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- Destinations
- Asia
- India
- Udaipur
Udaipur
Udaipur was once the capital of the powerful state of Mewar, and
still takes great pride in being the only one of the seven major
Rajput states to have upheld its Hindu allegiance in the face of
Muslim invasions. The Mewar household is the longest-lasting of all
the ruling powers in Rajasthan, and possibly the oldest surviving
dynasty in the world. The current ruler is the seventy-sixth in an
unbroken line of Mewar rulers dating back to 568 AD.
Undoubtedly the most romantic city in Rajasthan, and perhaps the
whole of India, Udaipur is situated 200 miles (320km) southwest of
Jaipur. The city is centred around Lake Pichola and has inevitably
been dubbed the 'Venice of the East'. Two island palaces, Jagniwas
and Jagmandir, sit on the lake - the former is now the luxurious
Lake Palace Hotel. The majestic City Palace towers over the lake
and is bedecked by balconies, turrets and cupolas.
Despite the many attractions in and around the city, the real
joy of Udaipur lies in soaking up its atmosphere - taking in the
view from a rooftop restaurant, wandering around the relatively
hassle-free inner-city, enjoying a drink on the edge of the lake,
or taking a boat to Jagmandir Palace past the ghats (riverside
landings), where washerwomen congregate and a real 'slice of Indian
life' unfurls before your eyes.
Information & Facts
Language
Although English is generally used for official and
business purposes, Hindi is the official language and is spoken by
about 40 percent of the population. Urdu is the language common
with the Muslim demographic. India has a total of 22 official
languages
Money
The currency is the Indian Rupee (INR), which is divided into
100 paise (singular paisa). Major currencies can be changed at
banks, and authorised bureaux de changes. It is impossible to
obtain rupees outside India, but no matter what time you arrive in
India there will be an exchange office open at the airport. It is
illegal to exchange money through the black market and it is
advisable to refuse torn notes, as no one will accept them apart
from the National Bank. It is best to change money into small
denominations. Travellers cheques and major credit cards are widely
accepted, particularly in tourist orientated establishments. ATMs
are not generally available.