Udaipur city, formally known as the city of lakes and Venice of East. Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar - a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 years. 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 favorably located spot with a fertile valley watered by the stream, a lake, an agreeable altitude and an amphitheater of low mountains. Maharana followed the advice of the hermit and founded the city in 1559 A.D.
Overlooking the aquamarine expanses of the Lake Pichola stands the splendid City Palace - a marvel in granite and marble.
Of the original eleven gates of the Udaipur City, only five remain. The Surajpole or Sun Gate on the eastern side is the main entrance to the city.
This city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure water lakes, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravalis drenched in romance and beauty. Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experiences - an inspiration for the imagination of the poets, painters and writers.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry.
Exquisite Lake Palace of Udaipur, shimmering like jewel on Lake Pichola is overwhelming in splendor.
Several places of interest around Udaipur, including the majestic Chittaurgarh, the mountain fortress of Kumbhalgarh, beautiful Jain temples of Ranakpur, religious townships of Eklingji and Nathdwara and the cool retreat of Mount Abu, make the visit to this region a memorable one.
Udaipur was named Asia’s 2nd best city of 2007 and Travel & Leisure magazine named hotel Oberoi Udaivilas as the “World’s best hotel” for 2007. Udaipur is a favorite marriage destination. Many celebrities (from Bollywood like Raveena Tandon) were married in Udaipur.
James Bond buffs may well recognize Udaipur's famous Lake Palace, since it made an appearance in the past 'Octopussy' movie, which was filmed on location in Udaipur itself
In all Hindustan there is no more picturesque a city than which Udai Singh, when driven from Chittorgarh, founded amongst the mountains."- said King George V, visiting Udaipur in 1905. Udaipur, the city of the Suryavansi Rajputs, hidden amongst the hills that encompass the great Pichola Lake -- has been called the `Venice of the East`. Indeed with its enchanting palaces surrounded by mirror-like lakes, undulating hills and colorful bazaars, Udaipur looks as though it has been lifted straight from the pages of an Arabian Night’s fairy tale book. The hills, the lakes and the altitude give Udaipur an extremely agreeable climate. Probably no other city in Rajasthan is quite as romantic as Udaipur. A visit to Udaipur is a must for travelers who want to experience the unique and vibrant history of Rajasthan.
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