Udaipur: A Guide to India’s City of Lakes
Udaipur has something for every traveler. Allow yourself to indulge in this romantic city’s royal history, vibrant food scene and world class hotels
For a first-time visitor to India, Udaipur is a postcard version of the country brought to life. Often described in guidebooks as “quintessential India,” the city blends opulent palaces, calm lakes, and centuries of history with the lively rhythm of everyday life. It’s a place where royal architecture rises above narrow streets, easily allowing visitors to imagine themselves living in a different era.
Think thick stone walls, hidden courtyards, palaces, and guest houses with rooftop terraces.
Don’t Miss
Take a boat ride on Lake Pichola for an extraordinary perspective of Udaipur’s architecture, particularly City Palace, Jag Mandir, and Lake Palace. You can also opt for a route that takes you to the Jag Mandir Island Palace, so you can walk around the historic grounds and admire its Mughal-inspired architecture with some of the best lake views.
Explore City Palace, Udaipur’s most iconic attraction. The palace is rich in history and is best explored with a guide. Hire a guide for an early morning tour, and if given the choice, opt for a weekday rather than a weekend to avoid crowds. This will give you more time to wander through the palace’s colorful, ornate rooms.
Jagdish Temple is one of Udiapur’s architectural highlights and can be explored right after your City Palace tour.
Wander through the Old City either on foot or on a tuk-tuk (cars are not allowed). The area surrounding City Palace is filled with cafes, artisan shops, and traditional markets that sell Udaipur’s iconic miniature paintings.
Eat lakeside at one of the palace hotels on Lake Pichola or Fateh Sagar Lake.
- 1559 AD
- Raj Bagh
- Chandni restaurant at Jagat Niwas Palace
- The Darikhana at Jag Mandir Palace
Visit the Monsoon Palace for impeccable views of the Aravali mountains and Udaipur’s lakes. It’s a favorite spot for many travelers to watch the sunset.
Getting There and Around
Udaipur is located in Rajasthan, India’s largest state by area, in the northwest of the country. The city is a popular domestic and regional tourist destination, so you will find several flights per day on domestic airlines (Air India, Indigo, Spice Jet) from major cities. Uber is affordable and readily available.
The area around City Palace restricts cars due to its narrow streets, so consider walking or hiring a tuk-tuk (which can be arranged through the Uber app). Tuk-tuks are a great way to see the city and an effective means of navigating Udaipur’s sometimes narrow and congested streets.
Where to Stay
Udaipur has become a popular destination for weddings, attracting both domestic and international couples. If you identify a hotel that you’re really interested in but see that prices are sky high or rooms are unavailable, it’s possible that it’s rented out for a wedding.
Top Tier Range:
- Taj Lake Palace – one of the most famous hotels in the world. A former royal summer palace in the middle of Lake Pichola.
- The Oberoli Villas – for a taste of true royal living. It is often ranked as one of the top hotels in Asia.
Mid Range:
- Trident Udaipur – set on 28 acres of greenery on Lake Pichola. Extremely service oriented hotel that is great for groups or families.
- Radisson Blu – the hotel is set on a hill with wonderful lake views and extraordinary sunsets. This hotel is perfect for those seeking modern amenities and consistent service.
What to Know
Udaipur is a safe city, but like all cities, petty crime may occur in common tourist areas. Yet, because tourism is such a large industry, many locals appear to have side businesses as tour guides or travel planners, and will try to bring you to their preferred stores so they can earn a commission. If you’re a serious shopper and know where you want to go, politely decline offers for Uber drivers or guides to accompany you, as they will seek a commission that will be reflected in your price.
Leave a Reply