Udaipur

VENICE OF THE EAS
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure water lakes, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravalis. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experiences – an 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 flavour of a heroic past, epitomising 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 meditating on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichchola.
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 altitude and an ampitheatre 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 Pichchola 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 Pichchola are overwhelming in splendour.

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.