Udaipur Travel Guide
The Venice of the East -- shimmering lakes, magnificent palaces, romantic sunsets, and Rajput grandeur nestled in the Aravalli hills.
Table of Contents
Your chapter-by-chapter guide to Udaipur
Welcome to the City of Lakes
Udaipur, often called the Venice of the East, is Rajasthan's most romantic city. Founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the capital of the Mewar kingdom, Udaipur is set around a series of beautiful artificial lakes and surrounded by the ancient Aravalli hills. The city's white marble palaces, serene lake waters, and rich cultural heritage have captivated visitors for centuries. Lake Pichola, with the ethereal Taj Lake Palace floating at its centre, is one of India's most iconic images. The City Palace complex, the largest in Rajasthan, tells the story of the Mewar dynasty's 1,500-year unbroken lineage -- the longest-ruling dynasty in the world. Beyond its royal heritage, Udaipur charms with its narrow old-city lanes, vibrant bazaars, exceptional Rajasthani cuisine, and warm hospitality. From honeymoon couples to history enthusiasts, from art lovers to adventure seekers heading to Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur, Udaipur is the perfect base for exploring southern Rajasthan.
Best Time to Visit Udaipur
Visual month-by-month guide -- taller bars mean better visiting conditions
Top Attractions in Udaipur
City Palace
Rajasthan's largest palace complex overlooking Lake Pichola. 11 palaces built over 400 years by different rulers. Museum, courtyards, and stunning lake views.
Lake Pichola
The heart of Udaipur. Artificial freshwater lake created in 1362. Home to Jag Mandir and Taj Lake Palace (island hotel). Sunset boat rides are a must.
Jag Mandir
Island palace in Lake Pichola with Mughal-style gardens. Shah Jahan took refuge here, and it inspired the Taj Mahal. Accessible by boat from City Palace.
Saheliyon Ki Bari
Garden of the Maidens -- built for 48 royal ladies. Marble elephants, kiosks, lotus pool, and fountains. Peaceful and photogenic.
Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh)
Hilltop palace offering panoramic views of Udaipur and the Aravalli range. Best visited at sunset. Used as a filming location for James Bond (Octopussy).
Jagdish Temple
Magnificent 17th-century Vishnu temple in Indo-Aryan style. Three-storey structure with intricate carvings. Located in the heart of the Old City.
Fateh Sagar Lake
Second-largest artificial lake in Udaipur. Nehru Park on an island, boat rides, and the solar observatory. Popular with locals for evening walks.
Kumbhalgarh Fort (Day Trip)
Massive fort with the world's second-longest wall (36 km). 90 km from Udaipur. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Combine with Ranakpur Jain Temple.
Udaipur Food Guide
Royal Rajasthani cuisine meets romantic lakeside dining
Dal Baati Churma
Rajasthan's signature dish served everywhere in Udaipur. Baked wheat balls with lentils and sweet crumbled wheat. Try at Natraj Dining Hall.
Laal Maas
Spicy red mutton curry -- a Rajasthani royal specialty. Best at Ambrai restaurant with stunning lake views, or at Jheel's Ginger Coffee Bar.
Gatte Ki Sabzi
Gram flour dumplings in a tangy yogurt gravy. A Rajasthani comfort food staple. Available at most traditional restaurants.
Lakeside Dining
Udaipur's unique selling point -- candlelit dinners overlooking Lake Pichola. Ambrai, Upre by 1559 AD, and Raas Leela are top picks.
Kachori & Mirchi Vada
Popular street food -- crispy pastries and chilli fritters. Try at Sukhadia Circle food stalls or the famous stalls near Clock Tower.
Shahi Thali
Royal Rajasthani thali with 15-20 items including dal, baati, ker sangri, gatte, papad, and sweets. Aravalli restaurant at Fateh Prakash Palace.
Shopping in Udaipur
Miniature Paintings
₹500 - ₹50,000Udaipur is famous for Rajput and Mughal-style miniature paintings on silk, marble, and paper. Visit art galleries in Gangaur Ghat area for genuine work by local artists.
Silver Jewellery
₹200 - ₹20,000Intricate Rajasthani silver work -- earrings, anklets, necklaces, and oxidised jewellery. Bada Bazaar and Hathi Pol are the best areas.
Bandhani Textiles
₹300 - ₹10,000Traditional tie-dye fabrics in vibrant colours. Sarees, dupattas, and dress materials. Bapu Bazaar and Palace Road shops offer good variety.
Wooden Handicrafts
₹200 - ₹15,000Hand-carved wooden furniture, boxes, and decorative items. Shilpgram crafts village (3 km from city) is excellent for authentic pieces.
Getting Around Udaipur
Triveni Cabs (Private Taxi)
RECOMMENDED₹2,000-3,500/day
AC car with driver for city sightseeing and day trips to Kumbhalgarh, Ranakpur. Delhi to Udaipur one-way available. Call 7668570551.
Auto-rickshaw
₹50-200/trip
Good for short distances within the city. Negotiate fare before riding.
Boat Rides
₹400-800/person
Essential for Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar. Book at City Palace jetty or Fateh Sagar ghat.
Walking (Old City)
Free
The old city around City Palace and Jagdish Temple is best explored on foot. Narrow lanes are pedestrian-friendly.
Where to Stay in Udaipur
Old City (Lake Pichola)
₹1,000-5,000/nightMost atmospheric area. Walking distance to City Palace, Jagdish Temple, and ghats. Heritage havelis, rooftop cafes, and lake views. Can be noisy.
Fateh Sagar Area
₹1,500-4,000/nightQuieter, more modern neighbourhood. Close to Fateh Sagar Lake and Saheliyon Ki Bari. Good mid-range hotels. Less touristy feel.
Hanuman Ghat / Ambrai
₹3,000-15,000/nightBoutique hotel zone with stunning lake views. Some of Udaipur's best restaurants. Peaceful and romantic. Ideal for couples.
Lake Palace Road
₹8,000-50,000/nightLuxury hotel corridor with 5-star properties. Oberoi Udaivilas, Trident, and Leela Palace. Premium experience with lake access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1How many days do I need in Udaipur?
2-3 days is ideal. Day 1: City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Lake Pichola boat ride. Day 2: Saheliyon Ki Bari, Fateh Sagar Lake, Monsoon Palace sunset. Day 3: Day trip to Kumbhalgarh Fort and Ranakpur Jain Temple (both within 90 km).
Q2What is the best time to visit Udaipur?
September to March is best. Post-monsoon (Sep-Nov) is magical -- lakes are full, everything is green. October-February has pleasant weather (12-28 degrees). Summers (Apr-Jun) are very hot (38-42 degrees). Monsoon (Jul-Aug) brings heavy rain but dramatic scenery.
Q3How do I reach Udaipur from Delhi?
By flight: 1.5 hours, daily flights from Delhi. By train: Chetak Express or Mewar Express (12-14 hrs). By car: 660 km via Jaipur (10-12 hrs). We offer Delhi-Udaipur cab service with optional Jaipur-Ajmer stops.
Q4Is Udaipur good for honeymoons?
Udaipur is India's most romantic city! Lake-facing hotels, boat rides at sunset, candlelight dinners at Ambrai or Upre, heritage palace stays (Taj Lake Palace, Oberoi Udaivilas). We offer special honeymoon packages with decorated cars and customized itineraries.
Q5What food is Udaipur famous for?
Udaipur is known for Dal Baati Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, Ker Sangri, Laal Maas, and fusion lakeside dining. The Old City has excellent street food -- try Shreenath Dosa near Jagdish Temple and the famous Savage Garden for continental cuisine.
Q6Can I take a boat ride on Lake Pichola?
Yes! Boat rides run from Rameshwar Ghat (City Palace jetty). 30-minute rides cost 400-800 rupees per person. Sunset rides are the most popular. You can also visit Jag Mandir island (separate ticket). Book in advance during peak season.
Q7What should I buy in Udaipur?
Miniature paintings (Rajput and Mughal styles), Silver jewellery from Bada Bazaar, Bandhani textiles, wooden toys, and marble handicrafts. Hathi Pol bazaar and Clock Tower market are the best shopping areas.
Q8Is Udaipur walkable?
The old city near City Palace, Jagdish Temple, and the ghats is very walkable. But to reach Fateh Sagar Lake, Monsoon Palace, Sajjangarh, or day trips to Kumbhalgarh/Ranakpur, you need a car. Our local sightseeing package covers everything.
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