Udaipur

Udaipur, the 'City of Lakes,' is Rajasthan's most romantic destination a dreamlike cityscape of white marble palaces floating on shimmering lakes, framed by the ancient Aravalli Hills. Founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II, Udaipur became the capital of the Mewar dynasty, the oldest surviving dynasty in the world. The City Palace rises seven stories above Lake Pichola, the Lake Palace appears to float impossibly on the water, and the Monsoon Palace crowns the hills above. Udaipur's old city is a labyrinth of narrow lanes, blue-washed houses, colorful bazaars, and hidden temples. Rooftop restaurants overlook the lake at sunset, miniature painters carry on a 400-year-old tradition, and the sound of folk music drifts from courtyards. James Bond's 'Octopussy' was filmed here, and visitors understand why — there is an otherworldly beauty to Udaipur that no photograph fully captures.