The old city, as it was settled, runs around the magnificent City Palace, on the eastern shore of Lake Pichola. As you go northwards, you encounter the quaint labyrinth of lanes and gullies that make the old city.
Lake Pichola (Lake Palace and Jag Mandir Island)
Probably the most visible face of Udaipur, photographed and splayed across brochures and calendars, is the pristine Lake Palace, set amid the placid waters of Lake Pichola. The lake covers 8 km and is ringed by the beautiful Aravalis Udaipur is particularly blessed with. Although the beauty of the lake varies with the monsoon, and at times it lies sadly dry, its two islands glitter, immaculate in the greenery.
One of the islands has the erstwhile Jag Niwas, now the Lake Palace Hotel, which was built by Raja Jagat Singh in Mughal-Rajput style and was used as his summer residence (1628 – 1652). The Jag Mandir island is home to the Gul Mahal, and was famously home to Shah Jahan when his father Jahangir banished him from the kingdom. It was once again used as a refuge during the first war of independence in 1857, by British women and children. The Jag Mandir still preserves detailed stone inlay work on its roof and carved chhatris.
Boats depart for half-hour rides around the lake from Bansi Ghat, below the Fateh Prakash Palace hotel. Watching the breathtaking sunset from the boat might be the most unforgettable experience of your life. (Rs. 75 per head. 10 am to 5 pm).
City Palace Complex
The sprawling City Palace actually comprises 11 palaces added on by 300 years of posterity since 1559, making it the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. It towers over the city, done in beautiful porous yellow stone that catches the light ethereally at sunset and sunrise. Ornate canopies are fixed at its façade and the interiors are inlaid with ivory and cut glass work, brilliant meenakari and an awesome view through jharokhas of the lake.
You can take a guided tour to understand the significance of the cornucopia that adorns the room, from the lovely miniatures to the glass and porcelain figures. Particularly stunning are the Zenana Mahal and the More Chowk (Peacock Chowk). There is also the world’s largest collection of crystals here, that stocks, among other crystal things, crystal furniture!
Two of the palaces, Shiv Niwas and Fateh Prakash have been converted into heritage hotels. Most corridors here have a stunning view of the lake. There is also a lovely collection of the royal family’s vintage cars. (Rs. 50 per head entry fee.)
Jagdish Temple
Built in 1652, Jagdish temple lies in the heart of the old city at the Jagdish Chowk. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, the temple walls are intricately carved, covered with characters from Hindu mythology.
