A Complete Travel Guide to Udaipur for the First-Timers

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Get ready for an insider’s look at Udaipur — I’ll show you how to arrive, get around, and where to bunk down for the night. With tried-and-tested tips, you’ll dine where the locals do and see the city’s best without the guesswork. Let this travel guide for Udaipur be the bridge to your unforgettable experience in the city of lakes, where every step tells a story and every sight is a memory in the making.

A clear lake with ancient palaces in the background – that’s Udaipur for you. It’s the kind of place that stays with you, you know?

The city’s vibe is so chill, and those lakeside meals? Just wow. Plus, dining on a rooftop under the stars with the city lights twinkling and the lake mirroring it all – it’s unreal.

I keep going back for the sunsets alone; they’re like nothing else. Trust me, you’ll want to see it for yourself.

And when you do, just take it all in – it’s exactly why I can’t stop talking about this place.

city lights shimmering in the waters of lake pichola udaipur at night

Travel Guide for Udaipur: Things to Know Before Planning a Trip to Udaipur

Where’s udaipur.

Udaipur’s this gem in Rajasthan, northwestern India. It’s ringed by lakes, which is why people love to call it the City of Lakes . It’s also called the Venice of the East and It kind of feels like one when you see all the water around.

Udaipur is also called the White City because many of its buildings and the famous City Palace are made from a particular type of white marble.

The city’s packed with history – think palaces that tell tales of old royalty, like the famous City Palace, and gardens that are just a feast for the eyes.

And then you’ve got these intricately carved temples. Plus, the Aravalli Hills are all around you, adding to the charm. It’s like stepping into a royal story, but it’s real, and it’s all set in some seriously pretty nature.

Best Time to Visit Udaipur

lake pichola boating trip to udaipur rajasthan india

Udaipur, like the rest of Rajasthan or North India for that matter, remains super hot during the summer season (March to June) so obviously, it’s not wise to plan a trip to Udaipur during summer.

The monsoon season (July to September) is again not recommended as outdoor activities are not possible at all.

But then the rainy season has its own perks. It’s when the lakes, filled up with water, look captivating, and the Aravalli Range, covered in lush greenery, teems with life.

The winter season (October to February) is a perfect time to visit Udaipur. The weather is pleasantly cool and sunny (mostly) which makes sightseeing less hectic and more fun.

If you plan to visit in December (around Christmas and New Year holidays), make sure to book flights and accommodation well in advance.

Read More: A Complete Bucket List for India

How Many Days in Udaipur

Ideally, you’d want to set aside at least two to three days to really soak in the essence of this city.

Say you’ve got a weekend in Udaipur, it’s definitely delightful, but trust me, it’s just a teaser. You’ll get a taste of the city, sure. You cruise on Lake Pichola, catch the sunset, and maybe snap some epic photos. It’s great, but Udaipur deserves more of your time.

If you want to (you must) explore the historic forts, cultural landmarks, and unique temples scattered around Udaipur (there are tons), I recommend at least a week in Udaipur.

The first time we hit Udaipur, we only had two days. Not nearly enough. We were rushing around, trying to see everything, but it was a bit of a blur. We didn’t even get a chance to step outside the city.

The next trip, we wised up and stayed for four days , focusing only on the city, no side trips, no distractions. That’s when I really got to know the place. But, that was part of a bigger Rajasthan trip that lasted two weeks . We saved the places outside Udaipur for the road trip portion, which was a blast and took us all the way to Jodhpur .

The heart of the matter is that Udaipur is not your typical rush-around kind of place. It’s the kind of place where you can take a deep breath, wander around at your own pace, and really get the feel of things. More like a luxury in the busy buzz of India!

How to Get to Udaipur

Udaipur is well-connected by air, rail, and road to the major cities in India.

Located in Dabok , Maharana Pratap Airport serves Udaipur. About 22 km from the city, it’s a domestic airport that receives flights from the major cities in India. The leading airlines that have regular flights to and from Udaipur are Indigo, SpiceJet, Vistara, and Air India.

There’s nothing quite like the freedom a road trip offers. A strong road network links Udaipur to most of the Indian cities.

In cases where the driving distance is more than we can drive in one go, we break our journey at any city en route. Like if you’re driving from Delhi to Udaipur, Jaipur or Ajmer can be chosen for a night halt.

Also, if you don’t want to use your own car, you can hire a car. There are many tour operators that provide cars for rent.

We didn’t want to drive on our own so we chose a chauffeur-driven car for our trip to Rajasthan.

If you’re also touring Rajasthan and exploring the major cities of Rajasthan, it’s wise to hire a car and driver. You not only save time and hassle but also get to explore the off-center attractions or hidden gems.

A strong bus network connects Udaipur to various Indian cities. You can choose from AC coaches or state-run buses depending upon the budget.

The Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) buses connect Udaipur with other major cities in Rajasthan.

Udaipur City Railway Station (UDZ) is the nearest railway station. There are direct trains from Delhi (Chetak Express and Mewar Express) Mumbai (Bdts Aii Udz Express), Kolkata (Annanya Express), Jaipur (Udaipur City–Jaipur Intercity-Express), Indore (Udaipur City Express), and Ahmedabad (Adi Udz Express).

How to Get Around Udaipur

Udaipur is a relatively compact city. Auto-Rickshaws, taxis, and local buses (limited) contribute to the public transportation system. The narrow lanes of the old city are best explored on foot as all the attractions are located within walking distance.

If you don’t want to walk, you can opt for an auto-rickshaw. A shared auto-rickshaw comes cheaper but it sticks to the fixed route and stops at the designated (popular) stops. A private auto-rickshaw is a bit pricey but it goes anywhere you name.

For the attractions outside the city like Monsoon Palace, Badi Lake, Chittorgarh Fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Ranakpur, Eklingji, and Nathdwara – a taxi is ideal. Uber and Ola are available in Udaipur.

Where to Stay in Udaipur

When in Udaipur, you’d want to stay in the old city for three reasons – firstly, most of the attractions are close by, secondly, you can drink in the views of the iconic Lake Pichola, and lastly, the old city is where the soul of Udaipur lies.

From boutique heritage hotels, and hostels, to guesthouses, and luxury hotels – the old city has all types of properties to suit your budget and style. Make sure you book in advance to score a Lakeview room.

If budget is your concern and you are looking for a hotel that offers value for money, we recommend Jagat Niwas Palace and Amet Haveli.

Located on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola, Jagat Niwas Palace is a favorite among travelers for its perfect location, courteous staff, A1 service, and good food.

Located on the northwestern bank of Lake Pichola, Amet Haveli is highly rated for its services, cleanliness, location, staff, and facilities. The hotel is best known for Ambrai Restaurant, one of the best fine-dining restaurants in Udaipur. It’s where you can have delicious food with an amazing view of Lake Pichola.

If you don’t mind splurging and are looking for sheer luxury, your options are – Taj Fateh Prakash Palace , Shiv Niwas Palace Hotel , The Leela Palace , The Oberoi Udaivilas , and the Taj Lake Palace Hotel . If you ask me to suggest to you the best among all, floating right in the center of Lake Pichola, the Taj Lake Palace Hotel is a class apart. Exquisite is the word!

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What and Where to Eat and Drink in Udaipur

Like most of the cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur is a great place to try Rajasthani specialties like Laal Maas, Gatte ki Sabzi, Dal Bati Churma, Ker Sangri, Chakki ki Sabzi, Ghevar, Mirchi Bada, Pyaaj Kachori, Samosa, and Chaat.

Udaipur’s charm lies in rooftop lake-view restaurants and cafes. More than food, what matters here is the view you get.

From Sheesh Mahal , Upré , Ambrai , Tribute , Khamma Ghani , Charcoal by Carlsson , Jagat Niwas Palace , Restaurant Harigarh , Chandani by the Oberoi Udaivilas , Jharokha by Lake Palace Hotel , Paantya by Shiv Niwas Palace , and TWG by Hemang are quite a few amazing fine dining restaurants that offer food with a view.

lake pichola view from the restaurant at jagat niwas travel guide for udaipur

All of these restaurants (except TWG Hemang which primarily serves international cuisine) offer International as well as Rajasthani cuisine.

Jheel’s Ginger Coffee Bar & Bakery , a cafe perched over Lake Pichola is where you can enjoy some free time with a cup of coffee or chocolate shake.

If you’ve got enough of the views (which is unlikely), you can head to the restaurants that might not offer you the iconic views but are celebrated for various other reasons.

A charming old-world colonial house restored into a restaurant, in 1559 AD , a bistro lounge restaurant, and Royal Repast , a specialty restaurant are great places to dine out. Both these restaurants are highly appreciated for their warm staff, speedy service, and vintage ambiance.

For travelers who want to enjoy a traditional Rajasthani thali – Garden Restaurant , Natraj Dining Hall and Restaurant , Krishna Dal Bati Restro , Padam Thal , Navidya By Amantra Hotels , and Udaipuri .

We also liked Udai Art Café , Brew Villa , Yummy Yoga , and Cafe La Comida . Located right in the heart of the old city, both cafes serve great coffee and snacks.

If you are a health aficionado, Millets of Mewar is for you! The first-ever dedicated health-food restaurant in Udaipur, Millets of Mewar uses locally sourced and organic ingredients. They very well know how to make healthy eating fun and creative. Its menu also includes vegan and gluten-free options.

You Might Like: Chand Baori Stepwell in Rajasthan

What to See and Do in Udaipur

There are tons of places in Udaipur, each with its unique charm. First off, the City Palace is a must-see. This colossal structure is steeped in history and grandeur.

a beautiful statue of elephant at city palace in udaipur

Then there’s Lake Pichola. A boat ride there during the golden hours of sunset is just spellbinding.

Don’t miss the Jagdish Temple. Its intricate carvings and serene atmosphere are utterly captivating.

jagdish temple udaipur rajasthan india

Next up, you can reach Karni Mata Temple by a hearty trek or a swift ropeway ride – the choice is yours, but the breathtaking views are a given either way.

The gardens of Saheliyon-ki-Bari are perfect for a leisurely and peaceful walk.

The Monsoon Palace is your ticket to the best sunset view in town – the city lights up like a jewel.

And if you’re chasing art and culture, the Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum showcases the best local crafts.

And there’s more than just the mainstream attractions.

Find solace at the calm Ambrai Ghat or the tranquil Badi Lake. Pay respects at the Ahar Cenotaphs and soak in the beauty of Fateh Sagar Lake.

And there’s the Neemach Mata Temple – it’s not as crowded and the climb is pretty refreshing. Plus, the view? It’s like you’re watching over Udaipur.

Evenings in Udaipur are for Bagore Ki Haveli. The Dharohar dance show is epic – the dances, the music, the vibe – it’s all real Rajasthan.

local artists performing traditional rajasthani dance during dharohar dance show at bagore ki haveli in udaipur

And, of course, shopping in Udaipur is an experience in itself. The markets such as Bapu Bazaar, Ghanta Ghar, Hathipol, Malda’s Street, and more are alive with colors, crafts, and endless rows of shops waiting to be discovered.

Let’s not forget Maharana Pratap Samarak. It’s a tribute to a local hero, Maharana Pratap, and you can feel the pride in the air. It’s this outdoor space with a big statue of him and his loyal horse, Chetak, which is pretty awesome to see.

And you must find out some time to visit the Shilpgram Museum, a living arts village that celebrates the traditional crafts and lifestyle of the local folk. A little out of the city, it’s is like a portal into the heart of Rajasthani village life and of course, the best place to immerse in the local culture.

Last but not the least, you can’t miss a trip to Chittorgarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Standing proud a little way from Udaipur, it’s where the dramatic history of Rajasthan unfolds.

chittorgarh fort

With more time, you can take a few eventful day trips from Udaipur. Just a short drive from the heart of Udaipur, you’ll find Eklingji, an ancient Hindu temple complex that’s a sanctuary of peace and spiritual energy.

A little further, there’s a cozy little town of Nathdwara famous for its temple of Shrinathji. It’s all about timing your visit to catch the temple ceremonies, which is quite the experience with all the singing and hustle.

Haldighati is another important spot near Udaipur. It’s where the iconic battle involving Maharana Pratap took place, and you can almost hear the clash of swords. Nearby, the Maharana Pratap Museum adds layers to the story, offering insights and artifacts that bring the historical saga to life.

And you can’t miss Kumbhalgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s this massive fort with a wall you can see for miles. People say it’s like India’s version of the Great Wall of China. The view from up there are simply breathtaking.

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Udaipur,Rajasthan,India.

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Udaipur has a romance of setting unmatched in Rajasthan and arguably in all India – snuggling beside tranquil Lake Pichola, with the purple ridges of the Aravalli Range stretching away in every direction. Fantastical palaces, temples, havelis (traditional, ornately decorated residences) and countless narrow, crooked, timeless streets add the human counterpoint to the city’s natural charms. For the visitor there's the serenity of boat rides on the lakes, the bustle and color of bazaars, a lively arts scene, the quaint old-world feel of its heritage hotels, tempting shops and some lovely countryside to explore on wheels, feet or horseback.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

City Palace viewed from Lake Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

City Palace

Surmounted by balconies, towers and cupolas towering over the lake, the imposing City Palace is Rajasthan’s largest palace, with a facade 244m long and 30…

Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

City Palace Museum

The main part of the City Palace is open as the City Palace Museum, with rooms extravagantly decorated with mirrors, tiles and paintings, and housing a…

Lake Pichola

Lake Pichola

Limpid and large, Lake Pichola reflects the grey-blue mountains on its mirror-like surface. It was enlarged by Maharana Udai Singh II, following his…

[UNVERIFIED CONTENT] The grand pillared Durbar Hall of Khilwat Mubarak, Chowmahalla Palace (or Chowmahallat), Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. The Hall features the marble platform on which the Takht-e-Nishan or the royal seat was laid and 19 spectacular crystal chandeliers. Chowmahalla Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Durbar Hall

The restored Durbar Hall (royal reception hall) in the City Palace is one of India’s most impressive, with some of the country’s biggest chandeliers. The…

India, Rajasthan. The Monsoon Palace, Udaipur.

Sajjan Garh

Perched on top of a distant hill like a fairy-tale castle, this melancholy, neglected late-19th-century palace was constructed by Maharana Sajjan Singh…

Jagmandir Island with the palace built by Maharana Karan Singh in 1620. India

Jagmandir Island

The palace on Jagmandir Island, about 800m south of Jagniwas, was built by Maharana Karan Singh II in 1620, added to by his successor Maharana Jagat Singh…

Lake Palace, Jagniwas island, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Jagniwas Island

Jagniwas Island is about 15,000 sq m in size and entirely covered by the opulent palace built by Maharana Jagat Singh II in 1754. Once the royal summer…

Sajjan Garh Wildlife Sanctuary

Sajjan Garh Wildlife Sanctuary

On the way to Sajjan Garh, at the foot of the hill you enter the 5-sq-km Sajjan Garh Wildlife Sanctuary. A good way to visit is with the daily sunset…

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Udaipur Travel Guide + Places to Visit in Udaipur in 2 Days

Udaipur Travel Guide + Places to Visit in Udaipur in 2 Days

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This Udaipur travel guide contains a list of the best places to visit in Udaipur in 2 days along with all the travel information to help you plan a trip to Udaipur, Rajasthan.

Udaipur, also known as the Venice of the East or the city of lakes, is aptly termed so. With many-a lakes set both within and outside the city limits as well as the delightful ghats set along the lake-side, Udaipur oozes a regal charm. In case you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know I spent a good 10 days exploring the cities of Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Udaipur in the state of Rajasthan in India. While I loved spending time in all of these cities, the white marble structures, shimmering lakes, surreal sunsets and the striking havelis of Udaipur stole my heart. Walking along the narrow lanes of the old town set next to lake Pichola, watching the local vendors lure tourists inside their shops with colourful garments, glittering jewels, and fascinating turbans while gorging on the kachori , a local street food, was an experience like none other.

Apart from this Udaipur travel guide, if you're want to see more pictures of my trip to Rajasthan, then head over to my Instagram profile ( @thespicyjourney ).

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Udaipur Travel Guide & Places to Visit in Udaipur in 2 Days

This Udaipur travel guide and Udaipur itinerary listing all the places to visit in Udaipur in 2 days is an ode to this marvellous city of lakes, or shall I say Venice of the East. While I think 2 days is enough to cover all the major places to visit in Udaipur, spend at least 3 days to soak in the mesmerizing sunsets, eat your heart out in the many cafes overlooking Lake Pichola and to get a feel of the city. Nonetheless, this Udaipur travel guide contains all the travel info, sightseeing spots, food places and accommodation options to help you plan your Udaipur trip.

Must Read: What to Wear in Rajasthan

Best Time to Visit Udaipur Rajasthan

  • Summer (April - June): Summer in the dry arid state of Rajasthan can get overbearingly hot which is why it’s best to avoid visiting Udaipur during this time.
  • Monsoon (July - September): Even though the monsoon months bring a respite from the heat, the muddy streets and the humidity can hamper your sightseeing plans.
  • Winter (October - March): The winter months are the best time to visit Udaipur. While December and January can get quite cold, the months of October, November, March and April have pleasant weather and are the best months to visit Udaipur.

How to Reach Udaipur

Nearest airport to udaipur.

Udaipur has an airport called the Maharana Pratap Airport, which is a domestic airport. The airport is only 22 km from the city center. You can book an Uber or Ola cab to get to the airport within half an hour from the city. Alternatively, you can hire a private taxi cab to drop you to the Udaipur airport as well.

Nearest Railway Station to Udaipur

Udaipur has a railway station called the Udaipur City Station (UDZ) which has trains running between all neighboring cities in Rajasthan as well as other villages and cities within India.

Delhi to Udaipur

The distance between Delhi and Udaipur is roughly 660 km which can be covered by air, rail or road. There are frequent flights from Delhi to Udaipur. Additionally, there are multiple trains and state-run as well as private buses between Delhi and Udaipur city.

Must Read: A Complete Delhi Travel Guide

Getting Around Udaipur

A majority of the sightseeing places in Udaipur are set in the old city, around Lake Pichola. Due to this, if you stay within the old city, you can simply walk or take a tuk-tuk to almost all the places to visit in Udaipur. However, you may need to hire a cab or tuk-tuk for half a day to visit some of the other sightseeing spots which lie farther away from the city center.

Where to Stay in Udaipur

Zostel udaipur.

Rooftop at Zostel Udaipur

View from the rooftop at Zostel Udaipur

Throughout my 3 days in Udaipur, I stayed at Zostel Udaipur which is next to the Swaroop Sagar Lake, right next to Lake Pichola near the old city. This backpacker hostel has both dorm rooms as well as private rooms. The best part about this hostel was the lavish rooftop cafe that had marble tabletops, metal chairs with elaborate designs on them along with plants and cheerful flowers. I cannot put into words how dreamy it was to watch the sunrise from here. Plus, the delicious dinners sitting at the rooftop, while watching the lights of the city reflect in the water of the lake ahead was nothing short of spectacular.

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Hotels in Udaipur

Coming to finding other hotels in Udaipur, I strongly suggest booking a hotel near Lake Pichola, which will make it easy to access all the places to visit in Udaipur in 2 days. Additionally, there’s nothing like waking up to watch the sun glimmer in the waters of the lake, while staying at a hotel near the lake in Udaipur.

Best Places to Visit in Udaipur in 2 Days

1. lake pichola.

Lake Pichola in Places to visit in Udaipur in 2 days

Lake Pichola is an artificial lake, built-in 1362 AD in order to fulfil the agricultural and drinking water needs of the city. In the present day, Lake Pichola is the most popular attraction in Udaipur, with many other sightseeing places situated around the lake. There are 4 islands on this lake and visitors can indulge in a boat ride to visit these islands. I suggest taking a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola to watch the sun go down behind the Aravali hills in the distance, with its orange hues reflecting in the water of the lake. Apart from that, there are numerous cafes and restaurants offering the most amazing views of the lake both from up-close and from rooftops. Moreover, there are numerous ghats to sit and enjoy watching the sun setting behind the lake, with Gangaur Ghat and Ambrai Ghat being the most visited ones.

2. Ganguar Ghat

Ganguar Ghat - Places to visit in Udaipur in 2 days

Gangaur Ghat is the main ghat on Lake Pichola that is located near the Jagdish temple area in the old town. The ghat is identified and made popular due to the iconic Bagore ki Haveli, which lies on one end of Gangaur Ghat. There are steps leading down to the lake here. In the mornings you’ll see locals walking along the ghat and bathing here whereas, in the evenings, the place is crowded with tourists sitting on these steps, waiting to watch and capture the sunset across the ghat. While I loved the view and the setting of the ghat, the place was dirty. It could definitely use some maintenance as well as some more benches for people to sit.

Must Read: Best Places to Visit in Varanasi in 2 Days

3. Bagore ki Haveli

Ganguar ghat in Places to visit in Udaipur in 2 days

Bagore ki Haveli is a haveli, or traditional mansion, set along Lake Pichola, on one end of Gangaur Ghat. While the expansive palace is quite impressive, with over hundred rooms, multiple courtyards and incritate mirror work used for decoration, it's the cultural show at Bagore ki Haveli which is the highlight of the place. For one hour in the evening, the haveli lights up and becomes home to a traditional folk dance show. The tickets to the dance show can be purchased online or in-person on the spot at the haveli. This cultural show is held every evening at the Neem courtyard of Bagore ki Haveli.

Open all days 9.30 am to 5.30 pm

4. City Palace

City Palace Places to visit in Udaipur in 2 days

Similar to most of the other places to visit in Udaipur in 2 days, the City Palace of Udaipur is set along Lake Pichola. A sprawling palace built in the 16th century, it is one of the main attractions in Udaipur. The Palace has many-a sprawling courtyards and glorious rooms in decadent colours signifying the opulence of the Rajput royal families that once lived here. Many of the corridors and rooms in Udaipur’s city palace open up to splendid views of the city. Not just that, the lavish mirror work in some sections is worthy of being labelled as instagrammable. Spare at least 2 hours to walk around, revel in the glorious history and to soak in all the royal vibes at city palace.

5. Jag Mandir

Jag Mandir in Places to visit in Udaipur in 2 days

Jag Mandir, also known as the Lake Garden Palace is a palace built on a small island on Lake Pichola. The palace has been converted into a hotel owned by the HRH group. People wishing to stay at an island palace can book a stay at the rooms here. The hotel also has a restaurant with the most breathtaking view. For those who are not staying at the palace but who wish to visit it, can hire a boat ride from the Bansi Ghat jetty to visit the Jag Mandir Palace. Visitors can also dine at the restaurant here. Note that there is a minimum cover charge here and you need to reserve a table in advance so be prepared accordingly in case you wish you dine here. It’s best to visit the Jag Mandir around the time of sunset so that you can take a quick tour of the palace and then watch the sunset either from the restaurant or from the boat ride back. 

Open all days 10 am to 6 pm

6. Jagdish Temple

Jagdish temple in Places to visit in Udaipur in 2 days

Jagdish temple is yet another one of the popular places to visit in Udaipur in 2 days. The architecture and the marble steps leading up to the temple are both very interesting. The temple is located just a short walk from both City Palace and Gangaur Ghat as well as Bagore ki Haveli. So if you’re going from the City Palace towards Bagore ki Haveli (and consequently Ganguar Ghat) or vice-versa, you can visit Jagdish temple on the way.

Must Read: Where to Find the Best Views of the Taj Mahal

7. Doodh Talai

Doodh talai in Places to visit in Udaipur in 2 days & Udaipur travel guide

Doodh Talai, translated to ‘milk lake’ from Hindi, is a tiny but picturesque lake next to Lake Pichola. Situated at a walking distance from some of the important sightseeing places such as the City Palace and Jagdish temple, the lake is surrounded by small hillocks, has clear water and white ornate structures all around it. There are lots of street food ventors around the lake and activities such as boating and horse rides are also provided here. Additionally, while you’re here, do take the ropeway up to Karni Mata temple for the most breathtaking sunset view.

8. Royal Cenotaphs

Royal cenotaphs in places to visit in Udaipur in 2 days & Udaipur travel guide

One of the most underrated places to visit in Udaipur, Royal Cenotaphs or Ahar Cenotaphs are a group of 250 cenotaphs built as a memorial to Rajput maharajas. While there is no entry fee for the cenotaphs, the nearby Ahar Museum charges a nominal fee to enter. Since the Royal Cenotaphs are located inside the city, you will need to hire a tuk-tuk or a cab to get here, if you're staying near Lake Pichola. Also note that there is a sign here saying photography is not permitted but hardly anyone follows this rule. If you’re looking for offbeat places to visit in Udaipur, then the Ahar Cenotaphs are the place to go to!

Shopping in Udaipur

Shopping in Udaipur

Hathi pol bazaar, which lies within walking distance of Zostel Udaipur, is one of the best places to do shopping in Udaipur. There are innumerable shops selling clothing in local prints, handicraft items as well as traditional jewellery. Ahmedabadwala was one of the noteworthy jewellery shops that I discovered in this market. While it may look like a tiny, dismissive place, don’t judge it by its appearance. The sweet old man who runs the shop had the most amazing collection of jewellery in mirror work, Kundan work, Meena work, handpainted work and more. Not just that, the jewellery was available in multiple price ranges, going from a mere INR 100-150 up to thousands of rupees. I recommend this shop to anyone looking to shop for traditional jewellery in Udaipur. Furthermore, I picked up vintage handpainted postcards from Sakshi Art School, which is situated right next to Zostel Udaipur. Once again, the kind man who runs this art school was so sweet that I couldn't help including his store/ art school in this Udaipur travel guide.

Where to Eat in Udaipur - Best Restaurants and Cafes in Udaipur

No trip to Udaipur is complete without gorging on a scrumptious Rajasthani thali and sitting in a nice cafe or restaurant at Lake Pichola. While there are numerous places where you can do both of the aforementioned things in Udaipur, I’ve mentioned two of the top restaurants and cafes in Udaipur, based on my experience in the city.

Places to eat in Udaipur - Jheel cafe

What is one of the most amazing cafes in Udaipur city, Jheel cafe lies near Gangaur Ghat, sitting pretty right next to Lake Pichola. The cafe has two levels - the top floor where you can get a nice view of the lake and the section which has a more extensive menu. On the other hand, the bottom floor of Jheel cafe has a limited menu and limited seating. However, this is where there's a catch. What most people miss observing is that there’s a small door at the bottom level which leads to a small open-air section where it almost feels as if you’re touching the lake. I loved sitting here, enjoying a hot cup of tea on a cool wintery morning, taking in the beauty of the lake in front of me.

Must Read: Top 13 Varanasi Street Food Items You MUST Try!

Tribute Restaurant

Places to eat in Udaipur - Tribute restaurant

Tribute restaurant is an upscale restaurant located directly opposite to Zostel Udaipur, on the other side of the lake. The restaurant has the most amazing view of the lake in the evening, with lights of the restaurant and the city shimmering in the placid water. Even though the restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, I would recommend sitting outside for the best views and a phenomenal ambience. The food tasted good but I did not enjoy the cocktails here. You may need to call ahead and reserve a table during the tourist season, in order to be assured a table.

Planning a Trip to Rajasthan?

In case you're planning a trip to Rajasthan, you may find these articles helpful:

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  • Complete Jaisalmer Travel Guide

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11 Comments

tourist guide to udaipur

India is a huge bucket item list for me! Thanks for sharing!

tourist guide to udaipur

I had planned for Udaipur in March but had to cancel.thats a great itinerary

tourist guide to udaipur

I have been to all these places and I love Udaipur so much. Can’t wait to return someday.

tourist guide to udaipur

Wow, what a destination! It looks like and incredible hat trick of lakes, palaces and temples, all lit up in a golden hue. Gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.

tourist guide to udaipur

This looks like a great itinerary! Have bookmarked for when we do get to visit Udaipur – it looks like such a pretty place!

tourist guide to udaipur

I didn’t have time for Udaipur on my last trip to India but I would definitely love to go next time I’m there. That cafe by the water looks amazing! I’ll definitely save this post for whenever I get the chance to go ? love your photos!

tourist guide to udaipur

Such a lovely post! I was in Udaipur 8 years ago and need to go back again once travel opens up again. India is a special country to me and I would love to go back to Rajastan. I will keep your travel guilde handy for my next trip so I don+t miss out of anything:)

tourist guide to udaipur

Udaipur was an absolute dream. One of my favorite Indian cities. Can’t wait to go back.

tourist guide to udaipur

Very nice places Udaipur have. We have explore all these places. Thank you so much for provide such information

tourist guide to udaipur

Very nice blog. thank you so much for sharing such information with us. I like your writing style, is so inspiring…keep sharing…

tourist guide to udaipur

Udaipur is always my favorite place to drop by, have visited Lake palace and city palace many times just for the sculptures and magnificent infrastructure. I suggest people visit these places atleast once, else they could miss perfect spots to witness for their lifetime.

Comments are closed.

tourist guide to udaipur

My Udaipur Travel Guide: 18 Wanderlust things to do in Udaipur for a 3 day itinerary

Last Updated on March 16, 2024 by Christine Kaaloa

Udaipur blue city palac

In this Udaipur travel guide, I’ll take you through 14 best things to do in Udaipur Old city for first time solo travelers to Udaipur.

Travel friends would always say they loved Udaipur, The Venice of India .  I thought it was just hype. Until I traveled there…

it’s taken me a while to get myself to Udaipur. Now that I look back on why I’ve held out for so long, I realize that I just didn’t want to acknowledge that hype about a city can be real.

Udaipur, romantically known as the “City of Lakes” is located in Rajasthan. It is known for its historical significance and Rajput royalty, ornate palaces and architectural beauty. Driving into Udaipur from Jawai Bandh, the city is surrounded by the Aravalli Range, a series of beautiful lush and vibrantly green rolling hills. That was my first welcome to Udaipur and it set a different tone from other more arid Rajasthani cities I’ve been . Instantly, I was relaxed and calm. The city is also situated around several lakes, it has a rich heritage and unlike cities like Delhi , Mumbai or Goa , it’s one of those cities that has preserved its heritage and traditional practices.

Check out my Rajasthan trip 8-day itinerary

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Table of Contents: My Udaipur Travel Guide: 18 Wanderlust things to do in Udaipur for a 3 day itinerary

  • 0.1 Udaipur Old City: An Authentic, Laidback Vibe
  • 1.1.1 1. Jagdish Temple
  • 1.1.2 2. City Palace
  • 1.1.3 3. Boat Ride on Lake Pichola
  • 1.1.4 4.Jag Mandir or Lake Island Palace
  • 1.1.5 5. Bagore Ki Haveli: Cultural Extravaganza in Heritage Walls
  • 1.1.6 6. Ropeway to Lake Pichola View: Aerial Spectacle
  • 1.1.7 7. Karni Mata Temple: Serenity on Machla Magra Hills
  • 1.1.8 8. Lok Dharohar cultural performance
  • 1.2.1 9. Street Food  Tour in Udaipur
  • 1.2.2 10.. Do a walking tour Udaipur Old city
  • 1.2.3 11. Visiting a Local Temple
  • 1.2.4 12. Miniature Painting Gallery
  • 1.2.5 13. Saheliyon Ki Bari: Royal Gardens of Tranquility
  • 1.2.6 14. Fateh Sagar Lake.
  • 1.2.7 15. Monsoon Palace or Sajjangarh Palace
  • 1.3    Solo Travel Resources
  • 1.5.1 16. Animal Aid Unlimited
  • 1.5.2 17. We love Strays
  • 1.5.3 18. Taking a Cooking Class
  • 1.6 Where to Stay in Udaipur

Udaipur Old City: An Authentic, Laidback Vibe

I was visiting Udaipur to scout it as one of the cities for my group tour . Udaipur is… as my friend and local operator Komal of Women for World put it … “charming”.

When you get there, it’s easy to understand why. It’s not only the palace, the ornate architecture, but the locals too. The locals will win your heart over.

As a popular region in India, Rajasthan has its share of touts at every attraction. Touts are one thing about India that can jade travelers. Arriving in Udaipur Old City, I had my armor on when folks approached me in the cafe or restaurants. Some locals would literally pull out a chair at my table to chat with me as I awaited my meal.

I’d keep thinking to myself—” okay, what’s your real agenda? When are you going to want me to come to your shop or sell me something?”

But honestly, they were just friendly. Udaipur Old City has the mentality of a small village where everyone knows everyone. Locals love to strike up conversations and while they would love for you to visit their shop too, they’re also there to enjoy their moments in the day and fill their curiosity.

Read Getting your Indian tourist visa for Americans

Udaipur city palace grrrltraveler

Udaipur City Guide: 15 Wanderlust Things to Do in Udaipur’s Old City

today you’ll spend your entire day exploring the old city, starting from the middle and eventually making your way to the Aranvalli

1. Jagdish Temple

Constructed 1651, Jagdish Temple is an Indo-Aryan temple that stands in the heart of the Old City, surrounded by bazaars and souvenir shops. You cannot miss it- it’s easy to spot as there are stone steps leading to the temple and it is raised above the street.. Jagdish Temple is an ode to Lord Vishnu. Its intricately stone-carved designs of pillars, walls and ceilings narrate the Mewar dynasty.

Attend the morning or evening aarti. Definitely one of best things to do in Udaipur.

Udaipur travel guide

2. City Palace

Begin your Udaipur trip guide with a visit to the City Palace , an architectural masterpiece that seamlessly blends Rajasthani and Mughal styles. It’s a glimpse into royal history and its lifestyle in Udaipur. Constructed in 1559, this historic gem is large and houses several rooms and wings where generations of royal families once resided. Part of the palace is built around a tree, which you can still see today. The palace has various photogenic nooks and crannies for romantic selfies, as the ornate architectural design, artwork, exhibitions, and stylish rooms offer visitors much to explore. It also offers panoramic views of Lake Pichola. Udaipur trip guide enthusiasts will appreciate the ₹300 entry fee for adults, ₹100 for students with ID. This is a MUST and one of my favorite Udaipur highlights. It’s worthwhile.

Tip: Hire an official guide to get the most out of your visit and learn about the rich history and stories associated with the palace. Guides are available near the entrance. Arrive at 9 AM when the palace opens to avoid the crowds. Around 10 AM, you’ll encounter more tourists and local high school excursions.

You can also purchase Skip the Line tickets and get both, the City Palace and a boat ride on one ticket .

udaipur city palace portal window

3. Boat Ride on Lake Pichola

ake a boat ride on Lake Pichola to experience the serene beauty of the waters and see the cityscape that dubs Udaipur as the “Venice of India.” It’s a short 10-minute boat ride, typically on a packed passenger boat, but it’s a relaxing experience. The lake is calm, peaceful, and clean, unlike the  Varanasi boat rides. The boat takes you to the Jag Mandir, the Lake Palace. Costs range from ₹500 to ₹700.

Tip: Combine the City Palace with the Lake Pichola boat ride . They are so close together!

udaipur trip guide_jag mandir lake palace

4.Jag Mandir or Lake Island Palace

Jag Mandir, also known as the Lake Palace, sits upon Lake Pichola. This 17th-century island palace, once a pleasure retreat for Mewar Maharajas, is a white marble and intricate Rajput architectural gem. Jag Mandir isn’t just a monument; it offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of Rajput royalty. You can get to the Lake Island Palace by the boat above. The boat will drop you and you can spend as much time as you want. There’s not much to do there. You can see the palace and the garden. It is now a hotel and you can have lunch there.

jag mandir udaipur

5. Bagore Ki Haveli: Cultural Extravaganza in Heritage Walls

On the shores of Lake Pichola, Bagore Ki Haveli, is an 18th-century haveli  turned into a museum, offering a journey into the royal lifestyle. There are cultural performances held in the eveningaround Rajasthan’s vibrant traditions. There are breathtaking views of Lake Pichola and the City Palace from the rooftop as the sun sets

6. Ropeway to Lake Pichola View: Aerial Spectacle

One of the unequivocably best things to do in Udaipur is to take the ropeway to the top of the Machla Magra Hills (aka Fish Hill). You’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking aerial view of Lake Pichola and its surroundings.

At the top of the ropeway you’ll find a restaurant and some food concessions. It’s a worthwhile ascent as this ropeway will lead you to two panoramic vantage points where you can view the stunning Udaipur city and lake– a lookout point and the Karni Mata temple lookout and temple. Admission: ₹300 for adults. It’s one of the fun and romantic highlights of this Udaipur trip guide.

Tip: Take the ropeway at sunset and stay til night falls to witness the glowing Udaipur city lights.

rajasthan udaipur sunset view 2

7. Karni Mata Temple: Serenity on Machla Magra Hills

Perched on the Machla Magra Hills (aka Fish Hill) sits the Karni Mata Temple . Not only is it a sacred site dedicated to the revered rat goddess Karni Mata, but it is also a vantage point offering stunning panoramic views of Udaipur. The temple holds deep religious significance, drawing devotees and tourists alike. There is a sister Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok (Bikaner) where free-roaming rats reside in the temple as part of the worship. The Karni Mata Temple in Udaipur is a smaller temple and the rats are kept in a cage near the entrance of the temple.

Reach the temple by a short uphill climb or opt for the ropeway for a picturesque and leisurely ascent.

Explore the temple grounds, and take in the breathtaking sunset views over the city. Entry is free. It was easily one of my best things to do in Udaipur for a solo travel itinerary.

Tip: At night, the temple is lit with colorful lights to give it a special ambience and festive feeling. You can take the ropeway or hike the hills to get there. The hike is a paved walkway, but it will take you 20 -45 minutes (it’s a small hill) depending upon your health.

Tip:  Do a Udaipur Night Walking tour with a guide .

udaipur trip giude_karni mata temple udaipur

8. Lok Dharohar cultural performance

Lok Dharohar is a beautiful cultural show that showcases the rich heritage and traditions of Rajasthan . It is a popular tourist attraction in Udaipur, India, and has been running for over 23 years. The show features a variety of Rajasthani folk dances and a puppet show and live music.

The show is held daily at Lok Dharohar Haveli, located on Samor Bagh Road, near Karni Mata Ropeway. There are two shows each day, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased online or at the venue. Check website

lok dharodar performance udaipur attractions

This second day is for waking up to the city, gathering your bearings and then visiting attractions outside the Old City and beyond.

9. Street Food  Tour in Udaipur

Indulge your taste buds by touring Udaipur’s street food scene . Experience local flavors from vendors offering an array of delectable dishes from lassi to kachori, deep fried cheese sandwich, dabeli, and jalebi . .Start with breakfast street foods., All the food vendors are open and preparing fresh foods from the fryer. Street foods are sold hot. This is the best time to experience them

Read Decoding Indian food

Prices vary, providing a budget-friendly culinary adventure for solo travelers on the best things to do in Udaipur list. You can also do an Udaipur pub crawl .

As you wander through the vibrant streets of Udaipur, immerse yourself in the local culinary scene by indulging in these iconic street foods that have become synonymous with the city’s flavors.

Read my food safety tips for eating street food

best street foods in udaipur

10.. Do a walking tour Udaipur Old city

There’s a lot to see on foot in Old Udaipur. It’s always recommended to hire a guide , to give more infotainment to your city sights. Hiring a guide in Udaipur can be inexpensive, costing anywhere from $24-40/day.

At night, Udaipur is electric, so your day should not end just because the sun goes down. Souvenir shops and cafes are still open, as are temples.  Take a guided walking tour at night,  a tour exploring Udaipur’s hidden gems, or do a day tour with a private guide and car .

udaipur indian perfume shop

11. Visiting a Local Temple

 Experience the spiritual tranquility of Udaipur’s temples. Jagdish Temple and the Karni Mata Temple are highlight picks but Udaipur also has small temples. I stumbled upon a small upstairs temple for Radha – Krishna’s consort- where an artist was doing a four day exhibition. The day I visited, his installation was a colored powder painting upon water. It was pretty phenomenal. It’s also a lively temple.

radha temple udaipur

12. Miniature Painting Gallery

Discover the intricate world of Rajasthani miniature paintings at the City Palace Museum. Admire the details and vibrant colors of this traditional art form. You can also find galleries around town where you might be invited to see the artists at work. There are different levels to miniature paintings: Student, Professor and Master and to be able to buy the specific painter’s brush for this, you need to be a certified artist.

For many artists, this is a handed down craft and it’s a very serious art. The paintings are tedious and meticulous, the more you get to the master level and it can take weeks to months to paint. You might see trees with individual leaves or animals with painted hairs.  It’s definitely a tradition that’s been handed down through the ages. You’ll find a lot of student work in souvenir shops and on the streets; some are even replica prints. But if you buy it from an art gallery, it’s more likely to be real.

udaipur trip guide_miniature painting

13. Saheliyon Ki Bari: Royal Gardens of Tranquility

Saheliyon Ki Bari (“Gardens of the Maidens”) is an 18th-century garden built for royal queens on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake. I haven’t visited this as my time was short at Fateh Sagar Lake. But it sounds wonderful.  Intricately designed fountains, kiosks, and a lotus pool punctuate the grounds. It’s a haven for photographers and a peaceful retreat for solo travelers. Entry costs ₹10 for Indians and ₹50 for foreigners, making it a serene retreat for Udaipur trip guide seekers.

14. Fateh Sagar Lake.

Fateh Sagar Lake is a man-made lake and one of the four lakes in Udaipur. It houses three islands and two public parks. You can go boating on the lake and visit the parks.

udaipur trip guide_fateh sagar

15. Monsoon Palace or Sajjangarh Palace

Built-in 1884 on the Aravalli hilltop, Monsoon Palace or Sajjangarh Palace to observe romantic moonlit nights. The palace was featured in the James Bond film Octopussy and offers a breathtaking sunset view. The palace was originally intended to monitor the monsoon clouds, but it has become a vantage point for visitors seeking panoramic views of Udaipur. To reach the palace, hire an autorickshaw to navigate the winding roads that lead to the top. From the top you’ll get a panoramic vista of Udaipur’s lakes, palaces.

Visit during the evening hours to witness the city illuminated against the canvas of the setting sun.  See the tourism board website for hours and admission.

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Day three is to enjoy the day souvenir shopping , extra cultural activities and visiting locations that are a little on the outskirts of Udaipur.

Animal Welfare Volunteer Programs in Udaipur

16. animal aid unlimited.

Make a meaningful impact by volunteering at Animal Aid Unlimited , an animal welfare sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals. You can take a guided tour of their facilities, where a volunteer will tell you about all the work they are doing for the various animals they have from cows, goats, donkeys, handicapped/paralyzed/senior dogs and hospital patients. It is a huge sanctuary grounds area with many staff and animal houses. When I went, I saw a lot of work being done from volunteers making food to staff massaging a cow to help it to recovery.  There is a hydrotherapy facility to aid animal recovery as well.  It’s pretty near a farm.

Visit their website to apply for volunteering opportunities. It is free to volunteer but you must find your way to their location.. Many travelers volunteer there. You can volunteer for as long as you want. Donations are welcome to support the sanctuary’s efforts or you can buy merch from shop to support the cause.

Hire a rickshaw to get there. It’s located around 20 minutes outside of Udaipur, but the taxi ride won’t cost much and its a nice way to get out and see additional surrounding sights of Udaipur.

animal aid unlimited entrance

17. We love Strays

One of the things I loved about staying in the Old City is you’ll see locals feeding the homeless street dogs and cows. Along the way, you’ll see water troughs marked Support Strays , a reminder to be kind to the street animals.  It is a one-woman team and she takes volunteers, although you’d need to contact her to learn more ( Call/WhatsApp – 6378669665)

udaipur save strays campaign

18. Taking a Cooking Class

Immerse yourself in the flavors of Rajasthan with a hands-on cooking experience. Learn the secrets of Rajasthani cuisine by taking a cooking class in Udaipur  and preparing your own local delicacies.

Where to Stay in Udaipur

Little Garden Guesthouse This 200 year old eclectic and renovated family-owned and run haveli is a boutique gem that I loved loved loved staying at. Everyone was warm and welcoming. Akshay is a very hospitable host and they check to see you’re okay. Hot water baths and rooms are homey, well designed with a touch of retro. Has a lovely rooftop view of the City Palace. Perfect for a female solo traveler!  Location is ideal in the heart of the city and walking distance to all the top highlights.

little garden guestshouse udaipur

What would you add to this Udaipur travel guide? What of these wanderlust things to do in Udaipur would you add to your Udaipur trip itinerary?

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The Present Perspective

Udaipur Travel Guide: Is Udaipur Worth Visiting? [2023]

· everything to know about visiting india's city of lakes, including the best things to do and where to stay ·.

mother, father and toddler standing in the grand white monsoon palace of India

If you’ve been planning a trip to Rajasthan, there is a good chance that Udaipur is on your radar. Located on the banks of Lake Pichola, the city’s own artificial lake, this gorgeous city has been a playground for wealthy Indian vacationers for a long time. From taking a boat ride to Jag Mandir to soaking up the views from the high-up Monsoon Palace, there are plenty of reasons to add this beautiful city to your Indian trip itinerary.

This Udaipur Travel Guide will break down everything you need to know before visiting the City of Lakes, including our answer to the question “is Udaipur worth visiting?”

This post contains affiliate links through which we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Best Things to Do in Udaipur

1. explore the udaipur city palace museum.

Udaipur’s City Palace is its top attraction, and it took over 400 years to build. This grand palace complex is easily one of the top tourist attractions in Udaipur, as it draws in thousands of visitors per year thanks to its well-curated art and artifact collections, its stunning construction, and its beautiful views of the city and lakes.

gorgeous gate entrance in white city palace in udaipur india

Of all the major attractions in Udaipur, the City Palace Museum was easily our favorite.

Entry tickets cost 300 rupees (about $3-4) for foreign adults and are bought outside of the palace. The palace is walkable from the city center of Udaipur, and the full museum will likely take you hours to get through. Be sure to eat before you enter!

person holding white entrance tickets in front of udaipur city palace wall

2. Take a Sunset Boat Ride on one of Udaipur’s Stunning Lakes

Udaipur’s nickname is the City of Lakes, and well, there are a lot of pretty lakes. In the past, rulers from the Mewar Royal Family decided to create an artificial freshwater lake, and then another…and then another.

One of the top things to do in Udaipur is to catch a ride on a small passenger boat in the evening to watch the sunset from the middle of one of the serene lakes. Lake Pichola is the biggest and most popular lake in Udaipur, and this is where we recommend doing a sunset boat ride.

silhouette of woman in red dress sitting under a boat archway overlooking a warm lake sunset

We recommend Lake Pichola because of its size, views, and the beautiful palaces that are floating in the middle of it. If you go for a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, you may pass the Gangaur Ghat, Jag Mandir Temple or the Taj Lake Palace, for example. On either Fateh Sagar Lake or Jaisamand Lake, you’ll probably still have a great experience.

3. Ascend to Sajjangarh Palace (the Monsoon Palace)

Sajjangarh Palace, more commonly referred to as the Monsoon Palace, is a palace built on a cliff at the peak of a tall mountain overlooking Udaipur. Getting to the Monsoon Palace can be a bit of a journey, but it is worth every second.

gorgeous white exterior of monsoon palace in Udaipur

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Travel Family | Angel, Greg, & Nicola (@the.present.perspective)

As the road to the top of the mountain is pretty steep, windy, and treacherous, private vehicles are not allowed to make the trip. Instead, guests need to buy tickets at the entrance at the bottom and hire an official, affiliated driver to take them to the top. I was pretty terrified on the way up, if I’m being honest, but the palace was absolutely worth the hassle.

The Views Are Incredible

Once we got to the top of the mountain, we were met with a beautiful palace, some wild monkeys, and stunning views that spanned for miles in every direction. Much like going to Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro , it’s incredible to realize how high up you are and how far into the distance you can see.

Another popular thing to do while in this area is to visit the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary. It was closed during our trip, but many visitors say it is a good place to check out if you have the chance.

father in green shirt drinking a coca cola with sleeping baby strapped to chest

4. Admire Jagdish Temple

Jagdish Temple is one of the most famous temples in all of Udaipur. Honestly, of all the beautiful temples that we visited in Udaipur, our favorite was easily Jagdish Temple. Located on a hill in the heart of Udaipur, Jagdish Temple is a really pretty place to check out for a quick visit, and the exterior of the main building is gorgeous.

father and mother in red dress holding toddler in front of grand Jagdish Hindu Temple in Udaipur

Entrance to the temple complex is free, and there is a small, local art gallery tucked away in a building next door. A local tour guide eagerly met us at the entrance, explained each building’s significance, and showed us the art gallery.

My one piece of advice is to wear socks. As with any Hindu temple, you need to take off your shoes before you enter the grounds. As it is outdoors and in the heart of a busy Indian city, it isn’t a place where I would be comfortable going barefoot. Many of our travel companions felt the same way!

5. Eat Dinner at a Rooftop Restaurant

Udaipur’s biggest claim to fame is obviously its lakes, and you should take any opportunity you can to soak in their beauty. One of the best ways to do this is to eat dinner at a rooftop restaurant! Rooftop restaurants are very common in Udaipur, and some of them provide the best views you’ll find of the lakes and their shores.

We ate at two really nice rooftop restaurants, and I highly recommend both. The first of these is Rainbow Restaurant , which is located just a short walk north of the City Palace Museum. The food was great, the prices were good, and the views of the lake were stunning.

gorgeous young female traveler smiling in red dress at a rooftop dinner table with Lake Pichola sunset in the background

The second restaurant I recommend, which we enjoyed even more than the first, is Atari Cafe and Restaurant . This rooftop restaurant is located to the west of Lake Pichola, and it provides entirely different views. The food was great, and we enjoyed the tables right along a glass wall looking out toward the lakes.

person holding a clear glass of beer on rooftop restaurant overlooking city of Udaipur with clear blue sky

Best Places to Stay in Udaipur

One of the main reasons to visit Udaipur is to stay in a luxury hotel. Udaipur is known as the most romantic city in India, and this is due in large part to the glamorous resorts dotted around Pichola Lake and beyond in its surrounding countryside. There are three resorts that we highly recommend based on what locals and other travelers told us, but full disclosure, we only stayed in one of them.

All of these resorts are very expensive by Indian standards, but we recommend staying in one of them for at least one night if you are able to afford it. Most visitors who opt not to stay in one of Udaipur’s best hotels regret it afterward! Each of these hotels is a short drive (or boat ride) away from the city center and all of the other top places to visit.

1. Taj Lake Palace

Lake view of Taj Mahal Palace on Lake Pichola during sunset with colorful orange sky

The Taj Lake Palace has a reputation as one of the top palace hotels in India. This beautiful palace is located on an island in the middle of Lake Pichola, and guests can’t stop raving about it. It is certainly an expensive option, but most people will tell you it doesn’t get much better than this. If you can’t afford to stay at the Taj Lake Palace or it is sold out, consider scheduling a lunch or tea there instead.

2. The Oberoi Udaivillas

gorgeous hotel outdoor pool surrounded by Indian palace architecture

Located on the shores of Lake Pichola, the Oberoi Udaivillas is another beautiful place that guests just love. We had hoped to stay here, but it was well above our budget. If you are looking for true unapologizing luxury, this is a place to consider. Again, if it is beyond your nightly budget, consider stopping in for tea or lunch.

Aurika Udaipur by Lemon Tre e is where we stayed for the full duration of our visit to Udaipur. While it is not as glamorous as the other two resorts on this list, it is absolutely still a luxurious place to stay. This 5-star resort did not disappoint, and the price was significantly lower than the other two options I listed above.

At Aurika, the staff takes you up the mountain to your accommodation via golf cart, the spa is great, the restaurant is delicious, and the rooms and views are gorgeous. We highly recommend staying here if you are able.

tourist guide to udaipur

How to Get to Udaipur

Flying directly into udaipur.

The city of Udaipur is pretty far away from most major destinations in India, and your best bet is usually to fly right into Udaipur’s Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR) . It is very small, but there are no other major airports nearby. From the Udaipur airport, you can either hail a cab or call an Uber, and the ride should take anywhere between 30 and 45 minutes.

Flying from a Foreign Country into a Different Indian City and then Transiting to Udaipur

Udaipur’s airport is pretty tiny, and it serves very few airlines. If you are flying to Udaipur from a country other than India, it might make sense to take a larger international airline to get to a major city in India , and then fly on a regional budget airline to get to Udaipur.

We flew on SpiceJet to get from Delhi to Udaipur and Air India to get from Udaipur back to Delhi. Flights are available from most of India’s biggest cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Indore, and Hyderabad.

We do not recommend SpiceJet, but had a fine experience with Air India.

Driving to Udaipur from Other Nearby Indian Cities

Simply put, Udaipur isn’t very close to any other major cities in India. While it is referred to as one of the three major cities of Rajasthan, it’s important to realize that Rajasthan is massive. The closest major cities to Udaipur are Jodhpur and Ahmedabad, which are both about 4.5-5 hours away. From either of these cities, the roads are generally good and hiring a private driver is a great option.

Beyond these two cities, the next two closest major cities are Jaipur (7 hours) and Jaisalmer (9 hours). We initially planned on flying from Jaisalmer to Udaipur, but our flight was canceled. We wound up hiring a private driver through Lucky Tours and Travel to take us 9 hours from Jaisalmer to Udaipur.

If you are anywhere else but these four cities, I wouldn’t recommend driving to Udaipur. The drive will be long and likely will not be a straight, easy drive on the highway.

Taking a Train to Udaipur

Udaipur does have a train station, which is clean and safe. Udaipur Railway Station is well-connected to other nearby major cities, including Jaipur and New Delhi. However, the train to New Delhi takes over half of a day, making it impractical compared to cheap budget airline options.

Taking a train from Jaipur might make sense, but from just about anywhere else it probably takes longer than necessary. There are no trains connecting Udaipur and Jaisalmer.

How to Get Around Udaipur

TAXI | RIDESHARING | TUK TUK

If you stay in one of Udaipur’s nice resorts, there is a good chance that you will not be within walking distance of much. the historic center – or old town – of Udaipur is very walkable, but most of the best resorts are a bit of a drive away from this part of the city.

If you need to get somewhere in Udaipur that is not within walking distance, you have three main options: taxis, ridesharing services, and tuk-tuks.

Taxis in Udaipur

Generally speaking, taxis in Udaipur are safe and very cheap. I never recommend taxis over ridesharing services, but they are available in a pinch. Drivers likely will not speak much English, and payment will probably be required in cash. As always, be sure to agree on a price before getting in the cab.

Ola and Uber in Udaipur

Ola and Uber are both available in Udaipur, but there are some things you should know before you hail a ride. Many Uber and Ola drivers in Udaipur think they are underpaid by the apps, and it is very common for drivers to refuse to pick you up unless you agree to pay extra money for the ride.

Uber drivers will demand that you pay them extra for the ride.

Generally speaking, there is no way around this. While the drivers are clearly breaking the rules set forth by each app, they all do it. If you want the safety that comes with taking an Uber or Ola, you’ll have to pay a slight cash premium for it.

Tuk-tuks in Udaipur

Our favorite way to get around Indian cities is by tuk-tuk, or auto rickshaw. A tuk-tuk is essentially a three-wheeled motorcycle with a closed-in cab area for passengers. They are able to effectively weave through traffic, cost significantly less than Ubers, and can be found on almost every street in Udaipur.

If you’re unsure what they look like, just look out for their green and yellow paint. They’re unmissable. To hail a ride, simply strike up a conversation with the tuk-tuk driver, mention where you want to go, and agree on a price before hopping in.

selfie of traveling father and mother on a tuk tuk with baby son sitting on lap

The Best Time to Visit Udaipur

The best time to visit Udaipur is between November and March. This is the winter season, when temperatures are very pleasant both during the day and in the evening. While I almost never recommend visiting a place during its peak season, Udaipur is an exception.

This is the only time when the weather is enjoyable, and Udaipur’s best activities are almost all outdoors. While accommodation prices will be higher and crowds will be larger, visiting Udaipur in the winter is absolutely the best option.

If you want to save some money, consider visiting between August and October. This is Udaipur’s monsoon season, which means you should expect a lot of rain. However, the temperatures are tolerate – especially in the evenings – and the accommodation prices will likely be much lower than they are in the winter.

I would not recommend visiting Udaipur during the summer months of March through July, as the daytime weather can be unbearably hot and can really impact your visit.

Is Udaipur Worth Visiting?

Getting to Udaipur can be a hassle, and this often deters foreign visitors from making the trip. Due to its remoteness and how disconnected it is to other major Indian cities, it makes sense to ask “is Udaipur worth visiting?”

In our opinion, the answer is yes. On our most recent trip to India, the only place we might have enjoyed more was the Taj Mahal . As a city, Udaipur was our clear favorite thanks to its comparative cleanliness, its gorgeous lakes and palaces, and its luxurious resorts. While Udaipur doesn’t have a reputation as the top tourist attraction in India, we definitely think it ought to be in the running.

Udaipur is the perfect place to escape from the madness of New Delhi and Mumbai, and it is a great place to learn about local Rajasthani history.

While we have not been to Jaipur, we have been to Jaisalmer, and we think Udaipur is a much better place to visit.

mother in red dress and father with child in a body carrier smiling in the streets of India

Final Tips for Visiting Udaipur

Udaipur is a great city to visit in India, and we really enjoyed our visit. However, there are a few things that we wish we knew before we arrived. Knowing the best Udaipur travel tips ahead of time will help you to avoid any hassles or issues during your time in the so-called Venice of the East!

Beware of the Monkeys

A monkey literally stole our baby’s banana from our hand.

If you have ever been around monkeys in the wild, you probably already know that they aren’t the nice, cute creatures that we make them out to be. Monkeys can be very violent – especially when there is food involved.

When we were visiting the Monsoon Palace, we were in the middle of taking a nice family picture when a monkey came out of nowhere, ripped a banana out of our toddler’s hands, and ran off a few feet away to eat it. Luckily, there were no scratches or bites involved, but there easily could have been. If you see monkeys, do not pull out any food, and do not try to pet them.

Prepare to Negotiate Uber Prices

In the section on how to get around Udaipur, I mentioned that Uber and Ola drivers in Udaipur often demand extra cash. In this situation (which will probably happen more often than not), I recommend doing whatever you are comfortable with.

If you stay at a luxury hotel outside of the city, there is a good chance you won’t be able to get a ride unless you agree to pay them extra. If you are already in the city, you might be able to. Either way, it is just important to know that the typical Ola or Uber driver in Udaipur will demand extra money.

Using a Stroller Is Impossible

This tip only applies to people with small children, clearly. We found this to be true in all of India, but especially in Udaipur. There aren’t reliable sidewalks, there are a lot of stairs, and folding up a stroller to fit in a tuk-tuk is nearly impossible unless you have a Babyzen YoYo (our favorite stroller. You can purchase it through Amazon HERE ).

We recommend bringing a baby carrier , which will alleviate all of these problems. We are big fans of the BabyBjorn One Air (buy on Amazon HERE ), but really anything will work as long as it is comfortable for both you and your little one.

Allow Plenty of Time to Visit the Most Popular Attractions

In India, long lines are incredibly common. While we didn’t experience very long lines for anything, we heard that we were lucky. We visited during the peak season and it seemed like we never had to wait for anything. However, one great way to have a stress-free trip is to allow yourself extra time to get from Point A to Point B, and I would bank on having long lines for this reason.

That’s all we have for you about Udaipur! Hopefully this Udaipur travel guide has answered anything you needed to know about Rajasthan’s white city. Most Udaipur travel guides we came across before visiting lacked some important points about visiting Rajasthan’s prettiest city, and we hope that this post answers them!

Have you been to Udaipur? Are you planning a trip and have more questions for us?

Please comment your thoughts and questions!

mother, father and toddler standing in the grand white monsoon palace of India

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

Parjatakguru

Nice blog author. Thank you for your share. Keep it up.

Optima Travels

You have rightly said that Udaipur truly lives up the tourists’ expectations. The pics you have posted are really amazing. Udaipur, actually, beckons with its enchanting blend of history and beauty. Nestled around azure lakes, the city is a canvas of majestic palaces, vibrant markets, and intricate architecture. The City Palace, a symphony of marble and mosaic, stands as a testament to royal grandeur. Boat rides on Lake Pichola offer breathtaking views of the city’s skyline. Udaipur’s cultural tapestry, rich traditions, and warm hospitality make it a must-visit destination, where every cobblestone exudes a timeless charm.

I fully agree!

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tourist guide to udaipur

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tourist guide to udaipur

Lattes and Runways

  • Udaipur Travel Guide + Things To Do

By: Author Emily

Posted on Last updated: November 27, 2023

In this post, we’ll help you plan and perfect a trip to Udaipur, India. We’ll start by introducing Udaipur and some of the logistics that go into booking a trip there. Then we’ll dive into the best things to do in Udaipur, and also help you piece it together into an ideal 1 to 3 day itinerary. Keep reading to learn more about planning a trip to Udaipur!

tourist guide to udaipur

In this post

What is udaipur like, plan your trip to udaipur, how to get to udaipur, things to do in udaipur, udaipur sample itinerary, is udaipur worth visiting.

Udaipur is the Paul Rudd of Indian cities. You simply cannot find anything bad about Udaipur on the internet, and for good reason.

Let’s start with the obvious: it is beautiful. The city is nestled against the Aravalli Hills (the same hill range that borders Jaipur), which serves as a stunning backdrop and is home to some of the best vantage points in town. Udaipur has lovingly earned the nickname “City of Lakes,” in reference to the man-made lakes that are the focal point of the city. There are seven lakes, but Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar Lake are the biggest and most popular.

tourist guide to udaipur

Udaipur has an unmistakable charm and ease to it, that you won’t find in the Golden Triangle cities (Delhi, Jaipur and Agra). Udaipur feels very laid back and has an artsy vibe. There is less soliciting and hustle from salespeople, possibly because there are more stores to go inside versus market stalls and street carts. (Though Udaipur has the later, too.)

It’s also more walkable than the other cities, with wider streets, less vehicle traffic (more cows though), and even a pedestrian bridge. That said, auto rickshaws are still easy to hail and will get you just about anywhere around town for cheap.

tourist guide to udaipur

Another nickname Udaipur gets sometimes is “Venice of the East.” While I think that comparison is a bit of a stretch, it does have a certain Mediterranean resemblance. The buildings stacked along the waterfront reminded me a bit of Greece and the art shops and galleries all around town did give off some Florence energy.

This type of city attracts a type of traveler. We noticed substantially more western tourists in Udaipur than any of the Golden Triangle cities. It seemed like most of the tourists in the golden triangle were domestic Indian travelers, while Udaipur was mostly western tourists. This makes sense because Udaipur does have a more western feel to it than the other cities in India that we went to.

A trip to Udaipur will mostly likely include stunning sunset views, walks through lively bazars and winding streets, hopefully a boat ride or two, and of course a stroll through the colorful City Palace.

So yeah, we also don’t have anything bad to say about Udaipur.

tourist guide to udaipur

Lastly, I want to acknowledge that the Udaipur I talk about in this post is the tourist’s Udaipur. Like most of India, Udaipur has a lot of very intense poverty. We were riding the train with a young tech professional from Udaipur, and we told him we heard his city was lovely. He responded with a smile and said, “Yeah, it is if you’re a tourist.”

I never want to sound out of touch or over generalize an entire city. We saw the slums outside of the train station and the children running around barefoot. I am painfully aware that Udaipur is not all palaces and rooftop dining.

This post isn’t meant to ignore that fact. Instead, I’m trying to provide a realist overview of what a tourist will likely experience. We will focus on the touristy areas and the tourist experience, which I acknowledge is a privilege.

tourist guide to udaipur

Before we get to the fun stuff, let’s go over the logistics of actually planning a trip to Udaipur. Things like how to get there and where to stay.

If you’ve read any of our other India itineraries for Delhi or Jaipur , you’ll find that some of these sections (like visas, vaccines and weather) look a little familiar. Some of the content is similar, but it has been tailored to Udaipur specifically so don’t breeze over it entirely.

tourist guide to udaipur

India Visa requirements

To get to Udaipur, you’ll first need to get into India. India requires a Tourist e-Visa for visitors from almost every country. The eVisa is available for three available durations (30 days, 1 year, 5 years).

You can apply for an Indian Tourist e-Visa online. You will need a valid passport, passport photo, and credit card to pay the application fee. The application fee varies based on your nationality, but most applicants will pay $10 or $25 USD for a 30-day visa.

In most cases, this is a quick and easy process, but don’t put it off to the last minute. It can take longer if complications come up. Kenny’s took a few weeks to resolve, while mine was approved within 48 hours.

tourist guide to udaipur

Recommended vaccines for Udaipur

Vaccines are not typically required to enter India (unless you’re traveling from a Yellow Fever country). However, you should probably check what vaccines you’re current on and what ones you might want to get. In the United States, the CDC recommends the following vaccines for travelers going to India. Other countries may have different guidelines.

( Disclaimer : We are not doctors and this is not medical advice. Consult your physician or a travel clinic for a professional opinion.)

  • Hepatitis A
  • Yellow Fever
  • Cholera (not prominent in Udaipur)
  • Malaria (not prominent in Udaipur)
  • Japanese Encephalitis (not prominent in Udaipur)

We personally received or already had all of the vaccines that are bolded in the above list. We got the Yellow Fever vaccine a few years ago before traveling to Colombia, but we wouldn’t have otherwise gotten it for this trip. The only new vaccine that we got specifically got for this trip was Typhoid.

Typhoid spreads through contaminated water. We planned to be extremely careful with drinking water, but contaminated water can easily get into your system through sneakier ways. (There’s always the chance contaminated water was used to wash produce, clean cutlery or make ice, for example.) Even though we felt like our risk was low, this one seemed like it was worth it.

The Typhoid vaccine is expensive. It costs around $150 and most insurance doesn’t cover it. (Our insurance covered it for our child but not us adults.) It’s also really hard to find. In many cases you have to go to a travel clinic to get it, which can sometimes cost another few hundred dollars. Some CVS locations carry it though, especially in major cities, so be sure to check there first. (We got ours at a CVS in Astoria, NY, USA.)

tourist guide to udaipur

When to go to Udaipur

The most important thing to consider when you’re planning a trip to Udaipur is the weather. Udaipur is hot all year, but it’s really hot in the summer. Plus there’s monsoon season to deal with.

Here’s a look at Udaipur weather by season. All temperatures are in °F.

  • Summer in Udaipur (April – June): Summer is extremely hot with temperatures regularly hitting 100°F or higher.
  • Monsoon Season in Udaipur (July – September): The monsoon season starts in late June and brings with it heavy rains and humidity. Highs dip down to the 80s with lows in the 70s.
  • Fall and winter in Udaipur (October – January) : The rainy season gives way to a milder fall and winter. Highs still hover around 80°F but lows can dip down into the 40s and 50s.
  • Spring in Udaipur (February – March): Temperatures shoot up in a hurry come spring, but can very day by day. Highs will steadily climb from the 80s into the 90s and lows will get up to the 60s.

From a weather perspective, the best time to visit Udaipur is in the late winter or early spring (January through March). You definitely want to avoid the summer’s crippling heat and monsoon season in Udaipur.

Other than weather, you may also want to plan around holidays and festivals. Some holidays that are celebrated fervently in Udaipur include Teej (July/August), Gangaur (April), Diwali (October/November), and Holi.

We personally celebrated Holi in Udaipur and it was the highlight of our entire trip to India. Holi marks the start of spring, and it is celebrated with a flurry of brightly colored powdered paint. There’s music and dancing and lots of “Happy Holi” well wishes as every stranger smears a bit more color onto your face. If it’s possible to visit Udaipur for Holi (February/March), you should absolutely prioritize it.

tourist guide to udaipur

Getting around Udaipur

Getting around to different places in Udaipur will require a handful of different transportation methods.

  • Walk: Walking is the best way to get around the old city area near City Palace and the surrounding bazars and shopping streets. The streets are narrow and windy, but there are lots of shops and restaurants along the way.
  • Auto Rickshaw (tuk tuk) : This is the best way to cover medium distances across town. There’s tuk tuks available for hire all around the city, particularly in tourist areas. Be sure to agree on a price before you begin your ride. Rates are usually pretty reasonable. For example, a ride from City Palace to Rameshwar Ghat costs about Rs. 150 ($2 USD).
  • Boat: It is basically required to take at least one boat ride in Udaipur. If you’re staying on Lake Pichola, your hotel might offer a shuttle boat service to get to and from the old city. Otherwise, boat rides are more for fun and sightseeing than for transit. Although the only way to get to Jag Mandir, a castle in the middle of Lake Pichola, is by boat.
  • Uber: They do have Uber in Udaipur, so that’s the best way to cover further distances. This is the best way to get up to the hills (like to Monsoon Palace), get to hotels that are on the west side of the lakes or get to the train station or airport with all your stuff.

Udaipur does not have a metro or intercity train system.

tourist guide to udaipur

Where to Stay in Udaipur

You can find really, really cheap places to stay in Udaipur and really, really expensive places to stay in Udaipur.

If you’re going the cheaper route, we recommend staying somewhere in the old city area on the northeast side of Lake Pichola. Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel is a popular and well-rated hotel in this area which goes for $50 – $100 USD a night. You can also get places much cheaper (like in the <$10 USD range), but we can’t say we recommend those if you can avoid it.

If you’re traveling on a luxury budget, you have some incredible options in Udaipur. One popular option is Taj Lake Palace, which is in the middle of Lake Pichola. Another is the Oberoi Udaivilas, which is the Udaipur location for the Oberoi brand which was named the World’s Best Hotel Brand in 2022 by Travel & Leisure.

tourist guide to udaipur

We personally stayed at the Oberoi Udaivilas , and it was unreal . The entire property is stunning, the views are incredible, and the service is unmatched.

The Oberoi Udaivilas is located on the west side of Lake Pichola. They have complimentary boat service from the hotel to their jetty on the south side of Doodh Talai, which was then a short (Rs. 200) tuk tuk ride to City Palace. Honestly, the commute was half the fun everyday.

We used our Amex Platinum to book through the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts portal which got us upgraded to an amazing room with a semi-private pool. Needless to say, our 2-year-old was impressed.

tourist guide to udaipur

How many days do you need in Udaipur

How long you need to stay in Udaipur really depends on what you want to get out of it and also how much time you have. You can see and do a lot in just one day as part of a busy itinerary, but you can also stretch it out to fill your entire vacation.

  • 1 day in Udaipur is enough if you’re already in the area. If you’re making your way through Rajasthan and Udaipur isn’t too far out of the way, one day is actually perfect. You can cover the must-dos in a single day, which is fine if you’re not wasting full travel days on either side to get there.
  • 2 days in Udaipur is enough if you’re adding it onto the Golden Triangle or Mumbai. It takes a bit of time to get to Udaipur from Delhi or Mumbai, so you want to make it worthwhile. A 2-day trip is the perfect amount of time to enjoy Udaipur enough to justify the travel time.
  • 3 days in Udaipur is enough to see most of the main attractions. If you want to see the highlights at a leisurely pace or pack in as much as possible, three days is generous. You won’t feel rushed, but can still do a lot.
  • 4+ days in Udaipur is enough if you want to relax. You certainly don’t need four or more days in Udaipur. However, if you have the time, it’s a great place to spend it..

For most travelers, we’d suggest spending two days in Udaipur. That’s really the sweet spot. You can fill your mornings with activities and your evenings with rooftop drinks and sunset views. It’s not too rushed, but you won’t get sick of it either.

tourist guide to udaipur

Udaipur is located almost exactly in the middle of Mumbai and Delhi. That means that it’s kind of a pain in the you-know-what to get to from either. (Honestly, I think that’s why Udaipur has been able to preserve its charm. If it was easier to get to, everyone would go there.)

If you’re going to Udaipur from either Mumbai or Delhi , it’s probably best to fly. From either city, the flight is only 1 – 1.5 hours, but it will still take the better part of the day when you factor in security and transit between airports and hotels. To get to Udaipur from Delhi , there’s also an option for an overnight train.

tourist guide to udaipur

It’s also possible to add Udaipur to a Golden Circle itinerary, which is what we did. It fits in well between Jaipur and Agra. From Jaipur to Udaipur , it’s a 6.5 hour drive or 7-8 hour train ride. From Agra to Udaipur , its a 12-13 hour overnight train or 10.5 hour drive. We personally took the morning train from Jaipur to Udaipur and then overnight train from Udaipur to Agra.

Trains in India in generally are fine. They are relatively quick, mostly on time, and pretty cheap. We recommend booking through 12go Asia , and also be sure to book an AC cabin with a reserved seat or bed. The lower class cars are very hot, very crowded, and very much not for tourists. The overnight train (in First Class) wasn’t bad, but it was eventful. It’s definitely an experience I’m happy to say I had, but I’m also not in a rush to do it again.

tourist guide to udaipur

There’s a handful of must-see things in Udaipur, which we’ll walk through in this section. Beyond that, Udaipur is really about walking through the bazars and enjoying the views over the town and the lakes.

Most of the tourist attractions in Udaipur are around the lakes, primarily Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar Lake, and in the old city. The old city is the historical city center of Udaipur and refers to the area around the City Palace on the northeast side of Lake Pichola.

Most popular things to do in Udaipur

  • Udaipur City Palace: This 400-year-old palace sits on east bank of Lake Pichola. It’s one of the largest palaces of its style, filled with colorful rooms and endless views. Many of the rooms showcase museum-style exhibits, historical artifacts and replicas, and art. Be sure to get there early (like, as soon as it opens) to beat the crowds and tour groups. There is a single route through the palace that has a lot of narrow passage ways, so once those get congested the experience takes a lot longer and cannot be sped up.
  • Jagdish Temple: This is a Hindu temple at the heart of Udaipur’s old city. It’s a small, but beautiful temple with intricate carvings and nice views of the surrounding chowk (or market).
  • Gangour Ghat : There are many ghats in Udaipur, which is a general term for steps that lead down to the water. Gangour Ghat is the main one because it’s the largest, most popular and prettiest. There’s an archway gate, some street art and a small temple. It’s a popular, free place to watch the sunset over Lake Pichola.
  • Boat ride on Lake Pichola : It’s hard to miss Lake Pichola if you’re visiting Udaipur. It’s the massive lake that sits beside the City Palace and old city. The best way to experience it is to get on the water. You can buy tickets for the boat ride at City Palace, and then walk to the jetty at Rameshwar Ghat. The boat runs every hour and takes you out around the lake and to Jag Mandir, which is a palace in the middle of Lake Pichola.
  • Rooftop bars and restaurants: The views are the highlight of Udaipur, so enjoying a meal or drink is a popular way to do that. There are several popular and well rated options including Rainbow Restaurant, Sun N Moon Cafe and Cafe Grasswood. We personally dined at Yummy Yoga , and the only thing better than the lake views was the Thali we ate. Definitely be sure to read reviews and do your research before dining or drinking out anywhere in India, as the water is not safe to drink and traveler’s diarrhea is common.

tourist guide to udaipur

Other things to do in Udaipur

  • Fateh Sagar Pal: Along the east bank of Fateh Sagar Lake is a pedestrian waterfront pathway. It’s a great place for a run in the early morning or a casual stroll in evening. There are some food vendors, shops and an aquarium along the way, but people mostly come to enjoy the lake views.
  • Jag Mandir: This castle sits in the middle of Lake Pichola and is only accessible by boat, so you’ll probably combine it with the boat ride I’ve already mentioned. It’s a small castle and grounds with bar/restaurant and nice views.
  • Panchwati and Saheliyon ki bari: Panchwati is the neighborhood to the east of Fateh Sagar Lake. It is lively and a bit more modern with several new buildings, a handful trendy coffee shops and an odd amount of burger restaurants. Saheliyon ki bari is located in this area and is a beautiful garden with several fountains.
  • Pratap Gaurav Kendra : This is one of the more interesting tourist attractions in Udaipur and I can’t say that we personally experienced it. It’s a museum of sorts with several different types of exhibits including statues, gardens, films and art that explores the history of the region and Hindu culture. It specifically celebrates the life and legacy of former leader Pratap Gaurav Kendra.

Best views in Udaipur

  • Monsoon Palace: This hilltop castle sits to the west of Fateh Sagar Lake and offers panoramic views of Udaipur City and the surrounding Aravalli Hills. It is a bit of a pain to get there, but you can explore the castle museum in addition to the views.
  • Karni Mata Temple by Ropeway: This is a small, hilltop temple on the east side of Lake Pichola. The temple itself is not that impressive, but the views over the lake and city are incredible. What makes this experience even more fun is taking the Ropeway (cable cars) to the top. You can also walk if you’re really ambitious.
  • Ambrai Ghat: This particular ghat offers some of the best water-side views of City Palace looming over Lake Pichola. There’s also some cool murals and street art and a temple.
  • Neemach Mata Mandir: Head to this hilltop temple for the best views of Fateh Sagar Lake. Like most places in Udaipur, it’s particularly beautiful at sunset. It does require a 1K high and some stairs to get to the top, though.
  • Doodh Talai : This is a small lake (more of a pond) just east of Lake Pichola. It’s surrounded by beautiful white domes and archways, which makes for a very scenic and photogenic visit. It seemed to be most popular with locals and Indian tourists, but we enjoyed our walks around it on our way to the boat jetty for our hotel.

tourist guide to udaipur

Bazars & shops in Udaipur

  • Bada Bazar: This is the main market street in Udaipur. The street is narrow, but still walkable. It is located on Mochiwada Road between Ghantaghar (notable clocktower) and the Jain Temple here . It’s a popular walking street for tourists, lined with shops and street vendors, along with several small, hidden temples and shrines.
  • Jagdish Chowk: This refers to area around Jagdish Temple and includes many of the streets that branch out from the busy traffic circle in front of the temple. Shops in this area are primarily art and souvenir shops, with lots of restaurants and street food vendors.
  • Ashoka Arts: Udaipur is famous for its miniature paintings, which where historically used as a way of record keeping and storytelling. There are several art shops around town where you can see and buy tiny paintings, and even chat with the artist who creates them. Ashoka Arts is popular and well regarded shop for these paintings.

tourist guide to udaipur

Now we’ll take the best things to do in Udaipur, organize them by location and importance, and weave them into an easy-to-follow sample itinerary. This should help give you an idea of how much you can cover in a day, including how to move around to the different locations.

This itinerary covers three full days, but it’s organized with the most important things first. The itinerary will stand on its own whether you have one, two or all three days in Udaipur.

1-day Udaipur Itinerary

If you have only one day in Udaipur, you’ve got to hit the big ticket items in a hurry, which is exactly what we’ll do. This 1-day Udaipur itinerary gives you the chance to experience some of the very best things about Udaipur.

City Palace

Start your day early and arrive at City Palace when it opens at 9:30 AM. There are a few entrances, but the main one is near Tripoliya Gate , just up City Palace Road from Jagdish Temple. The ticket booth is right outside Tripoliya Gate and is clearly labeled.

For the most part, the City Palace has one route that will lead you through all the different rooms. There are several small corridors and staircases, so it’s prone to bottlenecks. If you get there early and move at an average clip, you can probably see the entire grounds in about 1.5 hours. However, if you catch the crowds, it will easy take two or three hours.

tourist guide to udaipur

  • Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM, everyday
  • Price: Rs 300
  • Tickets: You can buy tickets from the ticket counters located on the north and south ends of the palace.

Lake Pichola Boat Ride to Jag Mandir

If you haven’t already done so, buy your ticket for the boat from the City Palace ticket booth. While you’re there, ask for specific instructions on how to reach the boat jetty. The boat departs from Rameshwar Ghat, which is part of the City Palace complex on the south end.

The boat runs regularly throughout the day, so it’s best to just head down whenever you’re ready. Each trip goes around the lake a bit and stops at Jag Mandir, where you can get off the boat and explore. We didn’t personally take this boat ride (because our hotel had a private boat shuttle), so we’ll send you over to The Wandering Quinn who did and has some tips for you.

  • Hours: 10 AM – 5:30 PM, everyday
  • Price: Rs 500 during the day and Rs 800 for sunset (Sunset is defined as 4 – 6 PM April through September or 3 – 5 PM October through March.)
  • Tickets: You can buy tickets from the City Palace ticket counter.

tourist guide to udaipur

Lunch at Rainbow Restaurant

There’s a chance you have already eaten by now, either somewhere by the City Palace or the restaurant at Jag Mandir. If you’ve survived on packaged Masala Magic potato chips until now, then you’re probably starving and ready for lunch.

Hire an auto rickshaw from Rameshwar Ghat and ask for a ride to Lal Ghat. It should cost about Rs. 150. Rainbow Restaurant is located just steps from Lal Ghat. It’s a popular rooftop restaurant with great views over Lake Pichola.

Jagdish Temple & Chowk

After lunch, walk up Lal Ghat Road (the road that Rainbow Restaurant is on) until it ends, then turn right and you’ll hit Jagdish Temple. Depending on what time you get there, you might need to do the market streets first as the temple closes for a few hours in the afternoon (usually 1 – 4 PM and my guess is you’ll get here around 3).

For the sake of discussion, let’s start with the temple though. Walk up the stairs to the temple and remove your shoes at the entrance. There’s a shelf you can store them, or you can take them with you. If you leave your shoes someone will likely ask for a tip for “guarding” them.

tourist guide to udaipur

After the temple, explore the rest of the neighborhood. There is a traffic circle in front of the temple with streets leading out in many directions. We’d suggest starting with City Palace Road, which is to your right when you exit the temple. Many of these shops were probably closed when you arrived at City Palace this morning. Then work your way around, going up each street a couple blocks and then back down to the temple.

tourist guide to udaipur

The last street you get to will be the street that you took from Lal Ghat. This time, follow that street all the way to our next stop, Gangour Ghat.

  • Hours: 4:15 AM to 1 PM and 4/5 to 8 PM, everyday
  • Price: Free + tip for shoe storage
  • Tickets: NA

Sunset at Gangour Ghat

From Jagdish Temple, walk west to Gangour Ghat. On your way, you might want to grab a coffee from Cafe Edelweiss or a snack or tea from one of the street stalls.

You can take a short walk around the ghat to see some of the artwork and the small temple, or peruse the souvenirs laid out on blankets. Find a seat on the steps and enjoy the view as the sun sets over the lake.

tourist guide to udaipur

2-day Udaipur Itinerary

If you have two days in Udaipur, follow the above 1-day itinerary and then add the following schedule for your second day.

The first day was all about the tourist essentials. On the second day, we’ll see the city from some different perspectives (literally) and venture out to more of the city streets.

Karni Mata Temple by Ropeway

The Ropeway is a cablecar that provides easy access to Karni Mata Temple.

tourist guide to udaipur

Start your day around 9 or 10 AM and head to the base of the ropeway. It’s located here , not far from Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Park. If you’re coming from the old city, you can take an auto rickshaw here for Rs. 150 – 200.

There’s a ticket office along the road where you’ll buy your ticket. Then follow the steps down to the boarding zone. If you arrive early, the queue is not very long, but the wait can get long later in the day.

The ropeway is a lovely cable car experience that takes you to the top of the hill. There’s a lookout point and a small temple, with stunning views in all directions. The temple is small and nice, but the views are really the highlight. After you’re done, follow signs to the ropeway station.

tourist guide to udaipur

The station at the top is large and indoors. It has a VR experience, photo backdrops, restaurant and snack stands. Be sure to check in at the ticket counter when you get there. You’ll get a number which they’ll call over the speaker when it’s your turn to board.

The Ropeway isn’t a “must-do” in Udaipur, and many people complain about the long queues. We personally loved it, and you can avoid the queues by going early in the day. For our little one, who adores the Skyliner at Disney World , this was the highlight of their trip.

  • Hours: 9 AM – 8 PM, everyday. (NOTE: The ropeway station at the top does not start running until 10:30 AM.)
  • Price: Rs 190 per person round trip or a private cabin for RS 595 and up (depending on how many people you have). There are additional fees for the VR and 3D photo experiences.
  • Tickets: Tickets are sold at both ropeway stations ( base and summit )

Doodh Talai

After the Ropeway, walk down to Doodh Talai. Lots of people will try to sell you a rickshaw ride when you exit, but don’t hire one just yet. Walk a little ways down the hill until you get to Doodh Talai.

Doodh Talai is a nice pond surrounded by pretty whites domes and arches. It’s a nice place to take a short stroll and snap some photos. Though it’s mostly popular with the locals, it’s still worth a stop since it’s so close to the ropeway.

Doodh Talai is open all the time and no tickets are required.

tourist guide to udaipur

Lunch at Yummy Yoga

From Doodh Talai, hire an auto rickshaw — there will be plenty hanging out in this area. Ask them to take you to Daiji Bridge. (If they don’t know that bridge by name for some reason, you can also have them take you to Jagdish Temple. It’s only a 5 minute walk from Jagdish to the bridge.) It should cost about Rs. 200.

The bridge here is pedestrian only and is the shortest way to get to the restaurant. To go by rickshaw, you have to take a longer route, which is a bit more expensive but also just out of the way. The walk is nice.

Walk across the pedestrian bridge and on to Yummy Yoga. There is a sign at the entrance, and then you’ll have to walk up several flights of stairs to reach the rooftop restaurant. Trust me though, it’s worth it. Order the Thali for a traditional meal.

tourist guide to udaipur

After lunch, head back over the pedestrian bridge toward Ghantaghar . It’s not particularly notable, but it’s a large clocktower and a helpful landmark to the start of the bazar.

Bada Bazar is a popular shopping street with lots of little shops and restaurants. Its about a half mile long, but there’s a handful of side streets and small temples that you can explore as well. Unlike some bazars and markets in India, this one is actually really pleasant to walk through. Traffic isn’t too bad and the soliciting is not very aggressive.

Most of the shops are open from 10:30 AM to 8 PM.

tourist guide to udaipur

Sunset at Ambrai Ghat

Stroll back through the bazar (or take another route) and head to Daiji pedestrian bridge again. This time, head to Ambrai Ghat at the south side of this little peninsula.

Ambrai Ghat has some cool street art, but mostly you’re here for the views of City Palace and Lake Pichola. This is a great spot to watch the sunset.

3-day Udaipur Itinerary

If you have three days in Udaipur, follow the above 1-day and 2-day itineraries and then add the following schedule for your third day.

We’ve enjoyed lots of Lake Pichola views in the first two days, and day three is all about Fateh Sagar Lake and the Aravalli Hills.

We personally didn’t make it to most of these sites, since we only had two days. They were on our list and places we considered, so we wanted to be sure to include them here.

Monsoon Palace (also called Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace)

Start your day at Monsoon Palace. You can take an Uber or auto rickshaw to the the entrance of the grounds, but that’s still pretty far from the entrance to the actual palace (about 2.5 miles). Then you’ll need to take a special taxi, which will cost another Rs. 600-800. You want to get here early because the queue for these cars can get really long.

Once you reach the actual palace, you can explore the many levels of the palace. The best views are of course at the top.

We personally didn’t make it here (honestly it felt like a chore and kind of expensive), but people tend to love it or hate it. It seems like most people spend about 30 minutes inside the palace, but the entire experience can take a few hours.

  • Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM, everyday
  • Price: Rs 80 per person for entry (cab service will be more)
  • Tickets: Tickets are sold at the entrance

tourist guide to udaipur

Neemach Mata Mandir

Our next destination is both a hike and a temple with a view. From the exit of Monsoon Palace, take an Uber to Neemach Mata Mandir. The temple itself is at the top of a hill, so they’ll drop you off at the entrance to the walkway. If you need to enter an exact address, use this one which is for the nearby parking garage.

The walk up the hill does some zigs and zags and includes inclines and stairs. The temple is pretty small but the view over Fateh Sagar Lake looks incredible.

This temple is open at all times and no ticket is required.

Saheliyon ki bari

After your hike, flag down an auto rickshaw. You might have to walk down to Udaipur road closer to the lake to catch one. Have them take you to Saheliyon ki bari, which shouldn’t be more than Rs. 100.

Not that Udaipur is particularly overwhelming, but this garden is nice for a city break. There are several fountains and pretty landscaping. It’s popular with Indian tourists and is very Instagrammable. It’s pretty cheap to enter and should only take about an hour.

There’s also several coffee shops in the area nearby, including a Starbucks, if you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up or a snack before or after the gardens.

  • Hours: 9 AM – 7 PM, everyday
  • Price: Rs 20

Sunset at Fateh Sagar Pal

From Saheliyon ki bari, it’s about a 15 minute walk to the south end of Fateh Sagar Pal. It’s a fine walk, but nothing you must do. If you prefer to skip the walk, you can hire an auto rickshaw for about Rs. 50.

Fateh Sagar Pal is a waterfront pedestrian pathway that follows the east bank of Fateh Sagar Pal. It has beautiful views of the lake and surrounding hills and is a popular place for an evening stroll. You can rent boats or kayaks, or even swim in the water.

Even though this is the last thing on our three-day itinerary, it is by no means the worst thing. So many people love Fateh Sagar Lake because it’s much less crowded and touristy than Lake Pichola.

You can stroll Fateh Sagar Pal at anytime and there is no ticket required.

The short answer is yes, Udaipur is worth visiting. The longer answer is that it depends how much time you have and what you’re willing to sacrifice to fit it in.

tourist guide to udaipur

Why is Udaipur so great? It’s a more relaxing and scenic alternative to the more popular, loud and crowded cities in India. It’s more walkable and less intense than many other Indian cities, specifically the Golden Triangle cities. I think for most people, Udaipur serves as a much needed breather in the middle of trip to India.

Just like everyone else, we personally really enjoyed Udaipur. We did stay at an insanely nice hotel and celebrated Holi here, so both of those experiences definitely impacted our experience. It’s hard to know exactly how we’d feel if we stayed somewhere else on any other weekend, but I am pretty sure we’d still be sharing a positive review of the city as a whole.

tourist guide to udaipur

The biggest problem with Udaipur is that it’s difficult to get to. In most cases, it’s going to take a day of travel on either side, plus at least a day or two exploring the city. That means you need at least four days to add a stop in Udaipur, which is a lot for most people

If you have two weeks, it’s worth adding Udaipur to the Golden Circle. If you have less time than that, I would go so far as to say I’d skip Jaipur to go to Udaipur instead. (That doesn’t always make sense given the geography, though.) I would not skip Agra or cut Delhi short to fit in Udaipur, though.

So yes, Udaipur is worth visiting if you have time for it. And most importantly, if there’s any way you can plan your visit during Holi, then it is a million percent worth visiting.

tourist guide to udaipur

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Meander Wander

Udaipur Travel Guide: 13 Best Places to Visit in Udaipur

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Udaipur is not at all like the place shown in movies. Sure, it does offer you Rajasthani culture to look at but it is much more than that.

This peaceful city, surrounded by the Aravalli ranges, is one of the most picturesque cities you can ever be to. And there is a list of best places to visit in Udaipur that will show you how diverse and culturally rich this city is.

With its numerous lakes and palaces, it is different from all the places you have been so far. This is why it should definitely have a spot on your bucket list. Spend a week here and gorge on their delicious food and explore the beautiful palaces around. 

In this Udaipur travel guide, I will be sharing all the details about my trip to Udaipur including how to reach, when to visit, and the best places to visit in Udaipur.

Best Places to Visit in Udaipur

Udaipur is often called the  Venice of the East  and if you visit here then you would know that this actually holds true. This small Rajasthani city was previously the capital of the Mewar Kingdom and was founded in 1559 by Maharaja Udai Singh II.

It is a small city but is surrounded by the beautiful Aravalli mountain ranges and artificial lakes which makes it a popular getaways for a fun weekend from Delhi . And the best part about this city is that you don’t have to travel far to reach a place.

Most of the major attractions are located nearby which makes exploring this city easy and quick. In Udaipur, you will learn about the lavish royal lifestyle by heading to the City Palace, Jal Mahal, and so on.

So, if you are looking for a short break in a peaceful city while indulging in the Rajasthani culture and would like to taste some delicacies then Udaipur City is the perfect destination.

How to Reach Udaipur City

City Palace, Udaipur

Similar to Jaipur, Udaipur is a popular destination in Rajasthani so it is well-connected to other North Indian cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, etc. and a few places from the South and Central India as well. You have three modes of transportation to reach Udaipur City: Air, Train, and Road.

Maharana Pratap Airport is the main airport for the Udaipur City which is located in Dabok, 22km away from the Udaipur City. You will get regular flights to this airport from other major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, etc.

From the airport, you can hire taxis, cabs, or autos to reach the Udaipur City which will take about 30-35 minutes of travel time.

Udaipur City is well-connected to most of India via the Railway lines which includes Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Jaipur, Ajmer, and so on.

In Rajasthan, you will find several passenger trains as well running daily which will connect Udaipur to other cities in Rajasthan. From the train station, you can take an auto or an Uber to your hostel/hotel. You can also walk to your accommodation place if 3-4 km is not a big deal for you.

From Delhi, there are only 2-3 direct trains to Udaipur so plan in advance your trip to the Udaipur City. A Sleeper coach in the Delhi to Udaipur City train will cost about 380 – 400 INR but make sure you book it in advance.

I, personally, reached Jaipur first and then took a Second Sitting ( 2S ) from Jaipur to Udaipur which cost me about 175 INR and took 6-7 hours to reach.     View this post on Instagram         

You will also find regular buses available to the Udaipur City from major cities like Delhi, Indore, Jaipur, Kota, etc. From local to private buses, you will get a lot of options to choose from depending on your budget.

With the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation, you will also get buses to cities like Jodhpur, Chittorgarh, Bhilwara, and so on.

A.C Private buses from Delhi to Udaipur will cost you between 900 to 2000 INR and will take around 12 – 14 hours to reach.

Best Time to Visit Udaipur

Here is a detailed breakup of what to expect in Udaipur during different climates .

Winter Season

Whether you are visiting Jaipur or Udaipur, if you are looking for a cool climate, the winter months from November to February are perfect.

During this time, it is easier to stay out and explore the city. You will also be able to enjoy the lakes here at this time and will be able to spend more time in the palace complexes.

Since Udaipur City is surrounded by the Aravalli mountain ranges, this place remains cool most of the year.

Monsoon Season

Although Udaipur City experiences little rainfall, it doesn’t hinder your trip and can actually be a boon in disguise. This is because the water level in the lakes rises and you can witness the freshness of this city properly.

The colors are more vibrant during this time and the temperature is still bearable. So, if you wish to experience Udaipur in fresh and vibrant colors then monsoon is the best time to visit Udaipur.

The monsoon months are from July to September in Udaipur.

Summer Season

This is probably the worst time to visit Udaipur City because the temperature is high and the lakes are all dried up. So, avoid visiting Udaipur from April to June as you won’t be able to truly enjoy it.

13 Best Places to Visit in Udaipur

Udaipur City is smaller than most Rajasthani cities and towns but still has a lot to offer in terms of views and sightseeing. Here are a few places that you can check out on your short trip to this cultural city.

City Palace

City Palace at Night

Situated on the banks of Lake Pichhola, City Palace is one of the best places to visit in Udaipur City.

Constructed by Maharana Udai Mirza Singh in 1559, it boasts of a beautiful combination of architecture styles (European, Chinese, and Medieval). This palace has 11 palace complexes inside, built by different rulers at different time periods.

So, you have several courtyards, terraces, hanging gardens, etc. to explore in this giant mansion. 

It also offers you a gorgeous view of the Udaipur lake and the Udaipur lake Palace on one side of the palace. And you can see the entire Udaipur city from the other side of the palace which makes it a great spot for panoramic views as well.

Entry Fees: 330 INR for Indians (Access to palace complexes and museums, including photography)

Opening Timings: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Duration: 2-4 hours

Gangaur Ghat

Located in the heart of Udaipur City, Gangaur Ghat is a prime location for watching sunsets or just hanging out with your friends.

Here, you will observe the locals going about their work, and the photography enthusiasts crowding this place during the morning time.

This is one of the main ghats of Udaipur City and gets extremely crowded during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Navarathri, and so on.

So, if you want to see a beautiful sunrise or sunset then Gangaur Ghat should be the place to visit.

Entry Fee: Free

Opening Hours: All day

Ambrai Ghat

One of the less explored yet best places to visit in Udaipur City, Ambrai Ghat is the perfect destination for evening strolls and night photography enthusiasts.

From here, you can see the entire Lake Pichhola in its complete glory along with the beautifully lit up City Palace, Jag Mandir, Jal Palace, and so on.

You definitely have to visit this place at the night time if you want to see the true beauty of Udaipur and you can also enjoy a delicious meal in one of the lakeside restaurants here.

Entry Fees: Free

Duration: 2-3 hours

Taj Lake Palace

Taj Lake Palace

One of the most royal and romantic resorts in India, Lake Palace was previously known as Jag Niwas but now has been taken over by the Taj group.

It has become one of the most sought-after resorts now and should certainly be in your itinerary if you are interested in Udaipur’s heritage and monuments.

It consists of several islands, on one of which lies the famous lake palace, and is situated on the famous Lake Pichhola which makes the views from this palace even more enchanting.

You can take a boat ride to this lake palace to enjoy the view and then head back to the city so that you don’t have to pay an exorbitant amount to stay at this resort.

Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Boat Ticket Prices: 450 INR (Approximately)

This small island in the middle of Lake Pichhola is quite popular for its amazing interior design and royal architecture style. Also, the view of the lake from this temple island is quite mesmerizing and the detailed sculptures on the marble make it truly an artistic marvel.

You can take a calm and peaceful boat ride to this place to enjoy the views and immerse yourself in the serene and peaceful vibes which are emanated by this place.

Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Duration: 1-2 hours

Monsoon Palace

Also known as the Monsoon Palace, this ancient fort lies on the outskirts of Udaipur and is situated some 12 km away from the Udaipur City Palace. Surrounded by Aravalli ranges, this is one of the best places to visit in Udaipur for anyone who wishes to just observe the green Aravalli ranges and enjoy the strong winds blowing through this palace.

This palace also provides you with a panoramic view of the Udaipur city, its palaces, and lakes and trust us, you would do better to not miss this absolutely gorgeous place.

Entry Fee: 90 INR for Indians

Opening Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Ahar Cenotaphs

Ahar Cenotaphs

Another less explored yet amazing place to visit in the Udaipur City is the Ahar Cenotaphs which is located next to the Ahar Museum.

This place contains around 250 cenotaphs of the Mewar rajas which were built over 350 years approximately. This is definitely a great spot for photography and one can spend an hour or two here quite easily.

However, if you are looking to do a proper photography session here, then you need to pay the guard 50 INR per person to get access. You can also check out the Ahar museum here to learn more about the royalties who lived here.

Entry Fee: 50 INR

Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.

Udaipur City is popularly known as the City of Lakes so it is no surprise that there are some gorgeous lakes here which you have to visit when exploring the city. One such pristine lake is the Lake Badi which is situated 12 km away from the Udaipur City, in the Badi village.

This artificial lake was built by Maharana Raj Singh I in 1963 to help the people of Udaipur City during a devastating drought. It is one of the finest freshwater lakes in India and is a great place to relax and rejuvenate yourself. Trust me, this is one of the best places to visit in Udaipur and should definitely be a part of your Udaipur itinerary.

Entry Fee: 20 INR

Shilpgram is the Arts and Craft village in the Udaipur City where you can learn about the Rajasthan culture and lifestyle. If you love purchasing traditional arts and crafts or if you like indulging in the local traditions then you would love Shilpgram.

Here, you can observe the Rajasthani customs and be entertained by the scheduled dance performances that occur almost daily here. Explore the entire village and look at different huts displaying various Rajasthani items while depicting the lifestyle of Rajasthan.

Entry Fee: 65 INR

Opening Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Lake Pichhola 

Pichhola Lake, Udaipur

Lake Pichhola is one of the main lakes of the Udaipur City which was named after a nearby village, Picholi. This lake is home to a few islands which holds a few famous monuments and palaces of the Mewar dynasty. Also, the gorgeous Aravalli mountain ranges offer an amazing backdrop to this lake and make it a sight to behold.

There are a couple of ferries which go to and fro on this lake. They will take you to the Jagmandir island to visit the famous Jag Mandir temple over there or to the Taj Lake Palace for exploring the monuments.

You can also spend some time on the Jaal Boraj Road. It lies between the Pichhola lake and the Dudh Talai lake and provides you with an unobstructed view of the lighted Jag Mandir temple at night.

Fatehsagar Lake

Fateh Sagar Lake is a gorgeous place to visit on your Udaipur trip where you can enjoy a nice and peaceful evening stroll and eat on the numerous stalls lined next to the lake.

This place can be called the Marine Drive of Udaipur where you can enjoy a short ride beside the lake or you can just sit down to experience the cool, soft breeze blowing here.

You can also take a ferry and cross the lake to reach the Udaipur Nehru Park, which is a beautiful place to stroll around and spend some time under the trees shade. This is a perfect picnic spot in Udaipur and spend a couple of hours, surrounded by the lake.

Ferry Ticket Price: 50 INR

Opening Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Chand Pole Puliya

The streets get empty early at night around 11 p.m and there are only a few shops open. This makes it perfect for a night stroll to witness the silence and the beauty of this calm, peaceful city. Chand Pole Puliya is a narrow bridge which connects the Udaipur city over the underlying Lake Pichhola.

Take a stroll through this bridge at night because the whole of Udaipur is lighted up at night. And I swear the view from the bridge is too beautiful and indescribable.

In fact, the bridges are lighted up at night too. So if you are at Chand Pole Puliya, you are likely to see the other bridge lighted with lamps and bulbs. And the light is reflected on the flowing lake water offering you with a mesmerizing view.

Manshapurna Karni Mata Temple

Another place that you should not miss out on is the Manshapurna Karni Mata Temple which is only accessible by the ropeway. This temple is located on the Machla Magra hills, near Doodh Talai and offers the most amazing view of the entire Udaipur City.

You can also enjoy a beautiful sunset view from here along with a beautiful reflection on Lake Pichhola.

Karni Mata Ropeway Fee: 90 INR (approximately) for Indians

Opening Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Also Read: Top Places to Visit in Jaisalmer

Top Things to Do in Udaipur

Watch a sunset from the karni mata temple viewpoint.

Sunset at Karni Mata Temple

If you could not witness the sunset from Sajjangarh fort due to some reason, don’t be disheartened. Udaipur has its own Sunset Point in place for you to visit and enjoy the last rays of the setting sun while looking over the Udaipur lake and enjoying the pleasant breeze flowing around you.

After taking a ropeway to the Karni Mata Temple, you will find a tower from where you can witness a gorgeous sunset. You can also see the entire Udaipur City along with Lake Pichhola, Jag Mandir, etc. from this sunset point too.

Stroll Around the Fateh Sagar Lake

Fateh Sagar Lake is one of the best places to stroll around in the evening or at nighttime. You can watch the water moving smoothly in the lake or you can just hang out with your friends and enjoy each other’s company.

Trust me, walking around this lake is really peaceful, especially in the evening. And is a great way to enjoy your surroundings and have deep conversations with your friends and family.

Enjoy a Delicious Kulhad Coffee at Bambaii Bazaar

Lying next to the Fateh Sagar Lake, you have the Bambaii Bazaar which is quite famous for its delicacies and the authentic Kulhad Coffee.

So, you can enjoy snacks like Pav Bhaji, Chowmein, etc. along with a kulhad of coffee which has chocolate sauce in it.

I am not exaggerating but a visit to Udaipur City without trying the famous Kulhad Coffee is a trip incomplete.

Enjoy a Night View of the Pichhola Lake from Ambrai Ghat

View from Ambrai Ghat

As I mentioned before, if you want to take night shots of the beautifully lit City Palace, Taj Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, etc. then Ambrai Ghat is the perfect place. Just head to this place in the evening and watch the sun setting down and then the entire Udaipur City getting lit up with colorful lights.

Trust me, it is one of the most magical sights ever and you would be a fool to miss it.

Ride the Ropeway to Karni Mata Temple

Another popular activity to do in Udaipur City is to visit the Karni Mata temple via ropeway. Here, you can  enjoy the beautiful view in front of you. You can see Lake Pichhola along with the Aravalli mountain ranges while traveling in the ropeway which is, in turn, an amazing experience.

Taste Laal Maas in a Lakeside Restaurant in Udaipur City

For all the non-vegetarians out there, Laal Maas is a must-try dish in the Udaipur City. It is a popular delicacy here of Mutton and is quite delicious and unique. So, make sure you eat it in a lakeside for a delicious food with a view.

Watch the Sunset from the Monsoon Palace

Monsoon Palace, Udaipur

One of the top places to watch a sunset in the Udaipur City is the Monsoon Palace which gives you an unobstructed view of the sunset. So, if you visit on a clear and sunny day then you can see the most gorgeous sunset from the balcony of this palace.

And the Aravalli mountain ranges offer a magical backdrop to this sunset, making it a perfect Instagram-worthy sunset to capture.

Shop at the famous Hathi Pol Bazaar

Hathi Pol Bazaar is quite famous for a shopping spree and offers you a range of clothing, accessories, etc. to choose from. You will find really colorful items here but your bargaining skills should be top-notch if you don’t want to end up spending a fortune here.

Have a Romantic Meal in the Lake view Restaurants

Okay, it doesn’t have to be a romantic meal with someone, you can enjoy some solitude here on a solo trip too. But, having dinner beside the lake is a must for a complete Udaipur City feeling. Unless you experience it, you won’t be able to see why people called Udaipur the  Venice of the East.

Spend an Afternoon Around the Badi Lake

Bada Lake, Udaipur

I have been to Udaipur City twice but it was only on my second visit that I was able to explore the Badi Lake which I am glad that I did. This lake is situated a little away from the city which makes it peaceful and beautiful to explore.

You won’t hear a sound here and can easily spend a couple of hours just looking at the mountains and the surrounding lake water.

Trust me, one of the best things to do in Udaipur is to head out to this lake and spend an entire evening here. This such a unique lake that you won’t get bored of looking out at the views here.

How to Travel Locally

Since Udaipur City is small, you don’t have too many transportation options here as most of the places are at walkable distance. However, if you don’t wish to walk the entire day then here are a few ways to explore Udaipur City.

Auto-rickshaws

One of the major modes of transportation in the Udaipur City are auto-rickshaws which charge 75 – 100 INR for a 2-3 km distance. You will find auto-rickshaws at all the junctions and streets. But you would need to bargain a lot to get them to lower the prices.

If you have Ola app installed then you can Ola Autos here too.

Taxis and Cabs

Apart from the Autos, you have had an extensive network of Uber cabs here which cover most of the corners. The prices are decent but a lot of streets are one-way in Udaipur so they might drop you before your destination.

Walking and Cycling

One of the best ways to explore the Udaipur City is by walking or hiring a cycle. You can hire a cycle for a day for 100 – 200 INR and can easily cover most of the attractions here.

But if you don’t mind walking then you can easily walk to the City Palace, Fatehpur Lake, Ambrai Ghat, etc.

Where to Eat in Udaipur City

Pav Bhaji at Vinod Fast Food

I am a foodie but I am not a person who believes in going to expensive or fancy hotels/resorts. So, here are a few places which I tried in the Udaipur City for budget meals which were delicious at the same time.

Natraj Restaurant

Natraj Restaurant is one of the oldest eateries in Udaipur City and is certainly one of the best too. You get the most delicious Daal Baati Churma here. But if you are craving some other cuisines, then you will get that here too.

They make particularly nice north Indian meals and have decent pricing. So, a meal for two people will cost about 400 – 500 INR .

Note: This is a purely vegetarian restaurant.

Al Rehmaniya Lake View Restaurant

For people who crave non-vegetarian, Al Rehmaniya Lake View Restaurant is a good choice. Here, you get the most delicious Laal Maas and also get a variety of chicken and other meat dishes. A meal for two will cost about 300 – 400 INR for two people and will be quite filling.

Vinod Fast Food, Fateh Sagar Lake

This is probably one of the cheapest eateries in the Udaipur City and serves the most delicious Pav Bhajis ever. You will also get a delicious Kulhad Coffee here and can try other snacks here like sandwiches, chowmein, dosa, and so on.

A meal for two people will cost about 200 – 250 INR here.

Note: Once you are done with your meals, make sure you try the Kulfi here. There are many Kulfi stalls available throughout Udaipur. It will cost just 20 INR per person and will be mouth-watering.

Where to Stay in Udaipur City

Moustache Hostel, Udaipur

Udaipur city is a popular traveling destination so you will find several hostels, hotels, and resorts for your accommodation. Here are a few accommodation options to consider for yourself.

There are several hostels here that you can consider like Hostelavie , Hostel Moustache , Zostel , Gostops, etc. Most of these hostels will offer you a bed in the range of 100 – 600 INR for a night. It will include all the bathroom amenities, WiFi, entertainment options, etc.

So, you can check on Booking.com or Goibibo.com for the best options and reserve your place in these hostels.

Hotels/Resorts

Apart from the hostels, you also have some beautiful hotels and resorts here like the Oberoi Udaivilas, Taj Lake Palace, etc. But these resorts will be quite expensive. So, if you are on a budget then booking in these hotels might not be a wise idea.

You can check mid-ranged hotels like Treebo, Baghol Palace, Mewargarh Palace, and so on. They will cost you about 1000 – 2500 INR for two people for a 2-night stay. Again, you can check the Booking.com to find the cheapest rates for your stay here.

Also Read: Some Amazing Places to Visit in Bharatpur

Honestly, I have been to Udaipur multiple times now and each time, it surprises me with more beautiful places to explore and experiences to enjoy here.

2 days are definitely less to explore all the best places to visit in Udaipur and won’t even begin to cover what all this place has to offer.

However, sometimes, we are bound by our jobs and commitments so we have to make the best out of the available time. If that’s the case, then this Udaipur travel guide will come handy for you and will allow you to plan a kickass trip to Udaipur.

If you have been to Udaipur already, do let us know in the comments about your experience.

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Awesome blogs I love it while reading it is very informative for me well everybody loves travelling

Thank you so much. 🙂

Never Ending Footsteps

Yes, Udaipur is as Great as Everyone Says

Udaipur lake at sunset

I had high expectations for Udaipur.

And if you’ve read my blog for any length of time, you’ll know that usually means I’m going to end up disappointed.

Yes, the more I hype up a destination in my mind, the more likely it is that I arrive and mark it down with a big old meh . 

But everybody unequivocally loves Udaipur. It seems like every travel blogger who’s been to Rajasthan comes away listing it their favourite spot in the state. 

And so, I gave myself four days in the city — longer than anywhere else in Rajasthan — because if it did turn out to be my favourite place in India, I wanted to make sure I had enough time to soak up as much of it as possible. 

udaipur ghat at sunset

Yeah, I’d say my first impressions were pretty acceptable. Just look at that gorgeous light!

After checking in to our adorable guesthouse , Dave and I dumped our bags and set out for the ghats. Fortunately, they were just a five-minute walk from where we were staying. I’d read that Gangaur Ghat was one of the best parts of the city to catch the sunset, and I was immediately wowed by the scene in front of us. 

Teenagers crowded by the water, listening to tinny dance music on their phones, competing with an elderly man who was strumming  a tanpura several metres away. Stray dogs lazed in the warm breeze while a hundred pigeons flocked around a container full of food.

I wandered to the lake’s edge and sat down, eager to spend a few moments watching the calm waters lap beneath my feet, the sun drifting lower through the hazy orange sky. It was such a magical moment and I wanted to take it all in.

Udaipur street art

I stood up after half an hour of wide-eyed wonder and wandered over a bridge to nearby Ambrai Ghat — another vantage point that was also said to be the perfect spot for sunset. There’s a lot of those in Udaipur. 

As I stood by the water, I was hit by a sense of unease; almost like I was about to have a panic attack. Something felt really, really off. 

It took a solid 15 minutes to figure out why I was feeling so strange. 

It was so discombobulating to not hear the sound of horns and engines and bells and music. 

I wouldn’t describe Udaipur as peaceful, but in a country as loud as India, it was a novelty to stumble into areas where you could hear nothing at all. 

Udaipur lake at sunset

A quick check of my phone showed me that Yummy Yoga — one of the best-rated restaurants in the city — was a few minutes away and had a rooftop terrace with spectacular views over the city and lake. The two seemed at odds with each other: I typically associate restaurants with great views with mediocre food, but this was India. I had yet to have a bad meal in the country, so I decided to take a risk.

The owner greeted us with a warm smile, and handed us menus and a bottle of hand sanitiser. As we watched the city begin to light up before us, we filled our stomachs with one of the best meals from our time in the country. 

Talk about the perfect introduction to a city!

I couldn’t wait to delve more into Udaipur. 

Cow in Udaipur

Where is Udaipur? 

Udaipur is located in Rajasthan, the desert state of India, roughly mid-way between New Delhi and Mumbai. 

It’s one of prettiest cities in the state, spread out across a series of seven lakes and surrounded by the green, hilly Aravali Range. It often feels far more like a chaotic European city than a dusty, desert destination in India. 

And it has plenty of nicknames. It’s known as the White City of Rajasthan. It’s referred to as the most romantic city in India. Some people call it the Venice of the East, and some the City of Lakes. 

It’s known for being the place for chilling out and relaxing. It’s a city to visit with your partner and soak up the romance. It’s a beautiful spot, full of glistening palaces and historic havelis, with street art to take photos of, ghats to watch the sunset from, and peaceful lakes to wander alongside. It’s wonderful; as wonderful as everyone says it is. 

It’s because of this that many travellers opt to stay for a while. Been racing through India at breakneck speed and desperate for somewhere to rest for a week? Udaipur is the place!

And while there are plenty of things to do while you’re in town, it’s also a city where simply meandering through the streets is the perfect way to spend a day. 

I’ve put together a guide to share everything you need to know about visiting Udaipur. Let’s get stuck in with a list of some of my favourite things to do in the city:

jagdish temple in udaipur

Check Out the Jagdish Temple

One of the most popular attractions in Udaipur is Jagdish Temple — a Hindu temple that has been in continuous operation from 1651. It was so impressive! 

It’s easy to get templed-out in India, but I still really enjoyed my time at Jagdish. It’s one of those structures that looks just as impressive up-close as it does from afar. The closer you get to the intricate sculptures, the more you can appreciate the work that went into carving it. 

If you can, aim to time your visit with one of the daily aartis, which is a Hindu prayer ritual. They take place seven times a day and make for a truly spiritual experience.  

Udaipur City Palace from the lake

Take a Sunset Cruise of Lake Pichola

I almost skipped out on this because I thought it would be cheesy, touristy, and lame, but it ended up being one of my favourite Udaipur activities! It definitely helped that we managed to time our boat ride with a gorgeous sunset. 

There are two options when it comes to checking out the sunset from the lake: the budget option and the luxe option. You guys know I went for the former!

The more expensive option leaves from Udaipur City Palace at 3 p.m. and costs Rs800 ($11). You get taken to Jag Mandir, a palace on an island on the lake, where you can wander around and watch the sunset, then you jump back on the boat and head back to the city. 

Alternatively, you can head to Lal Ghat, and pay Rs300 ($4) for a sunset cruise, leaving from 5 p.m. You won’t get to walk around the island, but you’ll get to be on the boat for the sunset, watching from the centre of the lake. That was what swayed me: I wanted to see the sunset from the water, and the island, I’d heard, didn’t have much on it that was worth seeing. 

My sunset cruise was a peaceful experience, lasted for around an hour, and gave us a view of Udaipur and its beautiful buildings that we wouldn’t have otherwise been able to get. 

Street artwork in Udaipur

Admire the Street Art in Udaipur

More than anywhere else in Rajasthan, I couldn’t get enough of the murals in Udaipur! All around the Old Town, you’ll find traditional paintings adorning white-washed walls, and I think I took a photo of practically every one I saw. They were just so intricate and colourful!

I’d recommend setting aside an hour or two to wander through the narrow streets of Old Udaipur to try to spot as many paintings as possible. If you like the style of artwork, you can easily find tons of paintings in Udaipur to buy as a souvenir, or even take an art class to learn how to create them yourself!

Udaipur park stepwell

Stroll Through Manik Lal Verma Park

One of my favourite peaceful spots in Udaipur is Manik Lal Verma Park.

In dry and dusty Rajasthan, it always feels good to get out amongst some greenery, and there was plenty of it around this area. I enjoyed simply sitting down by the water and people-watching in relative silence.

View of Udaipur

Hike to Shri Manshapurna Karni Mata Temple

Now, if you’re anything like me, you’re probably going to be spending your entire time in India stuffing your face. As I’ve said over and over, the food was just mind-blowing in this country.

As my waistline rapidly expanded, I sought every opportunity to get active that I could find. 

You can take a ropeway up the hill to Shri Manshapurna Karni Mata, but when it’s only thirty minutes to climb up there, it’s best to walk. Karni Mata is a Hindu temple atop the Machla Magra hills, with a beautiful view over Udaipur, the Aravalli mountain range, and the nearby lakes. 

As an added bonus, there’s an old abandoned structure that you can see in the photo above, poking out through the trees. It’s pretty derelict these days, but you can still clamber up the rickety steps to get a view of the city without anybody else around. 

cup of lemon ginger tea in Udaipur India

Sip on Ginger Tea at Jheel’s Ginger Coffee Bar at Sunset

There are so many great spots to watch the sunset in Udaipur. I quickly slid into a routine.

After a day full of sightseeing, I’d head to Jheel’s Ginger Coffee Bar an hour before sunset to order a lemon-ginger tea, while Dave would opt for a ginger coffee. They were so good! I even liked the ginger coffee, which is surprising because it sounded like it would be horrible. 

view of udaipur from city palace

You Could Spend Half a Day at Udaipur’s City Palace

I learned from my time in Jaipur that if you want to see the best of an attraction, you should make sure you’re the first people at the gate for opening time. In this case, we did exactly that. 

The palace was so impressive! And having every single room and courtyard completely to ourselves made the entire experience all the more great. We spent three hours wandering from one area to the next, taking hundreds of photos and making sure to peek out of every window for some impressive views of the city. 

Udaipur

I Loved Exploring the Monsoon Palace

You can spot the Monsoon Palace from most places in Udaipur. It’s set high in the hills over the city and gets its name from its use as a popular spot where royals used to escape to during the monsoon. 

The palace itself is run down and abandoned, but the views over the city and surrounding hills and mountains are more than worth the trek up. While I visited in the afternoon, I think this would be a great place to catch the sunset one evening, too. 

If you don’t have your own transport or don’t want to walk the long walk to the top (you don’t), you’ll have to take a minivan transfer from the entrance gates.

Chittorgarh

You Have to Take a Day Trip to Chittorgarh

I’m probably going to write a blog post just about my day trip to Chittorgarh Fort, because I was so freaking obsessed with the complex there. I really wasn’t sure if it would be worth spending six hours driving time to spend three hours at the grounds, but it so was. 

Chittorgarh Fort is enormous — one of the largest in India — spread out over 700 acres on a hill looming over the city. The complex is full of temples, palaces, gates, and towers, and every single one was so intricate and majestic. I never thought I’d write an entire blog post about a fort, but I’m definitely going to be doing so for Chittorgarh. 

If you give yourself enough time in Udaipur to spare spending some of it on a day trip, this is the one I’d recommend. 

market in udaipur

It’s a Great Place to Go Shopping

Like Pushkar , Udaipur was another great Rajasthani destination for shopping, and I loved wandering through its markets and stores. 

You’ll find saris, cushion covers, jewellery, slippers, trinkets, artwork, handbags, rugs, wall hangings, and they’re all colourful, vibrant, and ridiculously inexpensive. If you’re looking for souvenirs from your time in India, this is one of the best places to pick one up. 

balancing pots udaipur

Check Out the Dharohar folk dance show at Bagore Ki Haveli

For a taster of Rajasthani culture, head to Bagore Ki Haveli — a private palace — in the evening for the local folk dance show. Yes, it sounds touristy as hell, but you’ll learn a lot about the dances, music, and puppetry that’s important for this region of India, and find plenty of locals catching the show, too. 

The show starts at 7 p.m. and is regularly fully-booked, so make sure you book in advance. Tickets are Rs150, with an additional Rs150 to bring a camera in. 

Accommodation in Udaipur India

Where to Stay in Udaipur

I loved staying in the old city of Udaipur and despite the noise, would recommend choosing a hotel in that area, as you’ll be so close to everywhere you want to go. Most hotels and hostels have rooftop terraces that give a seriously impressive view over the buildings. 

I splurged on  this beautiful guesthouse  — pictured above — in Udaipur at a cost of  $79 a night . It’s definitely pricey for India, but if you feel like treating yourself, I can highly recommend it. In chaotic Rajasthan, it was so wonderful to take a break from the pandemonium and stay in such a calming environment. The guesthouse had super-helpful staff, beautifully decorated rooms, and a fabulous breakfast. 

Buildings of Udaipur

How to Get to Udaipur From Delhi, Jaipur, and More

I recommend booking your trains in India online and in advance through  12Go Asia  — an online travel agent that makes travelling around the country so easy. I used them for every train and bus ride I took in India, and was so grateful not to have to deal with scams, wasting time queuing in stations for tickets, and wrestling with websites that wouldn’t accept foreign bank cards. 

Tickets for train routes go up for sale 120 days before their departure date and they do sell out quickly, so if you know in advance when you’re going to be in Udaipur, I recommend booking your travel as soon as possible. I waited until a month before my trip date and was frustrated to see so many of the trains were fully-booked. 

To get to Udaipur from Jaipur, you’ll likely take the Jp Udz Superfast Special ,  which departs Jaipur at 10:10 a.m. and arrives at Udaipur at 12:20 p.m. — this was the one I travelled on. It’s $16 for a 2nd class 2-tier seat.

To get to Udaipur from Delhi, you’re best off going for the  Chetak Express , even though it means opting for an overnight train. You’ll be leaving New Delhi at 7:52 p.m. and arriving in Udaipur at 7:50 a.m. It’s $25 for a second-class sleeper.

You can travel for cheaper on the trains if you’re trying to save money in India, but I do recommend opting for second-class seats where possible. It was my favourite train class in the country, as the seats are comfortable and the carriages are calm, quiet, and safe.

There’s no direct train between Jodhpur and Udaipur, but I recommend hiring a driver to get between the two destinations anyway. You’ll be able to stop off at Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur along the way, which are both so impressive! I’ll be writing about that journey soon. 

tourist guide to udaipur

The Best Time of Year to Visit Udaipur

Like all of Rajasthan, the best time to visit Udaipur is between October and March, as that’s when the temperatures are coolest. I visited in December and temperatures were around 23°C/73°F, which was perfect for exploring.

In the summer months, you’ll encounter temperatures twice as high, which sounds like it would make for a stressful, unpleasant time. 

Udaipur: Yes, It’s as Great as Everyone Says!

I arrived in Udaipur wondered if I’d be disappointed, and hoping to fall in love, and my wishes totally came true.

Udaipur is fantastic. It’s beautiful, peaceful, and one of my favourite spots in India.

If you’re planning on heading to Rajasthan, you must add it to your itinerary. 

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Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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13 comments.

I love the photos! Definitely gonna keep this place in mind for future travelling.

I haven’t been to Udaipur, or in any parts of India, but just by looking on your photos they have an astonishing and great place! I hope one day I can visit the place.

Udaipur looks absolutely beautiful! Your story does an excellent job of giving tips, suggestions and proving the perfect amount of info to follow – with enough wiggle room so one could also make their own adventure.

I’ve always wanted to go to Udaipur! Like you, I’ve read so many blog posts about how peaceful the city is in relation to everywhere else in Northern India, so I’d love to see it for myself. I’m glad to hear you liked it, as we always seem to like similar places.

I wish to enjoy these places. Your post is very informative and inspiring for the people who love to travel. Very well written about Udaipur and the images was stunning. Thank you so much for your post. Definitely gonna keep this place in mind for future traveling.

Loved udaipur.. I did jaiselmar, Mount Abu, udaipur, kota, Chittorgarh and agra

Loved it all

The fort in Chittorgarh is Amazing. Loving rajasthan

I love Udaipur! We spent seven days there and it was the highlight of my time in India.

I have always loved visiting Udaipur, it is surely an amazing place and I am always stunned by its beauty, I have been to Pushkar and Jaiselmer too and those places have different vibe. Loved your pictures.

Keep traveling and be safe :)

I am planning to go to Udaipur and my eyes caught your blog at the very right moment. I loved your blog and the photographs.

Ah, thank you! I hope you have an incredible time, Shalini! :-)

Hi Lauren! I not only loved the article but also the photos. May I know which camera or phone are you using? If I go to Rajasthan I am definitely visiting Monsoon Palace and Lake Pichola. I loved the view of you sitting atop Monsoon Palace.

Hi Laureen. Thank you for sharing your experience. We used all your blogs in our Rajasthan journey. The information was very useful and gave us a pretty accurate idea of what we found here. We are currently in Udaipur, our last stop in this area of the country. The aarti at Jagdish temple and the guesthouse were awesome recommendations.

Hi Juan! I’m so thrilled to hear that! Isn’t Rajasthan just the most amazing place? I can’t wait to return!

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Meet Lauren Juliff

Download GPX file for this article

  • 1.1 History
  • 1.2 Culture
  • 1.3 Climate
  • 2.2 By plane
  • 2.3 By train
  • 3 Get around
  • 4.2 Gardens
  • 4.3 Museums
  • 4.4 Other attractions
  • 5.1 Cultural shows
  • 5.2 Outdoor activities and sports
  • 5.3 Horseback riding
  • 5.4 Volunteering
  • 5.5 Fairs and festivals
  • 6.1 Markets
  • 6.3 Shopping malls
  • 9.2 Mid-range
  • 9.3 Splurge
  • 10 Stay safe
  • 11.1 Government hospitals
  • 11.2 Private hospitals
  • 11.3 Blood bank
  • 12.1 Day trips
  • 12.2 Further destinations

Udaipur ( Hindi : उदयपुर Udaypur ) is the capital of the district of Mewar in Rajasthan , India . Udaipur is famous for its lakes, palaces, forts, temples, gardens, and romantic backdrops. It was the setting of many movies, including the 13th James Bond film, Octopussy .

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ].

In 1568, the Mughal emperor Akbar captured Chittorgarh , and Udai Singh was forced to flee and establish the city of Udaipur. Udaipur remained the capital of the state of Mewar, which became a princely state of British India in 1818. After India's independence in 1947, Mewar was integrated into the state of Rajasthan.

Culture [ edit ]

People in Udaipur usually prefer wearing bright colored clothes. Colourful festivals and fairs depict the cultural prosperity of Udaipur.

Climate [ edit ]

Udaipur offers moderate climate all through the year, but the best season to visit the place is from September to March.

Winters (December to February) offers pleasant climate with a temperature not going beyond 32°C. The pleasing weather is perfect for enjoying holidays and indulging in various tourist activities.

Summers (mid-March to June) has hot weather with a temperature maximum of 45°C, especially April to June. The hot climate is not preferable for Udaipur tourism activities.

Monsoons (July to September) offer very little rainfall. The scanty amount of rains in Udaipur makes the place very humid. However, during monsoon, the lush green environs of the place become very attractive. Even the lakes are filled with rain water.

Winter months are comparatively cooler than summer months which make it perfect for holidaying and all types of tourist activities of all ages. Plan your travel or book packages for Udaipur during these months. March offers comfortably hot weather and is ideal for sightseeing and adventures. Summer months are very hot and it's better to avoid visiting during these months. September to November has pleasing climate making it really a good time for sighting and other tourist activities.

Get in [ edit ]

By car [ edit ].

Udaipur is easily accessible via major roads from every major destination in India including Chittorgarh (117 km), Ahmedabad (257 km), Jodhpur (260 km), Ajmer (307 km), Sawai Madhopur / Ranthambore (638 km), Jaipur (421 km), Bikaner (488 km), Agra (638 km), Delhi (676 km), Mumbai (725 km), and Khajuraho (776 km).

By plane [ edit ]

Taxis between the airport and the city cost ₹650 from the prepaid taxi booth in the airport. Many hotels offer a prearranged pickup for ₹600-800. There are no public buses between the airport and the city.

By train [ edit ]

Udaipur has direct train connections to many major cities in India including Chittorgarh (6-7 per day, 2 hours. ₹140), Ahmedabad (daily, 10 hours, ₹200), Ajmer (4 per day, 5 hours. ₹135-680), Sawai Madhopur (daily, 7 hours, ₹270-1,625), Jaipur (3 per day, 7 hours, ₹170-855), Agra (daily, 13 hours, ₹360-2,355), Delhi (2 per day, 12 hours. ₹390-1,440), Mumbai (every other day, 17 hours, ₹475-1,785), and Khajuraho (daily, 21 hours, ₹485-3,245).

By bus [ edit ]

Udaipur is connected by an efficient bus service to most cities in Rajasthan , which sometimes be much faster than the train. Buses operate between Udaipur and Mount Abu (5 hours, ₹100), Agra (6 hours, ₹120), Ahmedabad (6 hours, ₹200), Jodhpur (8 hours, ₹125), Ranakpur (3 hours, ₹85), Ajmer (8 hours, ₹150), Jaipur (9 hours, ₹200), Bikaner , Delhi (14 hours, ₹420), and Mumbai (16 hours, sleeper ₹600 or seat ₹400). RSRTC runs Volvo & other Multiple axle bus services which can be booked through its RSRTC Bus Ticket Booking mobile app.

Get around [ edit ]

Map

While most of the city can be covered on foot and the narrow alleyways in the old city make any other form of transportation a hassle, a taxi or autorickshaw/tuk-tuk is necessary to reach the Monsoon Palace or the wilderness park. A tuk-tuk will usually cost around ₹50, and should never cost more than ₹100 within the city. App-based cab hailing services like Uber and Ola are becoming increasingly popular since they generally cost lower than the tuk-tuk and require no fare-haggling Also there are many local taxi providers.

See [ edit ]

tourist guide to udaipur

  • Amar Vilas . The uppermost court inside the complex, which is a raised garden. It provides entry to the Badi Mahal. It is a pleasure pavilion built in Mughal style. It has cusped arcades enclosing a square marble tub. 'Amar Vilas' is the highest point of the City palace and has wonderful hanging gardens with fountains, towers and terraces.  
  • Badi Mahal ( Garden Palace ). Badi Mahal is the exotic central garden palace that is situated on a 27-m-high (89-ft) natural rock formation vis-a-vis the rest of the palace. The rooms on the ground floor appear to be at the level of the fourth floor in view of the height difference to its surrounding buildings.  
  • Durbar Hall . Built in 1909 within the Fatepraksh Palace (now a heritage hotel), the hall was used by the royal ladies to observe the court proceedings. This hall has a luxuriant interior with some unusually large chandeliers. Weapons of the maharanas and also some of their unique portraits are also depicted here.  
  • Fatehprakash Palace . Now run as luxury hotel and inaccessible to public viewing has a crystal gallery that consists of crystal chairs, dressing tables, sofas, tables, chairs and beds, crockery, table fountains which were never used. There is also a unique jewel-studded carpet here.  
  • Krishna Vilas . Another chamber in Fatehprakash Palace with rich collection of miniature paintings that portray royal processions, festivals and games of the Maharanas. However, there is tragic story linked to this wing of the City Palace. In the 19th century, a royal princess was unable to choose from two suitors seeking her hand in marriage, one from the royal family of Jaipur and another from Jodhpur, and hence in a state of dilemma, she poisoned herself to death.  
  • Manak Mahal . Approach from the Manak Chowk, the palace has a raised alcove inlaid completely in mirror glass. One of the prominent emblems of Sun is depicted on the façade of the Manak Chowk, which can also be seen from the outermost court.  
  • Mor Chowk ( Peacock Square ). A pillared hall with glass and mirror mosaic decorations is integral to the inner courts of the palace. The elaborate design of this chamber consists of three peacocks (representing the three seasons of summer, winter and monsoon) modeled in high relief and faced with coloured glass mosaic, built into successive niches in the wall area or jharoka. These were built during Maharana Sajjan Singh’s reign, 200 years after the palace was established. The peacocks have been crafted with 5000 pieces of glass, which shine in green, gold and blue colours. In an adjoining chamber, called the Kanch-ki-Burj, mosaic of mirrors adorn the walls. The Badi Charur Chowk within this chowk is a smaller court for private use. Its screen wall has painted and inlaid compositions depicting European men and Indian women.  
  • Rang Bhawan . The palace that used to contain royal treasure. There are temples of Lord Krishna, Meerabai and Shiva, located here.  
  • Sheesh Mahal . The palace of mirrors and glasses was built in 1716. A shrine of Dhuni Mata is also located in the complex. This location is considered as the oldest part of the Palace, where a sage spent his entire life meditating.  
  • Zenana Mahal ( Women's Palace ). Proceeding further from the Mor Chowk, in the Zenana Mahal or women’s quarters (now converted into museum) is exquisitely designed alcoves, balconies, coloured windows, tiled walls and floors are seen.  

Lakes [ edit ]

Gardens [ edit ].

  • Nehru Garden . This is a park in the middle of Fateh Sager Lake. This park covers about 41 acres (170,000 m²), with flower gardens and a lily pond. It was inaugurated on the birth anniversary of the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. The garden overlooks the ancient Moti Mahal of Maharana Pratap and gives a view of the Aravalli hills on three sides.  

Museums [ edit ]

Other attractions [ edit ].

tourist guide to udaipur

  • Aapni Dhani . A very good place to spend your evening. This place has a small zoo, magic show, puppet show, nat ka tamasha, dance shows and to top it all a nice Rajasthani dinner - unlimited of course. The ticket is about ₹250 per person. The shows start in the evening around 5-6PM.  

Do [ edit ]

Cultural shows [ edit ].

  • Dharohar Dance Show @ Bagore-ki-Haveli , near Gangaur Ghat , ☏ +91 94141-55904 , [email protected] . A 60-minute Rajastani dance and marionette puppet show. Includes live music with local instruments, local folk dancing, and a lady balancing up to 9 stacked pots on her head. A must-see! Admission: ₹100; camera fee: ₹100 .  
  • Puppet Show @ Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal , Saheli Marg, Madhuban ( in the north of the city, 300 m north of Chetak Circle ). Daily 60-minute puppet show at 6PM. Great for children. ₹50 .  
  • Shilpgram . Shilpgram is a rural arts and crafts complex. The fair is organised every year from 21st December to 31st December and hosts plays and dance performances every evening for those 10 days. ₹50 . ( updated Jan 2020 )

Outdoor activities and sports [ edit ]

  • Art of Bicycle Trips . Organized bicycle tours in and around Udaipur. The tours combine cycling with Indian art, culture and heritage. ₹2,000 .  
  • Udaipur Ropeway , Deen Dayal Park ( on the top of hill near Lake Pichola, near Karni Mata Temple ), ☏ +91 294 650 8755 , [email protected] . 9AM-9PM . Spend the evening overlooking the city lights from a high altitude. There is a restaurant on top of the hill with a nice view. Adult ₹78; child ₹39 .  
  • Bindaas , ☏ +91 9928058896 , [email protected] . Bindaas is a group of cyclists that motivates people to cycle and to make their environment greener. These cyclists gather every Sunday at Fathesagar Pal at 6AM and cycle together as a group to make people aware about the health and environmental benefits of cycling. It also provides people an opportunity to meet like-minded people. Becoming a member of the group is free of cost. ( updated Jan 2020 )

Horseback riding [ edit ]

Situated in the middle of the Aravalli Hills, Udaipur offers a fantastic landscape and unrivaled views. Various operators offer horse rides here:

  • Princess Trails . Run by an Indo-German couple. They have around 15 very well kept Marwari horses and always some foals and young ones on their farm, approximately 8 km outside Udaipur. They organize trail rides for individual riders and small groups of 2 hours, 4 hours and full day through the tribal villages of the Aravalli foothills and also arrange overnight accommodation in comfortable Swiss tents (with attached bathroom, AC and private terrace) on their farm. Horseback lessons and nature hikes are also arranged and non-riding companions can spend a relaxing morning/afternoon in the garden of their farm with a beautiful Hollywood swing. They offer free pick up from the hotels in town and have a collection of imported riding helmets and half-chaps which they lend out to their riders. A large emphasis is put on the safety of riders and horses! Riders and guests fed up by the noise and pollution of Indian cities can stay overnight in comfortable Swiss tents on the farm and enjoy the quiet and peaceful rural life. Longer horseback safaris with overnight stays in a Safari Camp are also arranged. Also offers jeep safaris.  

Volunteering [ edit ]

  • Animal Aid Unlimited , near Badi TB Hospital, Badi Village, Liyo Ka Gurha ( 7 km from the old town ), ☏ +91 99505 31639 . 350 ownerless animals are given love and nursed back to health by volunteers. Run by an American family who will welcome you any time between 9AM and 5PM. Did you ever scratch a donkey under his chin? Have you ever bottle fed a baby goat? Ever helped a dog who lost her leg learn to walk again? Here's your chance. Free, donations encouraged .  

Fairs and festivals [ edit ]

The city of Udaipur celebrates all the fairs and festivals with equal fervor. The important fairs and festivals that are closely associated with Udaipur are Mewar Festival and the Shilpgram Fair . If you want to catch the vigor of these desert people, catch them during their famous fairs and festivals.

  • Mewar Festival - Mewar festival is observed to welcome the arrival of spring season (March/April). The festival is especially meant for women and offers the best time when they dress in their finest clothes and join the celebrations of the fest. To conduct the ceremony, women assemble to dress the images of Isar (Lord Shiva) and Gangaur (Goddess Parvati). After dressing the idols, they carry them in a traditional procession passing through different parts of the city. In the last, the procession makes its move towards the Gangaur Ghat at Pichola Lake. At this point, the images are transported into special boats and immersed in the deep waters of the lake. When this religious part gets over, people engage into various dances, songs and other cultural events revealing the culture of Rajasthan. Mewar festival is concluded with a glittering show of fireworks.
  • Shilpgram Crafts Fair - Shilpgram Mela is held annually in the west of the city of Udaipur in the month of November/ December. The fair is organized to promote art and craft of Rajasthan. This fair is a perfect destination to try out the hand woven clothes, embroideries, mirror works and handicrafts. The hand woven clothes and camel leather items grab the major attention of visitors in this fair.

Buy [ edit ]

Udaipur is particularly famous for its miniature paintings inspired by style of Rajputs and Mughals. You are unlikely to find these items elsewhere in India. These cost as little as ₹100 and make a beautiful gift or keepsake. Items such as handicrafts, pottery, jewelry, wooden toys, antique items and paintings are easily available in the tourist area. Other popular purchases include toys, bewitching puppets, wall hangings, pen stands, cloth lanterns, handmade papers, painted wooden boxes and greeting cards, pottery in both metal and adobe, pots, plates, vessels and containers, brassware, and terracotta sculptures.

Udaipur also has typical bazaars including Hathi Pol, Bada Bazaar, Chetak Circle, Bada Bazaar and Palace Road.

Markets [ edit ]

  • Vegetable Market ( Take a tuk-tuk ). A traditional market where mostly women vendors sell fresh produce. A fantastically colourful spot for endless eyecatching photographs and people watching. The spice market is also nearby.  

Stores [ edit ]

  • Bombino Arts , 9 Alok School Road, Sector 11 ( opposite Agrawal Dharamshala ). Famous for handmade granite etching portraits and artwork. You can see the artist working in the store.  
  • Boutique Namaste India , 67 Ghadiya Devra ( near Hotel Gangaur Palace ), ☏ +91 294 2421940 . High quality custom-made suits and clothing.  
  • City Palace Museum Shop , City Palace . A good place to purchase miniature paintings but prices are higher than other shops.  
  • Gothwal Art , 20 Gangour Gatt ( in the centre of the tourist area ), ☏ +91 9680280701 . This simple little art store is run by a lovely artist couple and is your best option for Udaipur-style miniature artwork. The owners are honest people and there is no hassle/pressure, unlike in most other stores. They will also custom frame paintings at a minimal cost, making for classy gifts and souvenirs. ₹100+ .  
  • Indune Lifestyle , 178 Moti Magri ( near UIT Circle ), ☏ +91 294 2412022 . Sells a wide range of handcrafted gifts, accessories, home décor, artifacts and furniture. Fair trade .  
  • Lord & Tailor . Has a large selection of pashmina wool and cashmere wood scarfs and shawls. Prices are higher than you will find elsewhere, but the quality is really good. You can bargain for a better price that what is quoted. Pashmina scarfs: ₹4,000 .  
  • Mangalam: The Women Shopee , Sukhadia Circle ( Opposite Panchratna complex ), ☏ +91 2942560259 . The shop is best for textiles, sarees, handicrafts, dhurries, and similar products.  
  • Pushpa Furniture , NH-8 Bhuwana ( before Sukher Bypass ), ☏ +91 93525 21265 . A store that offers a wide variety of products like wooden furniture, antique reproduction, marble handicrafts, silver furniture, meenakari enameled handicraft furniture, inlay product & furniture, marble & stone inlay products, Rajasthan furniture, white metal furniture, glass inlay work and semi-precious stone work.  
  • Rajasthali Emporium , Chetak Circle ( 1 km north of the old clock tower ), ☏ +91 294-2429068 , [email protected] . The government-operated fixed-price emporium is a good place to gauge handicraft prices.  
  • Rukmani Arts , NH-8 Bhuwana ( before Sukher Bypass ), ☏ +91 98297 90949 . Offers a range of art pieces including marble art, ethnic furniture and gifts and souvenirs.  
  • Sadhna: A Women's Handicraft Enterprise , 2 locations in Udaipur ( take a rickshaw to Seva Mandir's NGO Campus, and walk through the large gate with the grate over the threshold ), ☏ +91 2942454655 , [email protected] . M-Sa 10AM-6PM . Browse for hand-stitched garments, homewares, and linens. A purchase here means contributing to the income over 1,000 rural and tribal women who are involved in this enterprise. The aesthetic is very western, so you can feel comfortable wearing the items at home.  
  • Silver Emporium , Bapu Bazaar ( Main Market ), ☏ +91 294-5103366 . Offers traditional and antique jewelry with a gem testing lab for the convenience of customers. Gemologist available at all times.  
  • Smile Merchants , Bhattiyani Chohatta ( near Jagdish Temple ), ☏ +91 294-2418509 . Leather items such as belts, wallets, handbags, laptop bags and accessories, jackets, and luggage.  
  • Soma Shop , Lake Palace Road ( Near Hotel Mahendra Prakash ), ☏ +91 294-2420475 . An exclusive boutique for block print clothes and other crafts.  

Shopping malls [ edit ]

There are 4 malls offering a range of shopping, dining and entertainment.

  • Celebration Mall , Bhuwana NH8 ( 5 km from the old city ). Stores include Adidas, Nike, Woodland, Metro, Levis, Wrangler, Flying Machine, United Colors of Benetton, Arrow, Van Husen, Allen Solly, Raymond's, Blackberry, Offbeat, Peter England, W, Mom&me, Gini & Jony, Crossword, Archie's. Others: McDonald's, Subway, Cafe Coffee Day, Jashn-Food Court, PVR Cinemas, 5D Cinema, and Hungama Game Planet.  
  • LakeCity Mall ( north of the old city ), ☏ +91 96674 66660 . 10AM-10PM . Mix of national and local retailers: Woodland, United Colors of Benetton, Metro, Nike, Levis, Puma, Wrangler, Just I, Mufti, Lotto, Lee & Cat. Others: KFC, Pizza Hut, Moti Mahal Restaurant, INOX Cinemas, Viking Game Zone, and 7D Masti.  
  • R Kay Mall , 48, Panchwati , ☏ +91 94140 91836 . Stores include Zari, Westside, Fab India, United Colors of Benetton, Dollar Store, Lilliput, OMG-Food Court, OMG Game Zone.  
  • Arvana Mall , Hathipole Main Rd . The latest addition among the malls in the city. With a seemingly modern infrastructure and more upmarket appeal, this mall is an emerging shopping center for the local citizens and tourists visiting the city. Prominent international brand stores are opening up within the mall. It also features stores selling Indian traditional wear, gift shops and a plush food court. Arvana also offers fine dining experience at its rooftop restaurant August Grill: Sky Lounge, which boasts of a strategic view of the city landscape. Arvana has also implemented socially conscious initiatives including opening of Sheros which is a hangout cafe managed by acid attack victims.  

Eat [ edit ]

Udaipur is famous for its spicy snacks such as mirchi bada and kachori . Other common local cuisines include Dal Baati Churma (Lentils and rice), Pyaz Kachori (onion/flour balls), and Gatte Ki Sabzi (gram flour dumplings with curry). These are common on the menu of just about every restaurant and should definitely be eaten!

Cooking classes are also commonly offered in Udaipur.

There are a couple Thali restaurants where you can get unlimited servings of a selection of Rajasthani and Gujarati dishes (rotis, savoury bites, daals, vegetables, rice, sweets and more). There are also American fast food restaurants such as McDonald's and Subway in the Celebration Mall [dead link] (see listing above). Outside of the old town, you can find street stalls selling cheap chaat (Indian fast food).

There are many rooftop restaurants with romantic views of Lake Pichola. However, in all cases, you will usually have to walk up several flights of stairs to get to them.

  • 1559 AD , SH 50, Ambamata , ☏ +91 294 243 3559 . Popular with tour groups, this restaurant has a rooftop area with very romantic views of the lake. Elevator.  
  • Ambrai @ Amet Haveli Hotel , Outside Chandpole , ☏ +91 294 2431085 , [email protected] . lake-side level of Lake Pichola, with a view of the City Palace and the nightly fireworks show. Very romantic. Reservations are mandatory. Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisines. mains: ₹250-400 .  
  • Aravalli @ Trident Hotel , Haridasjiki Magri, Mullah Talai ( Near Lake Pichola ), ☏ +91 294 243 2200 . 6AM-11PM . Superb in every way. You can choose between a-la-carte or the marvelous buffet which is one of the best in Udaipur. A visual delight and a gourmet's paradise. The restaurant is attractive, luxurious, relaxed and has a traditional touch. ₹500+ .  
  • Bawarchi Restaurant , 6 Delhi Gate ( east of Gangaur Ghat ). Good food and fast service but it is popular with locals and thus can be very crowded. Thali: ₹140 .  
  • Cafe Edelweiss , 71 Gangaur Ghat ( near the lake; follow the signs ), ☏ +91 294-2425440 . A German bakery that has amazing pies, cinnamon rolls, coffees, and sandwiches. Cinnamon roll/pie slice: ₹50-120; sandwiches: ₹150-250 .  
  • Charcoal @ Pratap Bhawan Hotel , [email protected] . This outdoor rooftop restaurant has a tandoor and a barbecue. Serves Kingfisher Strong beer. Great barbequed dishes.  
  • Cool Cafe Restaurant , 28 Panduwadi, 1st floor, Gadiya Devra, Jagdish Temple Road ( opposite Hotel Gangaur Palace, Gangaur Ghat ), ☏ +91 7665 044332 . Really great prices on both food and alcohol. There is a large TV for watching movies and water pipes are also available for use. Unlimited thali: ₹150 .  
  • Gateway Restaurant , Shop No. 2, Jagat Shiromani Temple, Outside City Palace , ☏ +91 294 241 0903 . Rooftop restaurant near the city palace and Jagdish Mandir. Serves Indian food and Italian food ₹50-350 .  
  • Hukam: the Family Restaurant , UIT Bridge, Saheli Marg , ☏ +91 294 256 0400 . Serves traditional Indian, Mughlai, Rajasthani, Chinese, Continental, and Sizzlers.  
  • Jaiwana Haveli Roof Top Restaurant , 14 Lal Ghat ( just west of the Jagdish Mandir ), ☏ +91 294 2411103 , [email protected] . Another outdoor rooftop restaurant with a great view. Excellent dal baht. It is a bit of a climb to the roof.  
  • Mewar Haveli Hotel Rooftop Restaurant , 34-35 Lal Ghat ( near Lake Pichola and behind the Jagdish Temple ), ☏ +91 294 252 1140 . Covered dining room and rooftop restaurant with beautiful and romantic lake views.  
  • Natraj Lodge , New Bapu Bazar ( nehind Ashoka Cinema, across from Town Hall ), ☏ +91 94148 51082 . Very good food in a clean and modern setting. Indian vegetarian food is served by roving waiters and includes naan/paratha, rice, dal curry, paneer, other curries, and yogurt. Unlimited thali: ₹140 .  
  • Paantya Restaurant @ Shiv Niwas Palace , The City Palace Complex , ☏ +91 294 252 8016 . 7AM-10:30PM . Traditionally-dressed waiters serve superb food from a varied menu. A great place for that special occasion.  
  • Raaj Bagh Restaurant @ Hotel Rampratap Palace , 5-B, Alkapuri, Ambamata Road ( Near Fateh Sagar Lake ), ☏ +91 99833 31808 . 11AM-11PM . A garden style restaurant at the edge of Lake Fateh Sagar. Indoor AC seating also available. The best lal maas ever! Excellent service, exceptional food.  
  • Rainbow Restaurant , Lal Ghat Road , ☏ +91 9828267234 . Great view. Try the fried shrimp if it is available!  
  • Savage Garden , 22 Inside Chandpole , ☏ +91 294 2425440 . Set over several floors of a pleasant building with cascading bougainvilleas and a towering banana tree in its blue-walled courtyard. Besides some standard Indian fare, you can order toned-down, simplified versions of traditional cuisine, such as spinach mutton served with boiled potatoes, grilled fish with mash, and even an unusual vegetarian kela curry or banana curry. ₹100 .  
  • Whistling Teal , 103 Bhattiyani Chohtta ( inside Jhadhol Haveli, just east of the City Palace ), ☏ +91 99296-17161 , [email protected] . One of the most romantic dining spots in Udaipur with a nice view of oasis in the city. Seating is on the lawn or under candle-lit canopies with exquisite traditional Rajasthani thalis. Beautiful garden.  
  • Parkview Restaurant , located in the prime location opposite the city's town hall and at a convenient proximity of Bapu Bazaar market area, is one of the oldest restaurants in the city. Its history dates back to late 1960s and is still regarded as a favorite family restaurant among city's older residents. This family run restaurant has a genuine mastery over good, affordable dining. Sitting area is quite large and its menu is well balanced with vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian, Indian, South Indian and Chinese cuisines.
  • Natraj Dining Hall & Restaurant , 22-24 City Station Road , ☏ +91-294-2487488 , +91 9414757893 , +91 9799031771 . It is a sister concern of Natraj Lodge. Unlimited thali ₹220, including unlimited sweet (thats the only difference from Natraj Lodge). Food is more delicious than Natraj Lodge but more spicy as well. ( updated Feb 2017 )
  • Krishna Dal Bati Restro , 17, 1st Floor, Jal Darshan Market, Hotel Green View Street, Gulab Bagh Road, Udaipur-313001 , ☏ +919001055322 , [email protected] . ₹250. Unlimited Dal Bati and Churma. Delicious, worth going at least once. ( updated Feb 2017 )
  • Vantage Restaurant , G-14 above Hotel Viaan, Trident road Haridas ji ki magri , ☏ +91-9672222872 , [email protected] . 6:30 AM-11PM . Vantage Restaurant offers two dining areas; the upper deck has a panoramic view of the beautiful city, from Lake Pichola and the City Palace on one side, to Sajjangarh on the other. ( updated Aug 2019 )

Drink [ edit ]

  • Cafe Coffee Day , The Celebration Mall , ☏ +91 294-3251162 . 10AM - 11PM . Cafe Coffee Day is famous coffee shop in Udaipur. The chain serves a wide varieties of coffees with Pizza & Sandwiches. All major credit cards are accepted.  
  • Fatehprakash Palace Hotel , City Palace ( on Lake Pichola ), ☏ +91 294 528008 . 7:30AM - 10:30PM . The open air Sunset Terrace at the Fateh Prakash Palace hotel becomes the heart of the City Palace Complex. People flock there to have a drink, and watch Lake Pichola.  
  • Garden Hotel Udaipur , Gulab Bagh Rd . Guests choosing to stay at the Garden Hotel Udaipur will be able to dine at the onsite restaurant. They will also be able to have a drink at the garden bar.  
  • Govinda's Cafeteria , 169 city palace Rd ( jagdish chowk ). 9AM-9PM . Serves real Lavazza espresso. They have a nice real espresso machine and serve a huge variety of excellent Italian coffee. Shakes and frappes also available. Espresso ₹50, caffe latte ₹65, cappuccino ₹60. Spoil yourself with an amazingly yummy brownie shake (made with a whole piece of brownie, chocolate ice-cream and milk, tastes to die for) for ₹120. With A/C.  
  • RTDC Hotel Kajri , Shastri Circle , ☏ +91 141-5040211 . 10AM - 11PM . Let your spirits soar high at the well stocked bar of Hotel Kajri in Udaipur. The bar features an eclectic selection of both Indian and Rajasthani liquor and wine.  
  • Soul Meet Cafe , next to Dyaji Bridge (walking bridge) ( big green building—you can't miss it ), ☏ +91 982 804 8586 . A perfect place to take in outstanding scenery of the Old Town and the Lake, whilst relaxing with a 'special' lasi and a sheesha.  
  • Tehkhana ( Restaurant & Bar ), Hitawala complex,Saheli marg ( Saheliyo ki bari ), ☏ +91 2421317 . noon . The Tehkhana Restaurant is a pleasant and elegant contemporary restaurant ideally located near the Sukhadia Circle. With hazelnut coloured walls and vivid paintings this is an ideal place to hang out Choices of Indian, Chinese, Continental, South Indian & Italian cuisines is available to satisfy the taste buds.  

Sleep [ edit ]

Udaipur has a wide range of accommodation options.

Budget [ edit ]

  • Anjani Hotel , 77 Gangour Ghat Marg , [email protected] . A former palace. Rooms have balconies with lake views. Rooftop restaurant. ₹1,530-2,210 .  
  • Gangaur Palace / Ashoka Haveli , 339 Gangaur Ghat Marg , ☏ +91-0294-2422303 , [email protected] . A charming haveli centered around a courtyard. Rooftop restaurant. ₹800-1,800 depending on the room, breakfast: ₹170 .  
  • 24.578556 73.692567 1 Hotel Royal Dezire , 35, Nr. R.M.V.Circle, Inside Surjapole , ☏ +91-9784470239 , [email protected] . From ₹ 800 . ( updated Jan 2019 )
  • Krishna Ranch , Near Badi village ( 7 km northwest of the city centre ). A large ranch with horses in a rural setting. Cottages are spacious and are decorated with regional handicrafts. Great if you want to go bird watching, horse riding, hiking, biking, or exploring the local villages. Transport from Udaipur can be arranged. Some food served is grown on-site. Single: ₹2,000, Double: ₹2,500, breakfast included .  
  • Mewar Inn , 42 Residency Road ( opposite G.B.H. American Hospital, 3 km northeast of the City Palace ), ☏ +91 294 2411590 , [email protected] . 20 rooms. Away from the noisy tourist/old town area but easily accessible via tuk-tuk or 10 minutes by foot from Delhi Pol. Price changed in early 2015. Hard to beat the price. The hotel also has a rooftop restaurant. Single economy ₹92 Double economy ₹172 more options until ₹292 . ( updated May 2015 )
  • 24.583571 73.681399 2 Mewargarh Palace , 733, Near Bade Purohit Ji Ki Haveli, Imlighat ( near Chandpole Gate, just north of the Jagdish Temple ), ☏ +91 98879 47988 . Check-out: 10AM . 5-room homestay accommodation. Rooftop restaurant. Hidden in an alley next to a mosque. ₹650 .  
  • Padmini Palace , 27 Gulab Bagh Road ( directly east of the City Palace ), ☏ +91 294 2414191 , fax : +91 294 2419663 , [email protected] . 20-room hotel across the street from a garden. From ₹1,200 .  
  • Pleasure Guest House , 12, Surya Marg, Kotda House, Jagdish Road ( in front of Jagdish Temple ), ☏ +91 98286 26621 , [email protected] . A very friendly homestay run by Jitu aka G2, who makes you feel at home. Rooms have balconies. Great views of the palace. Kitchen is available for use. ₹350 .  
  • Poonam Haveli , 39 Lal Ghat Road ( on the lake ), ☏ +91 294 241 0303 . Rooftop restaurant. Great views. ₹2,000 .  
  • Rajkamal International , 123 Bye Pass Road ( 9 km northeast of the City Palace, close to Celebration Mall ), ☏ +91 294 244 0770 , [email protected] . 24 rooms. ₹800-1,800, depending on the room .  
  • Zostel Udaipur , 25-26 Nav Ghat ( near the city palace ), ☏ +91 77288 97595 . A great place to meet young travelers. Rooftop café. Free walking tours. Some rooms have a lake view. On a narrow road. Dorm bed: ₹449, Double: ₹1,999 .  
  • Shree Gujarati Samaj , Opp Paras Mahal Hotel, near Vishal Mega Mart, Ahmedabad Road , ☏ +91 294-3206466 , +91 294 2487314 , [email protected] . from ₹250 to 800 . ( updated Feb 2017 )
  • 24.611936 73.788658 3 The Hunting Lodge ( Luxury Resort around Udaipur ), Near Mahraja college of Management, NH 76, Airport Road , ☏ +91 96368 37384 , [email protected] . Check-in: Noon , check-out: 10AM . Hidden among the lush undulating hills of Aravalli, The Hunting Lodge, one of the best resorts around Udaipur, sits among thriving green fields as far as the eye can see. The architecture and aesthetics complement the beauty of natural surroundings. Under the luxury umbrella of Zennia Hotels, The Hunting Lodge is positioned at key locations around the mountain and act as gateway to Udaipur. Within easy reach of the airport and the scenic wonders of Udaipur city, the resort is perfect for those seeking spiritual and recreational delights. There are few resorts that revere nature's gifts like we do, and absolute discretion for our guests is the pattern of our hospitality craft. ₹4881 . ( updated Oct 2023 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

  • Aashiya Haveli , 15,17-20, Lal Ghat ( on Lake Pichola ), ☏ +91 94141 67484 , [email protected] . Spacious rooms with nice views. ₹1,800 .  
  • Broadway , Burman Chambers, UIT Bridge, Saheli Marg ( next to UIT circle ), ☏ +91-294-2560400 , [email protected] . Check-in: noon , check-out: 10AM . 26 rooms with nice views. Single: ₹1,850-2,450; Double: ₹2,250-2,950 .  
  • Chandra Niwas Homestay , 43/44 Shanti Niketan colony Bedla- Badgaon Link Road ( just outside city centre ), ☏ +91-2942451766 , [email protected] . Run by the founder of the DAAN foundation (an organization that works to improve education for village children in Rajasthan). Owner will sometimes show you around. Many volunteers stay here. US$18-36, breakfast included .  
  • Dayal , 7 Opposite Kothari Bhawan, near Shastri Circle , ☏ +91 294 241 7864 . Clean hotel. ₹2,550-2,950 .  
  • Devra , Sisarma - Bujra Road, Kalarohi ( a 15-minute drive from the city centre ), ☏ +91 294 2431049 , [email protected] . Check-in: 12:30PM , check-out: 11:30AM . Comfortable rural retreat with nice panoramic views. Restaurant on site. Good for relaxing and quiet atmosphere. ₹5,500, breakfast included .  
  • Hotel Boheda Palace , Kalaji Goraji, near Lake Palace Road ( directly east of the City Palace ), ☏ +91 294 2424414 , [email protected] . Features large rooms with Rajasthani decorations, heritage accommodation and dining facility. You can enjoy excellent views of Lake Pichola & the City Palace from this hotel. ₹2,700 .  
  • Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel , 24 - 25 Lal Ghat , ☏ +91 294 2422860 , [email protected] . A restored 17th-century haveli. Some rooms have lake views, but are much more expensive. Central courtyard. A narrow archway connects the haveli to the old city. Standard room: ₹1,850-2,150; Lake view rooms: ₹3,250-6,750, 25% discount in the low season .  
  • Jaiwana Haveli , 14 Lal Ghat ( eastern bank of Lake Pichola ), [email protected] . Check-in: Noon , check-out: 10AM . Formerly the private residence of the Thakur of Jaiwana. 24 rooms, some with lake views. Excellent rooftop restaurant. Standard room: ₹2,560; Corner room: ₹2,995, 30% discount in the low season .  
  • Lake Pichola Hotel , outside Chandpole, near Hanuman Ghat ( east of the City Palace ), ☏ +91 294 243 1197 . Well-maintained heritage hotel. ₹2,250 .  
  • Madri Haveli , 70 Ganesh Gati , ☏ +91 294 662 1106 , [email protected] . 14-room hotel in a renovated 300-year old building that belongs to the King of Madri. Peak season: ₹3,500; off peak season: ₹2,750 .  
  • Mahendra Prakash , Lake Palace Road ( just east of the City Palace ), [email protected] . Check-out: noon . 26 guest room haveli with courtyard and swimming pool. Views of the Sajan Niwas Gardens as well as the city palace. Massage therapy tent. From ₹2,000 .  
  • Mewar Haveli , 34-35 Lal Ghat , ☏ +91 294 2521140 , [email protected] . Check-in: Noon . 12-room hotel in the style of a traditional Rajasthani haveli. Features views of Lake Pichola, the Old City, Lake Palace, Jagmandir Island Palace and the rugged Aravalli range. ₹1,850-2,550 .  
  • Mountain Ridge , Sisarma ( 6km southwest of the city center, off National Highway 76A ), ☏ +91 294 329 1478 , [email protected] . Peaceful environment. Plenty of activities such as swimming in the pool, trekking, going on a village safari, bird watching, mountain walking, having a massage or just sitting and relaxing with your favorite book with the soothing sounds of nature in the garden. ₹2,500-5,700 .  
  • Raj Niwas , 16 Lal Ghat ( on Lake Pichola ), ☏ +91-294-2410364 , [email protected] . Newly-built haveli constructed in the traditional style. Rooftop restaurant. Lake views. ₹4,000-₹5,000, depending on view .  
  • Vishnupriya , 9 Garden Road, near Gulab Bagh , ☏ +91 294 2421313 , fax : +91 294 2421315 , [email protected] . Check-in: noon , check-out: noon . 51-room heritage hotel. Single: ₹3,500-₹4,000; Double:₹4,000-₹5,500 .  
  • 24.58009 73.68035 4 Hotel Thamla Haveli , Nr. Hanuman Ghat ( outside Chandpole ). Check-in: 10:00 AM , check-out: 10:00 AM . Heritage hotel with budget-friendly accommodation, views of the Aravali mountain ranges, the lake, and the old city. ( updated Apr 2024 )

Splurge [ edit ]

  • Bhairavgarh Resort , Near Maharana Pratap Khel Gaon, Chitrakoot Nagar, Maharana Pratap Khel Gaov, Ahead of Bhuwana Bypass, Sukher ( 8 km from bus stand ), ☏ +91 294-3912345 , [email protected] . Check-in: Noon , check-out: Noon . The resort is in Sukher, in the Aravali range with all modern facilities to make your stay comfortable. ₹5500 - 14,000 .  
  • Fateh Prakash Palace , City Palace Complex ( on the eastern shores of Lake Pichola ), ☏ +91 294 252 8016 .  
  • Inder Residency , Goverdhan Vilas, Ekling Nagar, Shikharbadi Rd .  
  • The Leela Palace Udaipur , Lake Pichola , ☏ +91 294 670 1234 , [email protected] . ( updated Aug 2017 )
  • 24.59 73.665194 5 Radisson Blu Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa , B-1 Ambamata Scheme , ☏ +91 294 665 0000 , [email protected] . Opened as a Sheraton on 1st Aug 2010. ( updated Nov 2019 )
  • 24.542592 73.678079 6 Shikarbadi Hotel Udaipur , Goverdhan Vilas Sector 14, Hiran Magri , ☏ +91 294 258 3201 , [email protected] . The hotel is spread over 250 acres and set amidst the serene wooded landscape of the Aravalis.  

Stay safe [ edit ]

Udaipur is a safe place and the local people are very helpful. However, visitors are advised to take care of their personal belongings, particularly if they have very large amounts of cash, credit cards or are carrying a passport. To avoid pick pocketing, concealed money belts are helpful tools.

Don't leave cash or any valuables in the hotel room. Cross check all hotel, restaurant and lounges bills for errors. Never pay anyone for anything upfront, including taxi drivers. If you are traveling alone then it is advisable to stay in a hotel in Udaipur itself and not in remote areas.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

There are many clinics and hospitals in Udaipur which provide quality treatment at affordable prices, and health tourism is on the upswing. The blood bank services are in quick time and it not only serve blood within Udaipur but most of the small towns around the city.

Government hospitals [ edit ]

  • Ayurvedic Hospital, Moti chohtta (Tel: 2-421968)
  • Maharana Bhopal general hospital (Tel: 2-528811-19)
  • Natural Hospital, Bhatyani chohtta (Tel: 2-422700)
  • T B Hospital (tel: 2-560310)
  • Women's Hospital (Tel: 2-523989)

Private hospitals [ edit ]

  • Aravali Hospital, 332 Ambamaata Scheme, Mullatalai, Udaipur (Tel: 2430222, 2431222)
  • Goyal hospital, 328-A, Vasant Vihar, Sector-5, Hiran Magri, Udaipur (Tel: 0294-2465764‎)
  • J.K. Hospital & Research Centre, Bhupalpura, Udaipur (Tel: 2418544)
  • Jagrati Orthopedic Hospital, Hospital Road, Udaipur (Tel: 2529234)
  • Sanjeevani Nursing Home, Sevashram Chowraha, Udaipur (Tel: 2412770)
  • Shreyas Children & Maternity Hospital, Fatehpura, Udaipur (Tel: 2560861)
  • Dr. Chaudhary Hospital & Medical Research Center , Udaipur (Tel : 0294 2465566)

Blood bank [ edit ]

  • M.B. Govt. Hospital Blood Bank, Udaipur (Ph. No. 0294-2528811)
  • Udaipur Americal International Hospital, 101, Kothi Bagh, Bhatt Ji Ki Bari, Udaipur (Ph. No. 0294-2426000)
  • Udaipur M/s Saral Blood Bank, 30, Bhikharinath ka math, Bhupalpura, Udaipur. (Ph. No. 0294-2416285)

Go next [ edit ]

Day trips [ edit ].

Udaipur offers great excursions to its outskirts. Hire a cab or explore by yourself to the some of the great escapades on the city outskirts.

  • Eklingji Temple - 22 km north of Udaipur is one of the most famous temples of Rajasthan. The magnificent architecture of Eklingnath Temple is simply remarkable.
  • Haldighati - An important historical site in the context of Rajasthan 40 km from the city of Udaipur. The term Haldighati has been derived from the yellow colored soil of the place that gives a sense of turmeric (in Hindi)
  • Jagat Temple - At the village called Jagat, 58 km in the south-east of Udaipur. Built in 961 AD, the Jagat Temple is renowned for its intricate carvings in the exteriors.
  • Kankroli - A small town 65 km from the city of Udaipur mainly known for its temple, which is sited on the banks of renowned Rajsamand Lake.
  • Nagda - Beside Bagela Lake 23 km in the north-west of Udaipur on the way to Nathdwara. Nagda comprises many small and big temples, but the main attraction is gained by its 'Sas-Bahu' temple.

Further destinations [ edit ]

  • Ajmer - An ancient town 288 km from Udaipur is famous among the spiritual and religious sects for the shrine of Khwaja Ajmer Sheriff and the only Brahma temples by the banks of Lake Pushkar.
  • Bhilwara - The administrative city of Mewar region 168 km from Udaipur. The city contains some of the exquisite neolithic temples that adorn the Nagar style of architecture.
  • Bundi - An ancient town 275 km from Udaipur inhabited by local tribesmen famous for its historical fortresses and kunds (holy wells).
  • Chittorgarh - About 140 km from Udaipur, Chittorgarh was the capital of Mewar from 734 AD to 1559. Chittorgarh Fort is a massive fort situated on a hilltop near Chittorgarh town in Rajasthan state in India.
  • Jodhpur - A popular gateway to the Thar Desert located 269km from Udaipur with the massive Mehrangarh Fort and access to Osiyan desert (no direct train from Udaipur).
  • Kumbhalgarh - A 15th-century fortress, built by Rana Kumbha of Mewar, with 36 km of walls. Over 360 temples are within the fort. It also has a wildlife sanctuary. Located in Rajsamand District, 64 km from Udaipur. The vista from the top of the palace typically extends tens of kilometers into the Aravalli hills.
  • Mount Abu - A popular tourist hill station 185 km from Udaipur. highest peak on the mountain is Guru Shikhar, at 1722 m above sea level. Mount Abu is home to a number of Jain temples especially the Dilwara Temples .
  • Nathdwara - Shri Nathdwara (a pathway to Lord Shri Krishna) lies 48 km from Udaipur and literally means the gateway to the Lord. Devotees throng the shrine in large numbers during occasions of "Janmashtmi", the day of the Lord's birth, and other festivals like Holi. It is famous for its 'pichwai' paintings, with Shri Krishna in the centre and is recognized for profuse use of gold colour.
  • Ranakpur - Ranakpur is widely known for its magnificent marble Jain temple devoted to Lord Adinath and is a "must see". Ranakpur is located between Jodhpur and Udaipur, in a valley on the western side of the Aravalli Range. Easily accessed by road, Ranakpur is around 100 km north of Udaipur. Its architecture is said to be better than even that of famous Taj Mahal. It is said that the experience of visual treat inside the temple can hardly be described in words. Light colored marble has been used for the construction of this grand temple. The temple, with its distinctive domes, rises majestically from the slope of a hill. Over 1444 marble pillars, carved in exquisite detail, support the temple. The pillars are all differently carved and no two pillars are the same. There is one beautiful carving made out of a single marble rock where there are 1008 heads of snakes and numerous tails over the head of Lord ParsvaNatha. One cannot find the end of the tails. The image faces all four cardinal directions. The temple is designed as chaumukha—with four faces. The construction of the temple and quadrupled image symbolize the Jain Tirthankara's conquest of the four cardinal directions and hence the cosmos.

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The insiders’ guide to Udaipur

By Janice Pariat

Udaipur hotels places to stay in udaipur rajasthan

Cities are changed by water. By their proximity to the sea. By the rivers that run relentlessly through them. By the lakes carved deep into their chests. In Udaipur, everyone I ask, immigrant or local, says this is what they love about the city—Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Swaroop Sagar. The lakes around which their lives cluster. It's the first thing you notice when you drive in, the wide expanse of blue, shimmering cleanly in the sun, and in the distance, the gentle Aravalis fading into the sky.

Former historic capital of the kingdom of Mewar, of the Rajputana Agency, Udaipur lies sprawling in the fertile Girwa Valley, though arguably its most picturesque sections are contained within the walled city or the Old City, hemmed by gates built in the 1500s for protection against external attacks. Here too lie the lakes, and around them, I soon find out, life happens.

City Palace

The City Palace sprawls over a lakeside hill like a reclining dream. Photo: Martin Harvey / Alamy Stock Photo

For Ananya Mehtta, who worked as assistant curator at Delhi's Devi Art Foundation, it's where she likes to stroll in the evenings with her young son Kabir. He's the main reason she and her husband moved back to Udaipur from the capital three months ago—"away from the pollution, the traffic, to this…". And "this" happens to be a beautifully located house, designed by American architect Joseph Stein, perched on a hilltop offering wondrous views of the city. Mehtta grew up here, and she's moved back to be, as she says, "closer to the ground." To start an art initiative, within her home space, that's open to the public, that blends the contemporary with the region's rich craft traditions. Until that materialises, she recommends a visit to Shilpgram (+91-9530003555), a living art museum about 3km away, to watch artists at work and attend one of their numerous festivals. Within the city, she would send you to Bougainvillea (+91-2942431116). An art gallery run by Tanuja and Bhupesh Kavadia, spread over two airy floors that spill into a bamboo-sheltered garden lined with sculptures. Filled with an array of artwork by mostly contemporary Rajasthani artists, including Basudeb Biswas, Madan Meena, and Lalit Sharma. Yet Mehtta's favourite way to spend a day out is to walk the winding alleys of the Old City, visit its silver shops in Bara Bazaar (close to Ghanta Ghar), head for a meal to Royal Repast (+91-9530003555). Run by the Bedla family, famed for their culinary expertise over years of hosting royal events, the restaurant is located within a plush, tastefully decorated home with an airy courtyard. A 1919 map of the princely states of Western India hangs on the wall, and other charming vintage accessories—including a still-functional Mewar Railways brass basin from the 1930s—dot the interiors. The food too is delectable—light and tangy murg dahi bootha; creamy, gently spiced mutton mitti ki handi; and rich makkai ka meetha (ground corn cooked in milk and ghee) to sweeten your palate.

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Laddoo Singh, the Basset Hound at Udai Kothi

Minna Rathore, a Finnish expat married to a Rajasthani and living in Udaipur for three years now, also finds that she drifts to places by the lake. On the days when she's not busying herself at The Junior Study and The Study Senior (local schools that inculcate progressive, activity-based, experiential teaching), she goes for a run around Fateh Sagar or takes friends to Sunset Terrace at the Lake Palace (+91-294-2528016). "I come from a country of lakes," she tells me, "and that's probably why I feel at home here." We're sipping cappuccino at Udai Art Café (+91-8875768025) (many cafés in the Old City advertise "best coffee in town", but here I assure you it's true), where she likes to spend her time chatting with travellers. "People come here from all over the world; it's a veritable United Nations." The café is run by Meropi Mitrou, a photographer from Greece who first visited Udaipur in 2011 and then moved here in 2013, leaving home and family behind. "India touched my soul," she says, "and here, there's an energy that called me." Her words settle between buzzing espresso machine, sizzling crêpes, and sudden, unexpected rainfall. For local fare, they recommend Garden Hotel (+91-294-2418881), a circular restaurant set within classical club-like environs that offers a changing seasonal vegetarian thali (sans garlic and onion). After this, you may fancy a stroll around the adjacent Vintage & Classic Car Collection Museum (+91-294-2418881), where Cadillacs and Royces stand parked in quiet attention. For a sense of the city's history, Minna suggests we head to City Palace (+91-294-2419021). Built over a period of 400 years beginning 1553, it sprawls over a lakeside hill like a reclining dream. A section of it, including Zenana Mahal, has been converted into a museum, and more fascinating than its exhibits—furniture, fans, guns and pistols, toys, kitchen utensils—is the building itself, with its sudden courtyards, graceful arches, and rooms resplendent with intricate tikri (mosaic glass) work. For a trip out of town, Minna and Meropi head to nearby Bujera Fort (+91-8003699042), a "medieval" structure recently built by British interior designer Richard Hanlon that offers a splendidly quiet retreat, complete with stone lions and obelisks, a pool, rooms with furniture customised with a twist, a library, and a drawing room with Richard's vintage player. Bujera Fort doesn't house a restaurant, so if you wish to dine there, it's best to call in advance. Their menu (sourced largely from their lush organic kitchen garden) is unfixed, customisable, and changes depending on seasonal availability. Dig into a light aubergine soufflé or a fresh tomato pesto galette; relish a peppery rocket salad or beetroot Carpaccio. Take in a view of the hills over a creamy homemade chocolate ice cream.

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Also an "expat", but from nearby Jaipur, Bhubaneshwari Kumari travelled to Udaipur 18 years ago and fell in love. She too felt a calling. "It's the most beautiful city in the world," she declares, and it's hard to disagree. Within the leafy environs of her hotel Udai Kothi (+91-294-2432810), flanked by her dogs—Tope Singh, a black dachshund, and Ladoo Singh, a basset hound—Kumari enjoys running what she calls a labour of love. She and her husband opened their hotel in 2000, knowing little about the "hotel business" and relying on instinct and friendly openness that has paid off. Kumari makes it a point to employ local women from nearby villages, who keep the place immaculate and flower-filled. The 64 rooms are spacious, comfortable, and rich with little personal touches, while the Udai Suite crowning the building is equipped with a private Jacuzzi and a compact swimming pool and offers magnificent lake views. On a day out, Kumari likes to visit cloth shops in the Old City that sell local bandhani and leheriya sarees, or pick up small marble carvings—from soap dishes to flower vases—to place around her hotel. Kumari also plays hostess on Barge Bahadur, a sturdy flatboat (built by a Scotsman in Kochi) available on hire for trips across the lake, complete with music, cocktails and a sumptuous dinner. It is magical, we find out, watching the sun set over the water as stars litter the sky. At some point, the engine is turned off, our view changing as we drift—there, the City Palace, lit up in splendid sandstone glory; then pretty Jagmandir; in the distance, the softer silhouette of the famed Taj Lake Palace.

Sheesh Mahal restaurant

The glittering lake view from the open-air Sheesh Mahal restaurant.

Back at the water's edge, while evening hovers over Pichola, Arjun Shaktawat, hotelier and resident of Udaipur, tells us that his favourite out-of-city venue is Badi Lake, 12km away and accessible by bus or taxi. He's a keen swimmer and recommends taking a plunge in the lakes only in September or early October, when the water's fresh and flowing. We're at Upre (+91-294-2431197), the rooftop restaurant at his hotel, set within a haveli that's been in his family for 250 years. His father opened Lake Pichola Hotel (+91-294-2431197) 35 years ago. Situated on the edge of the lake, with gorgeous views and overhanging flowering bougainvillea, it couldn't be prettier. For Shaktawat, an evening out would involve a movie at Ashoka Cinema (+91-9352288888), a meal at Wok by the Lake at Radisson Hotel (+91-294-305000), and on festive occasions, a visit to Jagdish Temple. This graceful 17th-century structure built by Maharana Jagat Singh stands tall on a raised terrace embellished with ornate, intricate carvings. Local delights, Shaktawat says, include Jheel's Ginger Coffee Bar & Bakery (+91-9461016511), perched like a bird over Pichola, and Jaiwana Bistro Lounge (+91-9928393339). Vinayak Bhandari also has similar recommendations. His family, in the home interior business for 11 years, have recently opened Beyond Square (+91-9829040407), an expansive multi-storey space dedicated to furniture and decorative art objects. He's a pichhwai enthusiast, explaining that these miniature paintings originally hung as backdrops to Srinathji's idol in Nathdwara temple. His collection, unfurled for us on the floor at our feet, includes fabulously rich canvasses by Raja Ram Sharma, a famed contemporary local artist, as well as more "modern" renditions by artists such as Nitin and Nilesh Sharma, who also work with natural stone colours but use traditional motifs—cows, peacock feathers—in largely abstract designs. Apart from local cafés that dot the Old City, his favourite place to dine is the open-air Sheesh Mahal at the Leela Palace Hotel (+91-294-6701234)—named not for mirrored walls and ceilings but the reflections on the lake. Here, at one of a limited number of tables, you may sip your wine and feast on a thali of regional fare, although you're likely to be distracted from your (albeit excellent) bati–dal and lal maas by the glittering view.

Monsoon Palace

At the Monsoon Palace, Udaipur lies below you. Photo: David Coll Blanco / Alamy Stock Photo

The place all our "local" friends recommended we drive to is the Monsoon Palace (+91-9571063039), up a winding, steeply sloping road through Sajjan Garh Wildlife Sanctuary (where leopards roam free) and eventually to the car park, from where we walk to the turreted white marble structure. Built in 1884 by Maharana Sajjan Singh as a hunting lodge and grand view point and now run by the state government, the palace gently crumbles around us in varying states of disrepair, home to an alarmingly large colony of swifts. Yet, below you lies Udaipur. And it's easy to ignore the mustiness and broken balconies, as you watch birds swoop gracefully to roost and the light fading over the city. The lakes glisten silver; if there is a call that travellers heed, it is this.

Madman's Journey

Ultimate Udaipur Travel Blog: Rajasthan diaries

Rajasthan is the undisputed hotspot for Foreign tourists. Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaiselmer, and Badhmer attract a huge chunk of visitors every single year. Rajasthan is huge and there are palaces and forts everywhere! But, if I had to recommend a short trip to experience the entirety of the state, I’d recommend Udaipur! Here goes my Udaipur travel blog .

Also, you don’t have to be Priyanka Chopra or Katy Perry and plan an extravaganza of a wedding to visit Udaipur. Although, if you decide to do that: invite me and I’ll plan your wedding for free.

Back to the blog, Udaipur is the most picturesque city in Rajasthan. Also dubbed as the “City of Lakes”, history and architecture make the soul of the city. My father has a special spot for Udaipur in his heart as he spent the initial days of his career there. We never understood his nostalgia till we actually toured there for 3 days in January winters.

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Udaipur Travel Blog: Best time to Visit

In general, it’s best to visit Rajasthan from autumn to spring. Never, plan a trip during peak summers(April-June) because it’s a desert and we are not bedouins.

How do I reach Udaipur?

A flying carpet is the most convenient way although trains and flights are good as well. Reach Udaipur by Train : The Udaipur City railway station connects to all major cities in India. Reach Udaipur by Flight : The Maharana Pratap Airport receives both domestic and international flights.

Taxis for intercity travel are available everywhere. There’s also the city bus that runs for tourists.

Where do I stay?

The entire city of Udaipur is sparsed with hotels around “Lake Pichola”. There is accommodation for all budgets, so you might as well just find the best place meeting your requirements. I’d suggest living around the “City Palace” for easy access to restaurants, markets, and transportation.

Here are some accommodations by the City Palace to check out on Booking.com:

Udaipur Lake Palace Hotel, Lake Pichola, udaipur travel blog

I’m hungry!

Udaipur travel blog can’t be complete without food! See, with its immense foreign tourist load the city has a lot of restaurants that serve exotic tastes. However, for the authentic Rajasthani taste here’s what a friend of mine from Udaipur advised me:

  • Neelam Restaurant: Gangaur Ghat Marg, Near Jagdish temple.
  • Natraj Dining Hall: Located on the Bapu Bazar main road.

Trust me you’ll eat the best “Dal Bati Churma” and “Rajasthani thali” in these places.

Jalebi

Once you’re over with a full course meal, head towards Chetak circle for “The Udaipur Pyaaz Kachori” at “JMB Nashta center”. Conclude with a “Mava Kulfi” for your sweet tooth. AND! It’s a SIN to not have MILK and JALEBI in your breakfast. Try it! you’ll thank me later. Also, if you want to find more amazing places for other cuisines , Udaipur will not disappoint you.

What do I do there?

  •  Appreciate the beauty of the city with its so many gardens and lakes.
  • Relish in the history of Udaipur and the Mewar Kingdom.
  • Indulge in the architectural wonders.
  • Eat some of the best snacks (Pyaaz kachori and Doodh Jalebi: a winter delicacy).
  • You plan your next trips to Haldighati and Kumbhalgarh.
  • Say get married?

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Your ultimate tourist guide for Udaipur:

City palace.

The Sisodia dynasty ruler Rana Udai Singh built it in 1553 and then the extensions kept adding up for the next 400 years. As I stood in the courtyard of that palace, I just kept wondering how this was the home to one of the bravest Rajputs. 400 years of history right before you, the doors through which Maharanas walked and the Jharokhas through which Maharanis would keep a watch on their kingdom.

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Lake pichola.

It’s an artificial freshwater lake meant for storage purposes. Constructed in 1362 AD, one can only marvel over the prosperity and vision of rulers back then.

In the center of this lake, we see “Hotel Lake Palace” which used to be the summer palace of the rulers but is now one of the most expensive and grand 4-star hotels in the country.

Fateh Saagar lake

Fateh Sagar Lake,  constructed by Rana Fateh Singh and named after him, is another artificial lake. It’s a lively spot among locals as well the surroundings are bustling with shops and hotels.

Jagdish Temple

A representative of Maru Gurjara architecture. It’s claimed to be the most beautiful example of Hindu Iconography with 3 stories hand-carved in stone.

Saheliyon ki Bari Garden

It was made for queens by Rana Sangram Singh. There are fountains, kiosks, and marble elephants. It’s on the bank of Fateh Saagar lake and one can spend a good time with family here.

Ahar Museum(Cenotaphs)

Located 2 km from Udaipur in Ahar, this is a very fancy crematory. There are 250 cenotaphs commemorating the rulers of Mewar. 19 bigger Chhatris for the Maharajas. There’s scary air to the place. I remember having a dry mouth when the guide kept telling us about the place and how each raja died.

Life was tough back then as a ruler. Since Hinduism doesn’t have a tomb system, but rulers’ site of cremation is often marked for future generations to pay their respects.

However, for the royal women death was epitomized differently.

Moti Magri Memorial

This is a rather recent memorial of Maharana Pratap with his horse Chetak – it’s a bronze statue. One can’t feel the significance of this “statue” till they visit Haldighati themselves and listen to the story of Rana Pratap and the War of Haldighati. Well, do bond with the locals as they tell you all about Rana Pratap: the sharpest sword of Rajputana.

Vintage Car museum

Yes – this is the place for automobile lovers. And it’s owned by the present heir of the royal dynasty of Sisodias who also owns the HRH Group of Hotels.

Mochi Bazar

SHOPPING! Udaipur is famous for “mojris” or “juttis” of all kinds for men and women. Mojris are a type of shoes and you must definitely check out the Mochi Bazar for them.

Traditional Indian painting, udaipur travel blog

To conclude this travel blog, Udaipur has a vibe that makes everyone feel like they belong to the royal family. Also, the place begins to settle in you once you become familiar with the history, the war, and the Rajput way of life.

The amount of respect I have for the Rajputana and Maratha kingdom is just reflective of fact that there were people who fought for their self-respect. People who lived before us and ensured that we live in peace even if it comes at the cost of their lives. Ah! It’s just overwhelming. That settles my Udaipur travel blog :)

Read the next part of this Rajasthan travel blog here: Haldighati to Kumbhalgarh -Rajasthan Diaries

Other travel blogs on short trip destinations for you:

  • A Complete Guide to Gir National Park
  • Dandeli Itinerary for 2 Days
  • Rajasthan Travel Blog: Top 5 Places to Visit

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Manas Patil

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7 thoughts on “Ultimate Udaipur Travel Blog: Rajasthan diaries”

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Hi, Just wondering what would be the best time to travel for Thar desert safari?

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You have rightly said that Udaipur truly lives up the tourists’ expectations. The pics you have posted are really amazing. Udaipur, actually, beckons with its enchanting blend of history and beauty. Nestled around azure lakes, the city is a canvas of majestic palaces, vibrant markets, and intricate architecture. The City Palace, a symphony of marble and mosaic, stands as a testament to royal grandeur. Boat rides on Lake Pichola offer breathtaking views of the city’s skyline. Udaipur’s cultural tapestry, rich traditions, and warm hospitality make it a must-visit destination, where every cobblestone exudes a timeless charm.

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Nice and informative blog author. Thank you. keep it up.

' src=

Wow, very nice blog. I have written a blog with more information about the Rajasthan Tour Package

' src=

Udaipur is most beautiful place I have ever seen, thanks for all the information and amazing click.

' src=

Great Blog on travelling, Udaipur is such beautiful place to travel among Indians as well as outsiders. So if you are a travelling enthusiast and travel on an affordable prices, click on this: Rajasthan Yatra, they provide tour packages based on your interest such as religious tour packages, wildlife tour packages, adventure tour packages, Rajasthan tour packages with a knowledgeable, friendly tour guides.

' src=

This is wonderful. Thanks so much for sharing this detailed itinerary. Images you clicked? Because these are awesome. Rajasthan is a great place to visit. It is very popular in all over world for its food, snacks, fort, temples, culture.

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"The city of Lakes"

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Udaipur, the "City of Lakes," stands as a jewel in the crown of Rajasthan, India. Nestled amidst the Aravalli Range, this city captivates visitors with its regal charm, historic grandeur, and scenic landscapes. Located around stunning water lakes and enveloped by the Aravalli Hills in all directions, Udaipur is known for its azure lakes, magnificent palaces, vibrant culture and delectable food. Along with being a must-visit destination, it is also one of the best places to experience luxury in India.

Also known as the "Venice of the East", Udaipur is inarguably one of the most romantic cities in India. At the heart of Udaipur lies the iconic Lake Pichola , flanked by the majestic City Palace , a sprawling complex of palaces, courtyards, and gardens showcasing exquisite Mewar architecture. Boating through the shimmering Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful sights and highlights of every Udaipur trip. The ethereal Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas, also known as the Lake Palace, appear to float on the serene waters of Lake Pichola, adding a fairytale touch to Udaipur's skyline. Another picturesque lake, Fateh Sagar , is embraced by hills on three sides and dotted with islands, offering a tranquil escape in the midst of nature. The Saheliyon Ki Bari , a historic garden adorned with fountains, kiosks, and marble elephants, is a testament to the royal lifestyle of the Maharanis. Udaipur's architectural splendors extend to the intricately carved Jagdish Temple and the Sajjangarh Palace , also known as the Monsoon Palace, which offers panoramic views of the city and its lakes. Udaipur's vibrant markets, like Bada Bazaar and Hathi Pol , beckon with traditional Rajasthani crafts, textiles, and jewelry, providing a delightful shopping experience . The Shilpgram Crafts Fair, held annually, showcases the rich cultural diversity of Rajasthan through traditional art, crafts, and performances. Culinary enthusiasts can savor the flavors of Udaipur with its delectable Rajasthani cuisine , including dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and the iconic dal kachori. The city's rooftop restaurants offer a perfect setting to enjoy a meal while overlooking the shimmering lakes and palaces. The best time to visit Udaipur is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's attractions. A trip to Udaipur is often combined with a visit to nearby Kumbhalgarh (80km) and Mount Abu. The revered Nathdwara temple is about 60 km from Udaipur.

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Best Time To Visit Udaipur

Peak Season is from November to February, which constitutes the winter season in Udaipur. The days are sunny, and the evenings cool, making it perfect to venture out into the city for sightseeing.

Shoulder Season :  July to October  is the monsoon season in Udaipur, but the city receives scarce rainfall. Temperatures are relatively lower, and hotel tariffs also drop.

Off-season:  March to June is t he period when the tourists start thinning out as summers are extreme during these months with temperatures going as high as  45 degrees celsius. Because of the low tourist population, the hotel and flight rates reach hit an all time low.

Budget For Udaipur

For Budget Travellers: INR 500 to 1500 a day

  • Accommodation in hostels and guesthouses: INR 230 - 700
  • Food in local cafes and street eateries: INR 300 - 500
  • Public Transport in buses: INR 10 - 100
  • Sightseeing: INR 10 - 200

For Mid-range Travellers: INR 1600 to INR 3600 a day

  • Accommodation in mid-range hotels and homestays: INR 900 - 1500
  • Food in mid-range cafes and restaurants: INR 400 - 700
  • Local transport in auto-rickshaws, and local taxis: INR 250 - 400
  • Sightseeing & Tours: INR 10 - 1000

For Luxury Travellers: INR 6000 and upwards

  • Accommodation in 4* or 5* hotels: INR 3000 and upwards
  • Food in upscale restaurants and bars: INR 1000 and upwards
  • Local transport in cabs: INR 400 and upwards
  • Sightseeing, guided tours: INR 1000 and upwards

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Romantic Places in Udaipur – Your Guide to Enchanting Experiences

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  • category activities & attractions culinary & dinning History & Culture lakes travel & transport

Embarking on a journey through the mesmerising city of Udaipur unveils a tapestry of romantic experiences that resonate with history, nature, and enchanting landscapes. Among the myriad attractions, we have listed the top romantic spots that promise moments of serenity and cultural immersion. Let this guide navigate you through the romantic treasures of Udaipur. Boating …

Romantic Places in Udaipur – Your Guide to Enchanting Experiences Read More »

tourist guide to udaipur

Udaipur on a Budget – How to Explore the City without Breaking the Bank Balance

  • category travel & transport

Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes, is a popular travel destination in Rajasthan. The city is famous for its stunning palaces, forts, and lakes, making it a must-visit for any traveller. However, exploring the city on a budget can be challenging, especially if you don’t know where to start. In this blog post, …

Udaipur on a Budget – How to Explore the City without Breaking the Bank Balance Read More »

Best Wellness Experiences in Udaipur: Relaxation and Rejuvenation

Best Wellness Experiences in Udaipur: Relaxation and Rejuvenation

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Udaipur is a city that has been known for its wellness scene since time immemorial. The city has been home to some of the most famous spas in India, which offer a wide range of treatments and therapies to help you relax, rejuvenate and restore your body back to its natural state of being. A …

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Udaipur’s Top Instagram-Worthy Spots: A Photographer’s Guide

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Udaipur is one of the most beautiful cities in Rajasthan, India. Globally known for its lakes and palaces, but there are many other spots around town that are worth photographing as well. We have handpicked and sorted out some Instagram-worthy places to visit while you’re in Udaipur. Check out now and upload as a post, …

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A Quick Update on the Ahmedabad to Udaipur Trains

According to the Indian Railways, there are several trains that run between Udaipur and Ahmedabad. The following are the details of the train schedule: There are multiple trains available from Asarva Junction (ASV) to Udaipur City (UDZ). As per the information, the following are some of the trains that operate. Asarva – Udaipur City Intercity …

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G20 Summit Udaipur 2023

Glimpse of G20 India Summit Organised in Udaipur 2023

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A proud moment for the locals of Udaipur, Rajasthan and the Indian nationals. Udaipur recently hosted the second meeting of the G20 Sustainable Finance Working Group (SFWG) under G20 India Presidency. You might be amazed to know that the meeting had 93 delegates from G20 countries in attendance and focused on the role of sustainable …

Glimpse of G20 India Summit Organised in Udaipur 2023 Read More »

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A local’s travel guide to Austin: what to eat, see and do in three days

Standout spots include food truck parks, honky-tonk hangouts and Lady Bird’s wildflower sanctuary

A ustin has become one of the most popular places in the US to move to, and also to visit. Droves of people descend on the city in March for the South by Southwest tech, film and music festival and in the fall for the Austin City Limits music festival. And Austin is one of the top five destinations in the US for bachelorette parties. Don’t let the bachelorettes scare you away, though. Austin is a great place to spend a few days, so long as you do it like a local.

My family and I moved to Austin 12 years ago, after living in New York for many years. I’ve also lived in Washington DC , the San Francisco Bay Area and Philadelphia. Austin has a feel all of its own: it has a world-class music scene, great food that now goes well beyond Tex-Mex and barbecue, Texas history and fun shopping and museums – all with less hassle than bigger cities in the US.

Here’s my guide to a long weekend there. In addition to picks for adults, I’ve included some recommendations for families that our kids (now teenagers) have loved through the years. And I’m vegetarian, so I’ve chosen some of the city’s best veggie eats options. Don’t worry, my meat-eating wife made sure that I included great barbecue choices, too.

Day 1: Pool party & pickles

Start your day with a walk or run on the trail at Town Lake (it’s officially labeled on maps as Lady Bird Lake, but locals refer to it as Town Lake). This 10-mile (16km) trail on both sides of a dammed portion of Texas’s Colorado River (a different Colorado River than the bigger and more famous one) is tree-shaded, beautiful and one of Austinites’ favorite places to exercise. If you have time, walk through Zilker Park, which is right next to the trail. If you have kids, go to the new and very fun playground at Butler Park, complete with a splash pad just up the path from the playground.

Austin was one of the cities that started the food truck scene in the US several decades ago, and now there are more than 2,000 food trucks in the city. Some are located in trailer parks that have multiple truck options and picnic table seating. After your morning at Town Lake and Zilker Park, have lunch at the Picnic food truck park, or the nearby original location of local favorite Chuy’s (the Tex-Mex chain is now expanding throughout the US). Other great lunch options include Green Mesquite and Carpenters Hall .

In the afternoon, go for a swim at Barton Springs Pool . Open year-round, this massive basin measures three acres and is fed by underground natural springs. It’s open throughout the day, and it’s free before 8am and after 9pm.

Head back to your hotel or Airbnb for a rest, and then get ready for dinner. Tonight is casual: barbecue at Terry Black’s , or if you’re vegan, the food truck Rollin Smoke for a fantastic vegan barbecue sandwich made with baby portobello mushrooms, spicy slaw, barbecue sauce and pickles. It’s my favorite vegan barbecue sandwich in Austin (who says you can’t have barbecue if you’re veggie?), and it’s located in a food truck park with beautiful old trees shading the tables. Rollin Smoke has very good meat options, too (I’m told).

A bearded man hands a wrapped meal to a customer from a food truck.

If you have young children, head to Phil’s Icehouse . They have burgers and a full playground where the kids can play before or after dinner. Just don’t put them on the spinning flower after the meal. And be sure to get some ice-cream after dinner at Amy’s Ice Creams , a longtime favorite of Austinites. Amy’s is located next to Phil’s, and it’s so good we had an Amy’s truck serve dessert at our wedding.

After dinner, head out to see some music at one of Austin’s many local music venues. One of our favorites is the Continental Club . There’s a main club downstairs and the intimate Continental Gallery upstairs, where you can see local musicians in a cozy space. Other great venues include C-Boy’s and the new Moody Amphitheater . For full local music listings on any night, check the Austin Chronicle . And if it’s summer, look to see if Blues on the Green has a free concert that night. If you have kids, take them to the free Rock the Park concert series, produced by local radio station KUTX.

Day 2: Breakfast tacos, books & bats

Start your day back at the lake with a rowing workout that’s almost, but not quite, on the lake. Rō Fitness is a local studio that has outdoor rowing classes by the water. It’s way more fun than working out at an indoor studio.

You’ll need fuel after your workout. Grab a breakfast taco at Veracruz or Tacodeli or Tamale House East . Breakfast tacos are an Austin staple (they are to Austin as bagels are to New York), and all three of these places have delicious options.

Today is a shopping day. Start out at BookPeople , one of the greatest bookstores in the US. It’s locally owned and independent, but the size of a superstore. BookPeople also dares to take a stand on issues, including being one of two bookstores that recently sued Texas state officials over a newly passed book ban law. It has an excellent kids section, and organizes live readings by kids’ authors.

After you’ve gotten your book fix, head across the street to Waterloo Records , one of the best record stores in the US. Waterloo carries new and used vinyl, CDs and merchandise from rock to jazz to local Texas music. For more shopping options, head over to the stores along South Congress Avenue and South First Street (including Roadhouse Relics , a neon art store and gallery that is one of our favorites), and if you want to go thrifting, our teens say Austin Pets Alive Thrift and Texas Thrift are the best.

Steve Sachs shops for music at Waterloo Records in Austin.

After all of the shopping, it’s time for lunch. If you’re near BookPeople and Waterloo, head over to Soup Peddler, a local place for homemade soups, smoothies and fantastic grilled cheese sandwiches (trivia: Soup Peddler got its name because the founder started out delivering homemade soup by bike before opening full store locations). Or if you’re near South Congress and South First, go to the food trucks on South First or Underdog or Fresa’s .

As you’re heading back to rest up, grab an ice-cream at Amy’s, a gelato at Dolce Neve or cupcakes at Sugar Mama’s .

Some good dinner options for tonight include Loro , Suerte or Este . And if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, one of my favorite veggie restaurants is Bouldin Creek Cafe . It’s casual, with a great menu that includes vegan chips and queso. If it’s nice out, take a seat on the patio.

Tonight’s activity could be going to see the bats at the Congress Street Bridge. Austin has the largest urban bat colony in North America, and in season they live in one of the bridges that crosses the Colorado River (they migrate to Mexico in the cooler weather). Bat-watching is a lot more fun than you might imagine from horror movies (and these bats look more like birds than vampire bats). If you’re not in the mood for bats, head to the legendary Broken Spoke . Get there early for dance lessons, then hoof it at this classic Texas honky-tonk.

Day 3: Live oaks & Lady Bird wildflowers

It’s your last day in Austin, and it’s a good one for visiting a museum. Some of our favorites include the Bullock Museum to learn all about the history of our state (bonus fact: Texas was once its own country , and some people want it to be its own country again ). If you’re a fan of 1960s history, visit the excellent LBJ Presidential Library , which is the home of the 36th president’s papers. It has good exhibits on the US civil rights movement and 1960s US history in general. Another excellent museum option is the Blanton Museum of Art , or you could tour the Texas capitol (Austin is, after all, the capital of Texas). If you’re a nature fan, head to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center . And if you have kids, the Thinkery is an excellent children’s museum.

For lunch, it’s time for more barbecue (you’re in Austin, don’t fight it). Two terrific barbecue trucks are Mickelthwait and LeRoy and Lewis . And LeRoy and Lewis has another of my favorite vegetarian barbecue options: cauliflower burnt ends.

In the afternoon, head back to Town Lake. This time, get out on the water by renting a kayak, stand up paddleboard or paddle boat (a kid-friendly option). If you have time and energy for a drink, head over to the ABGB for happy hour. They have a great beer selection, lots of outdoor seating and local bands playing music.

Two kayaks float in a large body of water.

For your farewell dinner, a few of our favorite restaurants that are a bit on the fancier end are Hestia , Uchi or the Lenoir wine garden, where dinner is served under live oak trees more than a hundred years old. And for a fantastic vegan option, go to Fabrik for a seven-course vegan tasting menu. You’ll need a reservation well in advance (they’re currently booking four to six weeks out). And for your final night in Austin, head out to another music venue. Or if you have kids, take them to the Austin favorite Peter Pan Mini Golf , which has been around for 75 years, or check Do512 Family for family events that are happening the dates you’re in town.

Question Time

When is the best time of year to visit austin.

There’s no dispute: it’s hot in the summer in Austin . A great time to visit is between October and May. From June through September, many days will be over 100F. If you’re here in the summer, spend lots of time at the Barton Springs pool.

Is Austin expensive?

Austin hotels can be expensive during big events like South by Southwest or the Formula One weekend. But for most dates, it’s less expensive than larger cities like New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Will I need a car to get around Austin?

Most of the places that I’ve recommended are within walking distance from downtown. You can also rent bikes and scooters to get around. Austin’s public transportation is primarily through local buses, which can take you further out if needed. And car-share options are easy as well.

Steve Sachs is managing director of the Guardian US. He has worked at large and startup media companies for more than 20 years. He loves all kinds of music, and his most recent favorite concert, the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame Show, featured a host of singer-songwriters including Lyle Lovett and Emmylou Harris

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  • Key Street: Michigan Ave. Leads to 7 Key Hotels in Chicago

A brief guide to all the MICHELIN Key hotels in Chicago.

Travel Hotels Chicago MICHELIN Keys

tourist guide to udaipur

On April 24, 2024, the MICHELIN Guide announced its very first Key hotels in the United States — a brand new distinction recognizing the most outstanding hotels in the country. We're thrilled to report that in Chicago, eight hotels earned at least One Key. Of those, half make their home in the kinds of historic buildings that give this city its well-earned reputation as one of the most architecturally distinguished cities in the country. Follow Michigan Avenue north from the heart of the Loop to the Gold Coast and you’ll pass within two blocks of all but one of them. The Chicago Athletic Association sits within a Venetian Gothic landmark. The Gwen makes its home in a storied 1929 Art Deco skyscraper. The Pendry sets up shop in the masterpiece that is the 1929 Art Deco Carbide & Carbon Building. And the lower floors of the Viceroy make use of the meticulously-preserved, 1920s-vintage Cedar Hotel. There are Key hotels too in newer builds, among them the Peninsula (with uniformed bellboys and staffers who seem to know the name of each individual guest) and the Waldorf Astoria , its lobby a marble marvel. Below, explore the map and scroll down for more about each of the MICHELIN Guide’s eight hotels in Chicago.

The Eight KEY Hotels in Chicago:

Chicago Athletic Association

Chicago Athletic Association — One Key

Pendry Chicago

Pendry Chicago — Two Keys

The Langham

The Langham Chicago — Two Keys

The Gwen

The Gwen — One Key

Peninsula Chicago

The Peninsula Chicago — Two Keys

Waldorf Astoria

Waldorf Astoria Chicago — One Key

Viceroy Chicago

Viceroy Chicago — One Key

Nobu Chicago

Nobu Hotel Chicago — One Key

Top image: Pendry Chicago

tourist guide to udaipur

In Photos: Every Three Key Hotel in New York City

The ins and outs of the most outstanding hotels in the city.

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The First MICHELIN Key Hotels: All the Keys in the United States

The MICHELIN Guide announces top honors for U.S. hotels in 2024.

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The Most Outrageous Design Hotel In Miami

The Faena Miami Beach is a Two Key hotel with a $15 million gilded woolly mammoth.

tourist guide to udaipur

A Brief Guide to All the Key Hotels in Washington D.C.

Seven hotels earned at least one MICHELIN Key in Washington D.C.

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tourist guide to udaipur

Inside the Top Suite of the Only Three Key Hotel in Big Sur

The so-called "Cliff House" has the views you're looking for.

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SingleThread: The 5-Room Inn with Three Keys and Three Stars

Revered for its Three MICHELIN Star restaurant and biodynamic farm, the SingleThread Inn earns Three Keys for its tiny, food-driven hotel.

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Inside the Top Suite of Three Key Aman New York

The Aman Suite — among the most impressive suites in New York — brings the city to you.

tourist guide to udaipur

The Guilty Pleasures of the Chicago Athletic Association

The One Key Chicago Athletic Association has had an illustrious and sometimes sordid history that dates back to 1893, when it wasn’t quite a hotel. A lot has changed since then, but the ghosts of the past are never far away.

tourist guide to udaipur

Eaton DC Is a Launchpad for Progress

Katherine Lo’s Eaton DC isn’t just one of the best hotels in the United States capital. It’s also a headquarters for activism, community, social justice, and sustainability. And it’s not shy about it.

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Hollywood Glamour at the First Key Hotels in Los Angeles

A brief guide to all the Key hotels in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills.

tourist guide to udaipur

Florida’s Hotel Selection Is Starting to Sizzle

On April 18, 2024, all the new MICHELIN Stars were announced in Florida. Which makes this the perfect time to check in on some of our newest additions to our hotel selection in the Sunshine State.

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Auberge du Soleil Napa’s latest renovation evokes timeless but not arrested in time

An interview with their interior designer, Suzanne Tucker.

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IMAGES

  1. 17 Best Places To Visit In Udaipur- Complete Travel Guide

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  2. Your Ultimate Guide to Explore the Royal City of Udaipur

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  3. City Palace Udaipur, Rajasthan

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  4. 13 Best Places to Visit in Udaipur in 3 Days (2023 Guide)

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  5. Discover The Magic of Udaipur Through Its Fascinating Places English

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  6. 13 Best Places to Visit in Udaipur in 3 Days (2023 Guide)

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  1. UDAIPUR

  2. Udaipur Tourist Places

  3. Udaipur Vlog || Udaipur Tourist Places || Udaipur Tour Plan

  4. Udaipur Rajasthan

  5. Udaipur: Your Ultimate Travel Guide (Start Packing Now!

  6. Udaipur Tourist Places to Rajasthan Tourism ।। Udaipur Hotels and Guest house

COMMENTS

  1. A Complete Travel Guide to Udaipur for the First-Timers

    Save Udaipur Travel Guide to Pinterest. Anjali Chawla. A story-weaver, and a freelance writer, Anjali is a true-blue traveler. She has been published in both online and print media, lending credibility and authority to her work. Her passion for travel and writing inspired her to handcraft this space she calls her virtual home.

  2. Udaipur Guide: Planning Your Trip

    Only visit Udaipur during April and May if you don't mind temperatures touching 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or more. Read more about the weather and climate in Udaipur and the best time to visit Udaipur. Language: Rajasthani (Mewari local dialect), Hindi and English. Currency: Indian rupee.

  3. Udaipur travel

    Udaipur. Udaipur has a romance of setting unmatched in Rajasthan and arguably in all India - snuggling beside tranquil Lake Pichola, with the purple ridges of the Aravalli Range stretching away in every direction. Fantastical palaces, temples, havelis (traditional, ornately decorated residences) and countless narrow, crooked, timeless streets ...

  4. Udaipur Travel Guide + Places to Visit in Udaipur in 2 Days

    This Udaipur travel guide and Udaipur itinerary listing all the places to visit in Udaipur in 2 days is an ode to this marvellous city of lakes, or shall I say Venice of the East. While I think 2 days is enough to cover all the major places to visit in Udaipur, spend at least 3 days to soak in the mesmerizing sunsets, eat your heart out in the ...

  5. Places To Visit In Udaipur: A Tourist's Guide To The City of Lakes

    Here's your guide to the best places to visit in Udaipur, a royal city blessed with a multitude of tourist attractions. Advertisement. By: Pyusha Chatterjee Published: Jan 15, 2024 03:00 PM UTC. Image credit: Pyusha Chatterjee . Picture yourself sitting by the lake at dusk, admiring the ethereal beauty of the setting sun's reflection in the ...

  6. My Udaipur Travel Guide: 18 Wanderlust things to do in Udaipur for a 3

    Entry costs ₹10 for Indians and ₹50 for foreigners, making it a serene retreat for Udaipur trip guide seekers. 14. Fateh Sagar Lake. Fateh Sagar Lake is a man-made lake and one of the four lakes in Udaipur. It houses three islands and two public parks. You can go boating on the lake and visit the parks.

  7. Udaipur Travel Guide

    Udaipur. Take in the panoramic view of glittering Lake Pichola from Udaipur's romantic rooftops—you'll be forgiven for forgetting that you're in India, not Italy. Your Trip to Udaipur: The Complete Guide. 48 Hours in Udaipur: The Ultimate Itinerary. 9 Top Places to Go Shopping in Udaipur. Getting Around Udaipur: Guide to Public Transportation.

  8. Udaipur Travel Guide: Is Udaipur Worth Visiting? [2023]

    1. Explore the Udaipur City Palace Museum. Udaipur's City Palace is its top attraction, and it took over 400 years to build. This grand palace complex is easily one of the top tourist attractions in Udaipur, as it draws in thousands of visitors per year thanks to its well-curated art and artifact collections, its stunning construction, and its beautiful views of the city and lakes.

  9. Udaipur Travel Guide + Things To Do

    2 days in Udaipur is enough if you're adding it onto the Golden Triangle or Mumbai. It takes a bit of time to get to Udaipur from Delhi or Mumbai, so you want to make it worthwhile. A 2-day trip is the perfect amount of time to enjoy Udaipur enough to justify the travel time. 3 days in Udaipur is enough to see most of the main attractions.

  10. Udaipur

    The best travel tips for visiting Udaipur. Spreading around the shores of the idyllic Lake Pichola and backdropped by a majestic ring of craggy green hills, Udaipur seems to encapsulate India at its most quintessentially romantic.. This is a city with an intricate sequence of ornately turreted and balconied palaces, whitewashed havelis and bathing ghats clustered around the waters of the lake.

  11. Places To Visit In Udaipur: A Tourist's Guide To The City of Lakes

    Here's your guide to the best places to visit in Udaipur, a royal city blessed with a multitude of tourist attractions. Advertisement. By: Pyusha Chatterjee Published: Jan 03, 2024 02:00 PM IST. Image credit: Pyusha Chatterjee . Picture yourself sitting by the lake at dusk, admiring the ethereal beauty of the setting sun's reflection in the ...

  12. 2 Days in Udaipur Itinerary: the White City of India

    Udaipur itinerary day 1: Lakes and temples. 8:30 am: Stroll around Lake Pichola and the ghats (+ breakfast) 10:00 am: Visit the Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh Fort) 12:30 am: Lunch in the old city. 1:30 pm: See the Jagdish Temple. 2:00 pm: Visit the Royal Cenotaphs. 4:00 pm: Take a stroll at Saheliyon-ki-Bari.

  13. Udaipur Travel Guide: 13 Best Places to Visit in Udaipur

    City Palace. City Palace at Night. Situated on the banks of Lake Pichhola, City Palace is one of the best places to visit in Udaipur City. Constructed by Maharana Udai Mirza Singh in 1559, it boasts of a beautiful combination of architecture styles (European, Chinese, and Medieval).

  14. Yes, Udaipur is as Great as Everyone Says

    I've put together a guide to share everything you need to know about visiting Udaipur. Let's get stuck in with a list of some of my favourite things to do in the city: ... The Best Time of Year to Visit Udaipur. Like all of Rajasthan, the best time to visit Udaipur is between October and March, as that's when the temperatures are coolest ...

  15. Udaipur

    24.576701 73.683494. 1 Udaipur City Palace, Old City, ☏ +91 294 241 9021. 9:30AM-5:30PM. A complex of small and big palaces, museums and gardens encompassing a rich blend of Rajasthani, Mughal, Medieval, European and Chinese architecture established in 1559 by Maharana Udai Mirza Singh.

  16. Udaipur Tourism & Guide

    We're at Upre (+91-294-2431197), the rooftop restaurant at his hotel, set within a haveli that's been in his family for 250 years. His father opened Lake Pichola Hotel (+91-294-2431197) 35 years ago. Situated on the edge of the lake, with gorgeous views and overhanging flowering bougainvillea, it couldn't be prettier.

  17. Ultimate Udaipur Travel Blog: Rajasthan diaries

    Your ultimate tourist guide for Udaipur: City Palace. The Sisodia dynasty ruler Rana Udai Singh built it in 1553 and then the extensions kept adding up for the next 400 years. As I stood in the courtyard of that palace, I just kept wondering how this was the home to one of the bravest Rajputs. 400 years of history right before you, the doors ...

  18. Places to Visit in Udaipur, Tourist Places, Points of Interest

    Plan Your Trip. District Website. Udaipur (city of lakes), often called the Venice of the East. Top tourist places in Udaipur are City Palace, Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, Fateh Sagar lake and Shilpgram. Mewar Festival is also especially popular among the tourists.

  19. Udaipur Travel Guide

    Udaipur being the most romantic city doesn't experience extreme climatic conditions, to be simplified: The winters in Udaipur aren't too chilly, summers in Udaipur aren't too boiling and monsoons in Udaipur aren't too muggy.. But the ideal time to visit Udaipur is in the winter season that lasts from the month of October to February, as one can enjoy the day-time travel as well with ...

  20. 42 Best Places to visit in Udaipur

    Temple (4) 1. City Palace, Udaipur. Top Attraction 4.5 /5. 0 km. from city center 1 out of 42. Places To Visit in Udaipur. Highlights: Gateways, Amar Vilas, Badi Mahal, Fateprakash (Read More) City Palace is Rajasthan's largest palace built along the banks of Lake Pichola.

  21. Udaipur Tourism (2024)

    Get travel guides and plan your trip to Udaipur with tour packages, places to visit, sightseeing, hotels, and reviews by other travellers. Explore . ... Get Udaipur PDF Guide. 2 out of 31 Places to visit in Rajasthan &dollar; 108 onwards View Packages . Get Customized ...

  22. Udaipur Tourism (2024): Top Places, Best Time & Travel Guides

    Udaipur Tourism and Travel Guide. Udaipur beckons tourists from all over the world with its romantic landscapes and ethereal monuments perfect for sightseeing. Bordered by the crags of the hazy Aravallis, the city that was established in the 16th century by Maharaja Udai Singh, is now a major heritage destination and one of the most popular ...

  23. Udaipur City Rajasthan India

    So, why to wait, we are here to help you with our Udaipur tourism and travel guide featuring all about the Udaipur city. udaipurian.com is the leading travel and tourism information guide for Udaipur (Rajasthan) India. It provides comprehensive information about places to visit in Udaipur, tourist places around Udaipur, things to do in Udaipur ...

  24. The First MICHELIN Key Hotels: All the Keys in the United States

    On April 24, 2024, the MICHELIN Guide revealed the brand new list of One, Two, and Three Key hotels in the United States. In this first ever announcement of MICHELIN Keys in the United States, hotels in Atlanta, California, Chicago, Colorado, Florida, New York, and Washington DC were eligible for the distinction.

  25. ⋆。‧˚ʚ drishti ɞ˚‧。⋆

    drxshtxx on April 26, 2024: "aesthetic stay in udaipur覆爵 @jagatcollection • • • • • • • [ Udaipur, city of lakes , travel , travel destinations, guide , aesthetic stay , hotels, desi , royal , rajasthan, viral , viral reels ] #explorepage #explorepage #explore #udaipur #udaipurdiaries #placestovisitinindia #fypシ #fyp #fypage # ...

  26. Mother's Day Gift Guide 2024: The Most Impressive Getaways

    From palace-hopping in Jaipur and Udaipur to witnessing royal Bengal tigers up close in Ranthambore National Park to sunset boat rides on the Ganges in Varanasi, Micato can curate a journey around ...

  27. A local's travel guide to Austin: what to eat, see and do in three days

    A local's travel guide to New York City: what to eat, see and do in three days. Read more. My family and I moved to Austin 12 years ago, after living in New York for many years.

  28. 11 Best Hotels in the US, According to the Michelin Guide

    Travel. Michelin Guide Awards Its First Hotel Keys in the US. Eleven hotels earned the top three-key distinction, in a list that focused on major markets rather than being truly comprehensive.

  29. In Photos: Every Three Key Hotel in New York City

    The Three Key distinction is the highest hotel honor in The MICHELIN Guide. Earning One Key (80 properties) or Two Keys (33 properties) is difficult enough, but only 11 hotels earned Three Keys in the United States. Of those, four can be found in New York City. The Three Key hotels excel in all five criteria used to judge hotels by our Inspectors.

  30. Key Street: Michigan Ave. Leads to 7 Key Hotels in Chicago

    On April 24, 2024, the MICHELIN Guide announced its very first Key hotels in the United States — a brand new distinction recognizing the most outstanding hotels in the country. We're thrilled to report that in Chicago, eight hotels earned at least One Key.