Udaipur - Venice of East
The city of Dawn, Udaipur is lovely land around the azure water lakes, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravals. A visionin white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experiences - an inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writres.

Udaipur - dream destination in the desert, whose sagas of great valour and stories of high romance add colour and character to a history as proud and unrelenting as it is long. The kingdom of Mewar was ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for over 1200 years from Chittorgarh before Maharana Udai Singh II founded Udaipur in 1568 following the final sacking of their hill fortress. In sharp contrast to its spartan and martial persona are lakes, hills, temples, gardens and fairy-tale palaces that make Udaipur the most romantic and enchanting place in Rajasthan. The city of Lakes, Udaipur is a lovely blend of water, lush green hills that set fire and passion in poet. Its palaces are straight out of a fairy-tale book, lakes, forts, palaces, temples, gardens, mountains and narrow lanes lines withdrawn with stalls, relives the reminisces of a heroic past, valor and chivalry.

Places to Visit
City Palace : The largest Palace complex of Rajasthan it is a completely white structure standing majestically on a hill surrounded by crenellated walls on the bank of Lake Pichola. it is a conglomeration of courtards, pavilions, terraces corridors rooms and hanging gardens. The main entrance is through the triple arched gate. The Tripolia with eight marble porticos. The maharanas were weighed under the gate in gold, the the equivalent amount of which was distributed among the populace. The suraj Gokhada, the balcony of the sun, is where the suryavansi maharanas of mewar presented themselves to the people in time of trouble to restore their confidence. The "Mor Chowk' known for its exquisite peacock mosaics in glass and the Chini Chitrashala noted for its blue and white ceramics and Dutch inlaid tile work, Manak Mahal for glass and porcelain figures and Krishna Vilas for miniature painting.

Jagdish Temple : Built in 1651 AD by Maharana Jagat Singh, this indo-Aryan temple is the largest and most beautiful temple of Udaipur located within easy walking distance from the Palace gate. It is an impressive, beautifully proportioned structure, covered with carved friezes and heavily decorated inside.

Saheliyon Ki Bari (Gardens of the maids of Honour) : This small ornamental garden was a popular relaxing spot where royal ladies came for a stroll and hence the name. The garden has many fountains in its four delightful pools, chiselled kiosks and marble elephant.

Pratap Momorial : Atop the Moti Magri or Pearl hill, overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake is the memorail of the Rajput hero Maharana Pratap with a bronze statue of the Maharana.

Bharatiya Kala Kendra : The intersting collection exhibited by this Indian folks arts museum includes folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments, folk deties and paintings.

Lake Palace : In the middle of Lake Pichola stands the exquisite fairy tale Lake Palace, seemingly afloat on the tranquil waters that reflects the rugged hills that surround it. Designed to beat the heat and dust of summer, the Lake Palace or the Jag Niwas also known as Jagmahal was built by Maharajah Jagat Singh II in 1754. The pretty white marble palace is now a luxury hotel that attracts thousands of guests each year.

Pichola Lake : The picturesque lake that entranced Maharana Udai Singh. It was later enlarged by the founder. The lake is surrounded by hills, Palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments. Two islands Palaces Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) on the lake are breathaking magnificence.

Jag Mandir Island : The lovely palace was built by Maharan Karan Singh as a hideout for Shah Jahan ( Prince Khurram), This palace inspiried him to built the lovely Taj Mahal. It is located in the lake Pichola, it has lovely garden & has exquisite carving which worth to see. You can visit the palace (Entry fee - Rs. 175/-) & have dinner there. Its better to book the dinner in advance

Fateh Sagar : A beautiful Lake, overlooked by number of hills on the three sides and the Pratap Memorail on the north was built by Maharana Fateh Singh. In the midde of the lake is Nehru park - a lovely garden island with a baot shaped cafe accessible by an enjoyable boat ride.

Bagore-Ki Haveli : It was built in 18th century, It a museum having 100 rooms, houses rajasthani costumes, modern art, paintings and have few bullock carts & every evening you can enjoy the folk dance organised by West Zone Cultural Center

Shilpgram : Located in the heart of Aravallis, just 15 mins away from the city, the ethnic village is devoted to Rajasthani craft & it means craftsmen's village. It covers an area of 70 acres & has museum, art gallery, traditional Rajasthani huts & shops, It as a huge outdoor auditorium called "Mukta Kashi". Every year in the last week of December West Zone cultural center organises a huge 10 day cultural festival called Chirmi, where artist & craftsmen from all across India displays their artwork. Its really a must visit attraction.

Sajjan Garh : Dominating the city's skyline is the monsoon palace of Sajjan Garh. its offers panoramic overview of the city's Lakes, Palaces and the surrounding coutryside.

Gulab Bagh : A spectacular rose garden laid out by Maharana Sajjan Singh. A libaray in the garden has a rare collection of ancient handwritten manuscripts and books.

Excursions
Eklingji (22 km) - Built in 734 A.D. is the beautifully sculpted temple complex with 108 temples within its high walls. The temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of Mewar rulers. The walled complex encloses and elaborately pillared hall or ‘mandap’ under a large pyramidal roof and has four-faced image of Lord Shiva in black marble.

Nagda (23 km) - The ancient site dating back to the 6th century A.D. is renowned for the Sas-Bahu temples (9t - 10th century A.D.) with interesting architecture and carvings. The splendid Jain temples of Adbudji are also worth a visit. Haldighati (40 km): A historical site, witness to the great battle fought between Maharana Pratap and Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1576 A.D. The Chhatri of Maharana’s horse-Chetak is noteworthy.

Nathdwara (48 km) - The most reverred 17th century shrine, dedicated Shrinathji or Lord Krishna,attracts thousands of Pilgrims from all over the country,especially during Diwali, Holi and Janmashtami when their number exceeds a lak. Foreign tourists are not permitted inside and photographs is prohibited.

Kankroli (65 km) - An important vaishnava temple popularly called Dwarikadish. It is the most important temple of the Vallabhacharya sect,built to resemble the famous Nathdwara shrine.

Rajsamand Lake (66 km) - Close to Kankroli is the dam built by Maharana Raj Singh in 1660 A.D. Many ornamental arches and chhatris adorn the embankment.

Kumbhalgarh Fort ( 84 km) - The second principal fortress in Rajasthan after Chittaurgarh, it is perched atop the Aravallis.Built in the 15th century by Maharana Kumbha, it extends over 12 km and enclose many temples,palaces and gardens.The fort renovated in the 19th century. The Badal Mahal or Cloud Palace offers a spectacular bird’s eye view of the surrounding countryside. Closeby is the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary with a rich variety of wildlife. The Fort is accessible only by jeep from Kelwara through the seven gates.

Jagat ( 58 km) - The splendid and well preserved 10th century temple of Ambika Mata is known for its intricate carvings in the outer walls. Popularly known as the Khajuraho of Rajasthan.

Jaisamand Lake (48 km) - A stunningly situated artificial lake, built in the 17th century A.D. by Maharana Jai Singh is the second largest in Asia. Graceful marble chhatris flank the embankment and beautiful summer palaces of the Udaipur queens are built on either side of the lake. Jaisamand Island Resort is also worth visiting. A trip to Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary allows a close encounter with the rich wildlife in their natural habitat. The fauna includes panther,wild boar,deer,four honed antelope, mongoose and various species of migratory birds.