Udaipur

The "City of Lakes" is perhaps one of the most romantic and beautiful cities of India. In contrast to its desert neighbourhood it stands out with an enchanting image of white marble palaces, placid blue lakes, gardens, temples, surrounded by hills and mountains. It is like an oasis of colour in a stark and arid region. The "Abode of Udai " or the "City of Sunrise" was founded by Maharaja Udai Singh in 1559 AD, on the shores of lake Pichhola. Udaipur is a traditionally planned walled city, there were eleven gates, out of which only five remain.

City Palace - The largest palace complex of Rajasthan. It is a completely white structure standing majestically on a hill surrounded by crenellated walls. Started by Udai Singh, this enormous edifice of 30.4 metres height and 244 metres length was subsequently built up on by later rulers. The entrance to this Palace is through 'Hathi Pol', along the main street of the old city. The 'Bara Pol', brings you to the first court which leads into the tripolia gate, which has eight carved marble arches or torans. There is a 'Suraj Gokhada', the 'Balcony of Sun', where the Maharanas of Mewar presented themselves in times of trouble to the people to restore their confidence.

The 'Mor Chowk' or 'Peacock courtyard', gets its name from the vivid mosaics in glass which decorate its walls. The Chini Chitrashala is noteworthy for its blue and white ceramics, while a series of wall paintings of Lord Krishna are on display in Bhim Vilas Palace. There are numerous other Palaces - Dilkhush Mahal, Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal and Krishna Mahal.

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Chittaurgarh

The town known for its massive fort atop a hill covering an area of 279 hectares, can be singled out for its glorious past and valour. The fort has a chequered history and has witnessed some bloodiest battles in history and three great sieges and some of the most heroic deeds of valour, which are still sung by the local musicians. The Fort is located on a 180 metre high hill, covering 700 acres. It is replete with historical monuments, and is reached through several gates, some of them marked with memorials erected to commemorate the heroes who sacrificed there life whilst defending it. The main gates are Padam Pol, Bhairon Pol and Ram Pol, with a distinct Rajput character. The formidable fort has witnessed three fierce attacks and posed a strong resistance to the enemies.

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Kumbhalgarh

Built in the 15th century by Maharana Kumbha, amidst the hills of Aravali, on the site of an ancient castle which tradition ascribes to Samprati, a Jain prince of the second century B.C. This is the second most important fort of Rajasthan after Chittaurgarh. It covers an area of 12 sq. km and is self sufficient in its requirements to withstand a long siege. Within the bastions of the fort are many palaces and temples which are of great antiquity and interest. The most important among them is "Badal Mahal" or the Cloud Palace at the top It offers a scenic view of the surrounding country side.

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Places of Interest

Nathdwara (48 km)
It is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site. The important 18th century shrineof Shri Nathji or Lord Krishna has a black marble statue. It is more than 600 years old, and was brought from Mathura in 1669 to protect the statue from destruction at the hands of Mughals. It is one of the richest shrines of India.

Jaisamand (50 km)
The second largest artificial lake in Asia was built in 1685 by MaharanaJai Singh, 51 kms from Udaipur. It has maximum length of 9 miles and width of 6 miles and the approximate area is 21 sq. miles, interspersed with islands. Some islands are inhabited by Bhils, the local tribesmen. Graceful marble cenotaphs festoon the embankment and on either sides are summer palaces for the royalty The lake also attracts several species of migratory birds. faisamand Wildlife Sanctuary, it is the home for various species of birds and animals.