Udaipur Travel Guide: Top 17 Things to Do

With so many wonderful things to do and see, Udaipur is probably our favourite city in India. This Udaipur travel blog is based upon our own travels in Udaipur, the land of puppeteers and churma. Look out for hotel recommendations at the end of this Udaipur travel guide.

Replete with dreamy lakes, palaces and gardens, this picture-perfect Rajasthani town beckons lovers, poets and families in equal numbers. Easily accessed from Udaipur Airport and Railway Station, a holiday here begins and ends with the impossibly beautiful Lake Pichola.

Udaipur Travel Blog: Top 17 Things To Do

Mesmerising Lakes

1. Stay on the banks of Lake Pichola

All the best hotels in Udaipur are situated around Lake Pichola, which is the centre of the city. Wake up to the serenity of the lake and watch the spectacular sunset over its shimmering, palace-studded water.

2. Visit Swaroop Sagar just before sunset

On your way to Fateh Sagar Lake, you will pass Swaroop Sagar, a beautiful little spot where you can have a breather and enjoy the view of the dazzling lake, second only to Lake Pichola.

3. Take the last boat ride at Fateh Sagar Lake

Udaipur is indeed India’s Venice and Fateh Sagar Lake at dusk is an ethereal sight best experienced on the last boat ride of the day. Get there earlier to visit Nehru Garden and return at dusk.

Fragrant Gardens

4. Explore the idyllic Nehru Garden

Accessible only by boat, Nehru Garden is an idyllic spot in the middle of Fateh Sagar Lake. It is a wonderful picnic spot and has a restaurant as well.

5. Take a stroll at Saheliyon ki Bari

Udaipur is also a city of gardens and Saheliyon ki Bari is among the prettiest. Come here for a morning stroll and enjoy the fragrance of the myriad flowers. The lotus pool and Victorian statues are some of the remarkable sights in this garden.

6. Take your kids to Gulab Bagh and Zoo

Gulab Bagh is another beautiful park and in fact the largest in Udaipur. Also known as Sajjan Niwas Garden, it adjoins a zoo full of interesting birds and animals like bears, deer and even a tiger.

Active excursions

7. Go for a cable car ride

A not too expensive yet exciting activity in Udaipur is the cable car ride along the Mansapurna Karni Mata Ropeway. At the end of the short ride, an old temple awaits your exploration. But the real draw is the splendid view of the city and mountainside.

Cultural Attractions

8. Watch a live Rajasthani folk show at Bagore ki Haveli

Every night at 7 pm, Bagore ki Haveli on Hanuman Ghat Road transforms into a treasure trove of Rajasthani folk art. Arrive early to grab front-row seats for this show including traditional music, dance and puppetry.

9. Immerse yourself in folk art at Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal

Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal or Folk Museum is worth a visit not only for its varied collection of Rajasthani and Indian folk art but also the free puppet shows playing on an hourly basis. There is a small entry fee.

10. Shop for handicrafts at Shilpagram

One of the lesser known attractions in Udaipur is Shilpagram, a government-funded model of a handicraft village, complete with artisans, musicians, dancers and little cottages typical of Rajasthani villages. You can buy an array of attractively priced jewellery, clothing, carpets and accessories here.

Atmospheric Palaces

11. Trek up to Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh)

Rajasthan is India’s land of the kings and home to some of the most exquisite palaces from bygone eras. Monsoon Palace or Sajjangarh is set atop the Aravalli Hills and affords stunning views of Fateh Sagar Lake and Udaipur city. In the evenings, you will be able to spot the palace from any point in Udaipur thanks to its golden illumination.

12. Rediscover royalty at City Palace

Located near Lake Pichola and at the city centre, the City Palace is a must-visit while in Udaipur. A huge complex comprising 11 small palaces built in granite and marble, City Palace will take a while to explore.

Food in Udaipur

13. Have breakfast at Café Namaste or Cafe Edelweiss

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Apple pie & Arabic coffee at Cafe Edelweiss in Udaipur

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Dedicate your lunches and dinners to Rajasthani food and your breakfasts and tea-time snacks to the charms of Cafe Namaste or French Bakery and Cafe Edelweiss or German Bakery. You might also strike up a conversation with a foreign tourist while you sip on your coffee and tuck into some apple pie.

14. Enjoy an atmospheric dinner at Ambrai or Whistling Teal

Rajasthan is famous for both its vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare and a visit to Udaipur is incomplete without dinner at Ambrai, the beautiful garden restaurant at Amet Haveli and a thali meal at Whistling Teal. At Ambrai, don’t miss the lal maas and methi papad ki subzi.

Picturesque temples

15. Pay homage at Jagdish Mandir

As you exit Hanuman Ghat Road, you will come upon the majestic Jagdish Temple, whose architecture is so marvellous that you can spend hours running your palms along the walls. If you’re in Udaipur during a festive time, the area around the temple will be abuzz with activity and decorations.

Day Trips from Udaipur

Add a day for Chittorgarh Fort (116 km) and another for Kumbhalgarh Fort (85 km), both easily accessed by State Transport Buses (RSRTC).

16. Chittorgarh Fort

Just a two hour bus ride away is Chittorgarh Fort, one of the most impressive fort complexes in India. It is a World Heritage Site and was once the capital of Mewar. Set aside half a day to inspect its palaces, reservoirs and pillars.

Here are some great day trips from Udaipur that you can book:

17. Kumbalgarh Fort

Kumbalgarh Fort is a 15th century Mewar fortress on the western flanks of the Aravalli Hills. It is a World Heritage Site, hosting atmospheric sound and light shows in the evening. Lakhola Tank, a Ganesh Temple, and a Jain Temple are among the must-see landmarks within the fort complex.

Best Time to Visit Udaipur

Ideal for a trip of three to five days, greenery-rich Udaipur is most pleasant and cool in October-November.

Where to Stay in Udaipur

Budget: Lal Ghat Guesthouse

We stayed here in 2013 and loved its location on the banks of Lake Pichola and proximity to City Palace although the accommodation was humble.

Boutique: Jagmandir Island Palace

Get the experience of staying in a palace in the midst of Lake Pichola that comes with its own spa, luxury dining and museum.

Luxury: The Oberoi Udaivilas

We dream of staying in this luxury palace resort some day, renowned for its views of the lake, idyllic gardens and temperature-controlled outdoor pools.

Booking.com

Explore Udaipur on your own with auto rickshaw tours or choose from many Rajasthan tour packages.

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