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Get ready for an insider’s look at Udaipur — I’ll show you how to arrive, get around, and where to bunk down for the night. With tried-and-tested tips, you’ll dine where the locals do and see the city’s best without the guesswork. Let this travel guide for Udaipur be the bridge to your unforgettable experience in the city of lakes, where every step tells a story and every sight is a memory in the making.
A clear lake with ancient palaces in the background – that’s Udaipur for you. It’s the kind of place that stays with you, you know?
The city’s vibe is so chill, and those lakeside meals? Just wow. Plus, dining on a rooftop under the stars with the city lights twinkling and the lake mirroring it all – it’s unreal.
I keep going back for the sunsets alone; they’re like nothing else. Trust me, you’ll want to see it for yourself.
And when you do, just take it all in – it’s exactly why I can’t stop talking about this place.
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Travel Guide for Udaipur: Things to Know Before Planning a Trip to Udaipur
Where’s Udaipur
Udaipur’s this gem in Rajasthan, northwestern India. It’s ringed by lakes, which is why people love to call it the City of Lakes. It’s also called the Venice of the East and It kind of feels like one when you see all the water around.
Udaipur is also called the White City because many of its buildings and the famous City Palace are made from a particular type of white marble.
The city’s packed with history – think palaces that tell tales of old royalty, like the famous City Palace, and gardens that are just a feast for the eyes.
And then you’ve got these intricately carved temples. Plus, the Aravalli Hills are all around you, adding to the charm. It’s like stepping into a royal story, but it’s real, and it’s all set in some seriously pretty nature.
Best Time to Visit Udaipur
Udaipur, like the rest of Rajasthan or North India for that matter, remains super hot during the summer season (March to June) so obviously, it’s not wise to plan a trip to Udaipur during summer.
The monsoon season (July to September) is again not recommended as outdoor activities are not possible at all.
But then the rainy season has its own perks. It’s when the lakes, filled up with water, look captivating, and the Aravalli Range, covered in lush greenery, teems with life.
The winter season (October to February) is a perfect time to visit Udaipur. The weather is pleasantly cool and sunny (mostly) which makes sightseeing less hectic and more fun.
If you plan to visit in December (around Christmas and New Year holidays), make sure to book flights and accommodation well in advance.
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How Many Days in Udaipur
Ideally, you’d want to set aside at least two to three days to really soak in the essence of this city.
Say you’ve got a weekend in Udaipur, it’s definitely delightful, but trust me, it’s just a teaser. You’ll get a taste of the city, sure. You cruise on Lake Pichola, catch the sunset, and maybe snap some epic photos. It’s great, but Udaipur deserves more of your time.
If you want to (you must) explore the historic forts, cultural landmarks, and unique temples scattered around Udaipur (there are tons), I recommend at least a week in Udaipur.
The first time we hit Udaipur, we only had two days. Not nearly enough. We were rushing around, trying to see everything, but it was a bit of a blur. We didn’t even get a chance to step outside the city.
The next trip, we wised up and stayed for four days, focusing only on the city, no side trips, no distractions. That’s when I really got to know the place. But, that was part of a bigger Rajasthan trip that lasted two weeks. We saved the places outside Udaipur for the road trip portion, which was a blast and took us all the way to Jodhpur.
The heart of the matter is that Udaipur is not your typical rush-around kind of place. It’s the kind of place where you can take a deep breath, wander around at your own pace, and really get the feel of things. More like a luxury in the busy buzz of India!
How to Get to Udaipur
Udaipur is well-connected by air, rail, and road to the major cities in India.
By Air
Located in Dabok, Maharana Pratap Airport serves Udaipur. About 22 km from the city, it’s a domestic airport that receives flights from the major cities in India. The leading airlines that have regular flights to and from Udaipur are Indigo, SpiceJet, Vistara, and Air India.
By Car
There’s nothing quite like the freedom a road trip offers. A strong road network links Udaipur to most of the Indian cities.
In cases where the driving distance is more than we can drive in one go, we break our journey at any city en route. Like if you’re driving from Delhi to Udaipur, Jaipur or Ajmer can be chosen for a night halt.
Also, if you don’t want to use your own car, you can hire a car. There are many tour operators that provide cars for rent.
We didn’t want to drive on our own so we chose a chauffeur-driven car for our trip to Rajasthan.
If you’re also touring Rajasthan and exploring the major cities of Rajasthan, it’s wise to hire a car and driver. You not only save time and hassle but also get to explore the off-center attractions or hidden gems.
By Bus
A strong bus network connects Udaipur to various Indian cities. You can choose from AC coaches or state-run buses depending upon the budget.
The Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) buses connect Udaipur with other major cities in Rajasthan.
By Train
Udaipur City Railway Station (UDZ) is the nearest railway station. There are direct trains from Delhi (Chetak Express and Mewar Express) Mumbai (Bdts Aii Udz Express), Kolkata (Annanya Express), Jaipur (Udaipur City–Jaipur Intercity-Express), Indore (Udaipur City Express), and Ahmedabad (Adi Udz Express).
How to Get Around Udaipur
Udaipur is a relatively compact city. Auto-Rickshaws, taxis, and local buses (limited) contribute to the public transportation system. The narrow lanes of the old city are best explored on foot as all the attractions are located within walking distance.
If you don’t want to walk, you can opt for an auto-rickshaw. A shared auto-rickshaw comes cheaper but it sticks to the fixed route and stops at the designated (popular) stops. A private auto-rickshaw is a bit pricey but it goes anywhere you name.
For the attractions outside the city like Monsoon Palace, Badi Lake, Chittorgarh Fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Ranakpur, Eklingji, and Nathdwara – a taxi is ideal. Uber and Ola are available in Udaipur.
Where to Stay in Udaipur
When in Udaipur, you’d want to stay in the old city for three reasons – firstly, most of the attractions are close by, secondly, you can drink in the views of the iconic Lake Pichola, and lastly, the old city is where the soul of Udaipur lies.
From boutique heritage hotels, and hostels, to guesthouses, and luxury hotels – the old city has all types of properties to suit your budget and style. Make sure you book in advance to score a Lakeview room.
If budget is your concern and you are looking for a hotel that offers value for money, we recommend Jagat Niwas Palace and Amet Haveli.
Located on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola, Jagat Niwas Palace is a favorite among travelers for its perfect location, courteous staff, A1 service, and good food.
Located on the northwestern bank of Lake Pichola, Amet Haveli is highly rated for its services, cleanliness, location, staff, and facilities. The hotel is best known for Ambrai Restaurant, one of the best fine-dining restaurants in Udaipur. It’s where you can have delicious food with an amazing view of Lake Pichola.
If you don’t mind splurging and are looking for sheer luxury, your options are – Taj Fateh Prakash Palace, Shiv Niwas Palace Hotel, The Leela Palace, The Oberoi Udaivilas, and the Taj Lake Palace Hotel. If you ask me to suggest to you the best among all, floating right in the center of Lake Pichola, the Taj Lake Palace Hotel is a class apart. Exquisite is the word!
Find the last-minute deals for accommodations in Udaipur
What and Where to Eat and Drink in Udaipur
Like most of the cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur is a great place to try Rajasthani specialties like Laal Maas, Gatte ki Sabzi, Dal Bati Churma, Ker Sangri, Chakki ki Sabzi, Ghevar, Mirchi Bada, Pyaaj Kachori, Samosa, and Chaat.
Udaipur’s charm lies in rooftop lake-view restaurants and cafes. More than food, what matters here is the view you get.
From Sheesh Mahal, Upré, Ambrai, Tribute, Khamma Ghani, Charcoal by Carlsson, Jagat Niwas Palace, Restaurant Harigarh, Chandani by the Oberoi Udaivilas, Jharokha by Lake Palace Hotel, Paantya by Shiv Niwas Palace, and TWG by Hemang are quite a few amazing fine dining restaurants that offer food with a view.
All of these restaurants (except TWG Hemang which primarily serves international cuisine) offer International as well as Rajasthani cuisine.
Jheel’s Ginger Coffee Bar & Bakery, a cafe perched over Lake Pichola is where you can enjoy some free time with a cup of coffee or chocolate shake.
If you’ve got enough of the views (which is unlikely), you can head to the restaurants that might not offer you the iconic views but are celebrated for various other reasons.
A charming old-world colonial house restored into a restaurant, in 1559 AD, a bistro lounge restaurant, and Royal Repast, a specialty restaurant are great places to dine out. Both these restaurants are highly appreciated for their warm staff, speedy service, and vintage ambiance.
For travelers who want to enjoy a traditional Rajasthani thali – Garden Restaurant, Natraj Dining Hall and Restaurant, Krishna Dal Bati Restro, Padam Thal, Navidya By Amantra Hotels, and Udaipuri.
We also liked Udai Art Café, Brew Villa, Yummy Yoga, and Cafe La Comida. Located right in the heart of the old city, both cafes serve great coffee and snacks.
If you are a health aficionado, Millets of Mewar is for you! The first-ever dedicated health-food restaurant in Udaipur, Millets of Mewar uses locally sourced and organic ingredients. They very well know how to make healthy eating fun and creative. Its menu also includes vegan and gluten-free options.
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What to See and Do in Udaipur
There are tons of places in Udaipur, each with its unique charm. First off, the City Palace is a must-see. This colossal structure is steeped in history and grandeur.
Then there’s Lake Pichola. A boat ride there during the golden hours of sunset is just spellbinding.
Don’t miss the Jagdish Temple. Its intricate carvings and serene atmosphere are utterly captivating.
Next up, you can reach Karni Mata Temple by a hearty trek or a swift ropeway ride – the choice is yours, but the breathtaking views are a given either way.
The gardens of Saheliyon-ki-Bari are perfect for a leisurely and peaceful walk.
The Monsoon Palace is your ticket to the best sunset view in town – the city lights up like a jewel.
And if you’re chasing art and culture, the Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum showcases the best local crafts.
And there’s more than just the mainstream attractions.
Find solace at the calm Ambrai Ghat or the tranquil Badi Lake. Pay respects at the Ahar Cenotaphs and soak in the beauty of Fateh Sagar Lake.
And there’s the Neemach Mata Temple – it’s not as crowded and the climb is pretty refreshing. Plus, the view? It’s like you’re watching over Udaipur.
Evenings in Udaipur are for Bagore Ki Haveli. The Dharohar dance show is epic – the dances, the music, the vibe – it’s all real Rajasthan.
And, of course, shopping in Udaipur is an experience in itself. The markets such as Bapu Bazaar, Ghanta Ghar, Hathipol, Malda’s Street, and more are alive with colors, crafts, and endless rows of shops waiting to be discovered.
Let’s not forget Maharana Pratap Samarak. It’s a tribute to a local hero, Maharana Pratap, and you can feel the pride in the air. It’s this outdoor space with a big statue of him and his loyal horse, Chetak, which is pretty awesome to see.
And you must find out some time to visit the Shilpgram Museum, a living arts village that celebrates the traditional crafts and lifestyle of the local folk. A little out of the city, it’s is like a portal into the heart of Rajasthani village life and of course, the best place to immerse in the local culture.
Last but not the least, you can’t miss a trip to Chittorgarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Standing proud a little way from Udaipur, it’s where the dramatic history of Rajasthan unfolds.
With more time, you can take a few eventful day trips from Udaipur. Just a short drive from the heart of Udaipur, you’ll find Eklingji, an ancient Hindu temple complex that’s a sanctuary of peace and spiritual energy.
A little further, there’s a cozy little town of Nathdwara famous for its temple of Shrinathji. It’s all about timing your visit to catch the temple ceremonies, which is quite the experience with all the singing and hustle.
Haldighati is another important spot near Udaipur. It’s where the iconic battle involving Maharana Pratap took place, and you can almost hear the clash of swords. Nearby, the Maharana Pratap Museum adds layers to the story, offering insights and artifacts that bring the historical saga to life.
And you can’t miss Kumbhalgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s this massive fort with a wall you can see for miles. People say it’s like India’s version of the Great Wall of China. The view from up there are simply breathtaking.
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