Udaipur, in the heart of Rajasthan, is a 16th century city where myths unravel at every turn ofits by-lanes and legends shimmer on its lakes. The land of the kings of Mewar and their palaces,temples and havelis, Udaipur is a Lake City that is often called the Venice of the East.The City Palace built between 1567 and 1955 is one of the main attractions and the largest palacecomplex in Rajasthan. An amazing conglomeration of buildings with balconies, towers, marblearches and cupolas, it is also a storehouse of Rajasthani art with beautiful miniatures and rare Osler’scrystals housed in the Crystal Gallery.Jagdish Temple, built in 1651, enshrines a black stone image of Lord Vishnu as the Lord ofthe Universe.City PalaceUDAIPURA glittering oasis in the heart of the desert state, Udaipur isthe perfect place to discover the romantic heritage of Rajasthan.Chittorgarh FortKumbalgarh, a 15th century fort amidst the Aravalli Hills, is a 2.5 hours’ drive from the city. Breachedonly once in its five hundred year old history, the walls of the Kumbalgarh fort stretch over 36 kmsand enclose many temples, palaces and gardens.Ranakpur, 90 kms from the city, is one of the largest Jain temple complexes in India, and possiblythe most beautiful. Built in the 15th century and set against lush forest vegetation, its marble templeshave numerous halls and thousands of intricately carved pillars, no two of which are alike.Chittorgarh is famous for a war fought over its beautiful queen, Rani Padmini. When defeat wasimminent, the queen committed self-immolation or ‘Johar’ to avoid being captured by enemy soldiers.Bada Mahal Wildlife Conservatory, adjacent to the hotel, is a 20-acre sanctuary close toLake Pichola and is the natural habitat of peacocks, blue frock pigeons, wild boar and spotted deer.Udaipur’s rich heritage and tradition of artistry also make it the perfect shopping destination forantique silver jewellery, colourful fabrics and Rajasthani miniature paintings.
Overlooking the picturesque Lake Pichola and the City Palace, The <strong>Oberoi</strong> Udaivilās is aUdaipurmodern resort conceived on a palatial scale, with a collection of domes that form a dramaticskyline. Carefully crafted interiors embellished with intricate artefacts and glowing marbleinvoke the architectural grandeur of earlier centuries. Spacious and luxuriously appointedrooms offer private terraces for complete relaxation. Several rooms have a semi private swimmingpool adjoining their private terraces. At the <strong>Oberoi</strong> Spa, therapies from the East and West cometogether to indulge the senses. Enjoy fine international and traditional Indian cuisine in therestaurant or dine al fresco on terraces that offer panoramic views of the City Palace.Rated 4th best hotel in the world and number 1 in Asiaby Condé Nast Traveler, USA, 2008 Readers’ Choice Awards.The Lake City casts a magical spell in the desert state of Rajasthan. From The <strong>Oberoi</strong> Udaivilās,you can embark on a romantic boat ride on Lake Pichola in one of our traditional Shikaras.The glow of the setting sun, the gentle lapping of the water and the sparkle of champagne will createmagical moments that will stay with you long after your voyage is over.