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 favourably located spot with a fertile valley watered by the stream, a lake, an agreeable altitude and an ampitheatre of low mountains. Maharana followed the advise of the hermit and founded the city in 1559 A.D.

Overlooking the aquamarine expanses of the Lake Pichhola stands the splendid City Palace-a marvel in granite and marble.

Of the original eleven gates of the Udaipur City, only five remain. The Suraj Pol or Sun Gate on the eastern side is the main entrance to the city.

Exquisite lake palace of Udaipur, shimmering like jewels on Lake Pichhola are overwhelming in splendour.

Several places of interest around Udaipur, including the majestic Chittaurarh, the mountain fortress of Kumbhalgarh, beautiful Jain temple of Ranakpur, Eklingji and Nathdwara and the cool retreat of Mt. Abu. Make the visit to Udaipur a memorable one.

City Palace: A majestic architectural marvel towering over the lake on a hill surrounded by crenallated walls, it is a conglomeration of courtyards, 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 quivalent amount of which was distributed among the populace.

The Suraj Gokhada, the balcony of the sun, is where the Suryavanshi 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 are other attractions in the palace.

Jagdish Temple: Built in 1651 A.D. by Maharana Jagat Singh, this Indo-Aryan temple is the largest and the most beautiful temple of Udaipur with noteworthy sculpted images.

Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum: The interesting collection exhibited by this Indian folk arts museum includes folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments, folk deities and paintings.

Saheliyon-ki-Bari (Garden 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 elephants.

Pratap Memorial: Atop the Moti Magri or pear hill, overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake is the memorial of the Rajput hero Maharana Pratap with a bronze statue of the Maharana.

Fateh Sagar: A beautiful lake, overlooked by a number of hills on the three sides and the Pratap Memorial on the north was built by Maharana Fateh Singh. In the middle of the lake is Nehru Park- a lovely garden island with a boat shaped café accessible by an enjoyable boat ride.

Pichhola Lake: The picturesque lake that entranced Maharaja Udai Singh. It was later enlarged by the founder. The lake is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples bathing ghats and embankments. Two island palaces, Jag Mandir and Jog Niwas ( Lake Palace ) on the lake are of breathtaking magnificence.


Ahar: The ancient capital of Sisodias, 3 km from Udaipur, Ahar boasts of a Profusion of royal cenotaphs of the rulers of Mewar . A rare collection of antiquities including earthen Pots, iron obzects and other art items excavated in the region are displayedin a small Govt meseum.

Sajjan Garh: Dominating the city’s skyline is the monsoon palace of sajjan Garh.

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

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 and has four-faced image of Lord Shiva in black marble.

Nagda (23 km): The ancient site dating back to the 6^th century A.D. is renowned for the Sas-Bahu temples ( 9^th – 10^th 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 ballle fought between Maharana Pratap and the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1576 A.D. The chhatri of Maharana’s horse-Chetak is noteworthy.

Nathdwara ( 49 km ): The most revered 17^th century shrine, dedicated to Shrinathji or Lord Krishna, attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over the country. Foreign tourists are not permitted inside and photography is prohibited.

Kankroli ( 56 km ) : An important vaishnava temple popularly called Dwarikadhish.

Rajsamand Lake(66 km) : Close to Kankroli is the dam built by Maharana Raj Singh in 1660 A.D.

Kumbhalgarh Fort ( 84 km ): The second principal fortress in Rajasthan after Chittaurgarh, it is perched atop the Aravallis. Built in the 15^th century by Maharana Kumbha, it extends over 12 km and encloses many temples, palaces and gardens. Closeby is the Mumbhalgarh Wildlife Sancturay 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 presereved 10^th 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 17^th century A. D. by Maharana Jai Singh is the second largest in Asia. Graceful marble chhatris flank the embank ment 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, fourhourned antelope, mongoose and various species of migratory birds.

Ranakpur ( 90 km ): The beautifully sculptured Jain temples lie in a tranquil valley of the Aravalis. The main Chaumukha Temple is dedicated to the tirthankara Advinath and has 29 halls supported by 1444 pillars, all distinctly carved. Two Jain temples dedicated to Neminath and Parsvanath and a Sun Temple a little distance away, are also noteworthy.

Air: Dabok Airport is 24 km from the center. Daily Indain Airlines flights conner Udaipur with Jodhpur, Jaipur, Aurangabad , Mumbai and Delhi.

Rail: Udaipur is directly linked by rail with major cities. Some important train connections are: 9643 express ( Udaipur-Himatnagar), 9616 Express ( Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Jaipur-Ajmer-Chittaurgarh-Udaipur).

Road: A wide network of bus services link Udaipur with several distances are agra 630 km, Ahmedabad 262 km, Jaipur 406 km, Jodhpur 275 km and Mount Abu 185 km.

Laxmi Vilas Palace, Udaipur
Laxmi Vilas Palace was built by Maharana Bhupal Singh ( 1930-1955) for his royal guests. It is modern but imposing structure. Located on a hillock, it overlooks the serene Fatehsagar lake. This hotel still manages to retain its courtly and graceful ambience. The rooms are spacious and furnished with a traditional feel.

Special Features: The hotel is located very close to the city. It has a tennis court and a swimming pool.

Features available: 47 double, 6 royal suites and 1 Maharani suite with attached bathrooms. Conference hall, multicuisine restaurant and bar.

Hotel Anand Bhawan, Udaipur

Musicians in a boat, sailing on lake Pichola, Udaipur

The Anand Bhawan was built by the Maharana of Udaipur about 70 years ago. It was originally a Guest House for visiting British as well as Indian dignitaries. For a while, this became the residence of the Prime Minister of Mewar. Perched on a hillock facing the Fateh Sagar and Swaroop Sagar lakes, the rambling white mansion is built in an Indo-colonial style which was popular during that period. It is surrounded by well-laid out gardens with their profusion of brilliantly bued flowers adding to the beauty of the mansion.
Special Features: Puppet shows and folk dances can be organized. The hotel is within walking distance from several places of tourist interest.

Facilities available: 24 rooms with attached bathrooms. Multicuisine restaurant, bar and conference hall.

Caravanserai, Udaipur

Situated on the bank of lake Pichola, just behind the famous Jagdish temple in Udaipur, Hotel Caravanserai was previously called Jaiwana Haveli. The private residence of Rajmata Vijayalaxmi Ranawat, the haveli has a typical Rajpur style of architecture and most of its rooms overlook the lake. The oldest part of the haveli is 150 years old and several additions were carried out over the years. The rooms have converted to suit the needs of the guests and all modern amenities are available.

Special Features: There are several interesting sites within walking distance. The rooftop restaurant provides a panoramic view of the Pichola lake.

Facilities available: 21 double, 3 single rooms & a multicuisine restaurant. Puppet shows can be organized on request.

Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur
Fateh Prakash is a royal residence decorated in the traditional style. Its antique furniture, its Durbar Hall with portraits of the Maharanas of Mewar and its Grystal Gallery have kept the spirit of the palace alive. A stay here gives the guest a taste of the royal lifestyle. All modern amenities have been provided for the convenience of the guest.

Special Features: Trips to nearby places of interest. Fitness center, squash, billiards, table tennis, boating, riding and a live band.

Facilities available: 9 rooms & a dining room.

Lake Palace, Udaipur
The lake palace is one of the most beautiful palaces in the world, arising out of the turquoise waters of the Pichola Lake like an elegant fantasy in white marble. The palace was built in the 17^th century on a natural foundation of 4 acres of rock. It was initially called jagniwas after its founder Maharana Jagat Singh I. The Maharana, ruler of Udaipur from 1628 to 1654, was very friencdly with Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and encouraged his craftsmen to copy some of the glories of his incomparable buildings at Agra.

The successive rulers used this cool haven as their summer resort, holding their regal durbars amongst its columned courtyards, pillared terraces, fountains and gardens. The rooms are decorated with cusped arches, inlaid stones of pink and green lotus leaves and painted mirrors.

For the tourist today, lake palace is a refuge from the noise of the city. Apartments like the Bada Mahal, Khush Mahal, Sajjan Niwas, Phool Mahal and Dhola Mahal all add to the romantic setting which is just right for the guest to live like a king.

Special Features: Excursions in and around Udaipur can be organized as well as boat rides.

Facilities available: 84 rooms with attached bathrooms, restaurants, bar, conference hall and a swimming pool.

Rang Niwas Palace, Udaipur
Rang Niwas Palace is located in the heart of Udaipur city. It was built in the late 19^th century by Maharana Sajjan Singh to view the Sitle Mata procession. It was later renovated in the 1930s by Maharana Fateh Singh and used as a guest house for the rulers of neighbouring states. Built in traditional Rajput style, Rang Niwas has large, spacious rooms with high ceilings and large bathrooms. All bedrooms have individual balconies and overlook a pool.

Special Features: Swimming pool, games room, library and car rental available.

Facilities Available: 20 double and 4 single rooms. A restaurant with Indian and continental meals.

By Road: Jodhpur 290 kms.
By Train: Udaipur 2 kms.
By Air: Udaipur 22 kms.

Shikarbadi, Udaipur
Shikarbadi, as the name incicates, was the hunting lodge of the royal family of Mewar. There are still a lot of reminders here that transport the guest to the days of the colourful past. Set amidst the serene Aravallis, Shikarbadi has its own private lake and a stud farm. The hotel is located in serene surroundings which keep the clamour of the city out of its premises and give the guest ample opportunity to unwind. The neighbouring countryside also invites wildlife lovers to explore the region on foot or horseback.

Special Features: Riding, clay pigeon shooting boating, jeep and horse safaris can be arranged. Visits to nearby sites like Sajjangarh, Shilpgram, Nagda and Rajsamand lake are possible from here.

Facilities available: 25 rooms, tents, 3 restaurants, conference hall, swimming pool.

By Road: Jaipur 374 kms.
By Rail: Udaipur 4 kms.
By Air: Udaipur 30 kms.

Shiv Niwas Palace, Udaipur
Shiv Niwas in Usaipur is part of the City Palace. It is a blend of Mughal decorative art and Rajput military architecture. Situated on a hill, beside the Pichola Lake, the City Palace is simply enormous-an assemblage of not one but four separate palaces covering some four acres of area and exceeding all other palaces for colossal gardeur. The exterior walls are stark and undecorated but the interior records Mewar’s admiration for the Mughal durbars. Extensive use of marble inlay work, paintings and mosaics in geometric and floral patterns, frescoes, coloured glass and decorative pavilions and fountains can be found here. Shiv Niwas was the ancient guest house of the Mewar royalty and today it is one of the most luxurious hotels in Udaipur with an ambience that takes one back in time to the era of Maharajas and their regal lifestyle. Family portraits, original antique fixtures and furnishings from the house of Mewar give Shiv Niwas a charm of its own. From the balcony of the rooms here, it is possible to enjoy the wonderful view of the lake Pichola, Lake Palace and Jagmandir.

Special Features: The city Palace Museum, Jagmandir and other parts of the city are within walking distance. Tours can be organizes.

Facilities available: 34 rooms including royal suites.

Conducted Tours: Daily tours, conducted by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, start from RTDC Hotel Kajri, Shastri Circle.

1. Pratap Memorial-Fateh Sagar lake, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal Museum, City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Timings: 0800 hrs to 1300 hrs.
2. Haldighati-Nathdwara-Eklingji, Timing; 1400 hrs to 1900 hrs.

Fishing: For enthusiastic anglers, the Jaisamand Lake is open for fishing. License can be obtained from the Fisheries Department.

Swimming: Facilities are offered by the Lake Palace Hotel on prior permission from the Management. Other places with a swimming pool are Hotel Laxmi Vilas Palace, Shikarbadi, Lakend Hotel, Hotel Shiv Niwas Palace, Shilpi Restaurant.