Udaipur

Udaipur is a city in southern Rajasthan that stretches across several lakes and sits surrounded by the Aravalli hills at an elevation around 600 meters (roughly 2,000 feet). The city consists of several neighborhoods around the old center, where narrow lanes wind between white buildings and lead down to the shores of the lakes.

Maharana Udai Singh II founded the city in 1558 as the new capital of Mewar after repeated Mughal attacks on Chittorgarh forced the move. Over the following centuries, rulers built palaces, gardens and temples that still shape the city today.

In the streets and markets, vendors sell miniature paintings and silver jewelry while temple bells ring across the neighborhoods. Locals continue crafts like block printing on textiles and dyeing fabrics in bright colors, and visitors can watch artisans at work in their workshops.

The months from October to February offer the most comfortable weather for walking around, with temperatures between 15 and 28 degrees Celsius (about 60 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit). Getting around the old town works best on foot, while boats or taxis help reach farther lakeside areas and neighborhoods.

Three artificial lakes—Fateh Sagar, Swaroop Sagar and Pichola—mirror the white marble facades and hold island palaces within their waters. From the shores, you can watch fishermen cast their nets from small boats and see the sun sink slowly behind the palace walls.