Udaipur City (Rajasthan) India - City of Lakes, Fountains & Palaces

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 the poets, painters and writers. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavour of 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 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 altitude and an amphitheater of low mountains. Maharana followed the advise of the hermit and founded the city in 1559 A.D.

It was in Udaipur that legendary Maharana Pratap was born. Rana Pratap who fought against Emperor Akbar in 1576 is remembered throughout India for his bravery on the battlefield. The rulers of Udaipur never gave any of their women in marriage to the Mughals unlike some of the other royal houses of Rajputana.

The famous "white" city of Rajasthan state, Udaipur stands on the banks of the lake Pichola, its many white marble palaces reflecting in the lake's calm waters. Udaipur is voted one of the most romantic cities of India. Due to an abundance of water, there are a number of gardens in and out of town. There are a number of reservoirs surrounding the town, along with a few forts and ancient ruins.

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 Surajpole or Sun Gate on the eastern side is the main entrance to the city.

Exquisite Lake Palace of Udaipur, shimmering like jewel on Lake Pichhola are overwhelming in splendour.

Several places of tourist 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 Mount Abu, make the visit to Udaipur a memorable one.

Rulers of Udaipur

Title: Maharana

Race: Sisodia Rajput

Religion: Hindu