Udaipur is a historic city in Rajasthan, northwestern India, known for lakes, palaces, temples and the surrounding Aravalli Hills. Its old streets lead towards Lake Pichola, where historic buildings rise above the waterfront. You come for architecture, Rajasthani culture, traditional crafts and a slower atmosphere than some of India's larger cities.
The old city is atmospheric but busy, with narrow lanes, motorbikes and small shops around the lake. Early mornings and evenings are particularly pleasant for walking, while the heat can make afternoons tiring. Udaipur is best enjoyed without rushing, leaving time for viewpoints, local food and quiet moments beside the water.
How many days: 3
Spend your first day exploring the City Palace complex and the lanes of the old city. Walk towards the ghats and enjoy the lake views in the evening. On the second day, visit Jagdish Temple, explore local crafts and take a boat trip on Lake Pichola if conditions allow.
Use the third day for Saheliyon Ki Bari, a hilltop viewpoint and other attractions beyond the old centre. You can also spend more time enjoying the lakeside atmosphere. Add another day if you want a slower visit or excursions into the surrounding countryside.
What to do in Udaipur
- Explore the City Palace
- Visit the extensive palace complex overlooking Lake Pichola. Its courtyards, decorative rooms and museum collections reveal the history of Mewar's rulers.
- Take a boat ride on Lake Pichola
- See the palaces, ghats and surrounding hills from the water. Use authorised services and check conditions before boarding.
- Visit Jagdish Temple
- Explore this prominent Hindu temple near the City Palace. Respect worshippers and follow local guidance on shoes, clothing and photography.
- Walk through the old city
- Explore narrow lanes filled with shops, traditional houses and small temples. Walking reveals details that are easy to miss from a vehicle.
- Visit Saheliyon Ki Bari
- Wander through a historic garden with fountains, pools and decorative features. It offers a quieter break from the crowded centre.
- Watch sunset from a viewpoint
- Choose an established viewpoint overlooking the lakes and hills. Clear evenings reveal the city's distinctive setting.
- Explore Bagore Ki Haveli
- Visit the historic mansion beside the lake to see traditional rooms and cultural displays. Check locally for access and performances.
- Visit the Monsoon Palace
- Travel uphill to Sajjangarh Palace for broad views across Udaipur and the surrounding landscape. Visibility depends on weather.
- Discover traditional Rajasthani crafts
- Browse workshops and markets selling textiles, paintings and handmade objects. Look for genuine craftsmanship and compare quality before buying.
- Walk beside Fateh Sagar Lake
- Enjoy a different waterfront setting away from the old city. It is a pleasant place for an evening stroll when temperatures ease.
What to eat and drink
- Try dal baati churma
- Taste the Rajasthani combination of lentils, baked wheat balls and a sweet crumbly accompaniment. It is a substantial regional meal.
- Eat gatte ki sabzi
- Try gram-flour dumplings cooked in a spiced gravy. It is a familiar Rajasthani vegetarian dish.
- Taste ker sangri
- Sample a traditional preparation of desert beans and berries. The dish reflects the ingredients of Rajasthan's arid landscape.
- Have kachori
- Enjoy a crisp fried pastry with a savoury filling. It makes a satisfying snack while exploring the city.
- Try a Rajasthani thali
- Order a selection of small dishes served together, often including breads, lentils, vegetables and sweets. It is an easy way to sample several regional flavours.
- Drink masala chai
- Take a break with spiced Indian tea, prepared with milk and aromatic ingredients. Choose a clean, established place to sit and rest.
Getting around
Udaipur's old city is best explored on foot because many lanes are narrow and congested. Expect uneven surfaces, steps and motorbikes sharing pedestrian space. Auto-rickshaws and trusted taxis are useful for reaching attractions beyond the centre, with fares agreed or confirmed before departure.
Lake Pichola boat services operate from designated boarding points and depend on local conditions. The Monsoon Palace and some hilltop attractions require road transport. A private driver can be convenient for several scattered sights, but you do not need a car for every part of a central Udaipur visit.
Good to know
- Rajasthan can be very hot, particularly outside the cooler months. Plan exposed sightseeing for more comfortable parts of the day.
- Dress respectfully at temples and religious sites, and follow rules on shoes and photography.
- Old-city streets are narrow and busy. Watch for motorbikes and uneven paving.
- Use safe drinking water and choose food outlets with good hygiene practices.
- Boat trips and viewpoints depend on weather and local access arrangements.
- Allow time for traffic and avoid assuming that short distances across the city mean quick journeys.