The Best Things to Do in Udaipur
After bustling Delhi, touristy Agra, and lively Jaipur, spending a week in Udaipur was a welcome change of pace to end our Rajasthan itinerary. Known as ‘The City of Lakes’ and dubbed as the most romantic city in India, Udaipur is, dare we say it, peaceful...and unquestionably charming. Yes, if you think Jaipur is picturesque, wait until you get to Udaipur!
Shiny white marble buildings studded with frescoes of colored glass mosaic and paintings, bursts of vibrant bougainvillea, and breezy gazebos by vast lakes, of which there are seven, by the way. It’s no wonder Udaipur is often referred to as the Venice of the East. All seven of the constructed lakes are freshwater, but the largest of them, Pichola, dates back all the way to 1362! We took our time soaking up the charm and discovering Udaipur’s attractions to be able to make the best suggestions. We hope this Udaipur travel guide will help you plan your own itinerary.
Udaipur’s Best Attractions
Udaipur Palaces
There is no better place to start than the most visited tourist attraction in Udaipur – City Palace. It’s the largest palace in Rajasthan built in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II, the founder of this eponymous city, and extended bit by bit over hundreds of years. Sitting on the banks of Lake Pichola, City Palace is truly a work of art featuring remarkable architecture and a treasure trove of artifacts. As usual, you get the best experience if you go at opening time.
Another spectacular place to visit in Udaipur is Monsoon Palace. Perched up on a hilltop of Aravalli peaks, this white marble palace is seen from all over Udaipur. It was built in the 19th century as a monsoon retreat for royalty. It’s a breathtaking work of architecture from where you can also enjoy some of the best views over the City Palace and Lake Fateh Sagar. What is the best time to visit Monsoon Palace? Yes, you guessed, at sunset for spectacular vistas!
Temples
You might think that by this point in our India itinerary, we may have had enough of temples, but in India, they somehow keep getting more impressive. This was definitely the case with Jagdish Temple, the most popular of Udaipur attractions. It’s the hand-carved Hindu iconography from top to bottom that makes the Jagdish temple so fascinating. With a steeple reaching approximately 79 feet, it’s the tallest temple in Udaipur consisting of three levels covered with intricate depictions of Hindu mythology, figures of deities, dancers, horses, and elephants, which is incredulous given the temple was built in 1651.
Karni Mata Temple is one of the most unusual and offbeat places to explore in Udaipur. “Why?”, you ask. It’s a rat temple. According to local lore, rats are believed to be reincarnated ancestors, which is why they are kept and fed in Hindu Karni Mata temples. And though they don’t roam freely by thousands like at the temple near Bikaner, but kept in enclosures instead, it is still an interesting sight. Getting to the temple by cable car is also a fun affair, not to mention, a great photo opportunity of the surrounding views.
Forts
The following two landmarks are magnificent forts located about two hours out of the city and make for excellent day trips from Udaipur. We recommend visiting them on separate days since they are located on opposite sides of Udaipur.
Northwest of Udaipur lays a medieval citadel built in the 15th century called Khumbarlargh Fort. Its walls stretch for 36 kilometers amidst the Aravallis mountains, making it the second-largest fort in the world after the Great Wall of China. Hence, this UNESCO-listed site is referred to as the Great Wall of India. Steeped in the history of Mewar rulers and battles, there are many temples, palaces, and gardens to explore on site.
The other historically significant and fascinating landmark is Fort Chittorgarh, located northeast of Udaipur. Dating back all the way to the 7th century, the stories that surround this structure are dramatic and enthralling. On top of that, it is visually striking, with a fort reservoir and a 72-foot engraved tower above it. So, don’t rush your visit, and better yet, hire a guide.
Sunsets
Udaipur is ridden with sunset-watching spots, each offering a unique view of the city being veiled with all kinds of incredible shades of pink, red, purple, and the signature orange. In addition to the aforementioned Monsoon Palace, we sampled various spots each evening of our 7 days in Udaipur, so here are a few more recommendations.
Watching the sunset from Udaipur’s main ghat, a stairwell leading down to Lake Pichola, is a truly memorable experience. Perhaps not the most peaceful sunset viewing since Gangaur Ghat is a popular place among tourists and locals alike, but it’s the perfect spot to observe the pace of life, accompanied by live Sarangi performances, and wing flapping as the infamous swarms of feathered residents – pigeons, get chased around. And of course, score some amazing photos.
One of our favorite ways to enjoy the sunset was from a boat amidst Lake Pichola. On the lake, there is an island occupied by Jag Niwas Palace. It used to be a summer water palace, akin to the Jal Mahal we saw in Jaipur. But today, Jag Niwas is known as Taj Lake Palace – a luxury hotel that does not admit visitors unless you have reservations. And not to worry in case you don't because the view of the palace and the city on the banks is even better from the water, especially when the fruit bats begin to fly over the lake at dusk. Taking a boat ride on Lake Pichola at sunset is the most romantic activity for couples looking for things to do in Udaipur, no doubt!
And from Lake Fateh Sagar, nature's evening spectacle is impressive for the surrounding Aravalli hills that frame the lake and look majestic come sunset. There are three islands on the lake that you can visit too. One of them is Nehru Island, a picturesque park. The second is another park famous for its water-jet fountain, and the last one is home to Udaipur Solar Observatory.
Another popular sunset activity in Udaipur is to take a yoga class. Signs are pointing to rooftop studios all over town. While that does seem like a perfectly fitting activity to end your day of exploring as you enjoy the change of colors, we still haven’t warmed up to yoga since Lake Atitlan, Guatemala, and resorted to savoring the view sans folding our bodies in half.
Miniature Art
From vibrant murals around town to tiny pocket-sized depictions sold in workshops, Udaipur oozes with art. But miniature paintings are especially popular here. You’ll find workshops and souvenir stores selling tiny artwork on silk or paper that was painted with a fine pointed brush. This is a local traditional art form that’s been passed down through generations. Such tiny paintings make for the perfect souvenir even for minimalist travelers, like us, because they are feather-light. And if you want to try it for yourself, don’t hesitate to take a class.
Should you prefer to wear your art, then block-printed clothing with tiny designs might be more up your alley. You can pick from ready-made clothes, or have something tailor-made just for you and your loved ones back home. And the tailors are lightning fast, so don’t worry if you have limited time in Udaipur!
Rajasthani Cuisine
If you’ve read our Jaipur post or researched the topic yourself in preparation for your trip, you’ll know that Rajasthani cuisine explodes with flavor and you can never go wrong ordering a Rajasthani thali – a tray consisting of lentils, curry, sweet paste, and bread. But lakefront dining is Udaipur’s calling card. To enjoy a uniquely Udaipur dining experience with a stunning view, we recommend Ambrai at Amet Haveli. A self-proclaimed ‘best lakeside restaurant’ in Udaipur, it aims to satisfy all of your senses. Make sure to book in advance to reserve the best seats in-house and indulge in Rajasthani cuisine while admiring the historic skyline.
Did these Udaipur attractions convince you to add it to your Rajasthan itinerary? We certainly hope to return to this magical place, if only to savor one more of those fiery sunsets. But for now, we have a flight to catch to Mumbai.