Udaipur Travel Guide

How to "Do" Udaipur: The Approach That Works

The way to do Udaipur is from the water and from above.

• A boat at golden hour from the ghats (not the palace jetty) puts the whole shoreline in gold light.

• The Monsoon Palace road at dusk gives you the lakes and the city laid out below.

• Dawn at Ambrai or Gangaur Ghat gives you the palace and the Jagdish temple with the town still asleep.

• In between, the City Palace museum earns a full morning.

• The Dharohar dance show at Bagore ki Haveli is the one tourist evening in Rajasthan worth recommending without reservation.

Best Places to Visit in Udaipur

1. City Palace

The largest palace complex in Rajasthan, built over four centuries along the east shore of Lake Pichola. It runs 250 metres along the water and today holds a museum, two hotels and the Mewar royal residence. The museum climb through zenana courtyards, mirror rooms and rooftop terraces earns a full 2 hours 30 minutes — it's the single best indoor experience in Udaipur.

2. Lake Pichola and the Ghats

The 1362 lake that Udaipur was built around. Its shores hold Gangaur, Lal and Ambrai ghats, and its islands hold Jag Mandir and the famous Lake Palace. A 1 hour 30 minute boat ride at sunset from a ghat (not the palace jetty) is the essential Udaipur experience — the shoreline goes copper, the palace turns pink, and every rooftop in the old town seems to glow.

3. Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh)

The 1884 hilltop palace on the Bansdara ridge, about 5 km west of the city. Built by Maharana Sajjan Singh as an astronomical observatory that never quite got finished, it now offers the best panoramic view in Udaipur — Pichola, Fateh Sagar, the old town, and the Aravallis all in one frame. You reach it through a wildlife sanctuary, so entry involves a small forest fee. Time it for dusk and allow around 1 hour 30 minutes.

4. Bagore Ki Haveli

An 18th-century prime minister's haveli on Gangaur Ghat, restored as a museum with painted rooms, glass mosaics and traditional Mewar interiors. The real reason to come is the nightly Dharohar folk dance show in its courtyard — 60 minutes of Rajasthani folk performance ending with a woman balancing about a dozen brass pots on her head. Book ahead in season. Allow 1 hour for the show, more if you want to walk the haveli first.

5. Jagdish Temple

A 17th-century Vishnu temple in the heart of the old city, a short walk from the City Palace entrance. Steep steps, black stone Vishnu murti, and a working temple atmosphere — arti timings are the best moment to visit. Allow 45 minutes.

6. Fateh Sagar Lake

Udaipur's north-western lake, connected to Pichola by a canal, ringed by promenades and hills. It's more of a local evening hangout than a headline attraction — good for a walk, an ice cream, and views back towards the Monsoon Palace ridge. Allow 1 hour.

7. Saheliyon Ki Bari

An ornamental 18th-century garden near Fateh Sagar with fountains, marble pavilions and a lotus pool — built by Maharana Sangram Singh for the queens' handmaidens. Pleasant, and small enough for 1 hour. Skip if you're short on time.

8. Kumbhalgarh Fort (Day Trip)

85 km north of Udaipur in the Aravallis, Kumbhalgarh is the 15th-century Mewar fort whose 36 km continuous wall — the second longest in the world after China's — snakes over the ridges. It has seven gates, dozens of temples inside, and is the birthplace of Maharana Pratap. Combine with Ranakpur for the classic Udaipur day trip.

9. Ranakpur Jain Temple (Day Trip)

95 km from Udaipur, tucked into a forested valley, the 15th-century Chaumukha temple is one of the finest pieces of marble craft in India — 1,444 carved pillars, no two alike, and ceilings so intricate they're worth an hour on their own. Non-Jains are allowed in after noon. Modest dress and no leather goods.

10. Chittorgarh Fort (Day Trip)

115 km east, Chittorgarh is where Mewar's story began — a colossal hilltop fort that fell three times to invaders and gave rise to the tales of jauhar that define Rajput history. It's a big fort, a longer drive, and best as its own full day rather than combined with anything else.

11. Eklingji Temple

22 km from Udaipur, Eklingji is the Mewar dynasty's own temple — a Shiva complex still in daily use, where the maharana's family have worshipped for over a thousand years. Photography is not allowed inside. Half a day, including the drive.

12. Badi Lake

A 17th-century reservoir 12 km north-west of the city, ringed by hills, with a chhatri-lined dam and a hilltop viewpoint that locals use for sunrise. This is where Udaipur goes to swim and to escape the tourist crush. Bring a towel.

13. Jag Mandir

The 17th-century island palace in Pichola (not to be confused with the Lake Palace), where Shah Jahan reportedly took refuge as a young prince. Reached by boat, worth pairing with the sunset ride.

What to Eat in Udaipur

Rajasthani home-style food is everywhere, but Udaipur's old-town restaurant scene has quietly become the state's best. Look for:

• Dal baati churma — the Rajasthani classic, done in every proper thali place

• Gatte ki sabzi and ker sangri — desert staples worth trying at least once

• Laal maas — the fiery Mewar mutton curry (get it at a specialist, not a rooftop cafe)

• Kachori with aloo sabzi for breakfast in the old town

• Ghevar — the honeycomb-textured monsoon-season sweet, best from a mithai shop, not a tourist menu

• Rooftop dining with lake views is the Udaipur cliche — good for the view, less good for the food. Choose one, don't repeat.

How to Reach Udaipur

From Delhi: Udaipur is 660 km from Delhi NCR, about 13 hours by road — a very long drive best split with an overnight halt. Most people fly or take the overnight train. The Mewar Express and other daily trains reach Udaipur City station in the morning, which is by far the most comfortable option.

By air: Maharana Pratap Airport (Dabok) is 22 km east of the city, with daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and other metros. Flight time from Delhi is around 90 minutes.

By train: Udaipur City is the main railway station, well connected to Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

By road from Jaipur: Roughly 400 km, 7–8 hours via NH48.

Getting around: The old town is best walked. Auto-rickshaws and Ola/Uber work for longer distances. For Kumbhalgarh, Ranakpur, Chittorgarh and Eklingji, hire a car for the day.

Best Time to Visit Udaipur

September to March is the ideal window, and late September to November is genuinely the best — the monsoon has just topped up the lakes, the Aravallis are green, and the light is soft. In-season temperatures range from about 8°C on winter mornings to 42°C in the shoulder heat.

• October–February: peak season, cool weather, full lakes, all attractions open

• March: still pleasant, thinner crowds

• April–June: hot (often above 40°C), and Pichola can shrink alarmingly in dry years

• July–September (monsoon): hills go green, waterfalls appear at Kumbhalgarh, some road disruption possible

Suggested 3–4 Day Udaipur Itinerary

Most travellers spend 3–4 days in Udaipur, and that's about right — a shorter trip skips the day trips that make the region worth the long journey from Delhi.

Day 1 – Old Town and the Lake

• Morning: City Palace museum (allow 2.5 hours)

• Midday: Jagdish Temple, walk through the old town lanes

• Late afternoon: Sunset boat ride from Ambrai or Lal Ghat

• Evening: Dharohar dance show at Bagore ki Haveli

Day 2 – Above the City

• Morning: Fateh Sagar Lake walk, Saheliyon Ki Bari

• Afternoon: Vintage Car Museum (optional)

• Late afternoon: Drive up to Monsoon Palace for sunset

• Evening: Dinner at a non-rooftop old-town restaurant

Day 3 – Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur

• Full day trip covering both — leave by 7:30 am, back by dusk

• Hire a car with driver; the Aravalli roads are beautiful

Day 4 – Eklingji and Badi Lake (or Chittorgarh)

• Morning: Eklingji temple

• Afternoon: Badi Lake for a swim and the hilltop viewpoint

• OR: dedicate the day to Chittorgarh Fort (long drive, big site)

Udaipur Trip Budget

A typical Udaipur trip works out to around ₹13,000 per person, with broader budgets ranging from ₹7,000 to ₹50,000 per person depending on whether you stay in a hostel or a lake-facing heritage hotel. Big cost variables:

• Accommodation swings the total the most — old town havelis start under ₹2,000, heritage properties climb past ₹15,000, and the Taj Lake Palace is in another category entirely

• Day-trip car hire to Kumbhalgarh–Ranakpur (approx. ₹3,000–₹5,000 for the day)

• Boat rides, palace entries and the dance show add up to about ₹2,000 per person across the trip

Excludes flights or long-distance train tickets.

Where to Stay in Udaipur

• Old town havelis: Character-heavy stays in walking distance of the ghats. Rooftop-front rooms are noisy in season — ask for one set back.

• Fateh Sagar side: Quieter, more residential, better for families

• Heritage hotels: Taj Lake Palace, Leela Palace, Jagmandir Island Palace, Fateh Prakash — the reason many people come

• Kumbhalgarh side: A night at a Kumbhalgarh resort turns the day trip into an unhurried two-day loop and lets you catch dawn at the fort

Practical Tips for Visiting Udaipur

• Book the Dharohar dance show and the City Palace museum in the morning slot to avoid queues.

• Prefer boat rides from Lal Ghat or Ambrai Ghat over the palace jetty — better views, better light, fewer people.

• Skip the Lake Palace unless you're staying there. It's not open to day visitors.

• Skip the gardens if pressed for time — save them for a longer trip.

• Monsoon Palace has a wildlife sanctuary entry fee that's separate from the palace ticket.

• Kumbhalgarh–Ranakpur is a long day — leave by 7:30 am to beat the light home.

• Udaipur scores 9/10 for couples but only 3/10 for bike suitability and 4/10 for weekends — plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Udaipur

What is the best time to visit Udaipur?
The best months to visit Udaipur are September, October, November, December, January and February. Late September to November is ideal for full lakes and green hills.

How many days do you need in Udaipur?
Most travellers plan 3–4 days to cover the main highlights, including a day trip to Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur.

What is the estimated budget for Udaipur?
A typical trip costs around ₹13,000 per person, with broader budgets ranging from ₹7,000 to ₹50,000 per person depending on stay and activities. This excludes long-distance flights or trains.

How do you reach Udaipur from Delhi?
Udaipur is 660 km from Delhi NCR — about 13 hours by road, or an overnight train, or a 90-minute flight to Maharana Pratap Airport (Dabok).

Is Udaipur worth visiting?
Yes — Udaipur scores 9/10 for heritage and 9/10 for couples on the HarshOnRoads destination score. It's Rajasthan's most beautiful city and pairs history, lakes, and food better than any other.

Which is the best lake in Udaipur?
Lake Pichola is the headline lake, dating to 1362, with the City Palace on its shore and Jag Mandir and the Lake Palace on its islands. Fateh Sagar and Badi Lake are worth adding on longer trips.

Is Udaipur good for couples?
Yes, exceptionally so — it scores 9/10 for couple travel. Sunset boat rides, heritage hotels, rooftop dinners and the Monsoon Palace at dusk are all built for two.

Can you do Udaipur in 2 days?
Two days covers the old town, City Palace, a Pichola boat ride and either Sajjangarh or the Dharohar show — enough for a first taste, but you'll miss Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur, which are the reasons to make the long trip.

How far is Kumbhalgarh from Udaipur?
Kumbhalgarh Fort is 85 km north of Udaipur, about 2.5 hours by road, and best combined with Ranakpur (a further 50 km) as a full day trip.

Final Thoughts

Udaipur has been photographed, filmed, and Instagrammed more than any other Rajasthani city, and it can still deliver. Take a boat from Ambrai Ghat as the sun drops behind Sajjangarh, watch the City Palace turn amber and Jag Mandir go dark on the water, and you understand why. Give it four days, do the Kumbhalgarh loop, avoid the palace-jetty boat and the tourist rooftops, and Udaipur will earn every hour of the long journey to get here.