Udaipur

Udaipur, the city of lakes is one of the most prominent tourist attractions of Rajasthan. Udaipur is a lovely city around the sky blue water lakes decorated by the lush hills of Aravalli. The city has glory to be the capital of the kingdom of Mewar. The city was founded by Maharaja Uday Singh in 1559, when Sisodia Rajputs shifted their capital from Chittorgarh to Udaipur. These days Udaipur is the administrative headquarters of Udaipur district and a famous tourist spot in India. Thousands of tourists visit Udaipur to see the Rajput era palaces, historical forts, scenic locations, lakes, gardens and architectural temples. The city of Udaipur is awarded with seven lakes hence it is also named as the Venice of the East. The economy of Udaipur is mainly based on tourism but mining and processing of marble has major share in the economy of the city. Housing many state level and regional public offices Udaipur experiences the visit of people from different parts of Rajasthan and other neighboring states. Udaipur is rising these days as educational hub as well, with 5 universities, 14 colleges and a management institution IIM Udaipur.

History of Udaipur: 

Chittorgarh was under threat and Mewar was facing dangers from Mughal emperor Akbar. Rana Udai Singh had left the capital Chittorgarh and reached the valleys of Aravalli in search of a safe capital of Mewar. It is a myth that Rana Udai Singh met a hermit Goswami Prem Giri Ji who suggested the establishment of a new capital city and a palace near Ahar River in the valleys of Aravalli. Ayad was a trade based town on the bank of Ahar River; Rana Udai Singh decided to establish the city Udaipur here. The foundation stone of the city was kept in 1553 on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritia. The building work lasted for nearly six years and the newly established city named Udaipur after the name of Maharana Udai Singh. A palace was built on the shore of Lake Pichola and the capital shifted from Chittorgarh to Girwa Valley, strategically fit and relatively more safe.