India

The most romantic city in Rajasthan, built around the lovely Lake Pichola, has been dubbed the 'Venice of the East'. Founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh, the city is a harmonious Indian blend of whitewashed buildings, marble palaces, lakeside gardens, temples and havelis (traditional, decorated homes).

Before the 20th century

Udaipur was founded in 1568 by Maharaja Udai Singh II following the final sacking of Chittorgarh by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. According to legend, Udai Singh II found the site of his new capital some years before the last assault on Chittor, after coming across a holy man meditating on a hill near Pichola Lake. The old man advised the maharaja to establish his capital on that very spot. As the site is surrounded by forests, lakes and the protective Aravalli Range, the old man's advice was good: the new capital of Mewar had a much less vulnerable location than Chittor.

Maharaja Udai Singh II passed away in 1572 and was succeeded by his son, Pratap, who bravely defended Udaipur from subsequent Mughal attacks and gallantly fought at the Battle of Haldighati in 1576. The Mewar rulers were fiercely independent; unlike many other rulers in Rajasthan, they refused to be controlled by foreign invaders, even though they were constantly attacked. After struggling against the Mughals, Udaipur had to deal with the Marathas.

Modern history

An end to bloody battles and instability came with British intervention in the early 19th century, when a treaty was signed that pledged to protect Udaipur from invaders. The treaty lasted right up till Independence in 1947 when Udaipur, along with all the princely states, surrendered its sovereignty and became part of a united India.

Recent history

In recent years, Udaipur has been hauled into the modern age by the arrival of mass tourism. Beginning in the 1970s, tourism can rightly be said to have helped revolutionise what was after all the most beautiful of sleepy hollows. In the old city around Lal Ghat, rampant commercialism seems to be devouring the very romance that brings people here - every building is a hotel, shop, restaurant, travel agent or (usually) all four. It seems churlish to complain about commercialism when this is just the fallout from long-term tourism, but the city suffers from mountains of plastic waste, ever-taller hotels competing for the best view and endless mediocre restaurants serving up a standard menu.

Udaipur has also suffered in recent years from consecutive poor monsoons. With little rain, the lake dries up into a puddle, leaving the Lake Palace high and dry, its grubby petticoats exposed.

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  The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur

  Udaipur

  The Oberoi Udaivilas encapsulates romance and splendour

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Top Restaurants

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  The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur

  Udaipur

  The Oberoi Udaivilas encapsulates romance and splendour

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Udaipur's climate is typically north Indian: winter days are warm but nights can be quite chilly. Things quickly warm up thereafter in the buildup to the monsoon season, and late autumn can be unbearably hot. The rains usually come in late June, bringing with them a welcome respite from the heat - although high summer humidity can mitigate the relief. Autumn is the most pleasant season of all.

Average weather

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Transport

Getting around

Taxis are unmetered, so you should agree on a fare before setting off - the standard fare anywhere in town is around 20.00 to 25.00. There are prepaid autorickshaw stands at the bus and train stations. It costs 200.00 to hire an autorickshaw for a day of local sightseeing.

The commission system is in place, so if a rickshaw driver insists that the hotel you are after has burnt down or that the owner has died in a freak accident, ignore his advice and tenaciously pursue your choice.

Bicycles are a cheap and environmentally friendly way to buzz around town, and motorbikes and mopeds can be rented to explore the surrounding countryside.