Udaipur, the white city built around the clear lake Pichola, is also popularly known as the city of lakes or, even more suggestive, as the Venice of the East. Some people say that it is the most romantic city in India. And it undoubtedly has its charm. You can take a boat trip on the water and visit the island and the former palace in the middle of the lake (maybe you know it from one of those James Bond films). You can walk around the picturesque town and look at the women doing their laundry at one of the ghats. See how in the morning the water seems to be afire because of the many little floating candles that are offered to the gods. The large city palace houses a fine museum as well.

Udaipur has some interesting sights in its vicinity. The Kumbhalgarh Fort is one of the most important forts in this area and from the top, you can have a good over view of the surroundings. In Ranakpur you can visit one of the most impressive Jain temples. A good option is also renting a bike for a day and set off for one of for one of other lakes in the vicinity or Shilpgram, an ‘ethnographic crafts village’. The Nathdwara temple is located at 48 Kms from Udaipur and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Inside is a Statue of Lord Krishna ('Shrinathji') in black marble.