Udaipur - The City of Lakes
Udaipur is also known as the “City of Lakes”, is a city in the state of Rajasthan. It is the historic capital of the kingdom of Mewar in the former Rajputana Agency. It was founded in 1558 by Udai Singh II of the Sisodia clan of Rajput when he shifted his capital from the city of Chittorgarh to Udaipur after Chittorgarh was besieged by Akbar. It remained as the capital city till 1818 when it became a British princely state and thereafter the Mewar province became a part of Rajasthan when India gained independence in 1947.
I did my Engineering from Kota which is in Rajasthan and is approx 300 Kms from Udaipur. So have visited Udaipur multiple times in different stages of my life. Sharing all the experiences I had and places you can visit and stay for the best travel experience of Udaipur.
How To Reach Udaipur?
1. Airport: It is situated 22 km from the main city which can take up to 40 mins to reach. Hotels do provide the facility for Taxi book which you can book or can travel on your own. The cost of a Taxi is between 500-700 Rs.
2. Railway: Station is within city limits only where the city palace is around 2.5 km from the railway station. But connectivity of railway routes is a little awkward and you won’t get direct trains from main cities especially the Mumbai-Delhi route.
3. Road: Gujarat border is near to Udaipur where Ahemadabad has International Airport from where you can reach Udaipur by road. Road conditions from Ahmedabad is superb with great road curves which can be enjoyed by both Bikers and Car owners.
places to visit in udaipur
- City Palace
City Palace is the main attraction of Udaipur. It is situated on the bank of lake Pichola. The palace ticket is 300 Rs per person. If you want to know about the history of the palace then you can hire a tour guide who will guide you about the history of Udaipur and this Palace. The tour guide fee is around 300 Rs depending on your bargaining skills. There are 2 activities which you can do in Palace. Buy a ticket and take a Palace tour or buy a Boat ride ticket and visit Jagmandir Island Palace. It is highly recommended that you do both.City Palace is very big and it will take you around 1.5 Hrs to visit the whole palace even without a guide. - Jagmandir
City Palace has two main gates from where you can enter. But from both the entry gates you need to reach Rajghat for the boat ride. The ticket for visiting Jagmandir is also 400-800 Rs per person. For foreigners, the price is even higher. The boat from Rajghar will take you to Jagmandir Island Palace and the overall experience is very fascinating. The boat ride is around 20 mins one way where they will take the whole round of Pichola Lake. After reaching Jagmandir you can enjoy the lake view and also you can do lunch or dinner in the restaurant. The best time to visit this place is during sunset, where you can enjoy a buffet dinner along with drinks but it is very expensive compared to all other hotels which have similar lake view in Udaipur.
Note – If you are visiting Jagmandir before 1 PM then the cost of the boat ride is 400 Rs per person and if you are visiting after that then the cost is 800 Rs. So make sure to visit early but then you won’t be able to enjoy the sunset, so it all depends on your priority what you want to do. But the sunset view from Udaipur is the same from everywhere if you are around the lake.
Sajjangarh Fort
- Sajjangarh Fort
Also known as Monsoon Palace is around 8 Kms from City Palace. It can be reached by the road where you will drive through wildlife sanctuary to the very top of the hill from where you can have the bird’s eye view of the whole Udaipur. From here you will be able to spot two main lakes – Lake Pichola and Fatehsagar Lake. The ticket cost you around is 70 Rs per person plus extra charges for your vehicle. It is called Monsoon Palace because it is situated at the top of Aravali hills and the view from the top is breathtaking during Monsoon. You can visit here before 5 PM for the sunset view. - Karni Mata Ropeway
In India, no city tour is complete without visiting a Temple. Karni Mata temple is situated at the top of Machla Magra Hills near City Palace. It’s a must-visit tourist attraction if you want to see Udaipur city from Top. Compared to Sajjangarh fort, this view is as close it gets just in the center of the city. Where one side whole of Udaipur city is there and on the other side Lake Pichola. It hardly takes 5 mins to reach the top from Ropeway. The cost of Ropeway is around 100 Rs. - Vintage Car Museum
If you are a car lover then Vintage Car Museum is heaven’s delight. The museum gives a brief insight into the luxurious life of members of the royal family. It is open daily from 9 AM – 9 PM for a cost of 250 Rs for adults and 150 Rs for children. - Ambrai and Gangaur Ghat
Do visit 2 very famous ghats present in pichola lake. Amrai Ghat can be visited after sunset too where you will be able to see beautiful City Palace under lights. - Prince Trails Horse Riding
We did not get chance to experience it due to covid as it was closed as per govt guidelines. But it is a very good experience which you can have. Read about it before going. - Helicopter Joy Ride
We did not get chance to experience it because of unavailability of time slots. Make sure you book ride 2 weeks in advance so that you get time slots. - Celebration Mall
Mall is not a tourist spot but this mall is unique which gives a unque Maharaj feeling when you enter inside. If you have time then do check it out. - Krishna Dal Bhati
Rajasthan local food dish is Dal Bhati and in Udaiour Krishna Dal Bhati is a must visit which offers unlimited food at a cost of 300 Per head. - Palewal Kachori
Do not leave Udaipur without trying Palewal Kachori. They have lots of food variety but their Kachori is mouthwatering which cannot be missed.
Bahubali hills
- Bahubali Hills
Hills are situated near another lake named Badi lake is the new hotspot in Udaipur. This has been recently discovered by travelers and is considered as one of the favorite Hidden Gem of Udaipur. It is around 12 Kms from City Palace and after reaching here you will have to hike for around 15-20 minutes to reach the top. It is a moderate trek but wear proper shoes. After reaching the top of the hills, you will have one of the best photo sessions in Udaipur. The atmosphere at the top is very peaceful and you will love it with great Badi Lake view. - Hathipole Market
It is considered one of the Best Things to See in Udaipur. It is a colorful and beautiful market and attracts many tourists. It is also known for its specialty in Mewar’s art and craft. It is one of the most popular markets in Udaipur for all shopping lovers. You can find delightful handicrafts and artwork done by local artists. Here, you can buy authentic souvenirs, miniature paintings, colorful Nagra slippers, traditional jewelry, wooden handicrafts, and much more at reasonable prices. - Jagdish Temple and Street shopping
Situated near City Palace, this temple is a must-visit place that offers a unique stone art exterior around the temple. Same as Hathipole market you will find everything which you can buy in Udaipur along with great lake Pichola view. Sometimes the narrow streets become too crowded due to incoming traffic. There is no place to park your car so make sure you park your vehicle in government allotted parking available near City Palace.
If you want to explore places near Udaipur then below mentioned places are amazing for a Day Trip - Chittorgarh Fort
The Chittorgarh Fort is the largest fort in India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You need whole one day to explore this fort where you will see battle field ground as well. Chittorgarh is 112 Kms away from Udaipur. If you are planning to visit then make sure to come back as there is no such good option for hotel stay. - Kumbhalgarh Fort
Kumbhalgarh is famous for the second largest wall in the world after China. The wall is around 38 Kms which is a Mewar fortress on the westerly range of Aravalli Hills. There is a light show inside fort which happens after sunset which is in Hindi Language. So if you are foreigner then do not wait for it because there is no translator.
Kunbhalgarh has many great resort to offer where you can enjoy luxurious stay. There is also wildlife night safari which you can do. Kumbhalgarh is 85 Kms from Udaipur.
- Ranakpur
Ranakpur is 95 Kms from Udaipur which is famous for Jain Temple. Also if you want to experience life of camels that how locals live with them and take care of them then you can visit Ranakpur camel lodge for a unique experience.
- Bahubali Hills
Hotels to stay and visit
Udaipur is famous for its luxury hotels with great lake views. If you want to feel Udaipur which is famous for its lake then make sure to stay in hotels that are available around Lake Pichola.
Depending on your budgets here are few suggestions for hotels where you can stay. All of them have a lake view either from room or terrace.
Expensive luxury Hotels : (Click for booking)
Hotel Oberoi
Laxmi Vilas Palace (Recommended)
Taj Lake Palace
Medium Range Hotels : (Click for booking)
Jagat Niwas Palace (Recommended)
Upre Hotel
Amet Haveli
Hotel Tiger
Backpacker/Budget Friendly : (Click for booking)
Gypsy Child Lake Hostel (Recommended)
Moustache Hostel (Recommended)
Gostops Udaipur
Note :
If you want to visit hotels just for food then make sure to reserve your table in advance for Jagat Niwas / Upre / Amet.
I have been to above mentioned all Medium and Budget-friendly hotels which have great lake view. Moustache is a little far away from the lake but from its terrace, you can still see the lake. Included moustache because of its chill vibe and Table tennis arena on 4th floor.
Gypsy Child Lake has a private room that comes with a private terrace. According to me, this is the best option available in Udaipur.
So this was my suggestions which will help you out to plan Udaipur Trip in a better way. If you have any questions then do contact me.