Overview
About Udaipur
Udaipur, the old capital of the Mewar kingdom in southern Rajasthan, is often called the City of Lakes. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh II in the 16th century, it grew around a series of man-made lakes set against the green Aravalli hills, and its white palaces, temples and havelis reflected in still water have made it one of the most romantic cities in India.
The heart of the city is the old quarter on the eastern bank of Lake Pichola, where the vast City Palace complex rises above the ghats and narrow lanes wind past the Jagdish Temple, art shops and rooftop cafes. Across the water sit the island palaces of Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas, and sunset boat rides here are a Udaipur ritual.
Udaipur is also a gateway to the wider Mewar region. Within easy reach are the mighty walls of Kumbhalgarh, the marble Jain temples of Ranakpur, the fort of Chittorgarh and the temple towns of Eklingji and Nathdwara. Its mild winters and relatively green setting make it a gentler introduction to Rajasthan than the desert cities further west.
- Lake Pichola
- City Palace
- Sunset boat rides
- Miniature paintings
- Mewar history
- Destination weddings
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Udaipur
Palaces & Forts
City Palace
A sprawling complex of palaces built over several generations of Mewar rulers, with courtyards, mirror work, balconies and museum galleries overlooking Lake Pichola.
Jag Mandir
An island palace on Lake Pichola with marble pavilions, gardens and carved elephants at the water's edge, reached by boat from the City Palace jetties.
Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace)
A hilltop palace on the western edge of the city with sweeping views over the lakes and Aravallis, especially popular at sunset.
Bagore Ki Haveli
An 18th-century haveli at Gangaur Ghat, now a museum with restored rooms and an evening show of Rajasthani folk dance and puppetry.
Lakes & Gardens
Lake Pichola
The best known of Udaipur's lakes, lined with ghats, temples and palaces. Boat rides and the views from Ambrai Ghat are among the city's highlights.
Fateh Sagar Lake
A large lake north of Pichola with a lakeside promenade, boating and Nehru Park on an island, popular with locals in the evening.
Saheliyon Ki Bari
A garden of fountains, lotus pools and marble elephants, traditionally said to have been laid out for the ladies of the royal court.
Temples
Jagdish Temple
A finely carved Indo-Aryan temple to Lord Vishnu close to the City Palace, climbed by a steep flight of steps from the street.
Nearby Excursions
Kumbhalgarh Fort
A UNESCO-listed hill fort about 85 km away, famous for its immense perimeter wall that winds over the hills. Often combined with Ranakpur in a day.
Ranakpur Jain Temple
A marble temple in a forested valley, known for its countless intricately carved pillars, each said to be different from the next.
Chittorgarh Fort
One of the largest forts in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with towers, palaces and temples tied to the stories of Rani Padmini and Mewar's rulers.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Udaipur
- 1
Take a sunset boat ride
Cruise Lake Pichola in the late afternoon for views of the City Palace, the ghats and the island palaces as the sky turns gold.
- 2
Watch a folk dance show
The evening Dharohar performance at Bagore Ki Haveli features traditional Rajasthani dances and puppetry in a heritage courtyard.
- 3
Learn miniature painting
Visit workshops in the old city to watch artists paint fine Mewar-style miniatures, and try a short lesson if you have time.
- 4
Walk the old city
Explore the lanes between Jagdish Temple, Gangaur Ghat and Lal Ghat for havelis, small shops and rooftop views over the lake.
- 5
See vintage cars
The royal family's collection of classic cars is displayed in a museum near Gulab Bagh, a favourite with motoring enthusiasts.
- 6
Day trip into Mewar
Hire a car for Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur, or for Eklingji and Nathdwara, to see the region's forts and temples.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Udaipur
The best time to visit Udaipur is October to March. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
April to June
25°C to 42°C
Hot and dry, with lake levels sometimes low. Sightseeing is best in the early morning and evening.
Monsoon
July to September
23°C to 33°C
Moderate rain refills the lakes and turns the Aravallis green. Sajjangarh, the Monsoon Palace, comes into its own in this season.
Winter
October to March
8°C to 28°C
Pleasant days and cool nights make this the peak season, with Diwali, weddings and festivals adding colour. Book stays well ahead.
Getting there
How to Reach Udaipur
By Air
Maharana Pratap Airport at Dabok, a drive of about 30 to 45 minutes from the city, has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Jaipur and other cities. Prepaid taxis and app cabs are available.
By Rail
Udaipur City Railway Station is the main station, with trains from Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and other cities. Rana Pratap Nagar is a smaller station on the same line.
By Road
Udaipur is well connected by highway to Ahmedabad (about 260 km), Jaipur (about 400 km) and Jodhpur. Rajasthan state buses and private sleeper coaches run to most cities in the region, and taxis are easy to hire for day trips.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Udaipur
Dal baati churma
Baked wheat balls soaked in ghee, served with lentils and sweet crushed churma, the quintessential Rajasthani meal.
Gatte ki sabzi
Gram-flour dumplings simmered in a tangy yoghurt gravy.
Laal maas
A fiery red mutton curry made with Mathania chillies, a Rajput classic.
Ker sangri
A tangy preparation of desert beans and berries, cooked with spices.
Mirchi vada
Large green chillies stuffed with spiced potato and fried in batter, a popular evening snack.
Malpua
Sweet fried pancakes soaked in syrup, often served with rabri.
What to Buy in Udaipur
- Mewar-style miniature paintings
- Bandhani and leheriya textiles
- Silver jewellery and lac bangles
- Kathputli puppets and wooden handicrafts
- Leather juttis and bags
Travel Tips for Udaipur
- Book a lake-facing room or rooftop table in advance for the best views, especially in winter.
- Buy boat tickets only from official jetties at the City Palace or Fateh Sagar.
- Dress modestly and remove footwear at temples such as Jagdish Temple.
- Bargain politely in the old city markets, where fixed prices are rare.
FAQs
Udaipur Travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Udaipur?
October to March is the best time to visit Udaipur, with pleasant weather for sightseeing and boat rides. The monsoon is also lovely, as the lakes fill and the hills turn green.
How many days are enough for Udaipur?
Three to four days lets you cover the City Palace, the lakes, Sajjangarh and the old city, plus a day trip to Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur.
What is Udaipur famous for?
Udaipur is famous for its lakes, especially Lake Pichola, the City Palace, its island palaces, romantic sunsets and Mewar heritage.
Is Udaipur good for a honeymoon?
Yes. Lakeside stays, sunset boat rides and the city's palaces and gardens make Udaipur one of India's most popular honeymoon destinations.
How far is Kumbhalgarh from Udaipur?
Kumbhalgarh Fort is about 85 km from Udaipur by road. Most visitors combine it with the Ranakpur Jain Temple on a full-day trip.
Which is the nearest railway station to Udaipur?
Udaipur City Railway Station is the main station, with direct trains from Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
