Udaipur, the former capital of the Mewar kingdom in Rajasthan, is built around a chain of artificial lakes in the Aravalli hills, earning it the nickname "City of Lakes." The vast City Palace complex, the island Lake Palace on Lake Pichola, and a walkable old town of white havelis make it one of Rajasthan's most romantic heritage destinations.
The Story of Udaipur
Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II of the Mewar dynasty, who relocated his capital from Chittorgarh — a fort that had been repeatedly besieged and sacked — to this more defensible, lake-fed valley site in the Aravalli hills. The move followed a long history of the Sisodia Rajput rulers of Mewar resisting Mughal expansion more fiercely, and for longer, than most other Rajput states.
Udai Singh's successors expanded the city considerably, most notably his son Maharana Pratap, still celebrated in Rajasthani history for his defiance of Mughal emperor Akbar, including at the pivotal Battle of Haldighati in 1576. Later rulers built the grand City Palace complex overlooking Lake Pichola in stages over roughly 400 years, along with the lake palaces that now give Udaipur its romantic reputation.
Under Maharana Jagat Singh II in the 1740s, the Lake Palace (Jag Niwas) was built on an island in Lake Pichola as a royal summer retreat — today the site of the Taj Lake Palace hotel. Mewar remained a princely state under British paramountcy until Indian independence, and Udaipur is now known worldwide as the "City of Lakes" and a favoured setting for weddings and films alike.
Top Places to Visit in Udaipur
Lake Pichola, City Palace & Mewar Heritage — here's what most visitors build their itinerary around.
Best Time to Visit Udaipur
How to Reach Udaipur
* Indicative one-way sedan fares — the exact fare (including driver allowance, taxes and estimated tolls) is always shown before you confirm your booking. Ertiga, Innova Crysta and Tempo Traveller options are available at checkout.
Good to Know Before You Go
Udaipur Travel — Frequently Asked Questions
Udaipur is about 421 km from Jaipur, roughly 7–8 hours by cab, making it a common next stop for travellers touring Rajasthan.
Maharana Udai Singh II of the Mewar dynasty founded Udaipur in 1559, relocating his capital from the repeatedly besieged fort of Chittorgarh to this more defensible, lake-fed valley.
September to March for the most pleasant weather; the peak summer months (April–June) bring intense heat that's best avoided for extensive sightseeing.
The Lake Palace on Lake Pichola operates as the Taj Lake Palace hotel and is generally reserved for guests, though many boat tours cruise past it for photographs.
Yes — One-Way Bhaarat runs flat-fare one-way cabs to Udaipur from Jaipur, Ahmedabad and other nearby cities, with the fare shown upfront before you book.