Known as the Venice of the East, the City of Lakes, and one of India’s most romantic cities, Udaipur has a lot to offer any traveller (not just the honeymooners!).
Located in southern Rajasthan, Udaipur is a semi-arid desert city, meaning it is hot all year long with a monsoon season.
The area along the Ahar River, which now supplies water to Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar Lake, has been inhabited by small tribes of people since at least 2000 BCE according to fossils found along its shores.
The city of Udaipur was founded thousands of years later in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II as a capital for the Mewar kingdom. It is said that a hermit living in the foothills of the Aravalli Range advised the king to build his residence there and blessed him with safety. Sure enough, when the Mughal Emperor Akbar conquered Chittor in 1567, Udal Singh II was able to build a wall around his land and keep it safe from conquer by Akbar.
Despite later accepting vassalship to Mughal rule, Udaipur largely remained unaffected by Mughal influence because the surrounding terrain was too difficult for the armies to traverse.
Today, the Mewar Dynasty is still maintained by the 76th custodian, Maharana Mahendra Singh Mewar.
Over time, the city has sprawled along the east bank of Lake Pichola and the surrounding Aravelli Hills, becoming a quaint, fascinating, romantic Indian cityscape.
Top Tourist Attractions in Udaipur
There are more things to see and do in Udaipur than you can count, so you certainly won’t be bored on your trip! While we can’t possibly list every activity and site in the city, we can give you a rundown of 10 of the most interesting things to include on your travel itinerary!
Behold the Beautiful Lake Palace
Formerly the summer palace for the royals of the Mewar Dynasty, the Lake Palace is now a gorgeous hotel situated on the island of Jag Niwas in Lake Pichola. Its construction makes it appear as though it is floating on the lake’s surface, and its flawless white marble exterior makes it look ethereal.
Built in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, the palace faces East so the inhabitants could pray to Surya as soon as the sun rose. Inside the courtyard, you can find beautiful gardens and fountains, and even an extravagant lily pond. Though the palace fell into disrepair in the 1800s, it was renovated in the 1960s and is now the grand luxury hotel you see today.
This staple of Udaipur tourist places has been the vacation destination for many famous figures across the globe and was even featured in a James Bond film!
Explore the Grand City Palace
When Udai Singh II moved his headquarters to the foothills of the Aravalli Range and took the hermit’s advice to build his capital, the City Palace was where Udai Singh began construction.
He began building the Rai Angan royal courtyard in 1553, and over the course of 400 years and 22 generations, it has been added on to by several different rulers of the Mewar Dynasty.
Today, the complex is actually made of 11 smaller palaces and other structures. Walking through the palace(s) can be confusing, as the corridors are designed in a zig-zag way to hinder any intruders.
In the palatial complex, you can find features including:
- The Suraj Gokhda (public address facade)
- The Mor-chowk (Peacock courtyard)
- The Dilkhush Mahal (Heart's Delight - Art hall)
- The Surya Chopar
- The Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Glass and Mirrors)
- The Moti Mahal (Palace of Pearls)
- The Krishna Vilas
- The Bhim Vilas
- The Amar Vilas
- The Badi Mahal
- The Fateprakash Palace (now a heritage hotel)
- The Shiv Niwas Palace (now a heritage hotel)
- A post office, bank, and travel agency
- Craft shops and boutiques
- The Shambu Niwas (current royal residence)
Observe the Sky at the Monsoon Palace
Also called the Sajjan Garh Palace, this hilltop residence was built in 1884 for young Maharana Sajjan Singh and was intended to be an astronomical centre. However, the early death of Sajjan Singh caused that plan to be abandoned. It’s still a great lookout for observing incoming monsoon clouds as well as beautiful sunsets and the surrounding landscape.
Recently, the palace was opened to the public and is now maintained by the Forest Department of the Government of Rajasthan. The palace is also surrounded by Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, which was established in 1987.
Meander Through Saheliyon-ki-Bari
Known as the Courtyard or Garden of the Maidens, this peaceful paradise was built in 1734 by Maharana Sangram Singh for the 48 royal handmaids to the Queen. It features rambling garden pathways, beautiful fountains, and even fun activities like Indian folk dancing and puppet shows.
Receive Blessings at the Historic Jagdish Temple
Once called the Jagannath Rai, Jagdish Temple has been in continuous worship since its completion and opening in 1651. Inside, you can find idols of Garuda, Lord Vishnu, God Jagannath, Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Sun Goad, and Goddess Shakti.
The architecture and intricate carvings are a sight to behold, and there is a marble slab inside that is said to relieve bodily pain when you rub the affected area upon its surface.
You can find the timings for the temple services on the website.
Marvel at the Intricate Kesariyaji Temple
This Jain temple dedicated to Lord Rishabhanatha (aka Adinatha) was completed in 874 CE and is a very important pilgrimage site for Jains and Hindus today.
In the parikrama path around the temple, you can find idols for deities such as Charbhuja Vishnu, Parshvanatha, and Somnath Shiva.
Elsewhere in the temple, there are idols of Ajitnatha, Sambhavanatha, Sumatinatha and Neminatha. The main idol of Rishabhanatha is said to be known to grant wishes.
Bathe at the Lake Pichola Ghats
Lake Pichola is an artificial lake which was constructed in 1362. It is fed by the Sisarma stream, which is a tributary of river Kotra. While the water isn’t the cleanest in the world, and in fact, you should not submerge your face in it or drink it, thousands of people enjoy bathing at the many ghats surrounding the lake.
Some such ghats include:
- Gangour Ghat
- Ambrai Ghat
- Lal Ghat
- Rameshwar Ghat
- Ram Ghat
- Pipli Ghat
- Lassi Ghat
You can also enjoy a romantic boat ride across the lake, which is especially magical at sunset!
Learn About History at Pratap Gaurav Kendra Rashtriya Tirtha
Opened in 2016 by the Veer Shiromani Maharana Pratap Samiti, the intention of the Kendra is to educate and promote the history of the Mewar, specifically King Maharana Pratap. It is located on the outskirts of Udaipur, at Tiger Hills.
It is home to a 57-foot-high metal statue of Maharana Pratap as well as a 12-foot metal statue of Bharat Mata. You can find information about the Mewar Dynasty and its legacy here, and there are more additions being planned for the future as well.
Relax and Dine at Sheesh Mahal
Named after the building located within the City Palace, the Sheesh Mahal fine dining restaurant is a two-level, open-air experience overlooking Lake Pichola. Boasting high-quality traditional Indian dishes, you can be sure to have an incredible dining experience if you book a table in the evening. Surrounded by stars from above and below as they reflect upon the peaceful lake, you will surely be dazzled by the city lights at night.
Snap a Photo at Pratap Park
Your trip may not feel complete until you indulge in a fun touristy photo op at Pratap Park! This is a small outdoor recreational area with an open gym and walking path featuring person-sized letters declaring “I LOVE UDAIPUR”!
Capture the perfect pic in front of this delightful sign, complete with the City Palace in the background!
Other Can’t-Miss Features of Udaipur
Didn’t we say we can’t list everything? Without going into detail in this article, here are some other places for Udaipur sightseeing you should research and check out on your trip!
- Jag Mandir Palace
- Fateh Sagar Lake
- Sukhadia Circle
- Neemach Mata Temple
- Karni Mata Temple
- Bagore ki Haveli
- Manshapurn Karni mata Ropeway
- Eklingji Temple
Best Time for Traveling to Udaipur
Since Udaipur is a semi-arid region near the Thar Desert area, the best time to visit is between September/October and March, when the weather is cool and dry.
The summer months of March to June can be excruciatingly hot, making it near-impossible to enjoy walking around and exploring, and the monsoon months of July to October can be too rainy and humid.
Best Festivals to Celebrate in Udaipur
If you’re looking for a celebration, the best festivals to catch in Udaipur are:
- Gaur & Ossar-Gangaur Festival (April)
- Mewar Festival (March/April)
- Diwali (October/November)
- Dassera (October)
- Hariyali Amavasya Fair (July/August)
What To Know When Visiting Udaipur
Always carry clean water with you when venturing around the city to avoid dehydration and/or drinking contaminated water.
Search for heritage walks among the many historic buildings, and use a licensed guide to get the most out of your tours.
This area of the country is rather conservative, so avoid wearing revealing clothing (especially if you’re a woman).
Be sure to haggle and bargain while shopping at local markets, and have cash on hand to make payments easier. Be sure to carefully guard your bags and pockets against pickpockets!
It is recommended not to stay out too late into the night, especially if you’re a woman or group of women without a male escort. While Udaipur is a rather safe city in many respects, unfortunately, women out at night can draw negative attention.
Just like any city, Udaipur has its plusses and minuses. Just keep your overall well-being and safety in mind, and you’ll have a beautiful, fulfilling vacation to add to your memories forever!
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