Udaipur is one of the most romantic cities in all of Rajasthan. It is better known as the city of lakes. The marble palaces, the beautiful gardens and the placid blue lakes enhance the beauty of this city. It was founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh II. The Lake Palace is certainly the best late example of this unique 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, painting and crafts.

Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar a kingdom ruled by the Siodia dynasty for 1200 years.The foundation of the city has an interesting legend associated with it.Accordaing to it,Maharana UdaiSingh, the founder,was hunting one day when met a holy man menditating on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichhola. The hermit blessed the Maharana and advised him to build a palace at this favourably located spot with a fertile valley watered by the stream,a lake,an agreeable alttitude and an ampitheatre of low mountains.Maharana followed the advised of the hermit and founded the city in 1559 AD.

Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experiences an inspiration for the imagination of poes,painters and writers. Several places of interest around Udaipur, inculding the majestic Chittaurgarh, the mountain fortress of Kumbhalgarh,beautiful Jain temples of Ranakpur, Eklignji and Nathdwara and the coal retreat of Mt.Abu,make the visit to Udaipur a memorable one.

Major Attractions in Udaipur

• 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
  Saheliyon ki Bari, or Garden of the Maids of Honour, is in the north of the city. This small ornamental garden, with its fountains, kiosks, marble elephants and delightful lotus pool. This garden is laid with extensive lawns, fountains and shady walking lanes. There are four pools and fountains with elephant trunks for spouts.
• 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
  Dedicated to Vishnu, this temple was built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh, it is located at about 150 metres north of the entrance to the city palace. The temple is designed in Indo-Aryan style and is the largest and most beautiful temple of Udaipur. A brass image of Garuda lies in front of the temple.
• 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.

Shopping
Udaipur is popular for its local crafts, particularly miniature paintings in the Rajput Mughal style. The culture and traditions of the region have given rise to many objects of beauty - folk toys, brightly coloured garments, tie and dye sarees, turbans, hand-painted textiles. There is a good cluster of shops selling these on Lake Palace road, next to the Rang Niwas Palace hotel, and others around the Jagdish temple. The main shopping areas are Hathipol, Chetak Circle, Clock Tower, Palace Road, Bapu Bazaar and City Market. The Rajasthan Government Handicraft Emporium is a shopper's delight. Cane furniture as well as local, carved furniture show a high degree of craftsmanship. Wall hangings and paintings on cloth are popular all over the world.

How to reach

• By Air
  Indian Airlines operates flights from Udaipur to Delhi, Jaipur, Aurangabad, Jodhpur and Mumbai.
• By Bus
  There are many deluxe buses operating from Udaipur to Jaipur, Ajmer, Kota, Bundi, Jodhpur and Chittorgarh.
• By Train
  Udaipur is well connected by train to Delhi, Jaipur and Ahmedabad.