Udaipur (Rajasthan, India)

The "City of Sunrise," often described as the most romantic city in India, was built around four lakes, the placid blue waters reflecting ethereal white palaces and temples, beyond which shimmer the distant Aravalli Hills. Udaipur has a real sense of space and peace, and the city is mercifully free of the kind of intense capitalist hucksterism that so marks the Indian street experience. 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 Mt. Abu, make the visit to Udaipur a memorable one. Udaipur, the 'City of Lakes' was founded in 1599 by Maharana Udai Singh. The city hailed as the 'Venice of the East' set amidst the Aravalli hills of South Rajasthan, is one of the most romantic destinations in India. Udaipur has a profusion of marble palaces, lakes, temples, cenotaphs and rugged hills. It's also proud of its heritage as a centre for the performing arts, painting and crafts. Famous historical personalities like Maharana Pratap, Rani Padmini and Meera Bai, the poetess and devotee of Lord Krishna hail from here. The enchanting marble palaces and scenic beauty makes it a most fantastic place for leisure.

Sightseeing:

City Palace:
The imposing City Palace, towering over the lake, is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. The palace is surmounted by balconies, towers and cupolas and there are fine views over the lake and the city from the upper terraces. The palace stands along the shores of Pichola.

Lake Palace:
Founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh, the Lake city of Udaipur is often referred as the 'Venice of the East'. Studded with extravagant palaces, hilltop fortresses, awe-inspiring temples and romantic gardens filled with blossoming trees, this 'City of Dreams' is, not surprisingly, a favourite with travellers, both Indian and Foreign. A fantasy island palace shimmering on mirror-calm Lake Pichola, the Lake Palace is one of the most romantic hotels in the world.

Saheliyon- Ki- Bari:
Saheliyojn-Ki-Bari was designed by Maharana Fateh Singh on the embankment of Fateh Singh Lake, towards the north of Lake Pichola. A Lotus pool, flowerbeds, lawns, fountains and marble pavilions in Rajputana style, all combine to make it an enchanting place. The hill top Sajjangarh Palace fort in the west of Udaipur is a vantage point, from where a magnificent view of the city, its lakes and palaces can be enjoyed.

Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal:
This is a museum of folk arts which has rich collection of folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments and paintings. World famous puppeteers put shows here on request in advance.

Lakes of Udaipur:
Udaipur is known as the 'city of lakes'. The two most scenic and famous lakes of the city are Lake Pichola and Lake Fateh Sagar. Lake Pichola is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and has two island palaces- Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir.

Lake Fateh Sagar:
It lies to north of Pichola and was built by Maharana Jai Singh but it got the name of Fateh Singh who rebuilt its dam. Both the lakes are breathtakingly beautiful and one can take a cruise on their waters. The Sunset over these lakes are moments to be cherished.

Jagdish Temple:
In the midst of the lake stands another piece de resistance, Jag Mandir. It a lake retreat built by the Maharana as a refuge for Prince Shahjahan. The Palace, made in red sandstone of translucent thinness, was once laid with jasper, jade and rubies. It has spacious courtyards, a beautifully proportioned white marble dome, high ceiling rooms, majestic cupolas, arched pavilions and a garden planted with trees and flowering creepers. A beautiful structure here is the temple of universe. With stone colonnades, it is dedicated to the lord of the universe. The temple of Jagdish is built in classical style and is dedicated to Vishnu. It was built by Jagat Singh I in the midst of the city, on the street that leads to the palace. Its walls are covered with bas-relief, friezes of makar (crocodiles), elephants, carved dancers statue of Garuda.

Craft Bazaar:
The Shilp Gram (Craft Bazaar) is situated just 3 km off Udaipur and is a great place to see the art and craft of all the states of western India. The Directorate of Tourism organizes a 10-day festival from December 15 every year, which is a treat for the visitors interested in village crafts.

Mewar Festival:
The onset of spring brings the Mewar festival on April 7-8. A traditional welcome to spring, this festival is a visual feast with Rajasthani songs, dances, processions, devotional music and firework displays. It is celebrated in the romantic city of Udaipur during the Gangaur Festival. A procession of colorfully attired women carrying images of the goddess Gauri makes its way to Lake Pichola. A procession of boats on the lake offers a fitting finale to this splendid celebration.