Udaipur, Rajasthan: Tourist Guide to the City of Lakes

Udaipur is in the Mewar region of southern Rajasthan, set among the Aravalli Hills around a chain of lakes. Maharana Udai Singh II founded it in 1559 as the new capital of Mewar after Chittorgarh was repeatedly attacked. Its hills and water gave it natural protection, and the Sisodia Rajput rulers built palaces, temples and gardens that still define the city. Udaipur is often called the most romantic city in India. It is about 400 km from Jaipur, 260 km from Jodhpur and 260 km from Ahmedabad. 3 days is a good amount of time.

City Palace

The City Palace sits on the eastern bank of Lake Pichola. It was begun by Udai Singh II and expanded by successive Maharanas over roughly 400 years, which is why it is a complex of connected palaces rather than a single building. The style blends Rajasthani and Mughal elements, with courtyards, balconies, towers and mirror work.

• Museum highlights: The Mor Chowk (peacock courtyard), Manak Mahal, Krishna Vilas with miniature paintings, and the Zenana Mahal

• Views: The upper terraces overlook the lake and the old city

• Tips: Go at opening time to avoid crowds, and take the audio guide. Part of the complex is still a royal residence and heritage hotel.

Lake Pichola

Lake Pichola is the heart of Udaipur. It dates to the 14th century and was enlarged by Udai Singh II after he founded the city.

• Lake Palace (Jag Niwas): Built in the 1740s as a summer palace and now a luxury hotel. It seems to float on the water and is one of India's most photographed buildings. Entry is generally limited to hotel guests and restaurant bookings.

• Jag Mandir: An island palace used by Mewar rulers. The Mughal prince Khurram, later Shah Jahan, took shelter here, and the palace is said to have inspired aspects of the Taj Mahal. You can visit by boat, and it has a café.

• Boat rides: Sunset trips are the most popular. Check the route, timing and whether it includes a stop on Jag Mandir.

• Ambrai Ghat and Gangaur Ghat: Good spots for sunset and photography, with cafés facing the lake.

Other Lakes

• Fateh Sagar Lake: Built in the 17th century and rebuilt after a flood in the 1890s. It has hills around it, a lakeside promenade, boating and evening snacks. Nehru Garden sits on an island in the lake. Sunset Point and nearby cafés give a quiet viewpoint.

• Udai Sagar Lake: About 13 to 20 km east, a quiet lake that is good for a peaceful afternoon and birdlife.

• Jaisamand Lake: About 50 km away. It is among the largest man-made freshwater lakes in Asia and is surrounded by hills and small islands.

Temples and Spiritual Sites

• Jagdish Temple: Built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and decorated with fine carvings in Indo-Aryan style. It stands just outside the City Palace, and its steps are a lively meeting place.

• Eklingji Temple (about 22 km): A complex of 108 temples dedicated to Shiva, the patron deity of the Mewar rulers

• Nathdwara (about 45 km): The famous Shrinathji temple and a hub for Pichwai painting

• Ahar Cenotaphs and Jain temples: Royal memorials and quiet temples that show another side of the city

• Etiquette: Dress modestly, remove shoes and check photography rules at each temple.

Gardens, Museums and Viewpoints

• Saheliyon-ki-Bari: The "Garden of the Maidens", a lovely 18th-century garden with fountains, lotus pools and marble pavilions

• Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace): A hilltop palace with panoramic views, especially at sunset. It lies within a wildlife sanctuary and entry rules vary, so check access.

• Bagore Ki Haveli: An 18th-century mansion with a museum and an evening dance and music show

• Vintage Car Museum: The Maharana's collection of classic cars

• Shilpgram (about 3 km): A rural arts and crafts village that hosts a festival in December

• Moti Magri and the Maharana Pratap Memorial: A hilltop memorial to the famous Mewar warrior, with views over Fateh Sagar

Culture, Art and Shopping

Rajasthani folk traditions are part of everyday life here. Ghoomar is the classic folk dance of Rajasthan, and it features strongly in Udaipur's cultural shows. Folk music and puppet performances are common too. Kalbelia is also performed in the state, though it is more strongly associated with the Jaisalmer region.

Udaipur is known for miniature paintings, Pichwai art, marble and wood carvings, tie-and-dye textiles, silver jewellery and leather goods. Good shopping areas include Hathi Pol, Bada Bazaar, Jagdish Temple Road and Shilpgram. Bargaining is common. Check that "antiques" and silver are genuine, and ask for receipts.

Food to Try

• Dal baati churma: Baked wheat balls with lentils and sweet crumbled wheat

• Gatte ki sabzi and ker sangri: Rajasthani vegetarian classics

• Laal maas: A fiery mutton curry (Mewar style is spicy)

• Pyaaz kachori, mawa kachori and mirchi bada: Snacks and street food

• Malpua and ghevar: Sweets, with ghevar seasonal

• Rooftop restaurants: Around the lakes, with views of the palaces after dark

Udaipur is also very vegetarian-friendly. Choose busy, clean places and drink bottled or filtered water.

Day Trips

• Kumbhalgarh Fort (about 85 km): A huge fort with a long wall, often compared to the Great Wall of China, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Ranakpur Jain Temples (about 90 km): A marble temple complex with more than 1,400 carved pillars

• Haldighati (about 40 km): The battlefield site linked to Maharana Pratap, with a museum

• Chittorgarh Fort (about 115 km): Rajasthan's great hill fort, also UNESCO-listed, and the old capital of Mewar

• Mount Abu: A hill station reachable in a long day or an overnight trip

Best Time to Visit

• October to March: The best season, with pleasant weather and clear skies. Daytime temperatures are around 15 to 30°C, with cool evenings. December and January are peak season.

• March to April: The Mewar Festival, usually held around Gangaur, with processions and cultural events. Dates vary each year.

• April to June: Very hot, often above 40°C. Plan sightseeing early and late.

• July to September (monsoon): The lakes fill, the hills turn green and the city becomes very scenic, with fewer crowds. It is a good time for those who don't mind rain.

Getting There

• By air: Maharana Pratap Airport at Dabok is about 22 km from the city, with flights to Delhi, Mumbai and other cities. Check current schedules.

• By train: Udaipur City station connects to Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and other cities. Book in advance.

• By road: Buses and taxis run from Jaipur (about 6 to 7 hours), Jodhpur (about 5 hours) and Ahmedabad (about 5 hours).

• Local transport: Auto-rickshaws, taxis and rented scooters. The old city lanes are best explored on foot.

Practical Tips

• Start early: Beat the heat and crowds at the City Palace and Jagdish Temple.

• Book boats and shows: Check timings, especially at sunset and in peak season.

• Dress and etiquette: Modest dress for temples and ask before photographing people.

• Weddings and events: Udaipur is a major destination wedding city, so rooms and traffic can be tight in the wedding season (roughly November to February). Book early.

• Stay: Heritage havelis, lakeview guesthouses and luxury palace hotels. The old city around Lake Pichola is the most atmospheric area.

• Fees, timings and access rules change, so check official sources before you go.