15 Best Places to Visit in Udaipur
It is located in the southern region of Rajasthan, near the Gujarat border. Nestled amongst lush green Aravalli mountains and dotted with shimmering lakes, Udaipur is fondly called the ‘City of Lakes‘. Built around 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the new capital of Mewar kingdom, Udaipur is now the most romantic destination in India with an old-world charm that never fails to captivate its visitors. The panoramic landscapes, crystalline lakes hemmed with palaces and temples, narrow lively streets, colorful bazaars and whimsical festival vibrancy gives Udaipur its own distinctive flavor. From exploring grand heritage palaces showcasing the opulence of Rajputana empire to contemporary temples with intricate architecture, Udaipur offers an enthralling insight into the rich history and culture of the land. The breathtaking beauty making it aptly called ‘Venice of the East‘ and its legendary tales of valor and chivalry give Udaipur its mystical irresistible allure that every traveler must experience once in a lifetime.
Top 15 must-visit places in Udaipur with details about timings, entry fees and best times to visit.
Lake Pichola
Encompassed by lofty hills and dotted by island palaces and ancient bathing ghats, the serene Lake Pichola reflects the true essence of Udaipur’s beauty and grandeur. The shimmering blue waters surrounding the Jag Niwas island along with City Palace backdrop create a postcard perfect scene making Lake Pichola the most photogenic site in Udaipur.
Opening & Closing Timing of Lake Pichola : 10:00 A.M to 06:00 P.M
Entry Fees of Lake Pichola: ₹450 per person
Best Time to Visit Lake Pichola: Evening during Sunset
City Palace
The magnificent City Palace complex towers over the picturesque Lake Pichola, serving as a grand testimony to the rich cultural heritage of the Mewar dynasty who ruled over this city for centuries. This elaborate palace gives travelers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of ancient Rajputana era through its courtyards, gardens and museums decorated with glasswork, miniatures and ancient artifacts.
Opening & Closing Timing of City Palace : 09:30 A.M to 05:30 P.M
Entry Fees of City Palace: Indian – ₹35 per person, Foreigner – ₹300
Best Time to Visit City Palace: Evening for sunset views
Jag Mandir
An exquisite marble architectural marvel, Jag Mandir palace is located on an island amidst Lake Pichola. Adorned with beautifully carved courtyards, gardens, towers and arches, this elegant palace creates a picture perfect frame along with its reflection shimmering in blue waters, making it one of the most romantic spots in Udaipur.
Opening & Closing Timing of Jag Mandir : 09:30 A.M to 05:00 P.M
Entry Fees of Jag Mandir: ₹450 Per person for Boat Ride which include entry
Best Time to Visit Jag Mandir: Evening time during sunset for beautiful views
Jagdish Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Jagdish temple is the most revered and iconic temple in Udaipur famous for its Indo-Aryan architectural style. Perched on a raised platform and adorned with intricately carved pillars, walls and towering shikhara, this three-storied temple is considered an architectural and devotional masterpiece making a place among the Best Places to Visit in Udaipur.
Opening & Closing Timing of Jagdish temple : 05:00 A.M to 10:00 P.M
Entry Fees of Jagdish temple: No Entry Fees
Best Time to Visit Jagdish temple: Early morning or evening when the temple is less crowded
Saheliyon ki Bari
As the name suggests ‘Garden of the Maidens’, this 18th century garden overlooking Fateh Sagar lake was built for the royal ladies to spend their leisure time. The lush green lawns with magnificent fountains, elegant lotus pools and marble pavilions encapsulate the royal charm making Saheliyon Ki Bari a tranquility paradise.
Opening & Closing Timing of Saheliyon ki Bari : 09:00 A.M to 07:00 P.M
Entry Fees of Saheliyon ki Bari: Indian – ₹20 per person, Foreigner – ₹50 per person
Best Time to Visit Saheliyon ki Bari: Evening time to enjoy the gardens and fountains without crowd.
Fateh Sagar Lake
Nestled among the verdant Aravalli hills, Fateh Sagar Lake is located to the north of Lake Pichola. This scenic lake is adorned by lush green gardens, striking mountains and sunset views. You can also enjoy zip-lining across the lake with friends and family.
Opening & Closing Timing of Fateh Sagar Lake : 24*7
Entry Fees of Fateh Sagar Lake: No Entry Fees
Best Time to Visit Fateh Sagar Lake:Sunrise, sunset and evenings.
Shilpgram
Shilpgram is a crafts village located near Fateh Sagar Lake based on the architecture of states across India. It’s a great place to witness craft demonstrations, shop for ethnic souvenirs and admire authentic rural architecture styles of India all at one place.
Opening & Closing Timing of Shilpgram : 11:00 A.M to 08:00 P.M (Monday Closed)
Entry Fees of Shilpgram: Indian – ₹30 per person, Foreigner – ₹80 per person
Best Time to Visit Shilpgram: October to March
Bagore Ki Haveli
This is an elegant 18th century haveli situated on the tranquil Gangaur Ghat by Lake Pichola. Refurbished into a cultural museum, it showcases glass and mirror work furniture, costumes, jewelry, turbans and ivory items along with a captivating puppet show in the evening.
Opening & Closing Timing of Bagore ki Haveli : 10:00 A.M to Till Sunset
Entry Fees of Bagore ki Haveli: Indian – ₹100 for Adults, ₹80 for Children
Best Time to Visit Bagore ki Haveli:Evening to see cultural performances.
Sajjangarh Palace (Monsoon Palace)
Perched high on a hill with panoramic views of Aravalli Range and Lake Pichola, this 19th century palace is nicknamed ‘Monsoon Palace’. Overlooking the city’s lakes, palaces and lush forests, it makes for an awe-inspiring scenic sight to behold Udaipur’s raw rustic beauty.
Opening & Closing Timing of Sajjangarh Palace : 09:00 A.M to 05:00 P.M
Entry Fees of Sajjangarh Palace: Indian – ₹200 for Adults, ₹80 for Children
Best Time to Visit Sajjangarh Palace: Monsoon season.
Jaisalmer Golden Fort
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this 12th century hill fort stands tall with its 99 turrets rising from the golden sands of the Thar Desert. Made of yellow sandstone, this ‘Golden Fort’ is an architectural marvel offering sweeping views of Jaisalmer city and desert scapes from its fort walls.
Opening & Closing Timing of Saheliyon ki Bari : 24*7
Entry Fees of Saheliyon ki Bari: Indian – ₹40, Foreigner – ₹600
Best Time to Visit Saheliyon ki Bari: Early mornings and evenings.
Moti Magri
Moti Magri or Pearl Hill is one of the most popular tourist attractions perched on a hilltop overlooking Fateh Sagar Lake. Crowned with a beautiful Rajputana architectural style memorial of legendary Maharana Pratap, it also offers sweeping views of Udaipur city’s lakes and palaces.
Opening & Closing Timing of Moti Magri : 24*7
Entry Fees of Moti Magri: No Entry Fees
Best Time to Visit Moti Magri:Early morning and evenings for nice views
Ambrai Ghat
One of the most visited ghats of Udaipur, Ambrai Ghat situated on the banks of Lake Pichola offers beautiful views of the City Palace and Lake Palace. You can enjoy boat rides to Jag Mandir Palace from this ghat especially during sunset for a surreal experience.
Opening & Closing Timing of Ambrai Ghat : 24*7
Entry Fees of Ambrai Ghat: No Entry Fees
Best Time to Visit Ambrai Ghat:Evening for aarti and boat ride during sunset
Jagat Niwas Palace
Built as a huge country house in the 17th century, Jagat Niwas Palace hotel overlooks Lake Pichola. This sprawling hilltop palace hotel is touted as one of the most luxurious and romantic heritage hotels in the world.
Opening & Closing Timing of Jagat Niwas Palace : 24*7
Entry Fees of Jagat Niwas Palace:Room tariffs start from ₹30,000 per night
Best Time to Visit Jagat Niwas Palace: October to March being the peak season
Vintage Car Museum
As the name suggests, Vintage Car Museum located near Lake Pichola displays an impressive collection of vintage cars owned by the Mewar royal family. For automobile lovers, it offers a rare glimpse into a prized collection of cars from 1930s to 1970s.
Opening & Closing Timing of Vintage Car Museum : 09:00 A.M to 09:00 P.M.
Entry Fees of Vintage Car Museum: ₹250 Per Person
Best Time to Visit Vintage Car Museum: Mornings and evenings.
FAQs
Q. What are the top attractions to see in Udaipur?
A. Some of the top attractions in Udaipur include the City Palace, Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, Monsoon Palace, Jag Mandir, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon-ki-Bari, Eklingji Temple, Sajjangarh Palace, Shilpgram, and more.
Q. What is Udaipur famously known for?
A. Udaipur is famously known for its lakes, royal palaces, temples, gardens, and colorful history as the former capital of the Mewar Kingdom. It is often referred to as the ‘City of Lakes’ and ‘Venice of the East’.
Q. How many days are enough to explore Udaipur?
A. Ideally 3-4 days are enough to explore the top attractions in Udaipur at a comfortable pace. For those short on time, 2 days allow you to see the major highlights.
Q. What is the best time to visit Udaipur?
A. The winter months from September to March are the best time to visit Udaipur when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing. During summer, it can get very hot. The monsoon season from July-August bring heavy rains.
Q. What is unique about Udaipur?
A. Built around 4 man-made lakes, Udaipur has a unique charm with its elegant royal palaces, temples, hilly terrain, and historic “Lake City” vibe that harkens back to its past as the capital of Mewar Kingdom.
Q. What are the top places to go for a boat ride in Udaipur?
A. The top places to enjoy a boat ride in Udaipur are Lake Pichola to see attractions like City Palace, Jag Mandir palace and Jagniwas Island, Fateh Sagar Lake, and Dudh Talai Lake.
Q. Which is better – Oberoi Udaivilas or Taj Lake Palace?
A. Both Oberoi Udaivilas and Taj Lake Palace offer lavish 5-star experiences but most travelers prefer the Taj Lake Palace for its unique location right on Lake Pichola surrounded by water. However, Oberoi Udaivilas has grander rooms, pools and views.
Q. What is the entry fee for City Palace in Udaipur?
A. The entry fee for City Palace is ₹35 per person for Indians and ₹700 per foreign tourist, plus ₹100 for camera and ₹250 for drone camera fee. City Palace guided tour costs ₹250 extra.
Q. Should I visit Kumbhalgarh Fort along with Udaipur?
A. Yes, Kumbhalgarh Fort makes for an excellent day trip from Udaipur to enjoy lovely rural scenery and see one of the finest hill forts in Mewar dating back to the 15th century. It’s just a 1.5 hour drive from the city.
Q. Which are the famous markets in Udaipur for shopping?
A. Some of the best markets in Udaipur for shopping include Bapu Bazaar for handicrafts and souvenirs, Chetak Circle and Saheli Marg for jewellery, Hathi Pole for leather goods, Kashinath Ghanekar Road for textiles, and more.
Q. What souvenirs should I buy from Udaipur?
A. Some popular souvenirs to buy from Udaipur include miniature paintings, hand block prints, bandhani tie and dye textiles, leather products, puppets, wall hangings, marble sculptures, silver jewellery, and more.
Q. Where can I enjoy an Ayurvedic massage in Udaipur?
A. Some of the best spas offering rejuvenating Ayurvedic massages and treatments in Udaipur are Jiva Spa at Taj Hotels, Oberoi Spa at Oberoi Udaivilas, Raajbagh Spa at Raajbagh Palace, and Ananta Spa Resort.
Q. Which are the budget hotels in Udaipur for stay?
A. Some good budget hotels in central locations in Udaipur are Rangniwas Palace, Jagat Niwas Palace, Fateh Prakash Palace, Narayan Niwas Palace, Devra, Udai Kothi, and Raaj Resorts.
Q. What is the cost of accommodation per day in Udaipur?
A. The cost of accommodation per night in Udaipur can range from as low as ₹800 for budget hotels to ₹15,000 or more at luxury 5-star heritage hotels. Mid-range hotels are available from ₹2,500-4,000 per night.
Q. Where can I take cooking classes in Udaipur?
A. Some of the best places to take cooking classes and learn about Rajasthani cuisine while in Udaipur are Tiger Trail Experience at Hotel Fateh Prakash Palace and Spice Box at Jagat Niwas Hotel.
Q. Which restaurants serve the best Rajasthani thali in Udaipur?
A. Some famous restaurants to enjoy Rajasthani thali in Udaipur are 1559 AD at Trident Hotel, The Sunset Terrace at The Leela Palace, Upre at Upre Lakeside Restaurant, Sheesh Mahal at The Oberoi Udaivilas, and Savage Garden at Hotel Devra.
Q. Where can I enjoy an open-air movie screening in Udaipur?
A. The Jheel Ghat opens an open-air cinema during season time showing Hindi blockbuster movies which is quite an experience under the night sky and stars. Some hotels like Taj Lake Palace also set up movie screenings.
Q. Which dance shows should I see in Udaipur?
A. Some of the best dance shows to see in Udaipur are the Dharohar Dance Show at Bagore ki Haveli showcasing Rajasthani folk dances, the dance show at Jagmandir Palace, and puppet shows at Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal.
Q. Is Udaipur safe for solo female travelers?
A. Yes, Udaipur is generally very safe for solo female travelers. Of course, it is best to take normal safety precautions like avoiding very deserted areas at night, dressing conservatively in some neighborhoods and not trusting strangers with your belongings, food or transport.
Q. Can I do paragliding in Udaipur?
A. Yes, there are options for paragliding experiences and joy rides in Udaipur at Magra and Bambora Hills located on the outskirts of the city. Make sure to verify safety standards before booking any unknown operators.
Q. What is the fastest way to travel from Jaipur to Udaipur?
A. The fastest way to travel from Jaipur to Udaipur is taking a domestic flight which takes 1 hour, followed by an express train taking 5-6 hours. By road, it is a 7 hour drive of 400 kms.
Q. Is alcohol banned in Udaipur?
A. No, alcohol is available at bars in most star-category hotels. There are no dry days as such but pubs and bars have to close by 11 pm. Consumption at public places is prohibited.
Q. Can tourists buy opium in Udaipur?
A. No, the sale and consumption of opium is strictly illegal and prohibited for tourists and locals alike anywhere in India including Udaipur.
Q. Where can I get a SIM card and data plan in Udaipur?
A. SIM cards from providers like Airtel, Jio and Vi are easily available at mobile network shops across Udaipur. Ensure to carry an ID proof like passport copy for the activation process.
Q. Are credit/debit cards widely accepted in Udaipur?
A. Yes, most hotels, shopping outlets, and restaurants catering to tourists widely accept payments via major credit/debit cards at least in the main tourist zones. However, some small shops might still be cash-only.
Q. Is vaccinations required before visiting Udaipur?
A. No vaccinations are mandatory except recommended routine ones. However, consider typhoid and hepatitis A shots. During monsoons, risk of malaria and dengue increases so do carry mosquito repellent creams, sprays, patches etc if visiting then.
Q. Can I pay my taxi driver by card in Udaipur?
A. No, generally taxis and auto-rickshaws only accept cash payments so ensure to carry sufficient currency while traveling around Udaipur for transport and other daily requirements.
Q. Where can I watch a polo match in Udaipur?
A. Polo is a popular local sport for royals and equestrian lovers. While in season from September-April, you can catch polo matches at venues like Udaipur Polo Ground and Chetak Smarak Polo Ground located in the city.
Q. What adventure activities I can try around Udaipur?
A. There are options for cycling tours, nature walks, trekking, bird watching safaris, horse riding, hot air ballooning, jeep safaris, paragliding, flying fox, zip lining, archery, shooting and more available as day tours around Udaipur countryside.
Q. How can I commute within Udaipur city?
A. Udaipur has auto-rickshaws, tourist taxis, and ride hailing apps like Uber and Ola available for getting around the city. Walking is possible between nearby attractions in some areas. There is also a public bus system mainly used by locals.
Q. What is the nearest airport to Udaipur?
A. The nearest airport is the Maharana Pratap Airport, only around 20 kms from the city center, with regular flights from major Indian cities. It takes about 20-30 minutes to reach Udaipur city by taxi/cab from the airport.
Q. What languages are predominantly spoken in Udaipur?
A. The main languages spoken in Udaipur are Mewari, the local dialect, along with Hindi and English. Shopkeepers and hotel staff in tourism zones generally understand English for basic communication.
Q. How remote is Udaipur?
A. Udaipur has good air, rail and road connectivity along with internet access and phone networks. So it is well connected for tourists not really remote as compared to some small towns and villages of Rajasthan away from major cities.
Q. Does Udaipur have OYO or budget hotel chains?
A. Yes, Udaipur has budget hotel chains like OYO Rooms, Fab Hotels, Treebo Hotels, Ginger Hotels, and other backpacker hostels available in addition to lodges and independent budget hotels, providing affordable stay options for all types of travelers.