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Tour to Udaipur

If Jaipur is the Pink City, Udaipur is a vision in white. The City of Dawn, surrounded by the ancient Aravali Mountains and set on the edge of three lakes, is a brilliant kaleidoscope of narrow lanes flanked by bright stalls, gardens, lakes, palaces and temples.

Overlooking the aquamarine waters of the Lake Pichola stands the shimmering granite and marble Lake Palace, a harmonious arrangement of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms, and hanging gardens. Eight marble porticos mark the spot where the Mewar sovereigns were weighed in gold, the equivalent value of which was then distributed to the poor. Within the City Palace are several architectural and artistic highlights such as the Mor Chowk, known for its stunning peacock mosaics and the Bhim Vilas Palace that has a series of lovely wall paintings.

However, the most memorable parts of Udaipur are its lake palaces, shimmering like jewels on the Lake Pichola. Jag Niwas, the summer residence of the princes of Mewar, is today a magnificent luxury hotel. Jag Mandir, the other island palace, with a marble dome, is a marvel in red sandstone. It was a refuge for Prince Khurram (better known as Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan) when he was in exile following a quarrel with his father, Emperor Jahangir.

Just outside Udaipur, on a hilltop, lies Sajjangarh, a dramatic 18th century palace that gives a breathtaking view of the Mewar countryside. The palace was originally intended to be a five-story astronomical center, but was later abandoned and used as a monsoon palace and hunting lodge.

About three kilometers from the town of Udaipur lies Ahar, the ancient capital of the Sisodias, which boasts of numerous chhatris or cenotaphs that commemorate Mewar's royal personages.

Nathdwara, 48 kilometers from Udaipur, is an important Hindu pilgrim center, also famous for nurturing the glorious tradition of Pichwal paintings.

Ranakpur, 98 kilometers away, boasts of some of the most exquisite Jain temples in the country.

The Shilp Gram (Craft Bazaar) is situated just 3 km off Udaipur and is a great place to see the art and craft of all the states of western India. The Directorate of Tourism organizes a 10-day festival from December 15 every year, which is a treat for the visitors interested in village crafts.

The onset of spring brings the Mewar festival on April 7-8. A traditional welcome to spring, this festival is a visual feast with Rajasthani songs, dances, processions, devotional music and firework displays.

The Gangaur Festival held in March-April is a colourful sight. A procession of vibrantly attired women carrying images of the goddess Gauri makes its way to Lake Pichola. A procession of boats on the lake offers a fitting finale to this splendid celebration.

Udaipur has wares on offer that can convert the most unwilling of shoppers into avid buyers. The better known items include folk toys, brightly colored garments dyed with natural dyes, hand printed textiles, batiks, metal images, silver jewelry, and the Pichwai wall hangings.