The city of Dawn, Udaipur is a lovely land around the azure water lakes, hemmed in by the lush hills of the Aravalis. A vision in white drenched in romance and beauty, Udaipur is a fascinating blend of sights, sounds and experiences - an inspiration for the imagination of the poets, painters and writers. Its kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, lakes, temples, gardens and narrow lanes strewn with stalls, carry the flavour of heroic past, epitomising valour and chivalry. Their reflection in the placid waters of the Lake Pichhola is an enticing sight.

Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar - a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 years. The foundation of the city has an interesting legend associated with it. According to it, Maharana Udai Singh, the founder, was hunting one day when he met a holy man meditating on a hill overlooking the Lake Pichhola.

The famous "white" city of Rajasthan state, Udaipur stands on the banks of the lake Pichola, its many white marble palaces reflecting in the lake's calm waters. Udaipur is voted one of the most romantic cities of India. Due to an abundance of water, there are a number of gardens in and out of town. There are a number of reservoirs surrounding the town, along with a few forts and ancient ruins.

Fairs & Festivals:
Rajasthan is famous for its colorful festivals and vibrant fairs. Being part of Rajasthan, the city of Udaipur celebrates all the fairs and festivals with equal fervor.

Mewar Festival:
Mewar festival is observed to welcome the arrival of spring season with all zest and dedication in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The spirit of the festival can be seen throughout the state of Rajasthan, since Udaipur has been always the governing place of the Mewar rulers, you will find its exact flavor in the city of Udaipur.

Shilpgram Crafts Fair:
Shilpgram Mela is held annually in the west of the city of Udaipur. Shilpgram Crafts Fair is organized to promote art and craft of Rajasthan. Since, Rajasthan has always been famous for its handicrafts and artwork; this fair is a perfect destination to try out the hand woven clothes, embroideries, mirror works and handicrafts.

Udaipur Culture:
Udaipur is a romantic land that had been favorite place of the Rajputs. This beautiful city has received a rich cultural heritage from the bygone age.


Cuisine:
Udaipur cuisine comprises vegetarian dishes as the place is highly dominated by Jainism and Vaishnavism. Food is usually made from lots of vegetables and lentils. It is seasoned with a great variety of spices that are unique to the lands of Rajasthan. You can find type of curries ranging from Lentil to yoghurt. Dried mango by the name of 'Ocra' and beans of 'sangri' is accompanied by many meals. Deep-fried breads and extensive use of chili makes the cuisine of Udaipur, a delicious one.

People:
Udaipur dwellers are really friendly and good to be with. On your first look, you will find them rugged, but these people are really good at heart. Untouched by the pace of modern times, these desert people are well-built, simple and cheerful. Here, people usually prefer wearing bright colored clothes. The traditional attire of women is 'Ghaghra choli' (Skirt & blouse) and for men, angrakha (Kurta) and dhoti would do. In the modern times, people prefer wearing casual dress to match the contemporary fashion.

Language:
To communicate, language is really important. Mewari is the primary language of Udaipur, yet Rajasthani, Hindi and English are also common in the city.

Religion:
Jainism is the main religion which is observed in Udaipur. Other religions include Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism and Christianity in the decreasing order.

Folk Dance and Music:
The dynamic and vibrant dance adds sparkle to this romantic city of Udaipur. Udaipur doesn't have its own dance that is especially linked with it. However, the dances that are famous all over Rajasthan make the dance of Udaipur too. Bhavai, Ghoomar, Kachhi Ghodi, Kalbeliya and Terahtaali are the unusual dances of Rajasthan. Still, dance of Dandi Gair is associated with Marwar and hence with Udaipur. Talking about music, the dwellers of Udaipur find solace in the melodious music of Morchang, Naad, Tanpura, Sarangi and many other instruments that used to echo the courts of Mewar rulers.