Almost all of us love to celebrate occasions in a royal approach, as a friend of mine invited me to the reception party of his marriage at Lake Palace, Udaipur. Being an addict to celebrations and an explorer, I packed my bags and planned a tour to Udaipur – ranked as 2nd best city in Asia and 7th in the world. As the function was organized in the splendid white marble structure of Lake Palace in the middle of Lake Pichola, I started my exploration from there only. This island kind of structure was established in 1746 and was called Jag Niwas. Recently, it has been converted to a luxury hotel under the property of Taj Group of Hotels.

Next morning, I left for other major attractions in Udaipur. This royal city of Rajput Kings of Mewar has a huge 450 year old monument – the City Palace, located alongside the Lake Pichola only. I entered the palace through a triple-arched gate – Tripolia and came across lovely terraces, corridors and gardens. I clicked several wall paintings of Lord Krishna that were displayed in Bhim Vilas. Similarly, the architectural pattern of Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal and Krishna Vilas were spellbinding. These grand palaces still retain the age old glory of bygone era in the form of antique articles, paintings, decorative furniture and utensils.

In the evening, I visited Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal for several folk art performances and puppet shows. After a tiring but enjoyable day, my last activity was boating in the splendid Lake Fateh Sagar. For dinner, I was served awesome Dal Bati Churma in my hotel.

Next morning, I planned for a half day tour during which I paid short visits to Maharana Pratap Memorial, Saheliyon ki Bari, Sajjangarh Fort (summer resort of Maharajahs), Jagdish Temple (a perfect example of Indo-Aryan architecture), and Udaipur Solar Observatory (Asia’s only solar observatory).

I had my lunch in Gulab Bagh (rose garden) where small restaurants serve tasty and spicy fast food. The trip was short but crisp. I marked all the untouched attractions for my next visit.

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I first came across the famous Pichola Lake. Located in the heart of the

city, it is the oldest (built in 1362) and one of the largest lakes of

Udaipur. With 3 miles of length, 2 miles of width and 30 feet of depth, it is cradled amongst hills, gardens, havelis, temples and ghats. The mesmerizing beauty of Lake Pichola is capale of making you fall in love with it. I was also surprised to see the splendid beauty of Udai Sagar Lake. Built between 1559 and 1565 by Maharana Udai Singh, the lake extends to 4 km in length 2.5 km in width. The dam on this lake is connected to Berach River. I loved spending some quality time alonside the serene waters of this lake while having lunch at a small restaurant/dhaba.

When it comes to other renowned artificial lakes, the Fateh Sagar Lake (built by Maharana Jai Singh in the year 1678 AD) and Jaisamand Lake (built in 1685) stole my heart. The Fateh sagar lake has three beautiful islands dotted by hills and woodlands. It is a nice place to explore and tourists like to

enjoy the tranquil beauty of this lake. On the other hand Jaisamand Lake, 52 km southeast from Udaipur, boasts of being the second largest artificial lake in Asia. It is quite close to the Jaisamand Sanctuary (built in 1957), which serves as a home to several birds, panthers, leopards, deer, wild boars and crocodiles. I also paid short visits to Badi Lake (built by Maharana Raj Singh I in 1684 at a cost of Rs. 688,000) and Rajsamand Lake (built in 1660) and enjoyed boat-ride in the evening. Such pleasant activities leave soothing impacts on the tangled nerves of the tourists. A few local people told me that Lake Swaroop Sagar, Kuwaria Talaab, Badi Jheel, Dhoodh Talai, Rani Sagar and Kaka Kiwad were also popular watercourses a few years back, but they dried up with course of time. Presently these serve as thoroughfares for the people and grazing grounds for animals. With all these natural attractions, Udaipur is a favourite tourist spot of the honeymooners, and holiday makers.

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Dotted with exquisite marble forts and palaces, Udaipur showcases the rich history and architectural patterns of the Rajput Kings. Most of these forts and palaces were built in the medieval era by regal personages. I was completely overwhelmed to see the lavish interiors, royal decor and rugged exteriors of these spell binding structures. Reflecting the lifestyles of the passionate Rajputs in the best possible manner, the City Palace stands over the Pichola Lake. The palace was built by Maharana Uday Singh and later several palaces and structures were added to the complex by succeeding Maharanas. Various huge gates, the Mor Chawk (the peacock square), Armoury museum (exhibiting a huge collection of protective gears and weapons), Manak Mahal or the Ruby Palace (known for a lovely collection of glass and mirror work) and Krishna Vilas (displaying a rich collection of miniature paintings) are a few major attractions of the City Palace. The rooms of the Moti Mahal, Chini Mahal and the Zenana Mahal in the City Palace complex are superbly decorated with mirror tiles and paintings.

I then visited the renowned Lake Palace Hotel, located on an island on Lake Pichola. While having my lunch in the restaurant there, I also came to know that the Lake Palace Hotel was originally built by the Maharana Jagat Singh II in 1754. It is rated among the most romantic hotels in India. I paid short visits to the famous Fateh Prakash Palace and Jag Mandir, which are known for authentic royal luxury.

Almost all the major forts and palaces in Udaipur boast of the legends of their glorious past. These ancestral structures have witnessed several changes over the centuries and still they stand tall retaining the vibrant aspects of the age old cultures.

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