A guide to visit Udaipur

A guide – how to start an ultimate journey to visit the best tourist attractions and places in Udaipur

When you shortlist Udaipur, Rajasthan as your next holiday destination, gear up to take back wholesome memories of a series of sightseeing locations, tourist spots, landmarks, attractions and luxury hotels in Udaipur. The experience of staying in this city will engulf you with the beauty and culture that it is famous for. Known as the city of lakes and palaces, Udaipur is also popular as the Venice of the East and showcases remarkable 16th century architecture that had been built by the Mewar and the founder of the city - Maharana Udai Singh. Travellers from all around the world are drawn towards what the city has to offer, from tranquil lakefronts and sparkling marble palaces to magnificent temples and heritage gardens.

Let’s take a closer look at the city of Udaipur with a perfect travel guide taking you around the best tourist places in Udaipur, Rajasthan:

The ideal season to visit Udaipur is the winter which falls between October and March. Avoid travelling during the summer as the temperatures may hike up to 30 degrees or more. The monsoon in Udaipur is beautiful too, with the adjoining Aravalli Mountain range getting greener in glory. Budget travellers preferably visit Udaipur during the rainy season as there are fewer tourists and accommodations that are more affordable. During the winter season, tourist activities are in full swing and visitors can enjoy camel riding, trekking, boating, bird watching, shopping, relishing the famous delicacies and exploring the vibrant streets painted with colours of Rajasthani culture. Wandering through the narrow streets of Udaipur is also an experience wherein you can spot many traditional paintings on the white-washed walls.

How you want to commute to Udaipur is a personal choice and also depends upon the proximity of your location. If you are starting from Ahmedabad, Indore or Jaipur, a journey by road or train will take anywhere between 5 to 8 hours. Beginning from other cities in India will take up more travel time. Hence, a preferrable option is always a flight to Udaipur that will take not more than 2 hours to get you to your destination.

Once you arrive in Udaipur, here are some splendid attractions and tourist spots in Udaipur to explore:

Lake Pichola: A serene lake dotted with the best hotels in Udaipur is a must visit attraction. Visit the famous lake side to admire the spectacular sunset and reflection of the palace buildings makes the sight worthwhile. The royal City palace also resides on Lake Pichola; it comprises of 11 small palaces built in granite and marble. Take your time to explore.

Jagdish Temple: It is an impressive Hindu temple with intricate carvings and sculptures. Aarti, a prayer ritual takes place seven times during the course of the day and you can definitely feel a spiritual at a divine place like Jagdish temple in Udaipur.

Monsoon Palace: It is one of the highest points in the city, situated among the hills. As legends have it, royals would visit the monsoon palace to adore the nature during the monsoon season. Today, it is an abandoned palace showcasing some breath-taking views of the surrounding hills, mountains tops as well as the sunset.

Chittorgarh Fort: Plan your day and don’t miss the majestic Chittorgarh Fort, just two hours away from the city of Udaipur. The temples, gates, victory towers and palaces are historic structures in the fort complex reflecting the beauty of historic construction and architecture prevalent in the country at the time they were built. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest forts in India. A must-visit site indeed! 

Bagore Ki Haveli: Located on the shores of Lake Pichola, this grand Haveli in Udaipur is visited by many for the panoramic views it offers. Evenings in the Haveli are lit with Dharohar Dance Show performances that take place in the courtyard. It starts at 07:00 pm and goes on for an hour. The seating arrangement is low with large mattresses set on the terrace floor to give the best views of the alluring folk dance show, exhibiting the culture of Rajasthan.

Fateh Sagar Lake: The beautiful freshwater lake dates back to 1680s; it features several islands with attractions such a solar observatory, Nehru Park, boat rides, and a boat shaped café. Don’t forget to capture some tranquil moments by the lakeside.

Vintage Car Museum: If you feel like taking a break from visiting monuments, spend some time at the museum of luxury vintage wheels. There are classic collections of cars dating back to 1934 - Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz, Ford and many others.

After you are done visiting the majestic forts and palaces, it is time for some shopping in Udaipur. Take home the ethnic beauty of Rajasthan beautifully presented in the artifacts, clothing, footwear, decorative items etc:

There are many famous markets in Udaipur that tourists love exploring – Hathi Pol Bazaar, Bada Bazaar, Mochiwada Bazaar, Chetak Circle, Jagdish Temple Street, Shilpgram, Lake Palace Road, Maldas Street and more! In all these markets, tourists can make the best bargains for – Rajasthani attire, sarees, embroidered fabrics, camel bone jewellery, souvenirs, crockery, khadi products, handicrafts, paintings, leather products, colourful puppets, wooden toys, lanterns and more! Besides shopping in the popular markets of Udaipur, tourists can also enjoy local street food and folk dances that occur at regular intervals.

Palace hotels, luxury stays and 5-star hotels in Udaipur

The royal city of Udaipur is admired for some exquisite luxury hotels that bring regal accommodations, panoramic views, expansive gardens, dramatic themes and unmatched ambience that promises an unforgettable stay.

The Leela Palace Udaipur: The grandeur of this 5-star hotel lies in the tranquil Pichola lakeside location and the surrounding views of Aravalli Mountain ranges. Pamper your senses in the royal heritage rooms and luxury suites, beautifully architected with Indian artwork. The Sheesh Mahal open-air restaurant elevates the level of fine dining. Savour the authentic flavours of Indian cuisine under a clear sky full of stars. The Leela Palace, Udaipur is a stunning five-star property, ideal for dream weddings, extravagant ceremonies and impeccable corporate meetings.

So, if you love history and want to explore the unique culture of Rajasthan, Udaipur is the best place for a peaceful getaway. There is not only culture that crowds Udaipur with tourists but also the royal aura that gives a sense of pride on visiting the majestic palaces, landmarks and heritage sites in city that are famous world over.