Enchanting Udaipur: The City of Lakes

• Helloनमस्कार
  [namaskar]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [alvida]
• Yesहां
  [haan]
• Noनहीं
  [nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [krupaya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [dhanyavaad]
• Excuse me/Sorryक्षमा कीजिए
  [kshama keejiye]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। आप?
  [thik hoon. aap?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [kya aap angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ नहीं आया
  [mujhe samajh nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेन्यू दिखाइए
  [krupaya menu dikhaiye]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता
  [main maans nahi khaata]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मैं भुगतान करना चाहूँ
  [krupaya main bhugtan karna chaahoon]

• Help!बचाओ!
  [bachao!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [police ko bulaao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [doctor ko bulaao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया/गई हूँ
  [main kho gaya/gayi hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [mujhe bimari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं ... खरीदना चाहता/चाहती हूँ
  [main ... khareedna chahta/chahti hoon]
• I'm just lookingमैं सिर्फ देख रहा/रही हूँ
  [main sirf dekh raha/rahi hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [yah kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [yah bahut mahanga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?अब कितने बजे हैं?
  [ab kitne baje hain?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)दस बजे तक
  [das baje tak]
• Morningसुबह
  [subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [kal]
• Todayआज
  [aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [kal]
• 1एक
  [ek]
• 2दो
  [do]
• 3तीन
  [teen]
• 4चार
  [chaar]
• 5पाँच
  [paanch]
• 6छः
  [chhah]
• 7सात
  [saat]
• 8आठ
  [aath]
• 9नौ
  [nau]
• 10दस
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?... कहाँ है?
  [... kahan hai?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [kya aap mujhe dikha sakte hain (naksha par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [agli (bas) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (.... के लिए)
  [ek ticket (... ke liye)]

Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the capital of the Mewar Kingdom. Legend has it that Udai Singh II came across a hermit while hunting in the Aravalli Hills who advised him to establish a city at that spot to ensure prosperity. Following this advice, the city of Udaipur was born, nestled beside the beautiful Lake Pichola.

One of the most significant historical events associated with Udaipur is the Battle of Haldighati, fought in 1576. This fierce battle was between Maharana Pratap of Mewar and the Mughal army led by Man Singh I of Amber. Although the battle was indecisive, it is remembered for Maharana Pratap's bravery and the valor of his horse, Chetak.

The construction of the magnificent City Palace, which stands on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola, began in 1559 under Maharana Udai Singh II. Over the centuries, subsequent Maharanas added to this architectural marvel, resulting in a sprawling complex that showcases a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. It is one of the largest palace complexes in Rajasthan.

Lake Pichola, an artificial freshwater lake, was created in 1362 AD by a Banjara tribesman. The lake and its islands, including Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir, are central to Udaipur's identity. Jag Niwas, now the luxurious Taj Lake Palace, and Jag Mandir, known for its impressive architecture, both have historical significance and have hosted various events and dignitaries over the centuries.

During the British Raj, Udaipur maintained its status as a princely state under the suzerainty of the British Crown. The relationship with the British was largely cooperative, and Udaipur saw various modernizations during this period, including the development of infrastructure such as railways and educational institutions.

After India gained independence in 1947, Udaipur merged with the Indian Union. The city transitioned from being the capital of the princely state of Mewar to becoming a part of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Despite these changes, Udaipur has retained its royal heritage and continues to be a prominent cultural and tourist hub.

Udaipur is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The Maharana Pratap Airport, located about 22 kilometers from the city center, has regular flights from major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur. Udaipur Railway Station is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai. For those traveling by road, Udaipur is accessible via National Highway 8, and there are regular bus services from cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Ahmedabad.

Within Udaipur, you have several transportation options. Auto-rickshaws are a popular and convenient way to get around. Taxis and app-based cab services like Uber and Ola are also available. For a more local experience, you can hire a bicycle or a scooter. Public buses operate within the city, but they can be crowded and less frequent. For shorter distances, walking is an enjoyable way to explore the city's narrow lanes and bustling markets.

The official currency in Udaipur is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and market purchases. ATMs are readily available throughout the city. It is also a good idea to have smaller denominations for convenience.

Udaipur is generally considered safe for tourists, but it's important to remain cautious. Avoid walking alone late at night in isolated areas. Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded places like markets and tourist sites. Be wary of touts and overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help. Areas around the railway station and bus stands can be hotspots for petty crime targeting tourists.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance, 101 for fire services, and 102 for medical emergencies. The Maharana Bhupal Government Hospital and several private hospitals provide medical care. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Keep a copy of your important documents and local emergency contacts handy.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering temples and cover your head if required. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Namaste' (hands pressed together) or a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Udaipur like a local, visit the local markets such as Hathi Pol and Bada Bazaar for traditional Rajasthani crafts and souvenirs. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's rich history and culture. Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola for stunning views of the City Palace and Jag Mandir. Don't miss a traditional Rajasthani meal at a local eatery, and try the famous 'dal baati churma'.