Udaipur is every cliche you may have heard about it and more! Known by many other names: Venice of the East, City of Lakes, White City, and it is thought to be the most romantic city in India. There is no doubting its beauty, and it is a spectacular place to visit and explore. Udaipur is a city in the northwestern state of Rajasthan. Historically, it was the capital of the Kingdom of Mewar, located in what was known as Rajputana, before it became part of Rajasthan. Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Udai Singh II, a Rajput. 

Udaipur is now a favourite wedding destination for both Indians and foreigners. It also has secured its place in popular culture, mentioned in Rudyard Kipling’s ‘The Jungle Book’, prominently featured in James Bond’s film ‘Octopussy’, scenes were shot here from the ‘Jewel in the Crown’, ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel ’, and ‘Gandhi’, to name but a few. Numerous Bollywood movies and series have been filmed here as well.

The most iconic sight in Udaipur is the Lake Palace, situated in the middle of Lake Pichola. Other stunning tourist attractions include the City Palace and Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace).

Ensure you take a boat trip around Lake Pichola, framing the City Palace, havelis, ghats (steps down to water), and temples. The sunsets from Sunset Point are fabulous. Every boat trip will sail past the romantic Jag Niwas, now the Lake Palace Hotel, built in the Rajput-Mughal style as a summer palace during the reign of Jagat Singh (1628-52).

Udaipur City Palace dates back to 1599 and has been added to and extended over the years. The City Palace is now made up of eleven unique palaces and squares (chowks) within this enormous complex. It is well worth hiring a local guide to tell you about the history of this fascinating place and to show you the highlights.

Another Udaipur well worth seeing includes the 17th-century Jagdish Temple, famous for its intricate carvings of Hindu gods and elephants, which was built by Maharana Jagat.