Perched in Rajasthan's heart, Udaipur ascends from the desert like a mirage, with its immaculate marble palaces mirrored in Lake Pichola's still waters. Known as the "City of Lakes," this dreamy hotspot features a relatively cool climate by Indian standards, boasting mild summers and enjoyable winters, making it the perfect getaway all-year-round.

Unlike the thrumming metropolitan life in India, Udaipur moves at a comfortable, relaxed pace where locals cherish and uphold their Rajasthani culture. The city beautifully entwines its royal past with present-day life — traditional crafts and miniature art thrive hand-in-hand with contemporary cafes and chic boutique hotels.

What distinguishes Udaipur is its breathtaking architecture, especially the City Palace complex, a colossal interconnected structure portraying 400 years of royal history. The city's extraordinary series of man-made lakes, established by the Maharanas hundreds of years ago, paints a unique backdrop earning Udaipur the title "Venice of the East."

Cuisine explorers will savor Udaipur's unique Rajasthani flavors, including specialties like dal baati churma (lentils with baked wheat balls) and laal maas (hot meat curry). Be sure to catch a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola for unmatched views of the Lake Palace Hotel. And don't miss the daily cultural performances at Bagore Ki Haveli, which bring traditional Rajasthani dance to life.