Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Udaipur is one of the famous tourist destinations in the state of Rajasthan of India.It is also known by the name of "City of Lakes" or "Venice of the East". It was the historic capital of the Mewar kingdom and presently administrative headquarters of Udaipur district. Nestled between the hills of Aravalli and with many lakes, Palaces, and forts situated here it is one of the most favourite destinations among both domestic as well as international tourists.

The city of Udaipur was founded by the Mewar king , Rana Udai Singh.There is a legend associated with the establishment of the city. According to the legend Rana Udai Singh came here after following a Hermit.Hermit told the king to build a fort here and he will be protected here.The legend has been well described in Wikipedia-

Legend has it that Maharana Udai Singh came upon a hermit while hunting in the foothills of the Aravalli Range. The hermit blessed the king and asked him to build a palace on the spot and it would be well protected. Udai Singh established a residence there. In 1568 the Mughal emperor Akbar captured Chittor, and Udai Singh moved the capital to the site of his residence, which became the city of Udaipur.
Source

How to reach Udaipur-

Udaipur is well connected from rest of the country and rest of the cities in Rajasthan by air railways as well as road. Reaching here from the main cities of India is not a problem at all.

Reaching Udaipur by Air-
Udaipur has a small airport named Maharana Pratap Singh Airport and only receives flights from domestic circuit. The airport is situated about 20 kms from Udaipur and from here you can hire a taxi to reach the main city of Udaipur. Flights from some major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Jodhpur reach here on regular basis.Indian Airlines operate a daily flight from Jaipur and Mumbai. Jet airways and air Deccan has also regular flights from Delhi, Jodhpur, Jaipur and Mumbai.

Reaching Udaipur by Railway-
A few years back Udaipur was located on narrow gauge line but now the narrow gauge line have been transformed into broad gauge and travelling by railways has become the easiest and cheapest source to reach this historical city. Many daily trains arrive and depart from here connecting Udaipur to some large cities of India like Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Jodhpur.For more information and train schedule log onto government railways website.

Reaching Udaipur by Road-
Udaipur is well connected with every major city in Rajasthan and the neighbouring state.Deluxe, Semi-Deluxe, A/C as well as general buses are available from cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Gwalior , Ahmedabad and many other cities on regular basis. In Delhi you can find buses for Udaipur at Bikaner House as well as ISBT (inter state bus terminus).

Where to stay in Udaipur-

Udaipur has whole range of hotels with budget, mid range and costly splurges all available and scattered all along the city.Finding a hotel hat suits your need is not a problem here at Udaipur. Most of the hotels are located near Pichola lake and it would be advisable to hire a room here as most of the places of tourist interests are located at comfortable distance from here. It would also be advisable to book your room beforehand to avoid hassles after you reach here.

Eating out in Udaipur-

Udaipur has plenty of nice places where you can enjoy some real delicious dishes.Most of the good ones are located near lake and in the heart of the city. You can get all kinds of relishing recipes here like, Italian, Chinese, Indian as well as western. If you are looking for change in taste then try out some Rajasthani delicacies. Dal- Baati- Choorma is one of the famous cuisines of Rajasthan and youy can try this food which is extremely delicious. Other dishes worth eating are Ghevar, Gatte - ki - Sabzi and mirchi bada.
Hukam, The Family Restaurant. Multi Cuisine Restaurant, situated at Sahelion Ki Badi Road serves mouth watering Dishes.aircondition & Ambience Par Excellance.

Weather and best time to visit-

Being very near to Thar desert Udaipur is extremely hot during the months of April to August. It would be good to avoid visiting this place during these months as it will spoil your mood and it is almost next to impossible to move around during these months.
The best time to visit this place would be during winter months from the month of November to February. Take some woolen clothes if you are visiting this place during the month of December and January..