A desert kingdom tucked away in the midst of hills, an impregnable citadel, an impressive royal lineage stretching back 26 generations, a do or die attitude and a fierce sense of independence characterise Udaipur. Unlike its desert counterparts in Rajasthan, Udaipur is situated in the forested, hilly region of Aravalli Ranges in complete contrast to the arid deserts of Marwar in the northwest. Udaipur- dream destination in the desert, whose sagas of great valour and stories of high romance add colour and character to a history as proud and unrelenting as it is long. The kingdom of Mewar was ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for over 1200 years from Chittorgarh before Maharana Udai Singh II founded Udaipur in 1568 following the final sacking of their hill fortress. In sharp contrast to its spartan and martial persona are lakes, hills, temples, gardens and fairy-tale palaces that make Udaipur the most romantic and enchanting place in Rajasthan. Apart from Udaipur's own splendours, there are several other places to visit in its vicinity – Jaisamand Lake, the fort of Kumbhalgarh and the temples at Ranakpur, Eklingji, Nagda, Kankroli and Nathdwara.

History

Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar a kingdom ruled by Sisodia dynasty for 1200 years. The foundation of the city has an interesting legend associated with it. According to legend Maharana Udai Singh, The Maharana was out hunting as he met a holy man when he mediating on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichola. The Hermit Blessed the Maharana and told him to build a Palace at that very spot as it would be protected. The Maharana followed his advise and Udaipur came in to being, overlooking the aquamarine waters of the lake Pichola stands the shimmering granite and marble lake palace, a harmonious blend of courtyards, Pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging Gardens. Udaipur was last of the numerous Mewar capitals. It was in Udaipur that legendary Maharana Pratap was born. He was obsessed with Chittaur and the past glories of the Sisodia clan possessed his mind. Maharana Pratap left Udaipur to win back Chittaur from the Mughals. But he failed in his attempts and Udaipur remained the capital of Mewar till India got her independence. The memory of the failure of noble Pratap gives Udaipur its pervading mood of nostalgic wistfulness.

How to get there

Best time to visit

Dining Out

With beautiful interiors and even better exteriors Udaipur restaurants have learnt how to cash in on the ambience, which is why it has scores of rooftop cafes over looking its lakes. For fine dining and Rajasthani fare, the city has some very good eating places.

Natural View Restaurant located close to Jag Niwas palace offers a great view of the Pichola Lake and serves Indian and continental food. The sizzlers here are good and so is the tandoori. The Roof Café Garden that overlooks the City palace is another place with good food and a great view. A sumptuous vegetarian thali is best had at the Vintage car Museum Restaurant and wholesome tandoori fare at Shilpi. If you want to try something more exotic like Thai, Lebanese, Mexican or Israeli cuisine then take a half an hour drive away from Udaipur towards the Devigarh restaurant.

Lily Pond at Lake Palace, Lake Pichola is where you can dine under the stars on the best Continental fare that the city has to offer. Sunset Terrace, at Fateh Prakash Palace, City palace is an outdoor terrace restaurant overlooking the lake. It serves authentic Rajasthani fare.

Suramahal and Udaimahal Udaivilas, are twin restaurants at Haridasji Magri with, as its name suggests has a day and night theme. The 'day' restaurant serves international fare while the 'night' restaurant serves Rajasthani fare. Padmini, at grand Laxmi Vilas Palace, Fatehsagar Road is very decorative and its chefs serve good Rajasthani food. The thali here is recommended.

Roof Top Restaurant, at Jagat Niwas Palace, serves delicious fish food and offers a good view from its balconies.

Shopping

If you are an ethnic buff then Udaipur will give you the kind of shopping experience you will cherish. The city shops have everything from wooden toys, attractive puppets, Pichwai paintings and contemporary art to miniatures, marble and metal handicrafts, Jewellery, Fabric, Carpets & Rugs, bangles , bedspreads, lehriya saris .the list is endless.

The two shopping complexes worth visiting in Udaipur include Rajasthali- the Rajasthan Government fixed price textile and handicraft emporium and Sadhna - an outlet for fixed-price textiles of Sheva Mandir an NGO. Other important shopping places in Udaipur include Bapu Bazaar, City Market, Chetak Circle and Hathipole. When shopping at these places you must bargain over the prices quoted.

You can pick up Rajasthani silver from the market near Clock Tower, or joothis, camel leather products, souvenirs and handicraft at Hathipole. The City Palace Complex and the Jagdish Temple area have shops selling an abundance of handicrafts and souvenirs.
Bapu Bazaar is where you will find readymade garments, jewelry, home products and tailors as well. A dozen tailor shops line the street and while you vacation in Udaipur, get measured for an outfit and take home the finished product. The Khadi Gram Udyog has handloom clothes and textiles. Kala Niketan has beautiful saris. Sadriwala and MansiPlaza has ready made clothes.
The Nathdwara village is where you will find exotically sculpted or crafted idols of gods and goddess in terracotta, stone and metal. The Shilpgram Crafts half an hour away from the main city is where you can pick up pottery, terracotta work, idols of gods and goddesses, traditional musical instruments, rogar work, woodwork, tapestries, mats, pouches and even furniture.

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