Why Udaipur Should Be on Every Traveller's Rajasthan List

Often called the "City of Lakes" or the "Venice of the East", Udaipur is widely regarded as one of the most romantic and beautiful cities in all of India. Cradled by the Aravalli Hills and centred around a series of sparkling artificial lakes, Udaipur offers a very different character from the desert cities of Jaisalmer or the Pink City bustle of Jaipur. Here, whitewashed havelis cascade down hillsides to lakefronts, boats drift past island palaces at dusk, and the pace of life feels delightfully unhurried.

Top Attractions in Udaipur

City Palace

Udaipur's defining landmark, the City Palace is a magnificent complex of palaces built over several generations of the Mewar royal family, beginning in 1553. Perched above Lake Pichola, it offers sweeping views of the lake and the city. The palace museum inside holds an extraordinary collection of antiques, paintings, armour, and royal memorabilia. Allocate at least two to three hours here.

Lake Pichola & Jag Mandir

A boat ride on Lake Pichola at sunset is the quintessential Udaipur experience. The lake hosts two island palaces — Jag Niwas (now the famous Lake Palace Hotel) and Jag Mandir, which is open to visitors. The play of golden light across the water and palace façades at dusk is simply unforgettable.

Jagdish Temple

Just a short walk from the City Palace entrance, the 17th-century Jagdish Temple is a masterpiece of Indo-Aryan architecture dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Its exterior is covered in intricate carvings of elephants, musicians, and celestial beings. The temple is still active and vibrant with daily worship.

Saheliyon ki Bari (Garden of the Maidens)

A charming 18th-century garden built by Maharana Sangram Singh II for royal women of the court. With fountains, kiosks, marble elephants, and lotus pools, it is a peaceful and picturesque spot away from the busier attractions.

Fateh Sagar Lake & Nehru Park

North of the old city, Fateh Sagar Lake is a favourite of locals for evening strolls. A small island in the lake, Nehru Park, can be reached by boat and offers a garden and café with panoramic water views.

Where to Stay in Udaipur

Udaipur has excellent accommodation across all budget levels:

  • Heritage Hotels & Havelis: Stay in a converted mansion or heritage property in the Old City for an immersive experience. Many overlook the lakes.
  • Budget Guesthouses: The Lal Ghat and Gangaur Ghat areas near the lake are packed with affordable, well-reviewed guesthouses popular with backpackers.
  • Luxury Resorts: Several high-end resorts are located just outside the city centre offering spa facilities and private lake views.

Best Time to Visit Udaipur

The ideal time to visit is October through March, when the weather is pleasantly cool and the lakes are often full after the monsoon season. Summers (April–June) are intensely hot. The monsoon (July–September) brings dramatic skies and lush surroundings, but some outdoor activities are limited.

Getting Around Udaipur

  • Walking: The Old City around Lake Pichola is compact and walkable — and best explored on foot.
  • Auto-rickshaws: Plentiful and inexpensive; agree on a fare before setting off.
  • Boat rides: Essential for experiencing the lakes; boats depart from multiple ghats.
  • Rented scooter/bicycle: A great way to explore at your own pace and reach hillside viewpoints.

Day Trips from Udaipur

Udaipur makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding region. Popular day trips include:

  • Kumbhalgarh Fort (85 km) — A UNESCO-listed hilltop fort with the world's second-longest wall.
  • Ranakpur Jain Temples (95 km) — Among the most remarkable Jain temples in India, famous for their 1,444 intricately carved marble pillars.
  • Chittorgarh Fort (115 km) — The largest fort in India by area, steeped in stories of Rajput valour and sacrifice.

Local Tips for Udaipur Visitors

  • The rooftop restaurants along Lal Ghat offer some of the best views of the City Palace and Lake Pichola — perfect for a slow breakfast or sunset dinner.
  • Explore the Hathi Pol Bazaar for miniature paintings and the Clock Tower market for spices and textiles.
  • Be respectful when visiting temples — dress modestly and remove footwear at entrances.