Shiv Niwas Palace Hotel, Udaipur

Advantages: Beautiful scenery and impressive history
Disadvantages: the lake can dry up in a drought

...If you are visiting the town of Udaipur a boat trip on the lake is essential. Lake Pichola is a man made lake that was built in the 14th century and it is amazing to realise that it is 8 kilometers square and is fed only by rainwater. Cruising on the lake in a low slung open boat, you head towards the Lake Palace hotel, made of beautiful white marble. It is now a first class hotel where you cn go for a sumptuous meal for about £15.00. As you cruise away from the shore, you look back to see the ghats (platforms) where the people wash their clothes and themselves. The water appears clean, but lurking in the crevices by the walls an accumulation of scum and debris makes one shudder at the thought of the bugs to be picked up by the unwary traveller. On the other side of the lake is a small island palace called Jag Mandir... Read review

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Advantages: Heritage
Disadvantages: Temprate and arid zones

...of the unique pink stone construction of the buildings.The city is jeweled by the’Amber Fort’ and is bustling with activity. The next to see would be Ajmer, seat of the world famous Garib Nawaj mosque where Muslims and Hindus pay their respects equally. Next on the route is Chittorgarh,once the seat of the heroic Rajputs.Rani Padmini had committed ‘Jahar’,self immolation in fire to protect dignity from a muslim king at her palace here and is revered by women all over India.Chittorgarh is made memorable by Mirabai for her bhajans(devotional songs) and her divine love for Lord Krishna.Victory Tower is also worth seeing. The one to come next in the itinerary is Udaipur,one of the most illustrious cities of Rajasthan,boasts of the Lake Palace Hotel, The Palace and the heroic deeds of Rana Pratap against the Moghul aggression. All... Read review

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Advantages: Beautful area, Cheap to travel around
Disadvantages: Street sellers can be a bit pushy

...trips into the desert from here. Udaipur:- The palaces here are incredible. The lake palace is awesome and was the setting to a James Bond film. (most of the backpackers hotels have screenings every night). Also the monsoon palace is well worth the rickshaw ride just for the view. You cannot go inside as it is owned by the poilce for communications! Mount Abu- The place where all of the rich indian businessmen own a holiday home. The highest point in Rajahstan, and therefore quite cool in the height of summer. A walk around the lake is breathtaking. The view from the summit is a sight I will remember forever. Delhi:- Get out as quickly as possible. Most flights to this area fly into Delhi. It is a built up smelly dirty city. The sights worth seeing are the Red Fort, the parliamet buildings, India Gate and the Ba'hai temple. Ba'hai Temple... Read review

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