What to see in Udaipur: the city of lakes in India

Exotic lakes, fairytale palaces or epic forts. When we think of the most romantic India, there are many places that come to mind. However, few can compare to the magic of what is known as “Venice of the East”. Come with us and discover everything there is to see in Udaipur.

” The most romantic place in the entire Indian subcontinent .” With these words, the British administrator James Tod defined a certain city located in the south of the state of Rajasthan where the presence of different lakes merges with the majesty of the most monumental India.

Historical and magical, Udaipur is undoubtedly one of the must-see stops during any tour of India thanks to its many contrasts and secrets.

Regarded as the historical capital of the Mewar kingdom , which encompassed a stretch of the Aravali Mountains, Udaipur is made up of five lakes, the main one being Pichola Lake , which is why the city is known by many as the “Venice of the East”. ».

A romantic paradise whose legacy breathes through each of its windows, inviting you to discover hotels in floating palaces that are just the icing on the cake of all the places to see in Udaipur .

Lake Pichola

Conceived in the 14th century as an artificial lake near the town of Picholi, Lake Pichola is the greatest icon of Udaipur . Made up of four different islands, Jag Niwas was chosen to build the summer palace of the Mewar dynasty between 1743 and 1746. A lavish complex that, over time, would be transformed into a hotel, specifically the Taj Lake Palace, a five stars where you can recreate a fantasy worthy of the Thousand and One Nights.

City Palace

On the shores of Lake Pichola itself lies the “City Palace” of Udaipur, built in 1559 by Maharana Udai Mirza. Halfway between medieval, Spanish and Chinese influences, the City Palace of Udaipur encompasses up to 11 different palaces from whose bowels gardens, dreamlike terraces and the most curious designs are born. Among its great charms are the Chandra Mahal, the Maharani’s Palace, the City Palace Museum or the Mukut Mahal , different rooms from which to look out through stained-glass windows .

Cenotaphs of Ahar

The former maharajas of Rajasthan used to be cremated and then honored through a structure placed over their grave called a chhatri. A typical custom of the northwest of this state that in Udaipur finds one of its best representatives: the Ahar cenotaphs , a set of 19 chhatris located 2 kilometers from Udaipur where the whispers of old times contrast with the monumental charm of one of the most characteristic structures of India.

Bagore Ki Haveli

If the chhatri is an icon of funeral ceremonies in India, the havelis are the counterpoint, being huge mansions popularized during the Mughal empire in countries like Pakistan, Nepal or India , especially in the state of Rajasthan. Embraced by Lake Pichola, Bagore Ki is the most important haveli in Udaipur , with up to one hundred rooms dotted with colored glass lights and around a ritual courtyard (or chowk ) where kings and queens once worshiped the tulsi, a sacred plant.

Monsoon Palace

Built in 1884 in honor of Maharaja Sajjan , the “Monsoon Palace”, also known as Sajjan Garh Palace, sits atop a hill offering the best views of Fateh Sagar Lake . Filming location of Octopussy , one of the most famous films in the James Bond saga, this construction was conceived to be able to better witness the monsoon clouds, a phenomenon that in India is interpreted in a more mystical and ceremonious way than the traveler imagines . A monument built in white marble whose charm lies in its high towers with exotic balconies or a central patio where you can inspire the history of old times.

Nathdwara

Any traveler looking for what to see in Udaipur will find many other attractions and experiences not far from the city of lakes. The best example is Nathdwara, a town located 45 kilometers northeast of Udaipur famous for the presence of Shrinathji, a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna whose charm links with a route through the streets of this town also famous for the presence of numerous artists dedicated to the Pichwai paintings, of great fame in Rajasthan . A town that in 2020 will acquire even greater fame after the inauguration of a statue of Lord Shiva conceived as the tallest of its category in all of India. Attractions to discover while the delicious milk caramels typical of Nathdwara bubble in your mouth.