Udaipur is a city as romantic as a dream, with marble palaces gently afloat in a lake surrounded by low lying hills and other impressive palaces dominating the skyline with their many turrets and cupolas, imposing doorways and delicately chiselled windows.

The lake here was artificially created in the 14th century, two hundred years before the city was founded by the Maharanas of Chittorgarh as the capital of the indomitable Mewar. A bastion wall encircles it. There were five gates armed withiron spikes and the largest palace in Rajasthan, the City Palace, stands on the ridge, overlooking the steel blue waters of the Lake Pichola.

If the City Palace is imperial with its multicoloured mosaics, mirror work inlaid tiles and roof gardens on the lake are no less than sumptuous. Courts, fountains, apartments and gardens embellish them and decorated with arabesques of coloured stones, they are startling pleasure palaces, a rich experience that can now be captured as they have been converted into modern resorts.

Prime Attractions of Udaipur

» City Palace
This spectacular place stands white and majestic set on a hill. It is surrounded by walls for battlements at the entrance is a triple arched gate, called the Tripolia which was built in 1725. Another monuments which has its own charm is the Suraj Gokhada (the balcony of the sun) Here the Maharanas of Meware came before the people during troubled times to restore confidence in them. The blue and white ceramics of Chini Chitrashala are extremely fascinating.

» Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum
This Indian Folk arts museum houses fantastic collection of folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls musical instruments and painting.

» Lake Palace
In the state of vast stretches of sand is situated Udaipur, with enchanting lakes and lush greenery. This places oozes with beauty and is a symbol of romance, the most appealing place for poets, painters, travelers and writers. This fascinating capital of Mewar is surrounded by hills and is situated on the edge of three lakes. This city full of enchanting tales has a remarkable past, with episodes of heroism and splendor. This mesmerizing place is lived by narrow streets with coloured stalls, gardens, temples and palaces. Udaipur which means the city of Dawn, the beauty of this place is breath-taking.

» Saheliyon-ki-Bari
This garden which means 'Garden of Maidens' is a symbol of the fascinating lifestyle of the royal ladies, who once strolled through these gardens. Housing a number of fountains in the four pools, ornated with delicately carved kiosks and elephants, this garden offers a mesmerizing view.

» Pichhola Lake
The lake is surrounded by hill palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. This legendary lake had enchanted Maharana Udai Singh.

» Jagdish Temple
The prominently situated temple dedicated to Lord vishnu and Lord Jagannath was built by Maharaja Jagat Singh I in 1651 A.D. This splendid temple serves as a remarkable landmark.

Shopping in Udaipur

Shopping can be a pleasure at the Hathipole, Chetak Circle, Clock Tower, Palace Road and Bapu Bazaar. Rajasthan Government also has its own Handicraft emporium. The shops of Udaipur have plenty of exquisite items to offer. The dainty folk toys, brightly coloured garments, hand printed textiles, batiks, and tie & dye sarees and fabrics to name few. 'Pichwais' or wall hangings painted on cloth are world renowned for their vivid colours and themes. The craftsmanship is at its peak in the metal images and chunky silver jewellery.

Climate of Udaipur

The lakes surrounding Udaipur regulates the climate, which is pleasant than in any other city in Rajasthan. The summers are hot and winters are cold but the temperature does not rise to extremes. The rainfall is less, around 61 cms annually.

Places to Stay in Udaipur

Udaipur has accommodation options available for all categories of tourists. The best options, if one does have enough money to spend, are the heritage hotels, which are grand, royal, and bring alive the bygone eras.

How to get there

» Air
The City of Lakes is well connected by air services. The Dabok Airport is 21 kms from the city centre.

» Rail
Railway has trains from all over the country to destination Udaipur. The Palace On Wheels covers this magnificent city during its eight day package tour.

» Road
There are bus services from tourist places in Rajasthan , Gujarat and Delhi.