The genesis of the history of Udaipur begins with a famous local legend according to which Maharana Udai Singhji chanced upon a holy sage meditating on the Aravalli hills, who advised the king to establish a kingdom on this fertile valley bound by the rugged Aravalli's.

Thus Udai Singhji laid the foundations of the Udaipur city in the year 1557 A.D.Maharana Udai Singh was a descendant of the mighty Sisodias who claim their descent from the sun god, Surya. The Sisodias are recognized as the oldest ruling family in the world and were perhaps the mightiest among the warrior clans in Rajasthan.

One of the reasons for shifting the capital of Mewar from Chittaur to Udaipur was to ward off constant enemy attacks. Surrounded by the Aravalli's Udaipur was protected naturally and was considered quite safe

The land of the legendary saint Mira Bai and dauntless Maharana Pratap, Udaipur literally means the land of dawn and is popularly known as the 'city of lakes'. Udaipur is a bustling world of scrub forests, lakes, monuments and even wild animals and surprises you with its glassy lakes in the midst of desert Rajasthan.

Capital of erstwhile Mewar, Udaipur is a storehouse of fascinating monuments in white marble, ornamental royal gardens and ancient temples.

Discover a land that glitters with tales of courage, valor and undying pride of the famed Sisodia Rajputs. Listen to soul stirring ballads sung by local bards, see Udaipur 's architectural glory and experience the haunting Udaipur romance on your historical tours to fascinating Udaipur - a scintillating vision in cream-white. Royal Udaipur owes its existence to Maharana Udai Singhji.

According to common legend the history of Udaipur begins with a chance rendezvous between Maharana Udai Singh on a hunting expedition and a holy sage meditating on the banks of a lake in the midst of the Aravlli's.
The hermit advised the Rana to build a city at that spot and Udai Singh built the Dhuni Mata shrine at that very spot to commemorate this historic meeting.

Udaipur's history began with the construction of the Nouchouki palace on the banks of a pond dug by a gypsy in the 15th century. Udai Singh extended this pond and dug a massive manmade lake and christened it Pichola after a tiny village Picholi, located close by.

A suryavanshi and a descendant of the Sisodia Rajputs who are the oldest ruling family in the world with a traceable history of over 26 generations, Maharana Udai Singh created a dream city that is an oasis with lakes, wildlife, flora and fauna in the midst of desert Rajasthan.

The Capital of Mewar, Udaipur refused to pay obeisance to the mighty Mughals. After the death of Udai Singh, his valiant son Maharana Pratap took over the royal throne and was engaged in constant power skirmishes with the Mughals with an aim to recapture the erstwhile capital of Mewar, Chittor.

A landmark in the history of Udaipur, the fierce battle of Haldighati was fought in between Akbar and Maharana Pratap. Till date you can see a delightful shrine that was constructed in the memory of Chetak, Maharana Pratap's beloved horse, who in spite of suffering fatal injuries had brought its master to safety from the battlefield.

Fair & Fastival

Shilpgram Fair Udaipur

Shilpgram :
Literally meaning a "Craftsmen's Village" is a living ethnographic museum depicting the enormous diversities in craft, art & culture between various Indian states.Actually shilpgram fair is a project taken up the government to spread the somewhat undiscovered minor artistry all over the world especially among the youngsters.In this fair all the detached craftsmen both of Udaipur and other states are invited and cordially welcomed to come and exhibit their creation to the buyers.

The Gangaur Festival, Udaipur
The Gangaur Festival is the most important local festival of Rajasthan and is observed throughout the state with great fervor and devotion by womenfolk who worship Gauri, the consort of Lord Shiva.Gan is a synonym for Shiva and Gaur, which stands for Gauri or Parvati who symbolises 'saubhagya' (marital bliss). Gauri is the embodiment of perfection and conjugal love, which is why the unmarried women worship her for being blessed with good husbands, while married women do so for the welfare, health and long life of their spouses and a happy married and long life of their life.

Mewar Festival, Udaipur
One of the most famous festival of Udaipur (Rajsthan) is Mewar festival : An exhilarating welcome to spring, this festival is a visual feast with Rajasthani songs, dances, processions, devotional music and firework displays.In this festival the women folk gather to dress the images of Isar and Gangaur and then carry them in a ceremonial procession through different parts of the city.The procession winds its way to the Gangaur Ghat at Lake Pichhola. Here, the images are transferred to special boats amidst much singing and festivity.Once the religious part of the festival is over, it is time for cultural events where Rajasthani culture is portrayed through songs, dances and other programmes. The festival culminates with an impressive fireworks display.

Shriji's birthday celebration
Shriji's birthday celebration takes place on 13th of December, which is one of the ideal time to discover the charms of ancestral Udaipur. In this ceremony the birthday of Maharana (King) of Udaipur is being Udaipur is celebrated. Not only the royal dignitaries takes part in it but friends and admirers from all-over the country tour during this season to participate in it. All the royal people of different places dress in traditional costumes as a tribute to the Maharana.

Things to See in Udaipur

Lake Palace:
The most enchanting tourist attraction of Udaipur, the Lake Palace (also known as Jag Niwas) is a beautiful island palace built by Maharana Jagat Singh II in 1754. Situated on picturesque Lake Pichola, the white marble structure appears like emerging out of the shimmering blue waters on the lake, creating a spellbound effect on visitors.

City Palace:
One of the largest royal complexes in Rajasthan, the City Palace is situated on a promontory on the picturesque Lake Pichola. The complex has 11 beautiful Mahals (palaces) with balconies and towers, offering a breathtaking view of the lake and the city. Its Durbar Hall, which had been used as a venue for formal occasions like state banquets and meetings, has most luxurious interiors highlighted by some of the largest chandeliers in the world. The Palace also houses a Museum exhibiting a rich collection of artifacts.

Jag Mandir:
Jag Mandir is another beautiful island palace on Lake Pichola, built by Maharaja Karan Singh in 1615 AD. The palace once sheltered the Mughal prince Khurram (later Emperor Shah Jehan, who built the world-famous Taj Mahal) who rebelled against his father Jehangir in the 1620's. The Palace has a giant stone sculpture of elephants and an impressive chattri (cenotaphs) that add to its beauty.

Saheliyon-Ki- Bari:
The Saheliyon-ki-Bari Garden was built in early 18th century AD as a retreat for ladies of the royal household to spend their time in leisure. The enchantingly beautiful Garden is famous for its lotus pool, fountains (in the shape of birds), lush green lawns, flowerbeds, and marble pavilions, offering a breathtaking view to visitors.

Jagdish Temple:
Jagdish Temple is the largest and the most beautiful temple in Udaipur, built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651 AD. Dedicated to lord Vishnu, the temple is famous for its beautiful sculpted images and towering Shikara.

Fateh Sagar:
Located in the vicinity of the famous Saheliyon-ki-Bari Garden, Fateh Sagar is a beautiful lake, built by Maharana Fateh Singh in 1678. A canal built at the beginning of the 20th century connects it to the Lake Pichola. Nehru Park, a popular garden island with a boat-shaped café, is situated in the middle of the Lake.

Shopping in Udaipur
Shopping in Udaipur is a rendezvous with bright colors, exquisite crafts, brilliant hues, warm people and a lot more that has to be felt and cannot possibly be described in mere words. In all, a glorious experience - shopping tours to Udaipur offer you the perfect opportunity to shop till you drop Buy colorful folk toys, bewitching puppets, elaborate traditional attire, pottery, metal craft, traditional paintings, batiks, hand printed textiles and dyed saris during your shopping tours to Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.
Shop for the famous Pichwai paintings of Udaipur that were traditionally done in bright hues and were hung behind idols or images of Lord Krishna. Also shop for Phad paintings, tie and dye fabrics, kundan jewelry, silver jewelry, precious stones, bright turbans and more while on shopping tours to Udaipur in Rajasthan, India. Tour the side streets near the City Palace Complex and shop for ethnic miniature paintings done in the original style of the Mewar School of Art. Visit the Nathdwara village during your Udaipur shopping tours and buy the most exotically sculpted or crafted idols of gods and goddess in terracotta, stone and metal. Tour the famous bazaars of Udaipur during your shopping tours to this regal land. Some of the popular Udaipur bazaars are Hathi Pol, Bada Bazaar, Chetak Circle, Bada Bazaar and Palace Road.