We must do a tour of the Lake Pichola first thing in the morning. We were supposed to actually see the lake at sunset....alas. Two island palaces are among Udaipur's most famous features. Jag Niwas - Lake Palace was built as a summer palace during the reign of Jagat Singh (1628-52), which unfortunately is February is a wedding month; subsequently our plans were changed today. Due to evening weddings not open to tourists since the terrorist attacks of Mumbai in 2008. We set off for a tour of the lake - first the ghats (steps) where people are bathing and washing, on to river access and finally to Jag Mandir Palace. Jag Mandir, surrounded by water, is arranged around a large garden guarded by elephants. Amazing. Of course, they are madly decorating for the nights wedding and we get to see some of the floral decorating.

Once off the water, we tour City Palace, the largest royal complex in Rajasthan which sits on and above the north east shore of Pichola Lake. It is made up of eleven different mahals (palaces). For example the garden palace - Amar Vilas - named after its creator, Amar Singh II who reigned from 1695-1755 was built some 30 meters above ground level. In the Surya Choupad of Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace) is a striking image of a Rajput face enclosed by a huge golden halo. Next to Surya Choupad is Mor Chowk (courtyard) which is embellished with one of the palace's most amazing artworks - a trio of mosaic peacocks - commissioned by Sajjan Singh in 1874 - each made from around 5,000 pieces of glass and colored stone. Over some of the entranceways we were surprised to see what looked like a swastika symbol in and around and below Ganish, however we learned that it is common for Hindus to draw this symbol on doors and entrances to their houses during festivals. It is linked to the goddess Lakshmi and means - "it is good".

We are a bit delayed on our way to Saheliyon ki Bari. There is a huge parade - multiple weddings of Udaipur orphans. First the grooms, then the brides - some not looking too happy, followed by the officials, the band and of course the little women. This was by far one of the most amazing sights we have seen - unfortunately we were not invited to the celebrations.

We next visit Saheliyon ki Bari ("garden of the maids of honour") laid out by Sangram Singh (1710-34) where the ladies of the royal household were able to get some diversion and entertainment. The fountains were not laid in until after 1884. The gardens, centred on a peaceful courtyard, enclose a large pool and surrounded by amazing formal walled gardens at the back of which there are four elephants around the most striking fountain.