The city of Dawn, Udaipur is an enchanting city. Also known as The Venice of the East, it is a vision in white, drenched in romance and beauty. From the azure water lakes in the midst of sandy terrain, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravalis, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experience.

         

The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure water lake, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravallis. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valour and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichhola is an enticing sight. Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar-a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years. The foundation of the city has an interesting legend associated with it. According to it, Maharana Udai Singh, the founder, was hunting one day when he met a holy man meditations on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichhola. The hermit blessed the Maharana and advised him to build a palace at this favorable located spot with a fertile valley watered by the stream, a lake, an agreeable altitude and an amphitheatre of low mountains. Maharana followed the advise of the hermit and founded the city in 1559 A.D. Overlooking the aquamarine expanses of the Lake Pichhola stands the splendid City Palace-a marvel in granite and marble. Of the original eleven gates of the Udaipur City, only five remain. The Suraj Pol or Sun Gate on the eastern side is the main entrance to the city. Exquisite lake palaces of Udaipur shimmering like jewels on Lake Pichhola are overwhelming in splendor. Several places of interest around Udaipur, including the majestic, Chittaurgarh, the mountain fortress of Kumbhalgarh, beautiful Jain temple of Ranakpur, Eklingji and Nathdwara and the cool retreat of Mt. Abu, make the visit to Udaipur a memorable one.

HISTORY

The jewel of Mewar, Udaipur was ruled by the Sisodia dynasty. Maharana Udai Singh laid the foundation of the city, in 1559 AD. The legendary Ranas of Mewar, who traced their ancestry back to the Sun, first ruled the region from their 7th century stronghold - Chittaurgarh.

In contrast to the house of Jaipur, the rulers of Udaipur prided themselves on being independent. Yet, Udaipur for all its individuality remained one of the poorer princely states in Rajasthan, a consequence of being almost constantly at war. Ultimately in 1818, Mewar came under British political control, but still managed to avoid almost all-British cultural influence.

CULTURE

Founded in 1568 following the final sacking of Chittorgarh by the Mughal emperor Akbar, Udaipur rivals, any of the world famous creations of the Mughals, with its Rajput love of the whimsical, and its superbly crafted elegance. Overlooking the aquamarine expanses of the Lake Pichhola stands the splendid Lake Palace.

A marvel in granite and marble, it is certainly the best example of its cultural explosion, but Udaipur is full of palaces, temples and havelis, ranging from the modest to the extravagant. It’s also proud of its heritage as a centre for the performing arts, paintings and crafts.

FOOD

Udaipur is one place where you won't have to go far looking for your kind of food. Some of the best places to eat in town include the Lake Palace's excellent dining terrace, the Shiv Niwas Palace Hotel, and Gallery Restaurant at the Fateh Prakash Palace Hotel. Amet-ke-Haveli is another place where you enjoy an evening meal set against the romantic backdrop of the lake.

SHOPPING

Chetak Circle, Clock Tower, Hathi Pol, Palace Road and the City Market are some of the best places to shop in Udaipur. The Rajasthan Government Handicrafts Emporium is another good stop. Do try and make time for Shilpgram, the craft bazaar. It hosts a shopping extravaganza every year, commencing mid-December. No matter where in Udaipur - if you're buying stone jewellery, then don't give in to the price before bargaining.

ENTERTAINMENT

Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated in February/ March and marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The Udaipur royal family hosts an elaborate function at the City Palace.