The Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) offers visitors to North India history, culture, great food, and high civilization. Udaipur does all of these, and then goes on to add one significant element that it does better than any place else in India—irresistible romance!
And, it starts the moment you first lay eyes on the land. The picturesque Aravalli hills, the magnificent Thar Desert that engulfs the city, the serenity of Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar, and other lakes, the spell-binding City Palace Complex, the sights, the sounds, the music, the colors…all of them put you in a state of romantic daze! Move over, Venice!
We’ve put together a list of the finest experiences and best things to do in Udaipur.
Lake Pichola is as big a Udaipur attraction as the City Palace Complex or any other landmark. Life in the City of Lake revolves around this magnificent water body. Most of the city’s magnificent palaces, resorts, havelis, temples, and historical monuments are perched on its banks, or within walking distance from it. A boat ride in Lake Pichola is one of the best ways to explore the city. Be sure to watch the sunset. Watching the sunset on the city’s landscape and the Aravalli hills is a treat for the eyes.
The City Palace Complex of Udaipur is as old as the city itself. It has been the historical headquarters of the Kingdom of Mewar of the Sisodia Rajput Dynasty. Construction began in 1559 AD, and it never seems to have stopped. City Palace Complex ranks among the best places to visit in Udaipur. Over the centuries that followed new palaces, monuments, temples, landmarks, and structures have been added to the complex. It’s the largest complex in all of Rajasthan. Even the Palace Complex in Jaipur pales in comparison to it. With a façade of almost 800 feet perched atop a ridge on the banks of Lake Pichola,...
The white-stone Jagdish temple has been in continuous worship for almost the last 400 years. It is located just outside the city temple. Standing 80-feet in heights, this temple is famous for its vivid carvings of Hindu mythological figures on its walls. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath (an incarnation of god Vishnu). His idol lies inside the inner sanctum. A visit to this important religious and cultural landmark is necessary to touch the spiritual side of Udaipur.
Ranakpur village is located in the Pali region of Mewar— half way on the drive between Udaipur to Jodhpur, a two-hour drive from Udaipur. It is famous for its Jain temples that were built in the 15th century. The complex houses some of the most famous Jain temples in the world, including the legendary Chaumukha Temple, Amba Temple, and Surya Temple. They were built by a local businessman following a divine dream instructing him. The architecture of the Temples is unique and characterized by intricate carvings in an art form known as Maru-Gurjara.
Chittorgarh Fort is not just another Rajasthan fort. It was the capital of the Maharana of Mewar before Udaipur. Not only did it house the palace of the ruler, but it was a living fort with much of the city’s population living within its walls. This World Heritage Site (1.5 hour drive from Udaipur) is perched on a 200-meter-high hill and spans over almost 700 acres. The Berach River flows down below. The complex has 65 stand-alone structures, four palaces, almost two dozen temples, and several gates. A day trip to Chittorgarh is well worth the effort.
Eklingji is the god of the Kingdom of Mewar worshipped throughout the land. While Udaipur was established in the mid-16th century, the Eklingi Temple in the village of Kailashpuri (a short distance from Udaipur) predates it by some seven centuries. The temple bears an inscription from the great Rajput ruler Rana Kumbha “the personal servant of Ekling.” Likewise in the ancient city of Nagda, once the headquarters of Mewar, lie the Nagda Temples (Sahasru Bahu Temples) which date back to the 10th century. It is dedicated to Virabhadra, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. We propose that you...
The name Jag Mandir may confuse you. Because it is no temple. It is in fact, a magnificent palace that is nestled in the middle of Lake Pichola. It faces the Lake Palace and is named after Maharaja Jagat Singh (1628-1652 AD) under whose reign it was built. From it, you get excellent views of the city and mountains. The perfect spot for a sunset drink!
Udaipur is famous for its ornate and embellished Havelis, and there’s perhaps no other Haveli that is as stunning as Bagore Ki Haveli, which in its heyday housed the Prime Minister of Mewar and brother of the Maharana Chand Badwa in the 18th century. With over 100 rooms adorned with exquisite paintings, art pieces, and motifs, the Havelis is a living museum and an important stopover in the heritage trail of Udaipur. We recommend that you want a cultural dance performance that takes place in its courtyard.
Located on a hilltop overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake The Sajjan Garh Palace (The Monsoon Palace) tells the grand tales of the Maharanas from centuries all togather for, built as a summer retreat, you get 360° views of the city, the lakes, and the outbacks of the kingdom. The palace was built to watch the monsoon clouds—hence the name. But many believe that Sajjan Singh was a bit of a romantic, and he built it to watch his ancestral home Chittorgarh, which is visible from the hilltop on a clear day.
Hathi Pole Bazaar, one of Udaipur’s oldest markets, is famous for its ethnic handicrafts, metal ware, woodcrafts, wooden toys, leather items, traditional footwear, and many other quaint items. For souvenirs, you can pick a traditional blanket called Razai, or traditional fabrics like Leheriya and Bandhej. The range of items, the oddity, and the quaintness of the market, have a charming effect on shoppers. We highly recommend an ethnic shopping experience at Hathi Pole.
The Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, a 5-sq-mile man-made wildlife haven, is home to Sambhar deer, hyenas, wild boars, panthers, Nilgais, jackals, Chitals, and a wide range of flora and fauna. 130 bird species have been documented here. The sanctuary is doing a great job of protecting wildlife in the Aravalli region, where rapid population expansion and development are encroaching upon the habitat of plant and animal life.
Nicknamed the “Great Wall of India” the fort of Kumbhalgarh is located in Rajsamand (50 miles/80 km from Udaipur). Built by the Rajput leader Rana Kumbha in the 15th century, the fort is protected by massive walls that stretch for over 36 km. Only the Great Wall of China is longer in length. In the evening, a spectacular light and sound highlighting the history of the region takes place. We recommend that you witness the event.
Putli Tamasha or a puppet show is a popular art form and entertainment in Rajasthan. A visit to the Shilpgram arts and crafts village in Udaipur is a great opportunity to not just witness a puppet show but also explore the Shilpgram ethnographic museum that showcases the folk and tribal culture of Mewar. The Shilpgram Festival in December attracts a large number of visitors.
A Thali is a traditional Rajasthani platter. For almost 50 years, Natraj Hotel in Udaipur City Center has been the go-to place for locals. They offer a variety of Gujarati and vegetarian Thalis. If you are a foodie who wants to try local delicacies, the Thali at Natraj is one experience you won’t regret.
An activity we highly recommend— is a cycling tour through the lovely rural village to explore is Badi which lies in the outskirts of the city, and has a beautiful lake. The journey to Badi is dotted with many little hamlets and village, with traditional homes, cottages, and old temples. The Fatehsagar Lake is also nearby, and it is worth checking out.
