Set amidst the verdant Aravalli hills of southern Rajasthan, Udaipur is a serene and beautiful city. In dramatic contrast to the battle-scarred, desert-bound fortress towns of the state, it presents an enchanting picture of white marble palace, placid blue lakes with a girdle of green hills that keep the wilderness at bay.

The epitome of Rajput royalty comes from this city. Inhabitants claim to be descendants of the sun god in the lineage of lord Rama. A city with a past, as nostalgic as its beauty it has been an inspiration for poets, painters and writers over the centuries.

This 'City Of Dawn', is located about 405 km from the state capital Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and is land of lakeside pleasure palaces, rambling hilltop fortresses, luxuriant gardens with fountains and streams.

It 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 Pichhola.

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 amphitheatre 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 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.

The exquisite lake palaces of Udaipur, shimmering like jewels on Lake Pichhola are overwhelming in splendour. Several places of interest around Udaipur, include the majestic Chittaurgarh, the mountain fortress of Kumbhalgarh, beautiful Jain temples of Ranakpur, Eklingji and Nathdwara and the cool retreat of Mt. Abu, make the visit to Udaipur a memorable one.

Hotels and resort accommodation is plentiful and no matter what your choice in sightseeing possibilities Udaipur has more than enough to satisfy most tourist needs.

Come and see it for yourself, this City of Dawn and be charmed by the architecture, the people, the pace of life and India as a whole. You won’t regret it.