On the periphery of the great Indian Desert state of Rajasthan is City of Lakes – Udaipur. This 'Venice of the East' is a jewel tucked away in the Aravalli Hills. The city of Dawn, Udaipur is lovely land around the azure water lakes, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravallis. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experiences – an inspiriting from the imagination of poets, painters and writers. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavor of a heroic past, epitomizing valour and chivalry. Their reflecting in the placid waters of the Lake Pichola is an enticing sight.

Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar – a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 years. The foundation of the city has an interesting legend associated with it. According to it, Maharana Udai Singh, the founder, was hunting one day when he met a holy man meditating on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichola. The hermit blessed the Maharana and advised him to build a palace at this favourable located spot with s fertile valley watered by the stream, a lake, an agreeable altitude and an ampitheatre of low mountains. Maharana followed the advise of the hermit and founded the city in 1559 AD.

Overlooking the aquamarine expanses of the Lake Pichola stands the splendid City Palace – a marvel in granite and marble. Of the original eleven gates of the Udaipur City, only five remain. The Suraj Pol or Sun Gate on the eastern side is the main entrance to the city.

Its palaces and forts, interesting bazaars put Udaipur on the'must see' map of tourists to India. Exquisite lake palaces of Udaipur, shimmering like jewels on Lake Pichola are overwhelming in splendour. Its palaces in the lakes have been the location for many films and fashion magazines and a destination for wedding and for honeymooners.

Several places of interest around Udaipur, including the majestic Chittaurgarh, the mountain fortress of Kumbhalgarh, beautiful Jain temples of Ranakpur, Eklingji and Nathdwara and the cool retreat of Mt.Abu, make the visit to Udaipur a memorable one.