Udaipur Tourism | How to Plan a Trip to Udaipur

A crown on Rajasthan’s head, Udaipur in Rajasthan truly owns the name of “Venice of East.” This magnificent town is romantic, whimsical, and utterly beautiful in its appeal and provides a European feel you can’t get anywhere in India. Udaipur is a picturesque town that is surrounded by the Aravalli Range.

It is located in the southernmost region of Rajasthan and has been the real essence of India’s heritage since it was set up in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II after Mughal Emperor Akbar sacked his citadel. Several interconnected natural lakes are located in Udaipur, and therefore, it is also famed as the City of Lakes.

Udaipur has so much to brag about, starting from the iconic Rajput-era palaces, the chain of vintage hotels scattered around the lake, the series of resplendent temples, and vibrant local bazaars.

The beautiful city of Udaipur is all about palaces and lakes. Settled on the banks of Lake Pichola is a series of royal Palaces. The most prominent among them is the Vintage City Palace. This Palace has been the real deal for foreigners travelling in the region. Right from the balcony of the City Palace, one can have a panoramic view of Jag Niwas, which is a premium world-renowned heritage hotel.

The City Palace leads to a series of courtyards, terraces, corridors, and gardens from the entrance. The Mor Chowk, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal, and Krishna Vilas are quite noteworthy in the Palace premises. Other attractions of Udaipur include the very famous Jag Mandir.

This Palace is built on an island on Lake Pichola. With the construction credited to the three Maharanas of Sisodia Rajputs, the Jag Mandir comprises an impressive series of structures. These structures are named Gul Mahal, Bara Patharon ka Mahal, and the Zenana Mahal.

Browse our Udaipur Travel Guide if you want to visit the Venice of East on your Rajasthan trip.

Why Visit Udaipur?

Udaipur has Rajputana Forts, Ornate Palaces, and colorful culture that makes it one of the best destinations in Rajasthan. This jewel in Rajasthan is splendorous palaces, historic havelis, and charming narrow lanes that can transport tourists to the old world charm.

Couples looking forward to a royal honeymoon in India reserves their holidays to Udaipur because of the series of heritage hotels, shimmering lakes, and romantic sunset points. Even family tourists and backpackers near Delhi on the weekend getaways visit Udaipur for trekking, paragliding, and boating.

How to Reach Udaipur

How to reach Udaipur depends upon the travel comfort you are seeking. It is because Udaipur is well connected with the airport and railway network. Udaipur has excellent connectivity with roads around the cities surrounding it, including Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Delhi.

The nearest airport to Udaipur is Maharana Pratap or Dabok Airport, 27 kilometers/1 hours (approx.) It is well connected with domestic airlines, including Mumbai, Delhi, and Jaipur.

The most interesting thing about reaching Udaipur is train travel because several luxury trains like Palace on Wheels conduct tours to Udaipur and several other cities of Rajasthan. These trains are super luxurious and redefine Rajasthani hospitality at its best.

However, the normal train also runs to and from Udaipur connecting the cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai. Udaipur has its own railway station, which shares good rail connectivity with trains to and from Ajmer, Jaipur, Agra, Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.

How to Get Around Udaipur

If you are wondering how to get around Udaipur, you have every possible option to get around the city. There are rickshaws to ride, cabs to book, and local buses are available for hopping around. One of the best ways to get around Udaipur is taking a cycling excursion for peace of mind.

Taxis or cabs run on a shared/private basis. If you are looking for quality time with your beloved ones, it is suggested to book a private taxi. A shared taxi is suggested to backpackers who are short on budget.

Best Time to Visit Udaipur

Udaipur is located in Rajasthan, and therefore, it is obvious that summers in Udaipur are blisteringly hot. So the best time to visit Udaipur commences from the monsoon (July to September) and in winters (October to March). In summers, the average temperature of Udaipur goes upto 40°C (approx.), but you will find good deals on accommodation due to fewer tourists.

Just when the monsoon strikes, Udaipur brims with lush greenery, and travelers enjoy boating and rooftop dining. Monsoon in Udaipur gives respite from the heat with an average temperature of upto 35°C (approx.).

Although, winter is considered the most talked about season to visit Udaipur because it is the time when several couples across the world flock to Udaipur for holidays. Also, winter marks the celebration of several festivals like the Living Heritage Festival, Kumbhalgarh Festival, and Udaipur World Music Festival.

Places to Visit in Udaipur

When you step your foot inside Udaipur, you will feel like you are into a whole different world. Visit Lake Pichola for a sunset tour to admire the bathing ghats, temples, and hills on all sides. The next tourist attraction to cover in Udaipur could be City Palace which is known for its marvelous structure depicting the testimony to the Royal Kingdoms of the Rajput Dynasty.

There is a palatial hilltop residence called Monsoon Palace of Sajjangarh Palace, where you can watch the monsoon clouds floating by. If you have an appetite for the art, visit the Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum to learn about Udaipur heritage in detail.

Tour the art and craft village of Shilpgram, which houses traditional art forms. A few other prominent places to visit in Udaipur include Saheliyon ki Bari, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Jagdish Temple, Vintage Car Museum, and Fateh Sagar Lake. Not to mention, but the heritage hotels in Udaipur count in the best places to visit in Udaipur.

Things to do In Udaipur

You would be spoiled with choices because there are plenty of things to do in Udaipur for all age groups. Honeymooners or couples must take a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola, shutterbugs should head to Saheliyon ki Bari Garden, adventure enthusiasts can trek to Tiger Lake.

Attend the sound and light show at Kumbhalgarh Fort after you soak in the essence of spirituality at Ranakpur Jain Temple. Ride the bicycle along the banks of the shimmering lakers.

Let the adrenaline run in your nerves by trying paragliding amidst the scenic backdrops of Aravali Ranges overlooking the lakes, greenery, historic monuments beneath you! Have barbeque food, folk songs on night camping. Inhale and store the beauty of Udaipur from a soaring height on a hot air balloon ride.

Accommodation in Udaipur

The sheer name of Udaipur conjures up the images of costly heritage hotels dotted around lakes. However, you will find plenty of other types of accommodation depending on your budget. There are some accommodations in Udaipur that start with 500 INR (approx.) per person.

Hostels like Banjara Hostel and Backpacker Panda is your answer to holidaying in Udaipur on budget. A few other accommodation options in Udaipur includes Shiv Niwas Palace, Radisson Udaipur, Trident Hotel Udaipur, and Taj Fateh Sagar Palace.

Places to Eat in Udaipur

Just like other experiences, there is no dearth of places to eat in Udaipur. The restaurants here are whimsical, romantic, and oh-so-gorgeous. A few are tucked at the lakeside and rooftop, while the rest are indoor and outdoor.

The lakeside restaurants and rooftop restaurants are synonymous with romance. However, indoor and outdoor options are perfect for backpackers and family tourists. But in the end, anyone can visit any type of eating place in Udaipur with their near or dear ones.

Head to White Terrace Restaurant to relish the multi and local cuisine. Binge on Asian, European, and Indian cuisines with a blend of Rajasthan flavor at Lake Shore Restaurant. A few other top places to eat in Udaipur include – Sun and Moon Rooftop Restaurant, Krishna Dal Bati Restro, and Greco House Restaurant.

Shopping in Udaipur 

Shopping in Udaipur means picking Rajasthani souvenirs Rajasthani miniature paintings, local attires, turbans, Rajasthani decor Jutis, and traditional jewelry boxes.

You will find the local Rajsthani stuff in the Udaipur market at Bapu Bazar, Hathi Pol Bazar, Shilpgram, Rajasthali. Make sure you immerse yourself in the colors of Rajasthan by indulging in shopping therapy. 

Useful Tips for Udaipur Travel

• Don’t speak ill about the culture of Rajasthan.
• Respect the traditional and cultural values and beliefs.
• If possible, plan your journey via luxury train to experience the best of Udaipur.
• Visit Udaipur in early summers because it gets so hot.
• Winter and monsoon is the best time to visit Udaipur.
• Finalize your way of commune within the city.
• Book your accommodation in advance.