Udaipur,
formerly the capital of the Mewar Kingdom, is a city in the western Indian
state of Rajasthan. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1559, it’s set around
a series of artificial lakes and is known for its lavish royal residences. City
Palace, overlooking Lake Pichola, is a monumental complex of 11 palaces,
courtyards and gardens, famed for its intricate peacock mosaics.
Jaipur is
the capital of India’s Rajasthan state. It evokes the royal family that once
ruled the region and that, in 1727, founded what is now called the Old City or
“Pink City for its trademark building color. At the center of its stately
street grid (notable in India) stands the opulent, colonnaded City Palace
complex. With gardens, courtyards and museums, part of it is still a royal
residence.
Punjab, a
state bordering Pakistan, is the heart of India’s Sikh community. The city of
Amritsar, founded in the 1570s by Sikh Guru Ram Das, is the site of Harmandir
Sahib, the holiest gurdwara (Sikh place of worship). Known in English as the
Golden Temple, and surrounded by the Pool of Nectar, it's a major pilgrimage
site. Also in Amritsar is Durgiana Temple, a Hindu shrine famed for its
engraved silver doors.
Kota is a
city on the Chambal River in Rajasthan, northern India. Inside the Kota Garh,
or City Palace, the Maharao Madho Singh Museum exhibits miniature paintings and
antique weapons. South, along the river, tranquil Chambal Garden has a pond
with crocodiles. Northeast, 18th-century Jagmandir Palace sits in the middle of
Kishore Sagar Lake. Seven Wonders Park includes mini replicas of the Eiffel
Tower and Taj Mahal.