Udaipur

Want to experience a Venice holiday in India? Surprised at the proposition? Don't be, because it is possible. India has its own Venice in the form of the Lake City of Rajasthan- Udaipur. The presence of a number of shimmering lakes in the city has earned Udaipur the name of the Venice of the East. If not a gondola, at least tourists can enjoy a boat cruise in one of the many lakes that dots Udaipur. Geographically located at the foothills of the Aravalli Mountain Ranges, Udaipur is situated in the southern part of Rajasthan, in close proximity to the borders of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

Rajasthan is famous for its historical tales and one legend also goes behind the making of Udaipur. Founded by Rana Udai Singh, Udaipur served as the capital of the ancient kingdom of Mewar once ruled by the gallant Ranawats of the Sisodia clan. Initially, Chittor enjoyed the position of Mewar's Kingdom. The ancient legend states that Rana Udai Singh once met a hermit one of his hunting expeditions in the foothills of the Aravalli Ranges. The Maharana was blessed by the saintly person and was asked by him to establish a kingdom on the very spot and that kingdom will always remain unconquered. On his words, the Maharana built his residence there. Later when Chittor was annexed by Akbar in 1568, Udai Singh shifted his base to the place where his residence stood and gradually laid down the foundation of the grand city of Udaipur.

A festive land, the Mewar Festival and the Shilpgram Crafts Fair are the two added attractions of Udaipur other than innumerable forts, monuments, gardens and temples. Shopping in Udaipur is a must for all as the colorful sarees and dress materials, silver jewellery, wall hangings, handicraft items, turbans make for priceless souvenirs. The best time to visit this city is during the months of September to March.