Udaipur was built by the Mewar ruler Udai Singh to replace his old capital of Chittaurgarh after it was conquered by the Mughals in 1568. The royal family still occupies a section of the immense City Palace complex which also houses a Museum and the Shiv Niwas and Fateh Prakash hotels. From here you have fabulous views over Lake Pichola and the famous Lake Palace Hotel on Jag Niwas Island.
The Bazaar
The Udaipur area is famous for its miniature paintings and during a walk through the bazaar, you will see many artists' studios and shops. Udaipur was also an important centre for other arts like pottery, sculpture etc. The Shilpagram is an arts and crafts complex a short drive away from the town and is well worth a visit.
Sunset Boat-trip on Lake Pichola
A sunset trip on the Lake is a beautiful way of admiring the multitude of white palaces you can see at Udaipur. The lakeside is always full of life; with evening prayers going on in the many temples, people washing laundry, vehicles crossing the narrow bridges. With the sunset, the lake changes colours rapidly, going from a deep blue to red-gold. As darkness descends, a million lights go up around the lake. The entire city palace complex is floodlit, turning it a deep golden colour.
Saheliyon Ki Baari (Gardens of the maids of honour)
This is a beautifully laid garden complex. The gardens have rows of fountains, lush lawns, delicate pavilions carved in marble, and lotus pools.
