It’s hard not to rave about the beauty of Udaipur, once a person has visited the place. The land of monarchs, myths and legends, traditional customs and new-age luxe living, Udaipur has gracefully combined the allure of its cultural heritage with the modern lifestyle.

Founded in the 16th century, Udaipur was named after its founder Maharana Udai Singh II, who made it the capital of his (Mewar) kingdom. Even in those days, the city was famed for its beautiful architecture and natural surroundings. Today, Udaipur is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, even attracting hoards of foreigners every year. The city is touted as a romantic getaway and a place to catch a glimpse of traditional Rajput culture and customs.

The City of Lakes is an apt name for Udaipur. Shimmering water bodies surround the city and many of its most important landmarks. The famous Lake Pichola houses many important buildings and monuments in its banks. There are many more lakes, such as the Fateh Sagar, all around the city.

The single most recognised image of Udaipur must be of the City Palace. The palace, built by Maharana Udai Singh II, today consists of well-pruned and blooming gardens, rich museums and a number of smaller palaces and halls inside the main complex. The overall architecture and beauty of the complex has found many admirers. And this is not all. Other places in and around the city that deserve a visit include the Saheliyon ki Badi (garden), Udaipur Solar Observatory, Doodh Talai, Gulab Bagh and Zoo, Bagore-ki-Haveli and Ahar Museum. You can also travel out of the town, to visit sites like the Haldighati, the famed Eklingji temple and more.

You can indulge in some horse rides, or a camel ride if you have the stomach for it. Rajasthan’s performing arts are very popular and replicated everywhere, so make sure to watch a folk music and dance or puppet show. Shopaholics can indulge in some retail therapy at the many shopping joints sprinkled around the city. Local handicrafts, enamelled curios, traditional handlooms and slippers are among things to buy, but remember to bargain. Always carry important gear like helmets and life jackets. In case the trip lasts more than a day, don’t forget to carry a torch, medicine kit and spare clothing as well.

Make your way to Terra The five-acre Panchgani campsite, with 10 tents, is situated just 20km from Blue Country, a Club Mahindra managed resort. For bookings, call toll-free number 1800 425 2737 from 9 am to 6.30 pm, Monday to Fridays, and 9.30 am to 5.30 pm on Saturdays. Alternately, email us at reservations@terracamps.com or log on to reservations@terracamps.com To get to the Panchgani site, you have to take a detour from Panchgani – Mahabaleshwar road, approximately five kilometres from Panchgani. Volvo services are available to and from Mumbai and Thane, and State Transport (ST) bus services are available to and from Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Satara, Kolhapur and Mahad. For those travelling by train, Satara is the closest station, 55km away. Lohegaon airport, Pune is the closest airport.