Udaipur Holidays

Founded in 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh II, Udaipur sits on the shores of Lake Pichola. Udaipur was the capital of the Rajput kingdom of Mewar, a princely state of British India. After India's Independence in 1947, the Maharaja of Udaipur acceded to the Government of India and and Mewar was integrated into India's Rajasthan state. The Mewar rulers come from what is believed to be the oldest ruling dynasty in the world, spanning 76 generations.

Sights include the illustrious Lake Palace on Jag Niwas Island and Jagmandir, a granite and marble concoction on Jagmandir Island, both of which are on Lake Pichola and the City Palace, a vision in soft yellow stone on a rocky promontory on the northeast shore of Lake Pichola.

Built in 1754 by Maharana Jagat Singh II as a summer palace, the Lake Palace encompasses the whole island and is now a luxury hotel. The larger Jagmandir, a vision in grey-blue stone has changed little since its construction in 1615. It is said the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan derived some of his inspiration for the Taj Mahal from this palace after staying here in 1623.

The imposing City Palace is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Actually a conglomeration of buildings, the main part of the palace is now preserved as a museum.