There is a peacefulness about Udaipur that is unlike any other Indian city. And yet somehow conversely with the serenity there is a list of things to do in Udaipur that are fit to match and expectations of Maharaja. It truly is a beautiful Rajasthani city.
It’s easy. It’s grand. And if you haven’t yet imagined yourself lunching on rooftops and choosing between palaces to meander, then Udaipur is where it’s at.
Here is everything you need to know about getting to the fabulous City of Lakes and all the must-see things to do in Udaipur to make the most of your India itinerary.
- About Udaipur
- Is it worth visiting?
- How long do you need?
- Best time to visit
- Things to do in Udaipur
– Udaipur City Palace
– Pichola Lake
– The Ghats
– Jagdish Temple
– Bagore-ki-Haveli Museum
– Bada Bazar
– Daiji Bridge
– Jagmandir Island
– Udaipur Clock Tower
– Manji ka Mandir - Getting to Udaipur
- Where to eat
- Where to stay in Udaipur
About Udaipur
Udaipur is known famously as the ‘City of Lakes’. It is a small city in the south of Rajasthan nestled below the ridges of the beautiful Aravalli Hills.
It was once the seat of the royal family of Maharana Udai Singh II. And with extravagant palaces and havelis that date back to the 16th century still visitable – and admirable – today. It is also renowned as being India’s ‘most romantic spot’.
It truly does live up to expectations of a peace and grandeur. Udaipur is a stunning destination in Rajasthan. And for visitors it is a safe and easy place to travel in India.
Is it worth visiting Udaipur? What is special about it?
Udaipur is a favourite city for many visiting India. There is a peaceful nature to what is known as the City of Lakes and it’s hard not to favour the serenity. And especially when you consider the comparison to the chaos and busyness of any other Rajasthani city.
Gavin posted from Udaipur that if you want to get a feel for India ‘without getting your hands dirty’ then Udaipur is it.
And it kind of is.
That sums up the ease of exploring Udaipur. It really is a small city feeling. It feels safe and it’s not stressful at all. (Sorry, India, but stress is assumed navigating other municipalities).
So, definitely. It’s well worth visiting Udaipur. It has serenity and glorious palaces from a royal era unmatched anywhere in the hemisphere. It’s got beautiful lakes. And because of all of this said calm, it’s become a popular place for visitors and thus has great cafes and restaurants with regal rooftop views fit for maharaja.
How long do you need?
Udaipur is a small city by Indian standards. That alone depicts less time required. But truthfully, I think part of Udaipur’s draw is the quiet nature of this city and for that reason many travellers choose to pause in Udaipur for work or rest or both.
If it’s your first time to Udaipur I’d say you need two days, two nights to explore and enjoy some of the great cafes and restaurants.
We are used to travelling faster and aren’t so good at pausing for relaxation anywhere. And especially not in India! We had four full days on our first trip to Udaipur and I’d say that was overkill.
The City Palace and Lake Pichola are the main things to do in Udaipur and both of those can be thoroughly enjoyed in one day. The rest is a bonus.
What is the best time to visit Udaipur?
Udaipur has a hot, semi-arid climate. It is in the south of Rajasthan, but like the other Rajasthani cities, Udaipur is best visited in the winter months from October to March.
One challenge in Udaipur
There are a lot of overly attentive and talkative touts in Udaipur. If there’s one thing to complain about in this quiet city that’s got to be it. It’s a real pain.
The marketplace and even as soon as you cross the footbridge to the Ghats there will be men approaching you for conversation you didn’t initiate.
“Where are you from? Oh! I’m going to New Zealand next month.”
“Nice tattoos, brother. Come see my shop?” (to Gavin). “Do you want some marijuana?” “I like your dress. Come see my shop. You will offend me if you say no”.
Offend away, travellers. A firm ‘NO’ is the only way up from unsuccessful first efforts with ‘no thank you’.
I think we officially met four hawkers that told us they were going to New Zealand ‘next month’ after we told them where we were from.
It feels silly now, but I confess we were excited when the first guy told us his plans. By the second and then the third we were not amused and wondered how many planned expeditions to New Zealand we might gather by the end of four days if we continued our mellow initial response.
The touts seem more concentrated because the city is overall calmer and smaller. Ill give it that. But they are annoying. Be firm and say no. (And don’t get sucked in to any travellers planning work trips or otherwise to your country either!).
Things to do in Udaipur / What to see in Udaipur and what not to miss…
It’s a beautifully small city and there is just the right amount of things to do in Udaipur that give the destination a romantic and regal nuance.
1. Udaipur City Palace
The imposing City Palace of Udaipur is Rajasthan’s largest palace. It is the highlight of things to do in Udaipur.
The palace construction was begun in 1599 by Maharana Udai Singh II, the city’s founder, and extended by royal rulers of the city over the centuries to follow. The façade is 244m long and 30m high. It’s unmistakable. And given the small(ish) size of the city of Udaipur it’s likely that even on arrival to your accommodation you will spot the City Palace from anywhere in the old city.
The main part of the City Palace is open as the City Palace Museum and it is well worth the ticket entry. The palace museum is extravagantly decorated with artefacts, art, décor, mirrors and paintings collected from Rajasthan and the royal families of Udaipur.
Manak Mahal, the Ruby Palace, is my favourite. (If I had to choose palaces, right?). The light is stunning in the Ruby Palace room with more rainbow-coloured stained glass and mirrored walls than ruby itself.
The courtyards (yes, there are more courtyards) inside the enormous central courtyard are equally magnificent.
Mor Chowk translates to Peacock Courtyard and has three prized mosaic peacocks which represent summer, winter and the monsoon season. And there is the central Badi Charur Chowk which was used for music and dance.
Visiting the City Palace, Udaipur
Some of the sites to look out for inside the City Palace and Museum include:
- Badi Pol (Great Gate)
- Sheetla Mata Gate
- Chandra Chowk Gate
- Manak Mahal (Ruby Palace)
- Badi Mahal (Garden Palace)
- Mor Chowk (Peacock Courtyard)
- Zenana Mahal (Ladies Quarters)
Entry to the City Palace is through the enormous gates at each end.
- Tip: Tickets for the palace and internal museum can be bought at either of the main gate entrances. And do note that even if you want to pass through to take a boat ride on Lake Pichola (see below) you will need an entry ticket to the main courtyard area.
2. Lake Pichola / Things to do in Udaipur
The City Palace tops any list of things to do in Udaipur. But you can’t visit the City of Lakes without clapping eyes on and appreciating the main icon of the city, Lake Pichola.
It is an artificial lake built in 1362. It was enlarged by Maharana Udai Singh II, the founder of Udaipur, by flooding Picholi village and the lake was renamed Pichola.
The lake is now 4km long by 3km wide and is a mirror-like body of the water that regally reflects the grey blue of the surrounding mountains.
The peaceful nature of Lake Pichola is what gives Udaipur its reputation as a romantic setting. And it really is a serene outlook admiring the lake from any of the surrounding Ghats or rooftops.
It is possible to take a boat cruise on the lake. From the water you can see the impressive Jag Mandir Island Palace with the welcoming row of marble elephants lining the jetty. And cruise past the stunning Jal Mahal (Water Palace) with the private Taj Palace Hotel.
There are two other islands, Mohan Mandir and Arsi Vilas, that are also part of Lake Pichola. But the best view from the water is looking back at the incredible city palace and extending Havelis lining the lake.
3. The Ghats
A Ghat, is a term used in India to refer to the series of steps leading down to a body of water. Often the steps are multi-purposed and used to enter the water for bathing or for a place of cremation along the banks of a river or lake.
There aren’t as many Ghats as at Pushkar’s Holy Lake. But the serne Lake Pichola has numerous Ghats spread around the cityside of the waterline.
As a visitor the ghats are a fascinating place to observe. Respectfully, obviously. Because historically some of the ghats were dedicated to use for cremations. And the others are still used daily for worshipping.
Gangaur Ghat and Ambrai Ghat are the largest and most frequented Ghats in Udaipur. Nowadays these are popular for watching sunset from. But Gangaur Ghat is
4. Jagdish Temple / Things to do in Udaipur
Jagdish Temple is a famous Hindu temple situated in the middle of Udaipur. It is located just outside the City Palace and is considered one of the key landmarks in the city. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and was built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651.
The temple is easy to find and hard to miss in the middle of Udaipur’s busy bazar. And likewise, the temple itself is bustling and busy. There is a flight of stairs leading up to the temple flanked by elephant statues on each side.
Photography of the deities is not permitted inside the temple. But it is well worth the 150 steps up to the main structure to see the enshrined black stone image of Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the Universe.
There is also a brass image of the Garuda (Vishnu’s man-bird vehicle) guarding the entrance of the shrine and facing the main structure.
5. Bagore-ki-Haveli Museum
Bagore-ki Haveli is an 18th-century mansion on the shore of Lake Pichola at the ever-busy Gangaur Ghat. The Haveli has been carefully restored and converted into a museum. There are 138 rooms set around the internal courtyards and decorated in the style of the era it was built.
The museum is open daily and showcases the restored Haveli interior and frescoes as well as artefacts from around the region. And in the evening the venue offers a performance of traditional dance and music of Rajasthan.
Even if you don’t have time to go into the museum or the evening show on this visit to Udaipur it is equally impressive viewed from the outside on Gangaur Ghat. Even at a glance the exterior façade of the haveli offers a captivating glimpse of Udaipur’s royal past.
- Tip: Bagore-ki Haveli and gallery museum is open from 9:30am to 5:30pm and costs 100 INR entry for foreigners.
6. Bada Bazar / Udaipur Market
Bada Bazar is the main marketplace in Udaipur. It stretches from the main entrance to the City Palace through the main street and increasingly narrow alleyways outwards towards the lake and onwards to the Clock Tower and beyond.
It is a typically vibrant Indian bazar with small shops, stalls and kiosks crammed into every nook and cranny and sprawling onto the street fronts in any consumable space. Its busy and colourful. And there is everything from miniature artwork on grains of rice to elephant pants and leather handbags (genuine and otherwise).
The market is famous for the Meenakari jewellery design of Rajasthan as well.
There is a plethora of small shops, showrooms and proudly announced ‘galleries’. It’s busy, but nonetheless it’s a great place for a wander and definitely one of the things to do in Udaipur that rather gleefully bucks the reputed serenity of the lake city.
7. Daiji Bridge and Chand Pole / Things to do in Udaipur
Daiji Bridge is a pedestrian foot bridge over Lake Pichola. If you want to go to Ambrai Ghat from Gangaur Ghat on foot, or in the direction, this is the path that will take you there.
When we arrived in Udaipur by train and got a rickshaw to our guesthouse in Tripura, on the shore opposite Gangaur Ghat we drove over Chand Pole Bridge.
From the rickshaw we had a first glimpse of the lake, and we could see the Ghats clearly from the bridge. It was early morning but there were women crouched on the Ghats between the two bridges doing laundry in the lake.
The pedestrian route over Daiji Bridge from Tripura became part of our Udaipur routine and it was always interesting to see life on Ghats from both sides of the bridge.
8. Jagmandir Island
Jagmandir is one of four small islands on Lake Pichola. The island is home to the iconic Jagmandir Water Palace which was once the summer residence of the royal family.
Now, because Lake Pichola is restricted with boat access (it’s nothing like the boat chaos of Varanasi) the only way to get there is on a scheduled boat tour. The boats depart on the hour from the dock just below the City Palace.
- You can’t stay on Jagmandir Island. But the neighbouring island boasts the Taj Lake Palace with a luxury hotel and a popular elite wedding venue. Check out the incredible rooms and rates to stay in an actual Indian palace.
9. Udaipur Clock Tower / Ghanta Ghar
It’s a good excuse for a wander around the city to find your way to Ghanta Ghar. The landmark clock tower was the first public clock tower in Udaipur and was built in 1887 as a souvenir to the royal family of Mewar.
The clock tower is located right in the heart of the old city in the middle of the bustling Bada Bazar and shopping district. The Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) area in particular is well-known for its jewellery.
10. Manji ka Mandir / Ambrai Ghat
In all our Ghat-wanderings in Udaipur the one that stood out the most was the peaceful Ambrai Ghat.
Albeit it might have been a little bit to do with the fabulous Ambrai Restaurant on the same Ghat. But sunset on the small, narrow Ghat is stunning and without the crowds of the opposite shore.
Ambrai Ghat houses the small Manji ka Mandir; a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Shiva and Hanuman.
Enjoy the sunset and try dinner afterwards at the beautiful Ambrai Restaurant.
Things to do in Udaipur. The verdict?
Now, I don’t want to offend Udaipur fans. But we found it underwhelming. Peaceful. But borderline boring.
Perhaps it’s in comparison to the adventure of thriving in India’s megacities. Or the journey to get to what feels so far from the norm in Jaisalmer or Varanasi and beyond. But Udaipur is so laid back and easy it was underwhelming in the sense it felt created for tourists only.
It’s somewhat like being in a resort town. But with more Ghats, obviously. There are perfectly curated palaces and artefacts to witness. And elephant-pants galore if tourist-shopping is your thing.
However, if relaxing and easy is indeed also your thing, Udaipur will be perfect. It is likely one of the easiest destinations we’ve travelled to in India. Which makes it ideal to add to your itinerary for a first trip to India.
It’s beautiful. It’s stunning. And it’s safe and easy. And there is history, food, and no shortage of Insta-worthy things to do in Udaipur.
So, would we recommend visiting Udaipur?
Yes. It’s one of India’s treasures and easy one to navigate at that.
Getting TO Udaipur / How to get to Udaipur from Jaipur, Delhi or Ajmer
Udaipur is well connected. It is in the southern region of the state of Rajasthan and is reachable by road, rail and air. The Udaipur Dabok Airport, also known as Maharana Pratap Airport is a small airport around 22 kilometres from the city. There are regular flights from Delhi and Mumbai, Jaipur and Kolkata.
Interestingly, Udaipur is almost exactly situated in the middle of the two largest cities in India. Both Mumbai and Delhi are approximately 760km from Udaipur. But by road it would take around 12 hours in either direction.
Jaipur and Ajmer are closer Rajasthani destinations by road.
- Jaipur to Udaipur (road): 6 hr 40 min (396.9 km)
- Jodhpur to Udaipur (road): 4 hr 54 min (244.2 km)
- Ajmer to Udaipur (road): 4 hr 40 min (284.4 km)
But overall, the easiest way to get to Udaipur is by train. The city has two railway stations: Udaipur City Railway Station and Rana Pratap Nagar Railway Station.
- Jaipur to Udaipur (train): 7 – 8 hours
- Delhi to Udaipur (train): 12 – 14 hours
- Ajmer to Udaipur (train): 4 – 6 hours
Both stations are close to Udaipur, and it is easy to get a taxi or auto rickshaw from the station to your accommodation.
And a bonus! Check out the wall art in the ticketing area of Udaipur City Railway Station. It has examples of Pichwai art, a local style that tells stories of cowherds and Lord Krishna.
- Read our guide to travel in India by train and book your train journey well in advance.
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Beyond all the fab things to do in Udaipur, we also have all kinds of adventures in India to share on our YouTube channel…
Where to eat / Restaurants and cafes in Udaipur
- Jheel’s Ginger: This is a great location right on the lake front with an upper story café floor and slices and iced coffees to write home about.
- Ambrai Restaurant: Ambrai has a breathtakingly beautiful patio. It is everything that you imagine of fine dining surrounded by Indian palaces (with a great Rogan Josh lamb curry!).
- Manak Chowk, City Palace: Right in the centre of the City Palace courtyard is one café and restaurant serving brilliant, iced coffee.
- Café Edelweiss: It’s not that you want to be distracted from the things to do in Udaipur. But if the name doesn’t transport you somewhere far away from Ghats, the date and walnut pie will. In a good way!
- Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel: This was one of the filming locations for The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel movie if you remember the gin incident on the rooftop? Amazing views. And what better place to try a cocktail with a view!
Where to stay in Udaipur
We stayed at Hotel Lake Star, a small hotel guesthouse on the Tripura side of the lake. It was a great location in close walking distance to the main Bada Bazar and the City Palace. But enough away from the crowds that it felt unbelievably peaceful.
The hotel is a family run business with breakfast included and great views from the simple, but spacious rooftop restaurant.
Where else to stay in India
There are some great places to stay in India. But I’ll be the first to admit that starting out searching for accommodation in India is a bit of a needle-in-a-haystack type challenge.
These are the hotels and accommodation we use regularly on our travels in India and that we can recommend for your trip.
- Amritsar: Hyatt Regency
We have a fabulous stay each time at the Hyatt Regency with a swimming pool, restaurant and the incredible breakfast buffet.
- Varanasi: Hotel Temple on Ganges
Great location; basic rooms and restaurant. Close to Assi Ghat – good location to explore Varanasi from.
- Jaisalmer: The Wanderlust Guesthouse
AMAZING guest-house! We love staying here and can highly recommend. Great rooms; rooftop restaurant overlooking the fort; awesome camel safaris!
- New Delhi Airport: Taurus Sarovar Portico [beautiful hotel only a few km’s from Delhi International Airport. A great first stop arriving in India with buffet breakfast included and a restaurant onsite.
- Delhi: Hotel Hari Piorko
Good location in the heart of the Main Bazaar, Delhi. Close to restaurants and train station. No view from rooms.
- Delhi: Smyle Inn
Extremely basic hotel in small back alley but with very friendly, helpful staff and simple breakfast included. Just off Main Bazaar.
Where else to stay in India
- Kolkata: Hotel Golden Palace
Close to New Market with very friendly service and a great in-house room service restaurant.
- Mumbai: Gulf Hotel
Good location in Colaba few mins walk to Gateway of India. Basic rooms (and very old elevator) and very basic breakfast included. Also lots of (questionably so?) mirrors.
- Jodhpur: Raj Mandir Boutique Homestay
Good location in Blue City, spacious room with small balcony inside Haveli style home. Tiny little doors, lots of unique decor and artefacts.
- Jaipur: Jaipur Haveli
Incredible old haveli home in heart of Jaipur. Highly recommend with beautiful rooms and great attention to detail and very friendly staff and owners.
- Agra: Aman Homestay
Very friendly family-run homestay with rooftop views of The Taj Mahal. Great rickshaw driver service and home cooked meals.
- Kochi: Hotel Abad Plaza
Good location next to mall with supermarket. Multiple restaurants on site; huge buffet breakfast. Swimming pool. Note this hotel is not in the old city of Kochi.
More about travel planning for India and beyond…
These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have travel insurance before riding those trains in India!
Read more from travel in South Asia
- How to use a squat toilet: Everything you didn’t want to ask…
- Our complete packing list for travel in India.
- Taking an overnight train in Pakistan.
- How to apply for a Pakistan e-Visa: And can you use it at the Wagah Border?
- Crossing the Wagah Border from India to Pakistan.
- Pakistan with kids: A complete guide to travel in Pakistan.
- Using ATM’s, withdrawing and carrying your money safely in India.
1 thought on “10 Things to do in Udaipur and why it is the easiest Indian city to visit.”
Wow this is a wonderful article Sarah.
it is truly amazing the research and detail that you put in.
Traveller’s will learn so much from this realistic appraisal of your travels through India. Excellent work