Udaipur, often called the City of Lakes, rewards travellers with a blend of royal heritage, shimmering waters and Aravalli scenery that few Indian cities can match, and local sightseeing here is best enjoyed at an unhurried pace. Most travellers begin with the City Palace, a sprawling complex of courtyards, balconies, mirrored halls and museum galleries that rises above Lake Pichola and was started by Maharana Udai Singh II, the founder of the city in the sixteenth century.

From its terraces you can look across the water toward Jag Mandir and the white Lake Palace, and a short boat ride on Pichola, especially around sunset, lets you see the ghats, havelis and hills glowing in golden light.