Udaipur the famed 'city of sunrise’ was founded in 1567 by Maharana Udai Singh, a fearless Rajput king. This languid lake city with its fantasies in marble, picturesque hibiscus-covered gardens and elaborate fountain pavilions embodies the glory of the Rajput era. It is one of the most charming and romantic cities in all of Rajasthan. It nestles like a gem in a valley surrounded by green hills, reflected smooth and white in the clear blue waters of Lake Pichola. The palaces of the erstwhile Royal family of Mewar overlook the lake and in the lake are located two other palaces, the Lake Palace and Jagmandir. Many of these are now luxury hotels with the City Palace converted into a very interesting museum. Udaipur has provided the magical setting for films as diverse as Octopussy and Jewel in the Crown.
