Set around the vast Pichola Lake and dominated by dramatic palaces, Udaipur is surely Rajasthan's most picturesque city. It certainly has made a huge impression on me! High whitewashed houses and narrow, winding alleys lend it an almost medieval charm. The huge City Palace, still the residence of the Maharana, is carved out of yellow sandstone and stands on the banks of Lake Pichola. From here there are fabulous views over the lake and the famous Lake Palace Hotel. The main part of the City Palace is now preserved as a museum with a large and varied collection of mosaics, glass and porcelain figures, miniatures and paintings. Nearby is the Jagdish temple, a centre of constant activity. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple was built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh 1. But one of the highlights of this city is simply wandering the narrow lanes of the Old City with its whitewashed buildings built on the shores of the lake and to wander through the bazaars to look for souvenirs. For a superb evening meal try the restaurant on Jagmandir Island, after having booked a table whilst on a lake boat ride. It cost something like £15 inclusive of a boat ride for two for the evening!

For a photo of Lake Pichola without water see: < https://pbase.com/image/35336100

The island palace, Jagmandir, was completed by Maharana Karan Singh, but takes its name from Maharana Jagat Singh (1628-52) who made a number of additions to it. It is said that the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, derived some of his ideas for the Taj Mahal from this palace after staying here in 1623-24 while leading a revolt against his father, Jehangir. The view across the lake from the southern end, with the city and its great palace rising up behind the island palaces, is a scene of rare beauty and becomes even more picturesque at night.

Of course (as one never fails to hear) the Lake Palace was the setting for Octopussy and is a beautiful island which apparently has a fabulous restaurant and food. Next time we visit......! < http://www.indiasite.com/rajasthan/udaipur/

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