Udaipur is one of the most beautiful cities in Rajasthan. The city is filled with lakes, grand palaces, and colorful streets that will make it become one of your favorite citites in India. It is also way less hectic that many other cities in the country, which makes it a very good place to slow down after visiting other more busy and full of life cities in the region. If you’re planning on spending a few days in the city, here is a list with the 10 best things to do in Udaipur.
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UDAIPUR, THE CITY OF LAKES
Before visiting any city, I always like to do some research about the city I’m about to visit. Here is a list of interesting facts about Udaipur.
- Udaipur is popularly called The City of Lakes. The city is full of sparking water bodies, with Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar Lake being the most famous. Taking a boat ride on these lakes is a peaceful way to see the city and enjoy stunning views of palaces and temples along the shore.
- The City Palace is the city’s most iconic landmark. It sits right beside Lake Pichola and streches over a large area with beautiful courtyards, balconies, and gardens.
- Udaipur streets are very colorful and lively. You can wander through local markets filled with handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and artwork.
- The city hosts on a yearly basis Mewar Festival, a joyful celebration of music, dance, and culture.
HOW TO GET TO UDAIPUR?
Udaipur is easy to reach, and there are plenty of options depending on your travel style and where you are traveling from.
BY PLANE
Jodhpur has a small airport, Maharana Pratap Airport Udaipur. The airport only serves national traffic but it has regular flights from many important cities in the country such as Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Ahmedabad.
The airport is located 23 kilometers outside the city. The best way to reach the city is by taxi or ride apps like Uber or Ola. The ride to the city center will take between 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Book your flights with Skyscanner.
BY TRAIN
If you prefer to travel by train, Udaipur City Railway Station is the city’s main train station. It connects well with major cities across India, and the trains are comfortable and budget friendly.
It is recommended to book your tickets in advance if you want to travel in a particular class. You can book your tickets with 12Go.
BY CAR
Hiring a car with a private driver is another super convenient way to travel around India. This was actually our preferred way of exploring the country, and I have to say it was quite comfortable and very affordable.
Tip: When booking your car, make sure to insist that the car has seatbelts installed. It is not always the case.
We mostly booked our car the day before at the local offices, which made it quite affordable and flexible. However, if you prefer to have it more organised, it is also possible to book it in advance at 12Go.
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED TO VISIT UDAIPUR?
Udaipur is a city full of beautiful lakes, palaces, and markets, so I suggest you plan enough time to peacefully enjoy the main sights without rushing. In my opinion, the ideal time to spend in Udaipur is 2 to 3 days.
Udaipur is a city that makes you want to stay a bit longer. You will be thankful to have an extra day to explore city in a relaxed way, or to plan a short day trip outside the city.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT UDAIPUR?
The best time to visit Udaipur is between October and March. During these months, the weather is cool and comfortable, perfect for exploring this beautiful city.
From April to June, Udaipur can get very hot, with temperatures rising above 40 degrees Celsius. It can be tiring to walk around in the heat, so it is better to avoid this time if you don’t deal good with warm weather.
July to September is the monsoon season. The city gets heavy rains, but the lakes and gardens look very green and beautiful. If you don’t mind the rain, you can venture to visit in this months but you should be prepared for wet streets and occasional flooding.
Overall, winter is the most pleasant time to see Udaipur. You can enjoy sightseeing, boat rides, and sunset views without worrying about the heat or rain.
THE 9 BEST THINGS TO DO IN UDAIPUR
Let’s not wait any longer and begin with the list of the top things to do in Udaipur. These are in no particular order, so depending on how much time you have, just choose those that interest you the most!
All the places mentioned throughout this post are pinned on the map at the end of this post.
1. EXPLORE THE CITY PALACE
The City Palace in Udaipur is one of the most impressive places you can visit in the city. It sits right next to Lake Pichola and looks like it is rising out of the water. The palace is huge, with many courtyards, balconies, and rooms to explore. Walking through it will give you a glimpse of how royal life was like in Udaipur.
The architecture is a beautiful mix of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. I particularly loved the detailed carvings, colorful glass windows, and intricate stonework. Each part of the palace has its own character. Some rooms are full of royal decorations, while others display old weapons and historic artifacts.
From the palace balconies, you get amazing views of the city and Lake Pichola. Make sure to reserve some extra time just to admire the views and watch the boats sail on the lake.
Practical information
- Tickets. Entrance tickets to visit the palace cost 400 INR per person. Tickets are available both a the entry gate or online.
- Opening Hours. The palace is open daily between 9:00 and 21:00.
- Best time to visit. Early morning or late afternoon is the best. The light is beautiful and it is less crowded.
2. TAKE A BOAT RIDE ON LAKE PICHOLA
Lake Pichola is one of the most famous spots in Udaipur. The lake stretches across the city and reflects the palaces, temples, and hills around it.
The best way to see it is by going on a boat ride through its waters. The boat takes you past beautiful sights like Jag Mandir and the Lake Palace. From the water, the City Palace looks even more grand.
A boat ride on Lake Pichola is not just sightseeing. It is a moment to relax and enjoy the calm heart of Udaipur.
Practical information
- Prices. The price of a boat ride will depend on where you book but prices are quite reasonable. A boat ride during day time will cost between 400 and 600 INR. During sunset, prices rise a bit and will vary between 700 and 800 INR.
- Timing. Sunset is the most beautiful moment to go on a boat ride at the lake but day time is also beautiful.
- Book your tickets. You can either book your tickets directly at the lake or at your hotel.
- Photography. The lake offers amazing photo opportunities. Keep your camera ready for reflections of the palaces in the water.
3. VISIT JAGDISH TEMPLE
Jagdish Temple is one of the most important and beautiful temples in Udaipur. It is located in the heart of the old city, so it is easy to reach while exploring nearby streets and markets. The temple was built in the 17th century and it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is a peaceful place full of history and culture.
The temple stands on a raised platform and has a large staircase leading up to it. Every corner of the temple has something unique. The pillars, arches, and statues are full of intricate designs. I loved admiring all the detailed carvings.
Inside the temple, you can see the idol of Lord Vishnu. People come here to pray, and offer flowers.
Practical information
- Tickets. The temple is completely free to visit.
- Opening hours. The temple is open daily between 5:00 and 14:30 and between 16:00 and 22:00.
- Dress Modestly. Be respectful of local csutoms and cover your shoulders and knees when visiting the temple.
- Shoes Off. You need to remove your shoes before entering the temple. There are racks outside where you can keep them.
4. WANDER THROUGH THE OLD CITY
The old city of Udaipur was one of my favorite places to explore. The streets are narrow and full of life, with something interesting around every corner. I enjoyed walking here with no plan and letting the city surprise me. Every turn brougth a new sound, smell, or splas of color.
Small shops line the streets and sell everything from handmade jewelry to colorful textiles. We stopped at as many shops as we liked and bought ourselves some beautiful pashminas. While you explore the area, make sure to stop in one of the small cafés for a chai and a sweet treat.
The old city is also perfect for photography. You will see painted doors, old buildings, and temples tucked into quiet corners. Jagdish Temple is right in the heard of it, so it is easy to combine your visit to the temple with a walk through the streets.
Practical information
- Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon for cooler weather.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the streets are uneven.
- Keep your camera ready, but always ask before taking photos of people.
- Take breaks at small cafes or street stalls.
5. WATCH SUNSET AT GANGAUR GHAT
Watching the sunset from a ghat on Lake Pichola is one of the most peaceful experiences in Udaipur. We visited Gangaur Ghat in the early evening and watched the sky turn purple and pink. The ghat was not too crowded and it was a very special moment. The stone steps led right down to the lake, and the atmosphere felt calm and unhurried.
As the sun began to set, the light reflected off the water and the nearby palaces. Boats were sailing slowly on the lake and locals sat on the steps, talking quietly or washing their hands in the lake. It was a moment of everyday life mixed with a pretty sunset.
Watching the sunset at a ghat on Lake Pichola is a slow and beautiful way to experience Udaipur. It is a reminder that some of the best moments come from simply sitting still and taking it all in.
Practical information
- There is no entry ticket needed, you can visit the ghats for free.
- Arrive early to find a good place to sit.
- Be respectful, as locals use the ghats for daily rituals.
Want to learn more about Indian religion and traditions? Join this guided tour around the different Ghats in Lake Pichola and learn about the rituals that are done there. The tour finishes with a beautiful boat ride at Lake Pichola to see the ghats from the water.
6. VISIT SAJJANGARH PALACE
Sajjangarh Palace, also called the Monsoon Palace, sits high on a hill overlooking Udaipur. Visiting it feels like leaving the busy city behind and stepping into a quieter space. The drive up is scenic, with views of hills, forests, and the city slowly fading into the distance.
The palace was built in the late 19th century and once served as a monsoon retreat for the royal family. The building itself is simple but elegant, with open arches and wide terraces. It was nice walking around and taking in the fresh air and wide views. From the top, you can see Udaipur’s lakes, palaces, and neighborhoods spread out below.
Many people come here in the late afternoon to watch the sunset, but it is worth visiting at any time of the day.
Practical information
- Tickets. The tickets to visit the palace cost 300 INR per person. There is an additional 50 INR fee if you want to take photos.
- Opening hours. The palace is open daily from 9:00 to 18:00.
- How to get there. The best way to reach the palace is by an auto-rickshaw or a taxi. The most affordable way is to book it through an app like Uber or Ola.
- Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
7. WALK ALONG THE LAKESIDE AT FATEH SAGAR LAKE
Fateh Sagar Lake is a calm and refreshing place to visit in Udaipur. It is a located north of Lake Pichola, but both lakes are quite similar in size. Most people just visit Lake Pichola so Fathe Sagar Lake is less crowded and more relaxed to visit.
The road to Sajjangarh Palace runs right next to the lake so it is the perfect place to stop on your way or when you return from the Monsoon Palace. The best thing to do is just go for a strall around the lake and enjoy the views of the Aravalli Hills in the background.
You can also take a short boat ride to Nehru Garden, a small island park in the middle of the lake.
Practical information
- Walk along the lakeside road for the best views.
- The boat ride to Nehru Garden costs 420 INR per person. There is a separate fee of 125 INR to enter the garden.
- Combine your visit with Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace.
8. ENJOY A ROOFTOP DINNER
Another fantastic thing to do in Udaipur is eating dinner on a rooftop. After a long day of walking, it feels nice to sit down and look over the city while the sun sets. Many rooftops offer views of Lake Pichola, the City Palace, or the old city rooftops. As the sun sets, the lights slowly come on and the city feels calm and romantic.
Udaipur has many rooftop restaurants, from simple cafés to more elegant places. I tried the Sun N Moon Cafe and Restaurant and the White Terrace Restaurants and both were amazing.
A rooftop dinner is an easy way to relax and end the day on a high note.
9. GO ON A DAY TRIP TO RAKNAPUR JAIN TEMPLE
A day trip to Ranakpur Jain Temple is another memorable experience you can do in Udaipur. The temple sits in a quiet valley surrounded by green hills and forests. The drive there shows you the most rural part of Rajasthan, far from the busy cities.
Ranakpur Jain Temple is famous for its incredible marble architecture. When I first stepped inside, I was amazed by the detail. The temple has hundreds of carved pillars, and no two are the same. I walked slowly through the halls, taking time to notice the patterns and craftsmanship. The space is peaceful, which makes the visit even more special.
Practical information
- Price. Entrance to Ranakpur Jain Temple is completely free but if you want to have a camera or your phone for photos they will charge you 100 INR.
- Opening Hours. The temple is open daily between 6:00 and 20:30.
- How to get there. The easiest way is to join a guided like this one day tour to Kumbhalgarh Fort and Ranakpur Temple.
- Plan for a full day, as the drive takes a few hours each way. It is also possible to make it a stop on your journey from Jodhpur to Udaipur.
- Dress modestly and be respectful inside the temple.
ACCOMMODATION IN UDAIPUR
Looking for accommodation in Udaipur? Here is the hotel we stayed at, which was budget friendly but at the same time really good.
Little Garden Guesthouse
Little Garden Guesthouse is a super cute hotel that is very well located within Udaipur. The room was very clean and spacious but the best part of this hotel was, without the views on the rooftop terrace. You could see the Udaipur City Palace from it!
MAP WITH ALL LOCATIONS
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Click the star next to the map title to add this map to your google maps account. To view it on your phone while traveling, open Google Maps, click on the menu button and go to “Your Places”, click on Maps and you’ll see this map in your list.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON VISITING UDAIPUR
Udaipur is a city that slowly grows on you. It is not just about ticking off famous sights. It is about quiet moments by the lake, evening walks through the old city, and watching the light change over palaces and hills. Every day here feels unhurried, which makes it easy to relax and truly enjoy your time.
If you’re looking for a place in India that feels romantic, peaceful, and full of character, Udaipur is hard to beat. Long after leaving, you will still remember the lakes, the sunsets, and the slow rhythm of life.
Have you been to Udaipur? Are you planning on visiting it? Let me know what you think in the comments section.
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