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Udaipur Travel Guide – Lakes, Palaces, and Culture

Udaipur Travel Guide – Lakes, Palaces, and Culture
Udaipur is one of Rajasthan’s most visited cities — known for its stunning lakes, royal palaces, and clean streets. Called the “City of Lakes,” Udaipur blends history and romance with a calm, walkable atmosphere. This guide will help you explore Udaipur from top to bottom — where to go, what to eat, how to travel, and what makes it truly special.

About Udaipur

Udaipur is located in southern Rajasthan, near the Aravalli Hills. It was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the new capital of the Mewar Kingdom after the fall of Chittorgarh. Today, it’s a clean and peaceful city with lakes running through its center and whitewashed buildings adding charm to every corner.

Despite being a major tourist destination, Udaipur feels less chaotic than Jaipur or Jodhpur. It’s a great place for both first-time travelers and seasoned visitors who want a mix of heritage and relaxation.

 

History of Udaipur

  1. Mewar Dynasty Origins: The city was founded by Maharana Udai Singh II, shifting the capital from Chittorgarh to Udaipur due to repeated attacks by the Mughals.

  2. Rajput Resistance: Udaipur remained one of the few kingdoms in India that never fully submitted to Mughal or British rule. The Mewar rulers were known for their valor and diplomacy.

  3. British Era: While Udaipur maintained some independence under British Raj as a princely state, the royals built civic infrastructure including railways and schools.

  4. Post-Independence: After 1947, Udaipur became part of the state of Rajasthan and soon turned into a popular travel destination.

 

Top Places to Visit in Udaipur

  1. City Palace

    • Largest palace complex in Rajasthan

    • Houses courtyards, museums, and the royal residence

    • Location: Eastern bank of Lake Pichola

  2. Lake Pichola

    • Artificial freshwater lake with boat rides

    • Offers views of the City Palace and Lake Palace

    • Visit during sunset for the best experience

  3. Jag Mandir

    • Island palace on Lake Pichola

    • Known for its gardens, marble domes, and history

    • Can be visited by boat from City Palace

  4. Jagdish Temple

    • 17th-century temple with detailed carvings

    • Dedicated to Lord Vishnu

    • Near City Palace, entry is free

  5. Fateh Sagar Lake

    • Clean, scenic lake with a walking promenade

    • Boating available; popular with locals in the evening

    • Location: North of Lake Pichola

  6. Saheliyon Ki Bari

    • Garden built for royal women

    • Features fountains, lotus ponds, and marble pavilions

    • Location: Near Fateh Sagar

  7. Bagore Ki Haveli

    • Historic haveli turned into a museum

    • Evening cultural shows (puppet dance, folk music)

    • Location: Gangaur Ghat, near Lake Pichola

  8. Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace)

    • Hilltop palace offering panoramic views

    • Great for photography during sunset

    • Reachable by taxi or bike

 

Things to Do in Udaipur

  1. Take a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola

  2. Explore City Palace and its museums

  3. Attend a cultural show at Bagore Ki Haveli

  4. Walk around old city alleys and discover art shops

  5. Trek to Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary early in the morning

  6. Enjoy a rooftop dinner overlooking the lake

  7. Join a local cooking class or art workshop

  8. Shop for miniature paintings and silver jewelry in Hathipole market

 

What to Eat in Udaipur

Rajasthani cuisine in Udaipur is flavorful and often spicy, but the city also offers a range of continental, vegan, and Jain food.

Must-Try Local Dishes:

  1. Dal Baati Churma – Baked wheat balls with lentils and sweet crushed wheat

  2. Gatte ki Sabzi – Gram flour dumplings in a yogurt-based curry

  3. Laal Maas – Spicy red meat curry (for non-vegetarians)

  4. Kachori & Mirchi Bada – Spicy deep-fried snacks

  5. Mawa Kachori – Sweet dish with dry fruits

  6. Rajasthani Thali – Try at least once for a full experience

Popular Food Places:

  • Natraj Dining Hall – For authentic Rajasthani thali

  • Jheel Café – Lakeside café with Indian and Italian food

  • Upre by 1559 AD – Rooftop dining with lake view

  • Krishna Dal Bati Restro – Affordable and authentic

  • Savage Garden – Great for fusion food and peaceful ambiance

 

Where to Stay in Udaipur

Budget Options:

  1. Zostel Udaipur – Social hostel with lake views

  2. Hostel Mantra – Popular among solo travelers

  3. Moustache Hostel – Affordable, clean, central

Mid-Range Hotels:

  1. Jaiwana Haveli – Traditional and close to major attractions

  2. Amet Haveli – Heritage stay with views of the lake

  3. Hotel Udai Kothi – Boutique-style with a rooftop pool

Luxury Hotels:

  1. Taj Lake Palace – Iconic hotel floating on Lake Pichola

  2. The Oberoi Udaivilas – One of India’s finest luxury hotels

  3. Trident Udaipur – Lakeside with beautiful lawns and quiet surroundings

 

Travel Tips for Udaipur

  • Best Time to Visit: October to March (cool and dry)

  • Avoid: May to July (very hot), August–September (occasional rains)

  • Transport: Use autos, taxis, or rent two-wheelers; most attractions are walkable

  • ATMs & Cards: Available widely, but carry some cash for street shopping

  • SIM Cards: Airtel and Jio work best

  • Local Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting temples

  • Language: Hindi, Rajasthani, English (widely understood in tourist areas)

  • Water: Drink bottled or filtered water

  • Scams: Avoid overly pushy guides or shopkeepers near tourist hotspots

 

Hidden Gems in Udaipur

  1. Ambrai Ghat – Less crowded than Gangaur Ghat, best for quiet sunset views

  2. Shilpgram – Rural arts and crafts village on the city outskirts

  3. Ahar Cenotaphs – 250+ royal cremation structures not on most tourist maps

  4. Badi Lake – Peaceful, large lake away from the crowds

  5. Pratap Gaurav Kendra – Museum and light show dedicated to Maharana Pratap

  6. Neemach Mata Temple – Short hike for sunrise, minimal tourists

  7. Vintage Car Museum – Great for automobile lovers

 

Useful Local Phrases

  • Namaste – Hello

  • Thari hal cha? – How are you? (Rajasthani)

  • Kitne ka hai? – How much is this?

  • Mujhe yeh pasand hai – I like this

  • Shubh yatra – Safe journey

  • Thik hai – Okay

  • Dhanyavaad – Thank you

Learning a few words in Hindi or Rajasthani will go a long way — locals appreciate the effort.

 

How to Reach Udaipur

By Air:

  • Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR) connects to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Bangalore

  • 20 km from the city, takes about 30 minutes by cab

By Train:

  • Udaipur City Railway Station connects to major cities including Jaipur, Delhi, and Ahmedabad

  • Overnight trains available from Mumbai and Delhi

By Road:

  • Well-connected by bus and car to cities like Jaipur (6 hrs), Ahmedabad (5 hrs), and Mount Abu (3 hrs)

  • Rajasthan Roadways and private operators run regular services

 

Final Thoughts

Udaipur is one of those cities where time slows down. It doesn’t push you to tick off ten things in a day. Instead, it invites you to walk slowly, sit by a lake, watch the sunset, and eat well.

It’s romantic without being overwhelming. Cultural without being too busy. If you want a destination where you can explore royal heritage and still enjoy a quiet dinner with a view, Udaipur is perfect.

Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, Udaipur has something to offer. Spend at least 3–4 days to absorb its beauty — not just through your camera but through experience.

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