UDAIPUR is also known as the "City of Palaces", a "Fairyland" and a "Vision in Dream". It is surrounded by hills, mountains, and its beautiful palaces are mirrored in the calm blue water of Lake Pichola. Udaipur, as the capital of Mewar, was created by Maharana Udai Singh in 1568. The lakeside city was built on a small wooded plain encircled by mountains, which was in direct contrast to the masculinity of Chittor and Kumbhalgarh. The houses and temples of the old city stretch out around the Lake Pichola in a pale honeycomb that makes Udaipur an oasis of colors in a stark and arid region like Rajasthan.

Climate
Udaipur has a tropical climate, but more pleasing than other places in Rajasthan. In the summers, mercury rises up to a maximum of 38.3°C. Not much respite is there in the summers, as the minimum temperature does not fall below 28ºC. Winters are a little cold with the maximum temperature rising to 28.8°C and the minimum dipping to 11.6°C. The annual total rainfall is 61 cm. Winters (September-March) are the best period for visiting Udaipur.

Location
Udaipur is located in the North Western corner of India and part of Rajasthan. The city is a part of Aravalli Hills that gives it a sense of vegetation and a welcome respite from the arid land that Rajasthan is. Udaipur is well connected through air, rail, and road to other important cities of India like Jaipur, Delhi, and Mumbai.

Udaipur - HISTORY
It is the jewel of Mewar, a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1,200 years, making it the oldest dynasty in India, perhaps in the world! Claiming descent from Surya, the sun God, they were the only Rajput princes who steadfastly refused to marry with the powerful Mughals. The capital of Sisodias was Chittor, until the 6th century, when it was moved to Udaipur, named after Maharana Udai Singh. According to legend, the Maharana was out hunting one day when he met a holy man meditating on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichola. The hermit blessed the Maharana and told him to built a palace at that very spot, as it would be well protected. The Maharana followed his advice and Udaipur came into being! Over-looking the aquamarine waters of the Lake Pichola stands the shimmering granite and marble Lake Palace, a harmonious blend of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. Eight marble porticos mark the spot where the Mewar sovereigns were weighed in gold, the equivalent value of which was then distributed to the poor.

Udaipur - SIGHTSEEING
What make Udaipur truly memorable are the exquisite lake palaces, shimmering like jewels on Lake Pichola. Jag Niwas, the summer residence of the princes of Mewar, is today a luxury hotel of breathtaking magnificence. Jag Mandir, the other island palace, is a marvel of red sandstone, with a marble dome. The mosaic pools and fountains of Sahelion-ki-Bari near Fateh Sagar Lake are open to the public.