Udaipur

Often referred to as the 'Venice of the East', Udaipur casts is spell on everyone who visits this beautiful city. The city of lakes is located around sapphire water lakes and is enveloped in lush green hills of Aravallis. With such splendid beauty all around, Udaipur can be labelled as one of the most romantic places in India. Blended in a beautiful concoction of culture, history and traditions, Udaipur makes for a perfect travel destination, culture centre and face of Rajasthan. The brilliant rulers of Udaipur created an oasis amid the desert, thanks to their love for leisure and passion for creation. There is so much that one can see in Udaipur; the famous Lake Palace, Jaisamand Lake, beautiful City Palace and Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace), to name a few.

History Udaipur is in the central part of the fascinating region of Mewar. The kingdom of Mewar, with which many legends of bravery are associated, was considered the most respectable of all Rajput princely states in Rajasthan. With a lineage of 67 generations behind, this clan fought for its respect and freedom.

According to legend, the Maharana of Mewar was out hunting one day when he met a holy man meditating on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichola. The hermit blessed the Maharana and told him to build a palace at that very spot, as it would be well protected. The Maharana followed his advice and Udaipur came into being.

Today, Udaipur is a one of the better-known tourist destinations of India and an integral part of any itinerary for Rajasthan.

Tourist Attraction Flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces and temples, Udaipur is heaven on Earth. The most memorable parts of Udaipur are its lake palaces, shimmering like jewels on the Lake Pichola. Jag Niwas, the summer residence of the princes of Mewar, is today a magnificent luxury hotel. Jag Mandir, the other island palace, with a marble dome, is a marvel in red sandstone. The Mor Chowk, known for its stunning peacock mosaics, and the Bhim Vilas Palace are also among the most visited tourist places of Udaipur.

Just outside Udaipur, on a hilltop, lies Sajjangarh that gives a breathtaking view of the Mewar countryside. The palace was originally intended to be a five-story astronomical centre, but was later abandoned and used as a monsoon palace and hunting lodge.

Fairs & Festivals The Shilp Gram (Craft Bazaar) 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.

The Mewar festival is 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.

Best Time to Visit The climate of Udaipur is tropical with the mercury staying between a maximum of 38.3degrees Celsius and a minimum of 28.8 degrees Celsius during summers. Winters are a little cold with the maximum temperature rising to 28.8 degrees Celsius and the minimum dipping to 11.6 degrees Celsius. Winters (September-March) are the best period for visiting Udaipur.

How to Reach By Air - Udaipur is connected by regular flights to Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Aurangabad, and Mumbai.

By Rail - Udaipur is on the Western Railway meter gauge network. Trains connect it to Delhi, Chittor, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Ajmer, and Jodhpur.

By Road - Udaipur is on National Highway No. 8 and is linked with several states such as Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.