Udaipur is known as the city of lakes and is also one of the most romantic cities in Rajasthan. It is Situated 420 km from Jaipur that is the capital city of Rajasthan and is there on the Jaipur-Mumbai highway and also called "City of Lakes" was founded by Maharana Udai Sigh II in 1568. Udaipur is also called - Jewel of Mewar - as it was ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for a consecutive duration of 1200 years. This is one of the most important cities of Rajasthan because of its strategic importance in the culture and tradition is written as the golden chapters of Rajasthan.

A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sound and experiences and inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters and writers. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valour and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichola is an enticing sight. Overlooking the aquamarine expanses of the Lake Pichola stands the splendid City Palace-a marvel in granite and marble. The Suraj Pol the original or Sun Gate on the eastern side is the main entrance to the city. Exquisite lake palaces of Udaipur shimmering like jewels on Lake Pichola are overwhelming in splendor. The most memorable site of Udaipur is its Lake Palace, shimmering like a jewel on the Lake Pichola, former residence of the princes of Mewar and today a magnificent luxury hotel.

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 Pichola. The hermit blessed the Maharana and advised him to build a palace at this favorable 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.

Maharana Udai Singh II founded Udaipur in 1568 after his citadel Chittaurgarh was sacked by Mughal Emperor Akbar. The legends say that Udai Singh was guided by a holy man meditating on the hill near Pichola Lake to establish his capital on this very spot. Surrounded by Aravali Ranges, forests and lakes this place was less vulnerable than Chittaurgarh. Maharana Udai Singh died in 1572 and was succeeded by Maharana Pratap who valiantly defended Udaipur from subsequent Mughal attacks. Maharana Pratap is the most revered Rajput icon and gallantly fought the Mughal at the Haldighati in 1576. Mewar continuously defied foreign invaders and has a history of bloody battles until the British intervention in the nineteenth when a treaty was signed to protect Udaipur. Upon independence Udaipur merged in the union of India.

Best Time to Visit:

October to March.

Reach:

By Air: Well linked with major cities of India.

By Rail: Well connected with major towns.

By Road: Ahmedabad: 262 kms, Bombay: 739 kms, Delhi: 670 kms, Jaipur: 407 kms, Chittaurgarh: 115 kms and Mount Abu: 185 kms.

How to plan your tours: