A trip to Rajasthan state, in northern India, is never complete without visiting its royal palaces, magnificent forts, sprawling gardens and beautiful lakes.

A wedding provided me an opportunity to visit historical Udaipur city. The marriage was unique in the sense that it was the coming together of two diverse cultures of southern and northern India -- a dream run of love that culminated with the southern boy tying the nuptial knot with his northern life partner.

Served during the wedding was a potpourri of steaming idli and dosas (steamed rice cakes) of southern delicacies laced with northern desi ghee parantha and kachori puri (fried wheat roll).

The marriage also significant in that a member of the conservative Marwari was marrying outside the community, something that does not take place every day in India, which is steeped in age-old traditions and customs.

After witnessing the dream marriage, my visit to Udaipur fort and palace and to nearby Chittor was equally romantic. These breathtaking forts and palaces each have its own unique tale of love, valor and sacrifice.

Udaipur was founded in 1567 by Maharana Udai Singh, who was in retreat from Chittor fort. The Maharana belonged to the highest-ranking Suryavanshi (Solar) Rajputs; hence, the city he built Udaipur came to be known as city of the sunrise.

The elegant City Palace, the home of former rulers of Mewar is situated on the banks of the beautiful Lake Pichola. The huge palaces consist of many breathtaking minor palaces such as Zenana Mahal and Rang Mahal. In the palace are many unique artifacts, paintings, carved wooden chairs, statues and jewelry.

It takes about half a day to cover the entire stretch of the palaces, and state-appointed tour guides are available to show tourists around the palaces.

For Hindu devotees, apart from visiting a nearby Jagdish temple, spiritual fulfillment can be found by also visiting Eklingi, which lies on the way to Nathdwara 14 miles from Udaipur. There is the marvelous architectural structure of Shri Eklingi temple. What is unique about the temple complex is that it houses 108 Shiva temples within.

Just 30 miles away is another important temple known as the temple of Shri Nathji (Vishnu). For Hindu devotees, praying in this temple is an important part of the pilgrimage.

One-hour drive from Udaipur (72 miles) is the magnificent Chittorgarh fort. The fort was ravaged thrice, first in 1303 by Alauddin Khilji, then in 1535 by Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat and finally in 1567 by Akbar the Great. The fort is in shambles; roofless and damaged walls are common sights.

It has a tragic story attached of it. When Alauddin Khilji sighted the beautiful Queen Padmini, he fell in love with her. He attacked the fort not only to lay his hands on its spoils but also to forcibly marry the queen. Before he could capture Padmini, she committed suicide to save her honor in the Palace of Kumbh, in truly Rajput style.

Three miles away from Udaipur is the Sajjan Garh Palace, which provides a panoramic view of the surrounding villages and in the evening the spectacle of the setting sun.

Several towers commemorating the victories won by the valorous Rajputs dot the surrounding area. One of them is the towering structure of Vijay Stambh. It is an architectural marvel several stories high. Lining its wall are several exquisite sculptures. From it, one can get a panoramic view of the surrounding towers, forts and temples.

A visit to Shipa Gram provides insight into traditional Rajasthani art, culture and house building.

The climate in Rajashtan during this time of the season is biting cold, but is preferred to the hot humid summer of April to June.

                                                                                                                            - Rajen Nair