This lake lies in the foothills of the Aravalli Hills in southern Rajasthan. It is most famous for the beautiful royal places that lie on its islands and around its shoreline. The chief town in the area is Udaipur, which is also known as the city of lakes, which was founded as a residence by Maharana Udai Singh on the advice of a hermit in 1559.
After his stronghold at Chittorgarh had been sacked by Mughal invaders he moved his capital. Among its highlights are the City Palace and Museum, the Sajjangarh Palace - which overlooks the lake from the top of a hill and was the summer palace where the royal family spent the monsoon season. There are also many smaller palaces and temples, as well as picturesque streets, fountains and gardens.
The most famous sights on the lake are the island palaces in particular Jag Niwas, which was built in the 1740s and made entirely of marble. This beautiful shining white building appears to float on the lake's clear blue waters. The Jag Mandir is a red sandstone complex on the island of the same name, with cool courtyards and a small museum. It was a refuge for Shah Jahan and is said to have provided inspiration for the Taj Mahal. The massive Jagdish Temple lies within its walls.
North-west of Udaipur is the craft village - Shilpgram - a center dedicated to preserving and enhancing the craft and folk heritage of western India.
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