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.
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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.
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.
British Era: While Udaipur maintained some independence under British Raj as a princely state, the royals built civic infrastructure including railways and schools.
Post-Independence: After 1947, Udaipur became part of the state of Rajasthan and soon turned into a popular travel destination.
City Palace
Largest palace complex in Rajasthan
Houses courtyards, museums, and the royal residence
Location: Eastern bank of Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola
Artificial freshwater lake with boat rides
Offers views of the City Palace and Lake Palace
Visit during sunset for the best experience
Jag Mandir
Island palace on Lake Pichola
Known for its gardens, marble domes, and history
Can be visited by boat from City Palace
Jagdish Temple
17th-century temple with detailed carvings
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu
Near City Palace, entry is free
Fateh Sagar Lake
Clean, scenic lake with a walking promenade
Boating available; popular with locals in the evening
Location: North of Lake Pichola
Saheliyon Ki Bari
Garden built for royal women
Features fountains, lotus ponds, and marble pavilions
Location: Near Fateh Sagar
Bagore Ki Haveli
Historic haveli turned into a museum
Evening cultural shows (puppet dance, folk music)
Location: Gangaur Ghat, near Lake Pichola
Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace)
Hilltop palace offering panoramic views
Great for photography during sunset
Reachable by taxi or bike
Take a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola
Explore City Palace and its museums
Attend a cultural show at Bagore Ki Haveli
Walk around old city alleys and discover art shops
Trek to Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary early in the morning
Enjoy a rooftop dinner overlooking the lake
Join a local cooking class or art workshop
Shop for miniature paintings and silver jewelry in Hathipole market
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:
Dal Baati Churma – Baked wheat balls with lentils and sweet crushed wheat
Gatte ki Sabzi – Gram flour dumplings in a yogurt-based curry
Laal Maas – Spicy red meat curry (for non-vegetarians)
Kachori & Mirchi Bada – Spicy deep-fried snacks
Mawa Kachori – Sweet dish with dry fruits
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
Budget Options:
Zostel Udaipur – Social hostel with lake views
Hostel Mantra – Popular among solo travelers
Moustache Hostel – Affordable, clean, central
Mid-Range Hotels:
Jaiwana Haveli – Traditional and close to major attractions
Amet Haveli – Heritage stay with views of the lake
Hotel Udai Kothi – Boutique-style with a rooftop pool
Luxury Hotels:
Taj Lake Palace – Iconic hotel floating on Lake Pichola
The Oberoi Udaivilas – One of India’s finest luxury hotels
Trident Udaipur – Lakeside with beautiful lawns and quiet surroundings
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
Ambrai Ghat – Less crowded than Gangaur Ghat, best for quiet sunset views
Shilpgram – Rural arts and crafts village on the city outskirts
Ahar Cenotaphs – 250+ royal cremation structures not on most tourist maps
Badi Lake – Peaceful, large lake away from the crowds
Pratap Gaurav Kendra – Museum and light show dedicated to Maharana Pratap
Neemach Mata Temple – Short hike for sunrise, minimal tourists
Vintage Car Museum – Great for automobile lovers
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.
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
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.