Udaipur, India

Udaipur is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the state of Rajasthan, India. Established in 1553 as the capital of the Mewar kingdom, it is situated on hills between picturesque lakes, which is why it is called the 'Lake City'. Its population is about 600 thousand people. Udaipur is easily accessible from all major cities of India-Delhi is 660 km, Mumbai is 800 km, Jaipur is 300 km. It has good rail transport and airport services and there is an international airport 20 km from Udaipur. A good time to visit is between mid-September to late March and early April. Udaipur is a popular tourist destination for its historical palaces, museums, gardens, architectural temples as well as traditional fairs and festivals.

One of the lakes in Udaipur is the 14th century artificial freshwater lake, Pikola. The several islands in it are built up with beautiful palaces, marble temples and family mansions. The boat ride is a beautiful experience because you can see all the beautiful buildings located in the lake.

The City Palace of Udaipur is a stunningly beautiful building situated on the eastern shore of Lake Pikola. Rather, it is a whole complex, representing a series of palaces built at different times since 1559. According to legend, the Rajput Maharaja of Mewar, Udai Singh, while hunting in these places, encountered a meditating holy man. The stranger told him that this place was blessed. Therefore, in 1559, the ruler built his palace here, and in 1568 he made Udaipur the capital of his kingdom.

The main entrance to the City Palace is through a three-winged gate built in 1725. It leads to a series of courtyards, palaces, terraces, corridors and gardens. Very beautiful is the courtyard of the Peacocks, so called because of the exceptional glass mosaics decorating its walls, mostly depicting peacocks. Today, the City Palace houses a museum with antiques, paintings, decorative furniture and utensils from the royal era. Descendants of the royal family still live in one part of the palace.

Jag Mandir is one of the most beautiful palaces in Udaipur. It was built on an island in Lake Pikola by three Maharajas of the Kingdom of Mewar, with construction beginning in 1551 and completed in 1652. The royal family used this stunning palace as a summer residence and pleasure palace. Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal, took refuge here when he rebelled against his father.

The 9th century Kesaryaji Temple is dedicated to the god Rishabh Dev, the first Jain Tirthankara (the first god in Jainism). Its interesting architecture includes towers, arches, doors, walls, which are artistically maintained, beautiful and charming. The fifty pointed towers of the temple are visible from a great distance. The main idol in the temple, the Tirthankara is carved in black stone in a padmasana yoga posture (sitting position, legs crossed) about 1.1m high.

Sukhadia Square is a large circular square in the northern suburbs of Udaipur, in the center of which is a three-tiered fountain 21 m high. It is especially beautiful in the evening when it lights up in different colors. It is usually very lively here, walking during the day and in the evening is a pleasant experience.

Jajikshi Temple is located in the center of the city. Built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh I, it impresses with numerous miniature sculptures of various Indian gods and scenes from their lives. The temple is a remarkable example of Indo-Aryan architecture.

Gulab Bagh is the largest garden in Udaipur located in the heart of the city. Many rare trees and flowers are found in it, as well as ponds, a library, a children's train, a zoo, temples and other attractions.

If one wants to fall into the world of fairy tales, then this is the large garden with fountains, pavilions, a lotus pool and marble elephant fountains, Sahelion-ki Bari. It was built by the Maharaja of Udaipur for the 48 young women from the princess's retinue who visited the city.

Moti Magri is a bronze monument of Maharana Prathar with his beloved horse Chetak, erected on top of a small hill.

Man-made Fateh Sagar Lake is located in the north-west of Udaipur, built by Maharana Jai Singh and later reconstructed and expanded by Maharana Fateh Singh. On a beautiful island in the middle of the lake is the Nehru Garden with a huge fountain and the building of the Udaipur Astronomical Observatory.

On the top of a neighboring hill, at a height of 944 m above the average level, the Monsun Palace - the ruler's summer residence - was built. The panoramic view of the lakes, palaces and surroundings is something extraordinary.

Fateh Palace houses the "Crystal Gallery". Here is also the only bed in the world made of crystals supplied from the most famous production centers in Europe, North and South Africa.

On the island of Jag Niwas in Lake Pikola, the fantastic white marble palace called the Lake Palace was built. It was built in 1743-1746 occupying the entire area of the island, it has today been converted into a luxury hotel and is reached by roofed boats. It can only be visited if a room with a bed is taken. There is a water lily pond in the courtyard of this palace hotel. The furnishings and service here are such that you are in a fairyland.

As in all cities of India, Udaipur also has many festivals. Gangaur is one of the most important local festivals celebrating the union of man and woman and is a symbol of marital bliss. It is celebrated in the month of March-April, when it marks the end of winter, and lasts 9 days. Women worship in their houses clay figurines of 'Gan' and 'Gauri', in other words Lord Shiva and his heavenly consort Parvati. Virgins pray for a good husband, and married people pray for the health of their husbands. On the eve of the festival, women decorate their palms and fingers with henna. On the last day of the festival, there is a traditional procession from the City Palace with the idols of 'Gan' and 'Gauri'. They take a dip in the Piccola lake from the sacred ghat (step), which is a privilege of Udaipur.

A 10-day handicraft festival is held at Shilgram craft village, 3 km from Fateh Sagar Lake.

In Udaipur, like all over India, the Chariot Festival - Jagannath Rath Yatra takes place in June.

Due to its interesting natural environment and many architectural monuments, Udaipur has been the location of many Hollywood and Bollywood movies, such as "James Bond in India".