Udaipur, Sights & Activities

This romantic, hilly town of palaces and lakes in southeastern Rajasthan is often described as the Venice of the East. Although it is one of Rajasthan's largest cities, Udaipur retains a small-town atmosphere, and its weather and people are balmy year-round. The stunning Lake Palace Hotel - situated literally in the middle of the lake - was featured in the James Bond film, Octopussy.

City Palace

Completely white and majestic, the City Palace stands on a hill surrounded by crenellated walls. Its main entrance is through the triple arched gate, the Tripolia, built in 1725. The Suraj Gokhada, the Balcony of the Sun, where the Suryavanshi Maharanas of Mewar, presented themselves in times of trouble to the people to restore their confidence, is another fascinating monument. The Chini Chitrashala is noteworthy for its blue and white ceramics.

Jagdish Temple

Built in 1651 A.D., by Maharaja Jagat Singh I, it is the largest and most splendid temple in Udaipur.

Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum

This Indian folk arts museum displays a rich collection of folk dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls musical instruments and paintings.

Saheliyon-ki-Bari

This garden of the maids of honour, brings to the fore, the unique lifestyle of the royal ladies, who once strolled through these gardens. This spectacular garden has numerous fountains in four pools, embellished with delicately chiselled kiosks and elephants.

Fateh Sagar

Built by Maharana Fateh Singh, this elegant lake is surrounded on three sides by hills, and the Pratap Memorial on the north. One can indulge in boat rides on the rippling waters, and row across to the Nehru Park - an island garden.

Pichhola Lake

The legendary lake that entranced Maharana Udai Singh, it is surrounded by hill palaces, temples, bathing ghats and embankments.

Ahar

In the crumbling remains of Ahar, stand the royal cenotaphs of the Maharanas of Mewar, remarkable pieces of architecture. A small government museum houses a rare collection of antiquities, including earthern pots and some iron objects.

Sajjan Garh

This Monsoon Palace dominates the skyline, and is visible from most parts of the city. It affords a spectacular view of the city - its lakes, palaces and the surrounding countryside.

Gulab Bagh

Few gardens in India offer such spectacular beauty, as this rose garden. It also houses a library with a rich collection of old handwritten scripts and books.