The city of Udaipur is a lovely land around the Azure water lakes hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravails. Udaipur also known as the City of Lakes is a city in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is located 403 kilometers (250 miles) southwest of the state capital, Jaipur and 250 kilometers (155 miles) northeast from Ahmedabad. Udaipur was the historic capital of the former kingdom of Mewar under Rajputana.

Apart from Udaipur’s glorious history, culture and scenic locations, it is also known for its Rajput-era palaces. The Lake Palace, for instance, covers an entire island in the Pichola Lake. Udaipur is often called the "Venice of the East" and is also nicknamed the "Lake City". Lake Pichola, Fatah Sagar Lake, Udai Sagar and Swaroop Sagar are considered some of the most beautiful lakes in the state.

Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the capital of the erstwhile Mewar kingdom, located to the southwest of Nagda, on the Banas River, the first capital of the Mewar kingdom. It is said that Maharana Udai Singh II met a hermit while hunting in the foothills of the Aravalli Range. The hermit blessed the king and asked him to build a palace on the spot, assuring him it would be well protected. Udai Singh II consequently established a residence on the site. In 1568 the Mughal emperor Akbar captured the fort of Chittor, and Udai Singh moved the capital to the site of his residence, which became the city of Udaipur. When the Mughal empire weakened, the Sisodia ranas, and later Maharanas (also called the Guhilots or Suryavansh), who had always tried to oppose Mughal dominance, reasserted their independence and recaptured most of Mewar except for Chittor. Udaipur remained the capital of the state, which became a princely state of British India in 1818. Maharana Fatah Singh of Udaipur was the only royalty who did not attend the Delhi Durbar for King George V in 1911. After India's independence in 1947, Maharana Bhupal Singh, the King of Udaipur, acceded to the Government of India and Mewar was integrated into India's Rajasthan state.

City Palace

City Palace which stands on the east bank of Lake Pichola is a massive series of palaces built at different times from 1559. The balconies of the palace provide great views of Jag Mandir on one side and the city of Udaipur on the other. Its main entrance is through the triple-arched gate - the Tripolia, built in 1725. The way leads to a series of courtyards, overlapping portions, terraces, corridors and gardens. There is a Suraj Gokhda, where the Maharanas of Mewar presented themselves in the times of trouble to the people to restore confidence. The Mor-chowk (Peacock courtyard), gets its name from the mosaics in glass decorating its walls. The Chini Chitrashala is noteworthy while a series of wall paintings of Krishna are on display in Bhim Vilas. There are other palaces such as Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal and Krishna Vilas - in memory of a princess of striking beauty who poisoned herself to avert a bloody battle for her hand by rival princes. Now the palace contains many antique articles, paintings, decorative furniture and utensils. The former guesthouse of the city palace, Shiv Niwas Palace and the Fateh Prakash Palace has been converted into heritage hotels.

Jagdish Mandir

The Jagdish Temple is a large Hindu temple in the middle of Udaipur. It was built by Maharana Jagat Singh I in 1651 A.D. It is an example of Indo - Aryan architecture and this temple is having a great example of architecture and art.

Gulab Bagh and Zoo

A rose garden laid out by Maharaja Sajjan Singh is situated near the palace on the east side of Lake Pichola. Within the garden, there is a zoo with tigers, leopards, Chinkara gazelle, birds, and many other wild animals.

Doodh Talai

A rock and fountain garden and the sunset point from which one can enjoy the sunset view in Lake Pichola and a panoramic view of the old city. Also one can enjoy the Aerial tramway (rope way) which connects one of the Doodh Talai gardens to Karni Mata temple.

Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal

This is a museum of folk arts and traditional dances. It also hosts puppet shows and folk dances in its auditorium.

Sukhadia Circle

Sukhadia Circle (Square) is a large roundabout in the city's northern suburb of Panchwati, on the road to Ranakpur and Mt. Abu. The Circle is a popular recreational centre and meeting place

Other places of interest include Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, Monsoon Palace, Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Pichola, Saheliyon-ki-Bari, Maharana Pratap Memorial or Moti Magri, Bohara Ganesh Ji, Nehru Garden, Bagore-ki-Haveli, Ahar Museum, Shilpgram, Neemach Mata Temple, Udaipur Solar Observatory, Ranka Palace

By Premji