Udaipur, a splash of colour in Rajasthan that is brighter when tinged with the tones of local lore and legends. Visit the City Palace, built in 1725, which hours the Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal - studded with glittering Belgium Mirrors, Moti Mahal and the Palace of Lord Krishna all of which are ornately decorated.
Later visit the Jagdish Temple. This temple built in 1651 is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver in gardens of the maids-of-honour, with beautiful lawns, gardens and fountains. Later drive around the Fatehsagar Lake.
A visit to Udaipur is incomplete without a boat cruise in Lake Pichola the historic 14th century lake made by a local banjara (gypsy) that was extended in the 16th century by Rana Udai Singh II to establish Udaipur- “the city of lakes”. The picturesque boat ride on Lake Pichola not only provides the best scenic view of the lake and the mountains in the city, but also presents some of the most important historical monuments dotted along the lakeside or submerged within the lake.
Beginning with the monumental lakeside facade of the City Palace Complex, the boat ride moves to the picturesque ghats with their distinctive steps, still used by the locals. The lake-side is lined with the havelis of the nobles, most prominent being the Bagore ki Haveli. Beyond the lakeside history and the beautiful island palaces, the boat ride provides a fantastic view of the distant monsoon palace perched on the hills. Sajjangarh was the palace built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in the late 19th century to enjoy the beautiful monsoon season of the lake city of Udaipur.
Chiselled out of sandstone and marble, the temple of Eklingji is a complex of 108 temples enclosed by high walls and is devoted to the presiding deity of the Maharanas of Mewar. It has an ornate 'Mandap' or pillared hall. Under the canopy of a huge pyramidical roof.The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The sanctum sanctorum has four faced image of Lord Shiva. Continue to Nagda - The first capital of Bappa Rawal, the ancient palace has a magnificent torana or arch which is ornately carved. The tenth century Sas Bahu temples dedicated to Sas (mother in-law) and Bahu ( Daughter in-law ) and are rated among the best temples in India and the Jain temple here is worth visiting.
Ranakpur is one of the five most important Jain pilgrimage sites of India. The Jain temples in this town are dedicated to Lord Adinath, who was the first Jain Tirthankara. The most popular of the Jain temples present in the place includes the Chaumukha Temple.
These temples are 500 years old, but are still in good condition and are well preserved. The complex of this temple comprises four subsidiary shrines, along with 29 pillared halls and 80 domes that are supported by 1444 pillars, all intricately carved. The carvings on these pillars are present at a height of 45 ft and include pictures of nymphs playing flute and in various dance postures
The Jain Dilwara temples are located in Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station. These temples dating back from the 11th to the 13th century AD are world famous for their stunning use of marble. This legendary temple of Dilwara is a sacred pilgrimage of the Jains.
Some consider them to be one of the most beautiful Jain pilgrimage sites in the world. The marble temples have an opulent entranceway. The simplicity in architecture may remind one that Jainism has always encouraged honesty and frugality. Later proceed to Nakki lake which is also popular as picnic destination in Mout Abu.
Your Udaipur walking tour begins at Gadiya Devra temple and takes you to the majestic steps of Gangaur Ghat on the banks of Lake Pichola, the heart of the city. Check out the beautifully restored royal architecture, then have a snack stop at a 150-year-old heritage art house for tea and samosas.
The house is intricately decorated with fresco paintings and traditional artwork — a mini private gallery for you to explore! Refreshed, you’ll visit the Sai Mandir and Jagdish temples, where countless pilgrims visit every day. We’ll then proceed to the Chowk area, and en route see Maje-ki-Baoli, a century-old unique step well. Then, we head to the utensil-making colony of Kasara Ki Oi, and further on to Bada Bazaar. From here, you’ll weave along a trail of local trades and crafts. We’ll walk through the Sunarwada jewellery market and Mochiwada shoe market, where you can indulge your inner shopaholic with pairs of traditionally embroidered Rajasthani jutti (decorated shoes).
As you walk through the markets, you’ll have time to chat with locals and learn more about their ancient trades. We’ll then proceed to a local potter’s house, where you’ll witness the traditional techniques for making clay pots and water pitchers. Want to get your hands dirty? Climb behind the potter's wheel and put your skills to the test by making a pot (or if you’re really good, maybe two). Your Udaipur tour will then lead you to Delhi Gate, where you’ll bid farewell and have the rest of the afternoon free to explore the city on your own.