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VENICE OF THE EAST
The
city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure water lakes,
hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravalis. A vision in white drenched
in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds
and experiences – an inspiration for the imagination of poets, painters
and writers.
Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and
narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavour of a heroic past,
epitomising valour and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters
of the Lake Pichhola is an enticing sight.
Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar – a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia
dynasty for 1200 years. The foundation of the city has an interesting
legend associated with it. According to it, Maharana Udai Singh, the
founder, was hunting one day when he met a holy man meditating on a hill
overlooking the Lake Pichchola.
The hermit blessed the Maharana and advised him
to build a palace at this favourably located spot with a fertile valley watered by the
stream, a lake, an agreeable altitude and an ampitheatre of low mountains. Maharana
followed the advise of the hermit and founded the city in 1559 A.D.
Overlooking the aquamarine
expanses of the Lake Pichchola stands the splendid City Palace – a
marvel in granite and marble.
Of the original eleven gates of the Udaipur City, only five remain. The Suraj Pol or
Sun Gate on the eastern side is the main entrance to the city.
Exquisite lake palaces of Udaipur, shimmering like jewels on Lake Pichchola are
overwhelming in splendour.
Several places of interest around Udaipur, including the majestic Chittaurgarh, the
mountain fortress of Kumbhalgarh, beautiful Jain temples of Ranakpur, Eklingji and
Nathdwara and the cool retreat of Mt. Abu, make the visit to Udaipur a memorable one.

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