As the name suggests, the city of dawn, Udaipur, is an enchanting lake city set amidst the Aravalli hills. It is also home to several palaces, temples, and gardens. The beautiful Pichola Lake is a vivid example. Overlooking the Lake, stands the splendid City Palace—a marvel in granite and white marble. Originally, there were eleven gates that guarded the city of Udaipur; however, only five remain till date. Of these, the Suraj Pol or Sun Gate stands on the eastern side and is the main entrance to the city.

This is the enchanting lake that won the heart of Maharaja Udai Singh to the extent that he decided to establish his city right there. The lake is surrounded by hills, palaces, temples, bathing ghats, and embankments. Of particular notice are the two spectacular island palaces—Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas (Lake Palace).

Situated atop a hill, this majestic architectural marvel towers over the lake and is surrounded by crenellated walls. It includes several courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms, and hanging gardens. The main entrance is through the triple arched gate, called “Tripolia.” It was customary to weigh the Maharanis (queens) under the gate, and an equivalent amount of gold be distributed among the people.

This structure was designed 1734 by Maharana Fateh Singh for the queen and her maids. It consists of beautiful gardens, lawns, and fountains. Decorative lotus pools, finely sculpted cenotaphs, fountains, and kiosks is what makes up this well maintained place. It also houses a small museum in the premises.

Placed atop the Moti Magri hill, stands an impressive bronze statue of the Rajput hero Maharana Pratap and his loyal horse “Chetak.” Overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake, the memorial attracts hundreds of visitors who climb the hill to pay homage to this great warrior. Nearby is an enchanting little Japanese rock garden.

A royal balcony, known as the balcony of the sun, was the location from where the Suryavanshi Maharanas of Mewar addressed their subjects in times of distress in an attempt to encourage and reassure them. The “Mor Chowk” displays exquisite images of a peacock that represent a fine example of glass mosaic and the “Chini Chitrashala” is famous for its Chinese and Dutch ornamental tiles in blue and white ceramic.

The ancient capital of the Sisodias, which is located at a distance of 3 km from Udaipur, Ahar is home to numerous royal cenotaphs of the rulers of Mewar, particularly, of their queens. A small museum holds rare collections of antiquities including earthen pots, iron objects, and other artifacts excavated from the region.

This is a beautiful rose garden laid created during the reign of Maharana Sajjan Singh. The premises also boast of a library, housing some rare ancient handwritten manuscripts, as well as a zoo.

A beautiful lake, overlooked by a number of hills on most sides and the Pratap Memorial in the north. Built by Maharana Fateh Singh, the center of the lake has a charming garden called Nehru Park with a boat shaped café that is either accessible by foot or by boat, depending on the season.

Built in 1651 AD by Maharana Jagat Singh, this Indo-Aryan temple is the largest and most beautiful temple of Udaipur. It includes a black stone image of Lord Vishnu in the form of Jagannath—Lord of the Universe.

This is a museum that has on display an interesting collection folk dresses, dolls, folk deities, ornaments, puppets, dolls, folk musical instruments, and paintings. One can also enjoy the puppetry shows that are regularly conducted here for visitors.

Udaipur has been the capital of the erstwhile Mewar state that was ruled by the Sisodia’s. The city derives its name from Maharana Udai Singh, who founded it in 1568 after retreating from the city of Chittaur, which was eventually lost to the Mughal armies. Legend has it that he chose the location for Udaipur based on the advice of a holy man he met on a hill close to Lake Pichola. According to the holy man, if the Maharana built his capital on the edge of the lake, it would never be captured.

There is also the likelihood that the Maharana realized the potential of the strategic advantages of the surrounding terrain while making his decision. More so since he was raised in the surrounding Aravalli hills and was well acquainted with the region. Further, centuries ago, it had also been the home of his ancestor and founder of the Sisodia dynasty of Mewar, Bappa Rawal.