Weekend Getaway from Delhi: Udaipur, Venice of the East!

Udaipur is a luxurious holiday! Set amidst beautiful calming lakes and speckled with magnificent palaces and forts, it oozes with Rajputana royalty and style. It was formerly the capital of the Rajput kingdom of Mewar. Udaipur was founded by Udai Singh II in 1559. The city was built around artificially created lakes, such as Lake Pichola, Lake Fateh Sagar, and Swaroop Sagar Lake. The city is an Oasis in the middle of the desert state. Lavish palaces were built which reflect a combination Rajputana, Moghul and British styles. No wonder, it has been referred to as the Venice of the East! Udaipur is a delight not only for a student of history interested in intricate architectural styles and heroic tales of the Rajputs,  but anyone seeking to delve into the luxury and glamour of Royalty in India.  Rajasthan, the name refers to the Land of the Kings or “Rajas”. Rajasthan is the largest state in India and perhaps the richest state, when it comes to history, culture and heritage. And, Udaipur is the jewel that sits on its throne! Udaipur attracts a huge number of tourists worldwide with its mesmerizing beauty. It is undoubtedly one of the most romantic places in India!

When you come to Udaipur, you will be amazed to see the City Palace: it sits right in the middle of Lake Pichola. It was built by Maharana Udai Singh II and subsequent additions were made by successors over a period of 400 years. The flamboyant City Palace is a monumental complex, the largest palace in the city, comprising of 11 palaces, a museum, and many temples including the famous Jagadish Temple. It stands 240 metres tall and is made of marble and granite. It is surrounded and shielded by the Aravali range forests on all sides. The hanging gardens, terraces, patios, pavilions, the Amarvillas, the Durbar Hall, the Fatehprakash Palace, Zenana Mahal, the Rang Bhawan will take you into a different century into a different world!

So what are you waiting for? Plan a getaway to City Palace set on the banks of the beautiful Pichola Lake and surrounded by the forests of Aravali. The lake is encircled with ancient forts, temples and ghats. Take a romantic boat rides to gaze at the sunrise and sunset. Live like a prince or a princess in one of the Lake-view hotels and live a beautiful dream!