In the harsh terrain of the hills and ravines of Aravallis, flourishes the city of lakes, Udaipur. One of the most romantic places in India, Udaipur is situated around the shimmering clear blue water lakes, which whisper the mood of a bygone era.


The city was founded in 1567 AD by Maharana Udai Singh on the advice of a sage. Udaipur was last of the numerous Mewar capitals. It was in Udaipur that legendary Maharana Pratap was born. He was obsessed with Chittaur and the past glories of the Sisodia clan possessed his mind. Maharana Pratap left Udaipur to win back Chittaur from the Mughals. But he failed in his attempts and Udaipur remained the capital of Mewar till India got her independence.The memory of the failure of noble Pratap gives Udaipur its pervading mood of nostalgic wistfulness.

The city acquires its scenic beauty from the Aravallis. Three lakes- Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar make it an oasis in the desert.

Govt Museum - Udaipur
The Government Museum of Udaipur was originally located in Gulab Bagh and was called the Victoria Hall Museum. It has now been shifted to Karan Vilas Mahal within the precincts of the City Palace.

Lake Palace
This former summer residence of the royal family has now been converted into a fabulous hotel.

Mewar Festival
The Mewar Festival is celebrated to welcome the advent of spring. It coincides with the festival of Gangaur in Udaipur and has a unique charm about it. It is time for cultural events where Rajasthani culture is portrayed through songs, dances and other programmes. The festival culminates with an impressive fireworks display.

Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum
The interesting collection exhibited in this small museum which is a foundation for the preservation of folk arts includes dresses, dolls, masks, musical instruments and paintings. The high point of the exhibits are the puppets.

City Palace (Udaipur)
City Palace, the majestic white royal building towers itself on a hill and is surrounded by crenellated walls. The palace was completed in its present form by the contribution of many rulers. Originally started by Udai Singh, the later additions were so carefully planned and integrated with the original building that it becomes difficult to believe that the building was not conceived as a whole. The city palace stands along the shores of Lake Pichola.

City Palace Museum
The main part of the City palace, Udaipur is now preserved as a museum with a large and varied collection. It was established in 1890 AD and is one of the earliest museums of the state.

Fateh Sagar Lake
The picturesque Fateh Sagar Lake, located north of Lake Pichola is overlooked by a number of hills on the three sides and Pratap Memorial on the north, was built by Maharana Fateh Singh.Lake It is a medium-sized reservoir constructed by the rulers of former Mewar State

Gulab Bagh
Few gardens in India are as bewitching as this rose garden. Having roses from all over the world, in all fathomable hues and colours, this garden is a virtual feast to the enthusiastic as well as the weary souls.

Pichola Lake
The panoramic lake that enraptured Maharaja Udai Singh, Lake Pichola is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats and has two island palaces- Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir. It was later enlarged by the founder.

Sahelion-Ki-Bari
Saheliyon-ki-Bari or the 'Garden of the Maids of Honour', so called because the royal ladies came here for a stroll, is a well laid out garden, with extensive lawns and shady walks.

Sas Bahu Temple
The 10th century Saas-Bahu temples dedicated to the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law are rated among the best temples in India

Shilp Gram Museum
Shilpgram is located near Fateh Sagar Lake, 6 kms from the City Palace, Udaipur. It gives a glimpse of the tribal life of Rajasthan.
Excursions from Udaipur
Eklingji
(22Km.)
Eklingji, the city dotted with temples, is located about twelve miles to the North of Udaipur in Rajasthan. 22 kms from Udaipur, Eklingji is a complex of 108 ancient temples, incised out of sandstone and marble.

Kumbhal Garh Fort
(84Km.)
Kumbhalgarh Fort was built by Maharana Kumbha in the 15th century. Perched on the Aravallis, this is the second most important fort in Rajasthan after the Chittaurgarh Fort. Nearby is the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

Jaisamand
(48Km.)
Jaisamand Sanctuary is situated 50-km south of Udaipur, the picturesque 'City of Lakes', succulent valleys and hills. It is on the bank of Jaisamand Lake, the second largest artificial Lake in Asia.

Rajsamand Lake
(66Km.)
On the way to Kumbhalgarh lies the magnificent dam - the Rajsamand Lake. The royal lake, was built in 1660 AD by Rana Raj Singh. From here, one can have a spectacular view of the sunset with beautiful 'torans' or arches and 'chhatris' adorning the embankment. The lake has a Rest House of the Irrigation Department on the embankment below. The Rest House has a beautifully laid out garden interspersed with exquisite sculptures excavated from the ruins nearby. The town of Kankroli nearby with a marvellous temple and a pretty palace on the hill top offers a scenic view.

Fairs & Festivals - Udaipur
Shilpgarm Festival - The 10 day festival is a treat for the visitor to an array of exquisite art and craft. Shilpgram hosts the festival.

Mewar Festival - The onset of spring brings the Mewar festival. During the festival, the tradition and culture of Rajasthan dominates every other thing in one's mind. more...

Leisure - Udaipur
Shopping in Udaipur
Shopping can be a pleasure at the Hathipole, Chetak Circle, Clock Tower, Palace Road and Bapu Bazaar. Rajasthan Government also has its own Handicraft emporium. The shops of Udaipur have plenty of exquisite items to offer. The dainty folk toys, brightly coloured garments, hand printed textiles, batiks, and tie & dye sarees and fabrics to name few. 'Pichwais' or wall hangings painted on cloth are world renowned for their vivid colours and themes. The craftsmanship is at its peak in the metal images and chunky silver jewellery

How To Get There - Udaipur
By Air
The City of Lakes is well connected by air services. The Dabok Airport is 21 kms from the city centre.

By Rail
Railway has trains from all over the country to destination Udaipur. The Palace On Wheels covers this magnificent city during its eight day package tour.

By Road
There are bus services from tourist places in Rajasthan , Gujarat and Delhi.

Places To Stay - Udaipur
The Lake Palace Hotel is considered to be among the best hotels around the world. The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation provides various categories of rooms and dormitory at the Kajri Hotel. Apart from the hotels, there are Tourist guest houses and municipal guest houses. There are dharamshalas and the railway offers its retiring rooms at nominal rates. Paying guest accommodations are also available.

Climate - Udaipur
The lakes surrounding Udaipur regulates the climate, which is pleasant than in any other city in Rajasthan. The summers are hot and winters are cold but the temperature does not rise to extremes. The rainfall is less, around 61 cms annually.