General Information :
Area : 40 sq. kms.
Clothing: Summer : Light Tropicals Winter : Light Woolens
Season: Winter : Oct. - March Summer : April - June
Language: Rajasthani, Marwari, Hindi & English

There is no place in India, which appeals more to the imagination of poets and painters, travelers and writers than Udaipur, the lovely lake side capital of Mewar, by reason of its romance and beauty and its remarkable past bristling with episodes of heroism and splendor. Udaipur, the enchanting City of Dawn, looms up like a vision in white. Surrounded by hills and mountains and set on the edge of three lakes which give on to a fertile plain, it is bewitching in all its details - narrow streets lined by vivid color- red stalls, gardens, temples and palaces - every feature, mirrored in the placid blue waters of lake Pichola. An interesting legend is related to the founding of the city. On one of his excursions, Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar met hermit absorbed in meditation on a hill overlooking lake Pichola.

The ascetic gave his blessings and also advised the Maharana to build a stronghold on the very Spot as it would by well protected. The place indeed combines many natural advantages - a fertile valley watered by a stream, a lake, an agreeable altitude and an ampitheatre of low mountains. The new city was planned on the bank of Pichola in 1550 AD of the original eleven gates of Udaipur City, only five remain, the chief being Suraj Pol, Gate of the Sun, on the eastern side. The majestic City Palace, 30 meters high and several hundred meter long overlooks an immense esplanade edged by arcades. Around Udaipur are vestiges of its chivalrous past - the sprawling Chittaurgarh and the massive Kumbhalgarh; the temples of Eklingji, Nathdwara and the Ranakpur and finally there is Mount Abu, the only hill resort of Rajasthan, a cool, tranquil sanctuary.

Gangaur Festival: (March-April) This festival of maidens and married women, dedicated to Gauri, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and traditional rituals, the festival lasts for 18 days beginning from the day following Holi. Grand processions are taken out along with well-decorated and ornamented images of Gauri.

Mewar Festival: The rich tradition and culture finds expression in the pomp and gaiety of the festival which manifests in its songs, dances, processions, devotional music and firework displays. The festival welcomes spring; beautifully dressed women in their best costumes & jewellery carry images in processions to the Gangaur Ghat of Lake Pichole. Future dates for Mewar Festival are: 1-3 April, 2006

Inspired by the rich cultural heritage, a captivating collection of exquisite folk toys, bright coloured garments, hand printed textiles, batik and tie & dye sarees, fabrics and silver jewellery awaits the buyer at the shops. The Pichwai paintings or wall hangings of this place are world-renowned. Don't miss visiting the Rajasthan govt. Handicrafts Emporium.

Air: Besides Indian Airlines, some private airlines also connect Udaipur from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Jodhpur. Dabok Airport is 24 kms from the city, with taxies available for transportation.

Rail: Rail services are directly connected with major centers in the north and west like Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer Chittaur and Jodhpur. Taxies, auto rickshaws and local buses are available at the Railway Station for local Transportation.

Road: Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation operates buses, which can be categorized as ordinary, semi-deluxe and deluxe, connecting Udaipur with most of the tourist and business centers. Chauffer-driven air conditioned cars can also be hired from the state tourist offices and other approved operators.

Road Distances:
Ajmer :	264 kms
Chittaurgarh :	112 kms
Jaipur :	406 kms
Jodhpur :	275 kms
Mt. Abu :	185 kms
Ranakpur :	85 kms