and other areas within it have been transformed into a luxurious hotel. In recent years, innumerable gazebos, balconies and decorations have made the elegant, almost playful eastern side of the palace into a popular backdrop for numerous films.

Located beneath the grand palace and surrounded by thick walls there is a further popular tourist attraction in Udaipur, the Jagdish Temple. At first sight, this Vishnu sanctuary appears to be a fortress, a fact that has undoubtedly contributed to its survival. As one of the city's few Hindu temples, the Jagdish Temple survived the troops of Muslim aggressor Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, as he most likely did not recognize it as a temple.

But history and drama aside, as the sun sets beneath the gentle hills of the Avalli Mountains it is easy to become hypnotized by the amazing beauty of Udaipur.