Udaipur is a city in the western part of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II. Udaipur was established as the capital of the Mewar Kingdom after Chittorgarh was besieged by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Udai Singh II chose the fertile Girwa Valley as the new location for the capital, which gave the city a strategic advantage. Udaipur quickly became known for the many artificial lakes surrounding the city, including Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Pichola, Swaroop Sagar Lake, Rangsagar and Doodh Talai Lake. The city became an important cultural and economic centre of the region and experienced significant growth and development under Maharana Pratap and his successors.

Following the British takeover of India in the early 19th century, Udaipur became part of the British Empire as a princely state in 1818. Maharana Bhim Singh, the ruler at the time, signed a treaty with the British, which ensured a degree of autonomy for the Mewar Kingdom under British suzerainty. This period marked a significant transformation in the city’s administration and infrastructure. British officials introduced modern educational institutions, railways and telegraph networks, which contributed to the city’s economic and social development. After India’s independence in 1947, Udaipur became part of the newly formed state of Rajasthan, and the city continued to flourish as a cultural and tourist center, known for its palaces and lakes.

The city center of Udaipur is an exciting place to explore, and you can start at Jagdish Chowk, a popular trading post with lots of activity. From Jagdish Chowk, you can stroll along the surrounding streets, where you can find shops, cafes and restaurants, where you can enjoy a cup of chai or try local delicacies such as kachori and samosa. In the middle of it all stands the beautiful Jagdish Temple, which was built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651. The temple is Hindu, dedicated to Vishnu and is known for its detailed decoration. From the temple area, you can walk along City Palace Road and continue your experiences in the city.

Located in the centre of Udaipur on the banks of Lake Pichola, the City Palace is one of the most impressive sights in the area. Built by Maharana Udai Singh II and his successors, the palace is known for its magnificent architecture. The palace was built over a period of almost 400 years with contributions from several rulers of the Mewar dynasty. It is the largest palace complex of its kind in Rajasthan and was built in a flamboyant style that combines Rajasthani Rajput architecture with elements of medieval European and Chinese architecture. The palace contains several courtyards, pavilions, terraces and gardens, and offers stunning views of the lake.

The complex was built of granite and marble and is surrounded by fortified walls. Many of the rooms and halls feature beautiful paintings, intricate glasswork, mirror tiles and colourful enamel. You can also experience octagonal towers, fountains and balconies overlooking Lake Pichola and the surrounding monuments such as the Lake Palace, Jag Mandir and Jagdish Temple. The City Palace houses a museum that displays a large and varied collection of artworks and objects including sculptures, paintings, textiles and weapons.

Opposite the City Palace, Lake Palace, also known as Jag Niwas, is one of the most iconic buildings in Udaipur. Built between 1743 and 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, the palace originally served as a summer palace for the Mewar dynasty. Set in the middle of Lake Pichola, the palace is known for its magnificent Rajput architecture, combining white marble with elaborate carvings and ornate niches. During the Indian Sepoy Rebellion of 1857, the palace served as a refuge for European families who could find relative safety in its isolated location. In the 1960s, the site was converted into a luxury hotel by Maharana Bhagwat Singh, and today it is still operated as a hotel. Lake Palace is famous for its beautiful gardens, fountains and terraces, and it offers stunning views of the lake, the city and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola to admire the palace’s exterior, although access to the palace itself is restricted to hotel guests.

Jag Mandir is another impressive palace, also located on an island in Lake Pichola. Construction of Jag Mandir began in 1551 under Maharana Amar Singh and was completed by Maharana Jagat Singh I in the mid-17th century. The palace is known for its blend of Mughal and Rajput architectural styles, with beautiful marble elephants guarding the entrance, and a series of pavilions, gardens, and courtyards. One of the most notable buildings in the complex is the Gul Mahal, which was used as a refuge by the future Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan during his rebellion against his father, Emperor Jahangir. It is said that a stay at Jag Mandir inspired Shah Jahan to build the Taj Mahal. Today, visitors can explore the manicured gardens, elegant marble monuments, and enjoy stunning views of Lake Pichola and the city of Udaipur from Jag Mandir.

The two palaces of Lake Pichola are in a fantastic location, as is the Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, which is located on a hilltop just west of Udaipur. The journey there is an experience in itself, as is the panoramic view that you are rewarded with from the palace. Here you can see Udaipur and the city’s lakes and surrounding countryside. The palace was built in 1884 by Maharana Sajjan Singh, and it was originally planned as an astronomical observatory. It was later converted into a small palace and hunting lodge. The architecture is characterized by white marble and lime mortar with floral and leaf motifs carved on the marble pillars. The palace has tall towers, domes, fountains and jharokhas, which are typical of Rajasthani architecture.

There are several beautiful places in Udaipur such as Saheliyon-ki-Bari, which is a beautiful garden that was laid out and built by Maharana Sangram Singh. It is a beautiful complex, which is worth seeing with its fountains, lotus ponds and marble pavilions. You can also visit the Bagore Ki Haveli Museum, located close to the shores of Lake Pichola. The museum’s exhibitions focus on the preservation of traditional art and culture, and you can see printed textiles and demonstrate the techniques used in this ancient art form. From here you can walk to Lake Pichola, where there is a beautiful view from Gangaur Ghat. If you are interested in more history and culture, you can go to the Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum, located in Chetak Circle. Here there is a large collection of art and various objects in some different architectural settings.