Udaipur

Udaipur – the city of dawn. As the sun rises from across the azure lakes, the city awakens to a vision drenched in romance. Its sights and sounds are pure inspiration for poets, painters and writers.

Fairy-tale palaces and gardens, temples and narrow lanes create a picture perfect atmosphere. The placid lake Pichhola mirrors a feeling of wonder and tranquility. Yet, Udaipur was once – the epicenter of heroism, valour and chivalry.

Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar – a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 years. And like so many other cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur also comes with its own legend. According to it, Maharana Udai Singh, while out hunting met a holy man meditating on a hill overlooking lake Pichhola. He advised the Maharana to build his palace on that spot, where a shimmering stream flowed through a fertile valley. A most picturesque site indeed with a lake, an agreeable altitude nestled in an amphitheatre of low mountains. The Maharana did as he was told and gave the world a city we know as Udaipur. Overlooking the aquamarine lake Pichhola stands the splendid City Palace – a marvel in granite and marble.

Originally, there were eleven gates but now only five remain. The Suraj Pal or the Sun Gate on the eastern side is the main entrance to the city.

While on a visit to Udaipur, do discover other aifractions in its vicinity. The formidable Chiftaurgarh, the mountain fortress of Kumbholgarh, the beautiful Jam temples of Ranakpur, Eklingji and Nathdwara. There is nothing more exhilarating than a quick getaway to cool climes of Mt. Abu in the summer months. And, its only stones throw from this magnificent city of dreams.