TRAVEL THE WORLD - UDAIPUR, INDIA

In 2007 the City Palace complex in Udaipur was one of the most interesting palaces we saw in India. We had a very nice, very informative guide all to ourselves for over an hour. The palace was built by the Rajput Maharana Udai Singh beginning with the royal courtyard in 1568. He was given the title of maharana in recognition that he did not submit to defeat by the Mughals. The palace complex is a blend of medieval European and Chinese architecture. It has buildings of immense beauty, as well as gardens and fountains - all well planned and finely executed over the years.

INDIA VACATION 2007

UDAIPUR, RAJASTHAN

Udaipur is a beautiful city in Rajasthan on the man-made Lake Pichola. The Lake Palace, pictured in the third photo above, was built in 1743 by the Rajput Maharana Jagat Singh. Today, it is a luxury hotel.

The Rajputs, prior to India gaining its independence from Britain, were rulers of states within what is now Rajasthan. These states joined newly- independent India, though they had not been part of the British Raj.

The City Palace complex, featured in the middle photo, is the historic home of the Udaipur maharanas. The current Maharana, who continues to reside in the palace, has no political power but is held in great esteem by the people of Udaipur.

The first photo shows beautiful Lake Pichola. It is possible to book a room in a lovely moderately-priced hotel that faces directly onto the lake.