One of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur is also known as the City of Lakes, and as a luscious oasis in the desert. The shimmering, clear blue pools of Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar lakes whisper the mood of a bygone era. The marble palaces, beautifully laid out gardens and serene lakes give Udaipur an almost dream-like quality, like a mirage in the desert. The founder of Udaipur, Maharana Udai Singh, was overcome by the misfortunes his old capital, Chittaurgarh, suffered in the face of repeated attacks by the Mughal armies. On the advice of a holy man, Udai Singh shifted to the banks of Lake Pichola, and the city was named Udaipur after him. Archaeological ruins that date back to 400 B.C. are found here, with a museum next to the excavation site, and beautiful cenotaphs of kings stand near the Gangabhairu tank. The city has been an inspiration for poets, painters and writers for centuries.

Udaipur is a city of the Thar Desert.  Summers here are hot, with temperatures reaching 38 - 40 degrees during the day.  The best time to visit is during the cooler months of November to May.
 

ATTRACTIONS

Udaipur is known as the ' City of Lakes'. The two most scenic and famous lakes of the city are Lake Pichola and Lake Fateh Sagar.

Lake Pichola is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples and bathing ghats. On the lake are two island palaces - Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir. Lake Fateh Sagar lies to north of Pichola, and is named after Fateh Singh, who rebuilt its dam. Both the lakes are breathtakingly beautiful and one can take a cruise on their waters for hours just soaking up the peace and tranquility. The sunset over these lakes is a sight to behold.

PALACES
City Palace: This majestic white royal building towers high on a hill and is surrounded by crenellated walls. The palace stands along the shores of Pichola.

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

GARDENS

Sahelion-Ki-Bari: On the shores of Fateh Sagar Lake an enchanting garden was built for 48 young girls waiting to be sent to the royal house as part of dowry. This garden is laid with extensive lawns, fountains and shady walking lanes. There are four pools with dainty kiosks and fountains with elephant trunks for spouts. These gardens appear discrete and impeccable in taste.

MUSEUMS

Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal: This is a museum of folk arts, which has rich collection of folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, musical instruments and paintings. World famous puppeteers put shows on here, and on these occasions tickets may need to be bought in advance.

Pratap Memorial: Erected atop Modi Magri is this bronze statue of the valiant hero, Maharana Pratap, a son of this beautiful city. Poised high on his trusty steed, he is to be remembered for his noble attempts to win back Chittaur from the Mughals and restore the past glory of the Sisodia clan. He never succeeded, and it is perhaps Pratap's failure that gies Udaipur its pervading mood of nostalgic wistfulness even today.

TEMPLES

Jagdish Temple: Dedicated to Vishnu, this temple was built in 1651 AD by Maharana Jagat Singh.

Eklingji: 22 kms from the city is a complex of no less than 108 temples, enclosed by high walls. Built in 1734 AD, the temples are dedicated to the royal deity Ekling-ji. The complex has been chiselled out of sandstone and marble and has an ornate 'mandap' or pillared hall, the canopy of which is a vast roof composed of hundreds of knots.

Nathdwara: 48 kms from Udaipur, this temple is one the most celebrated Vaishnava shrines of Lord Krishna, or Nathji. Thousands of pilgrims visit this shrine during festival periods, which is a wondeful sight. Foreigners are not allowed in the temple and photography is prohibited.

Kankroli: Known as Dwarkadhish, this temple is an important Vaishnava temple and ranks very high among the temples of the Vallabhacharya. It is located 65 kms from the city.

Ranakpur: 98 kms from Udaipur, Ranakpur is famous for beautiful Jain temples of exquisite architectural style.

Jagat: 58 kms from the city, the tenth century Ambika Mata Temple is well preserved in all its splendour.

Rishabhdeoji: Located 65 kms from Udaipur, and popularly known as Kesariyaji because of the large saffron offerings, this temple is dedicated to the Jain Tirthankara Rishabhdeoji.
 

LAKES
Jaisamand Lake: 48 kms from the city, this artificial lake was built in 17th century by Maharana Jai Singh. The marble 'Chhatris' along the embankment add grace to this, the second largest lake in Asia. On either side of the lake were built  palaces for the King's favourite queens. People of the Bhil tribe still inhabit the islands in Jaisamand lake

Haldighati: This place, 40 kms from Udaipur, has immense historical importance. It was at Haldighati in 1576 AD that the armies of Maharana Pratap and Mughal Emperor Akbar clashed. A 'chhatri' with delicate white marble columns is dedicated to the indomitable hero Pratap and his loyal charger.

FORTS
Kumbhal Garh Fort: 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 Chittaurgarh Fort. Nearby is the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.