Rajasthan’s Jewel – Udaipur

Udaipur is a beautiful city, set amidst the Aravalli Ranges of Rajasthan, India. Known for its picturesque lakes, Udaipur is also called 'the city of lakes'. The elevated hills and the beautiful lakes make a picture-perfect backdrop to the Udaipur city. Udaipur is regarded as one of the most romantic cities of the World and subsequently, also known as the 'Venice of East'.

Fantastical palaces, temples, havelis and countless narrow, crooked, colourful streets add the human counterpoint to the city’s natural charms. The city is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experiences - an inspiration for the imagination of the poets, painters and writers.

Sightseeing

Though termed as the city of lakes, Udaipur has many more attractions that catch the attention of the tourists with their charm. We give you our top picks of places you must visit on your trip to Udaipur.

The countless Palaces 

The most famous palace, City Palace is a place carved in legend. It lies on the east bank of Lake Pichola and consists of series of palaces built at different times from 1559. Balconies from the palace offer stunning views of the horizon. Some of the palaces are Dilkhushi Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal and then there is Krishna Vilas, which folklore says was built in memory of a princess of such striking beauty, that she poisoned herself to avert a bloody battle for her hand by rival princes.

Another palace worth a visit is the Monsoon Palace. Created and originally owned by the Mewar family with the sole purpose of observing monsoon clouds, the palace is appropriately called the Monsoon Palace. It is also known as the Sajjan Garh Palace. The location, atop a hill, offers a panoramic view of the city's lakes, palaces and countryside.

Historic Landmarks 

Like any other historic city, Udaipur too has a flavor of heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. Start with Bagore Ki Haveli, an old haveli converted to a museum. This place offers a unique insight into the lifestyle during the reign of the Rajputs. There are 138 rooms in the Haveli, as well as numerous corridors & balconies, courtyards and terraces. The interiors of the Haveli are embellished with intricate and fine mirror work. While strolling in the Haveli, you can also see the private quarters of the royal ladies, their bath rooms, dressing rooms, bed rooms, living rooms, worship rooms and recreation rooms. In fact, the Chambers of the Royal Ladies still bear fine frescoes of the Mewari style and there are glorious coloured-glass windows in some of the rooms. One of most amazing sights you can’t miss is the two peacocks made with coloured glass mosaics that display the superb skills of the finest craftsmanship.

The Jagdish Temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singh the First in the 17th Century. It is a shining example of Indo Aryan architecture and the largest temple in Udaipur dedicated to Lord Laxmi Narayan. This architectural marvel of exquisitely carved pillars, painted walls and lush halls is a visual treat for many. The idol of Lord Vishnu carved from a single black stone is a truly celestial sight.

One can also take the opportunity to visit Asia's only solar observatory, the Udaipur Solar Observatory. This place is located on an island in the middle of Lake Fateh Sagar.

The Maharana Pratap Memorial stands atop Pearl Hill or Moti Magri and overlooks the Fateh Sagar Lake. A bronze statue of Rajput hero Maharana Pratap astride his favorite horse "Chetak" is a main attraction. Be sure to stick around for the light and sound show in the evening.

Staying at Club Mahindra Udaipur 

Club Mahindra's Udaipur Resort echoes the cultural heritage, royal history and traditional architecture of the Rajputs. Built in a palatial style and nestled amongst pristine gardens, the resort provides tranquility to body and mind. It is an ideal holiday destination for those looking for a home away from home. It is the perfect blend of traditional charm and contemporary style, enchanting visitors and surpassing every expectation that people have when they visit Udaipur. The vast stretches of green lawns instill a feeling of calm and relaxation.

Visit Club Mahindra Udaipur Resort and allow yourself a few days to enjoy the tranquility of boat rides on the lake, the bustle of its ancient bazaars, its lively arts scene, and the quaint old-world feel of its better hotels, its scattering of genuinely good restaurants, its endless tempting shops and some lovely countryside to explore on wheels, feet or horseback.