Udaipur

Once dubbed “the most romantic spot on the continent of India” by British colonialist James Tod, Udaipur is known for its fairy-tale palaces and picturesque lakes. The city is surrounded by the Aravalli mountain range, which separates it from the Thar Desert. The purple hills provide a scenic backdrop to the ornately decorated “havelis” that line the shorefront. The city is renowned for its ancient forts, intricate temples and elaborate palaces.

Udaipur is built around seven lakes, the largest and most memorable being Lake Pichola. In the centre of Lake Pichola, the Lake Palace appears to float on the still waters. Opposite the Lake Palace is an even more impressive structure: the Udaipur City Palace. The City Palace’s extensive grounds encompass a rich blend of Rajasthani, Mughal, Medieval, European and Chinese architecture, built almost entirely from granite and marble.