Udaipur’s rich historical background has left in its path a wealth of monuments, including religious buildings and palaces. Much of the area’s past is documented in various museums, while you and your family will be provided with spectacular and sometimes surreal locations for sightseeing in many areas.

Bagore Ki Haveli
This palace and beautiful work of architecture dating back to the mid-1700s was handed over in 1986 by the West Zone Cultural Centre and opened to the public. The building, with over 130 rooms, features mirror and glass inlay in the Haveli, still in prime condition since the palace was first erected. Outstanding works of craftsmanship are seen in the colourful peacock-shaped glass ornaments, while the courtyards and terraces bring visitors back to a period of wealth and elegance.

City Palace 
This palace is a striking architectural marvel, located atop a hill overlooking Lake Pichola. The picture-perfect placing of the palace only adds to the splendour of the building, which is the largest palace in Rajasthan. Spend hours rambling through the palace’s pavilions, courtyards and terraces, or relax in the tranquility of the beautiful hanging gardens. The palace’s main building houses a museum featuring a collection of miniature Krishna figurines.

Chowmukha Temple
One of the renowned Dilwara temples, built in 1459, Chowmukha is the tallest of its type. The most striking feature in the compound is the four ton Tirthankara statue, crafted from what is known locally as panchadhatu, a five metal compound – silver, gold, brass, copper and zinc.

Clock Tower
This towering structure was built in 1876 and is located in the centre of the old city. The winding alleys below the tower are home to charming shops selling exotic goods, silver and gold products as well as workshops of some of the region’s best coppersmiths. The Clock Tower, the first public clock in the city, is particularly elegant at night when it is illuminated.

Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary 
Located on an area of 62 square kilometres, this manmade lake is a haven for migratory birds and home to a number of crocodiles which can on occasion be spotted. The surrounding forest is a hideout for cheetahs, wild boars and leopards.

Jagdish Temple
This is not only the largest temple in the region, but it is also widely considered one of the most spectacular. Although it is located about 150kms north of Udaipur, it is worth the journey for its unique Indo-Aryan style architecture and black stone image of Lord Vishnu.

Manikyala Verma Park
Enjoy great views of the old city surrounded by a picturesque and well maintained rock garden at this sacred grove. The musical fountain is one of the most interesting features and is particularly popular among children.

Ranakpur Jain Temple
This massive temple complex, built during the reign of Rana Khumbha in the 15^th century, covers an area of nearly 50,000 square feet. Over 400 columns support the complex’s striking pillared halls and domes, while each column has been carved in intricate designs with no two the same. Carved nymphs, each standing at 45 metres high, are among the most curious yet stunning of the temple’s features.

Sukhadia Circle
This is a local landmark featuring a three-tiered, 70 foot high waterfall, built in the middle of a roundabout. A popular hang-out for locals, the fountain is illuminated at night. There are also boating facilities for a great family day out. Boating here can offer respite from the soaring temperatures.

Vintage & Classic Car Collection
This fabulous collection of vintage cars was once used by the Mewar family for state occasions and to transport visiting dignitaries. The luxury automobiles are housed at the Garden Hotel for car lovers to ogle over. Phone: +91 294 241888184.

Board the Palace on Wheels. This luxury train will transport you through the imperial grandeur of the cities of Rajasthan, stopping in Udaipur and passing through spectacular and diverse countryside en-route. Each carriage features a bar, library, saloon, restaurant and a gift shop. Website: http://www.epalaceonwheels.net/index.html.

Dinner at Nehru Park. This spectacular garden took three years to complete and is surrounded by the Aravalli hills and features a garden restaurant affording visitors the opportunity to dine in a charming setting.

Take a boat trip to Jagmandir Palace. Construction of this palace commenced in 1628 and was initiated by Maharana Karan Singh. Later finished by Maharan Jagat Singh, who the palace and island are named after, it is said that the beautiful design of this palace was an inspiration for Prince Khurram’s now world-famous Taj Mahal. The temple features exquisite yellow sandstone structures with marble inlays.

Stay at the Taj Lake Palace hotel. With is stunning setting on Lake Pichola, visitors to the hotel can imagine they are guests of the Maharana Jagat Singh II two and a half centuries ago. The hotel is popularly known as one of the most romantic settings in the world.

Stroll around Gulab Bagh. A leisurely walk around this beautifully designed rose garden will send you into aromatic heaven. In addition to the garden, there is a library featuring a collection of old manuscripts, a museum and to the delight of many younger travellers, a small zoo.

Take a boat ride on the Fateh Sagar Lake. This manmade lake provides a great day out for all the family, surrounded by the rolling hills of Udaipur to the south, east and west and the Pratap Memorial to the north. It is possible to row to Nehru Park, a prime spot for a quiet day of relaxation.

Visit Ahar. This ancient city, featuring ruins dating back centuries, is the location of a number of cenotaphs which stand as monuments to the Maharanis of Mewar. A small museum contains a collection of relics that were excavated from nearby.

Visit the Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal Museum. An excellent museum of all things folk from Udaipur and elsewhere in Rajasthan, this facility offers insight into the rich folk traditions of the area. The collection includes masks, typical dress, puppets and musical instruments. There are regular opportunities to attend a traditional puppet show, a delightful experience for children.

Visit the Crystal Gallery. Overlooking the elegant Dubar Hall, the Crystal Gallery is home to a 600-piece collection of rare pieces of crystal from around the world.

Visit Lake Pichola. Most visitors to Udaipur spend at least a day at the well known Lake Pichola. The lake, with its two picturesque islands, Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas, is surrounded by rolling hills, charming gardens and stunning temples. One of the best ways to sit back and take in the sights is to catch a boat from the City Palace, which will take you on a leisurely trip to all the main features around the lake.

Visit the Solar Observatory. Large observatory’s telescopes offer glimpses of the dynamic phenomena that occur on the surface of the sun. The observatory’s location on the water is said to decrease air turbulence, allowing for better viewing.

Walk around Moti Magri. This tourist attraction, built around the ruins of an ancient palace, features a walk-through picturesque Japanese style garden that leads to the summit, where stunning panoramic views of Udaipur provide excellent photo opportunities.