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Udaipur
India's "Venice of the East" — Lake Palace floating on Lake Pichola (white marble palace 1746 converted to Taj Group hotel in 1971), Rajasthan's largest City Palace, millennial Mewar princely heritage.
Udaipur (650,000 inhabitants) is probably India's most romantic city — nicknamed the "Venice of the East" for its interconnected lake system at the heart of an Aravalli green hill amphitheatre, at 600 m altitude. It is the historic capital of the Kingdom of Mewar, one of the oldest and most prestigious Rajput kingdoms (continuous since 568 CE, 76 maharanas in 1,400 years — the world's longest continuous dynasty).
Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II after the previous seat of Chittorgarh was besieged by Mughal Emperor Akbar. It's one of the rare Rajput kingdoms to have resisted Mughal subjugation — a heritage of pride still felt today.
The city organises around its artificial lake system created in the 16th century. Lake Pichola (4 km², largest) hosts the two iconic floating palaces: Lake Palace (Jag Niwas, 1746, converted to Taj Group hotel in 1971, one of the world's most iconic hotels) and Jag Mandir (1620-1652, which is said to have inspired the Taj Mahal to Shâh Jahân).
The City Palace (started 1559 by Udai Singh II then continuously expanded by 22 successive maharanas — the current Maharana Arvind Singh Mewar and his son still occupy a private wing) is Rajasthan's largest palace — 244 m long, 30 m high, Mewar-Rajput-Mughal-European architectural blend.
The sunset cruise on Lake Pichola (departure 4-5pm from Bansi Ghat near City Palace, 1h duration, 700-1,000 INR/person) is Udaipur's signature experience.
What we love
- ✅Lake Palace (Taj, 1746): one of the world's most iconic hotels, white floating palace on Lake Pichola
- ✅City Palace: Rajasthan's largest palace (244 m), living heritage of the Mewar kingdom (world's longest continuous dynasty)
- ✅Jag Mandir: secondary floating palace, is said to have inspired the Taj Mahal to Shâh Jahân
- ✅Sunset cruise on Lake Pichola: signature experience, one of India's most beautiful
- ✅Romantic soothing atmosphere: Udaipur is the antithesis of Indian chaos, ideal for slowing down
What to know
- ❌Very high hotel rates in high season (Lake Palace €600-1,200/night, Oberoi Udaivilas €700-1,500)
- ❌Lake Palace fully booked 3-6 months ahead for December-February
- ❌Lakes can be low in May-June (drought) — water palaces less beautiful
- ❌Distances between sites: Monsoon Palace 12 km, Eklingji 22 km — mandatory taxi
- ❌Mass tourism at City Palace in high season
Situation
Où se situe Udaipur ?
Ouvrir la carte en grand sur OpenStreetMap →Frequently asked questions
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Our verdict
Udaipur is probably India's most beautiful city and Rajasthan's quintessential romantic destination. The concentration of water palaces, beauty of the lake system framed by Aravalli hills, living heritage of the Mewar kingdom (world's longest continuous dynasty), exceptional hotel quality make it an essential stop. Our advice: 2-3 nights minimum. Itinerary: D1 City Palace + Jagdish Temple + Lake Pichola sunset cruise (signature experience) + Bagore-ki-Haveli dance show, D2 Lake Palace (lunch if not staying) + Jag Mandir + Saheliyon-ki-Bari + Monsoon Palace Sajjangarh panoramic sunset, D3 Ranakpur Jain temple excursion (2h drive) or Kumbhalgarh Fort UNESCO. Iconic hotels: Lake Palace (Taj, €600-1,200/night standard room, 3-6 month advance booking, absolute experience), Oberoi Udaivilas (€700-1,500/night, 50 rooms facing City Palace, regularly among world's best hotels by Travel + Leisure), Leela Palace Udaipur (€500-900/night, more accessible but luxurious). Modest budget: Jagat Niwas Palace (traditional lake haveli, €100-180/night) or Trident Udaipur (€180-300/night). Ideal period: mid-November to mid-March.
Nearby
"Janvier : haute saison absolue, climat idéal, Lake Palace complet."
Expert on Udaipur · 1 contributions
South-East Asia Desk — Mowando·Editor