Udaipur, set amid lakes and dotted with palaces, is renowned as one of the most romantic cities in the world. The Udaipur region, thickly wooded in the south and west, is mostly an alluvial plain watered by many intermittent streams. The city, surrounded by a battlemented wall, is especially noted for its maharaja's palace, which overlooks scenic Pichola Lake.

City of Lakes

Udaipur is known as the City of Lakes. Lake Pichola, in which the famous Lake Palace Hotel is situated, has dropped several meters and the hotel can only just maintain its "floating palace" illusion. A visit to the Lake Palace is on the "must do" list for most tourists in Udaipur. 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.

Places Of Interest

City Palace Museum: The City Palace is a very large complex, all originally built by the Mewar royal family over several hundred years. The site now contains several museums, two hotels, and a few restaurants in addition to the Maharana's family residence.

Jagdish Temple: Located 150 meter north of the entrance to the City Palace, this temple dedicated to lord Vishnu was built in 1651 AD by Maharaja Jagat Singh. It enshrines a black stone image of lord Vishnu as Jagannath - the Lord of the Universe.

Moti Magri : Moti Mangri is basically a complex of gardens situated on the top a hill on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake. Its incorporates three beautiful gardens & a fountain. The view of Fateh Sagar Lake from Moti Mangri is really amazing.

Sahelyoon Ki Bari : The Garden of the of the maids of honour is well laid out with extensive lawns & shady walks. The garden was laid for young ladies in waiting sent to the royal house as part of the dowry. This spectacular garden has numerous fountains in four pools & elephants. The elegant lotus pool & stunning bougainvilleas enhance its beauty.

Jag Mandir Island : In the middle of the Lake Pichola is the Island Palace where Prince Khurram, later known as Emperor Shah Jehan who built Taj Mahal at Agra was given refuge here when he was in revolt against his father Jehangir. Jag Mandir with its tower of yellow sandstone is in heigh and is capped by a dome and the flooring is done in striking black & white precincts is dedicated to the lord of the world and is named after him. Boats take one to the Jag Mandir and can also be hired for sailing on Lake Pichola.