Things To Do
in Udaipur
Udaipur, often called the City of Lakes, sits in the Aravalli hills of Rajasthan and is celebrated for its palaces, water bodies, and romantic cityscape. Its skyline is dominated by the City Palace, Lake Pichola, and the marble sanctuaries that glimmer along the lakeside. The city blends royal heritage with vibrant bazaars and rooftop restaurants that overlook shimmering waters at sunset.
A visit here invites leisurely days of palace courtyards, boat rides, and sunset strolls through narrow lanes brimming with color and music.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a guided tour of the majestic City Palace, marveling at its intricate architecture and stunning views over Lake Pichola. Take your time to explore the museum galleries filled with royal artifacts, paintings, and historical memorabilia. Enjoy the serene ambience of the palace courtyards framed by ornate balconies and delicate marble work.
After a traditional Rajasthani lunch nearby, visit the Crystal Gallery inside the City Palace complex, featuring a dazzling collection of crystal artifacts used by the royal family. Stroll along the nearby Jagdish Temple, admiring its impressive Indo-Aryan architecture and intricate carvings. Spend some time wandering through the bustling bazaars surrounding the palace, where vibrant textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts await your discovery.
Conclude the day with a peaceful boat ride on Lake Pichola at sunset, soaking in breathtaking views of the illuminated palaces and ghats. Witness the spectacular reflection of the City Palace and Lake Palace shimmering on the water’s surface. End with a lakeside dinner at a rooftop restaurant, enjoying local delicacies accompanied by traditional Rajasthani music.
Start early with a visit to Saheliyon Ki Bari, the historic garden decorated with fountains, lotus pools, and marble pavilions built for royal ladies. Enjoy the cool morning air and the colorful flora while learning about the garden’s romantic history. Capture photographs of the intricately carved stone elephants and the musical fountains that come alive at certain times.
Head to the Bagore Ki Haveli museum to explore the lifestyle of Udaipur’s aristocracy through its preserved rooms and traditional artifacts. Participate in a workshop on local crafts or pottery offered within the haveli premises. Grab a light lunch at a nearby café, savoring local snacks and refreshing beverages.
Attend the Bagore Ki Haveli evening cultural dance and puppet show, immersing yourself in folk Rajasthani traditions. Watch the energetic performances of traditional dances like Ghoomar and Kalbeliya, accompanied by live music. Wander along the lakeside promenade afterward, enjoying the vibrant street life and lake views under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| 🍽️Three course meal for two (mid-range) | $20-40 |
| 🚕Taxi within city | $3-7 |
| 🚌Local transport/Bus fare | $0.5-2 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning lakeside scenery and royal palaces
- Rich cultural heritage and hospitable locals
- Excellent vegetarian friendly food options
- Compact old city is walkable and scenic
- Can be crowded in peak season
- Limited nightlife outside luxury hotels
- Some attractions have entrance fees and queues
- Distances to rural day trips can be long
- "Namaste" - Hello / Good day
- "Aap kaise ho?" - How are you?
- "Dhanyavaad / Shukriya" - Thank you
- "Kripya" - Please
- "Mujhe madad chahiye" - I need help
- "Yeh kitne ka hai?" - How much is this?
- "Hindi aata hai?" - Do you speak Hindi?
- "Mujhe angrezi bolna aata hai" - I speak a little English
Places to Visit in Udaipur
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide angles of the palace complex and the lake from the riverside and ghats.
Iconic reflection shots of the Lake Palace framed by the lake and hills at golden hour.
Hilltop vantage for panoramic city and lake views at dusk.
Calm waters with boats and palm lined shores for serene compositions.
Food in Udaipur
Udaipur Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Iconic Mewar dish with baked wheat balls served with dal and a sweet churma.
Must-Try!
Spicy red chili pepper–tinged mutton curry common in Rajasthani kitchens.
Gram flour dumplings simmered in tangy curry.
Desert beans and berries cooked in a savory masala.
Flaky fried pastry stuffed with onion masala, best with tangy chutney.
Millet flatbread served with garlic chutney.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market near the old city gate for handicrafts, textiles, and street snacks.
Large market corridor with souvenirs, fabrics, and sweets.
Bustling center with street food stalls and quick bites.
Popular sweet shop offering classic Rajasthan sweets like ghevar and mohanthal.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect local customs by covering shoulders and knees in temples and religious sites.
Remove shoes, use right hand for giving/receiving, and speak softly in sacred spaces.
Haggling is common in markets; greet with Namaste and a smile.
Safety
Tipping in Udaipur
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants check if a service charge is included; otherwise 5–10% tip for good service. Porters, guides, and drivers appreciate small tips.
Cash is widely accepted; many places accept cards and digital wallets; keep small notes for markets and stalls.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Very hot days with dry heat; stay hydrated, wear light clothing, plan outdoor activity for early morning or evening.
Warm and humid with occasional heavy rain; lush greenery but occasional travel delays.
Pleasant days with cool to chilly nights; ideal for sightseeing and outdoor walks; carry a light jacket.
Udaipur at Night
Hiking in Udaipur
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Aravalli foothill trails offering scenic viewpoints and historical sites.
Ridge trails around the fort in the Aravalli hills; day trips from Udaipur.
Airports
How to reach Udaipur by plane.
Domestic flights with occasional international connections; about 22-30 km from the city center; taxis and shuttles connect to Udaipur.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily Rajput and Rajasthani communities with a mix of other Indian states.
A steady stream of domestic and international visitors, especially from Europe and Asia.
A smaller but growing group of expats and long stay travelers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport, played in parks, streets, and organized leagues.
Widely played in schools and local grounds.
Traditional games common in villages near Udaipur.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Udaipur.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Fully vegetarian options are widely available; ask for Jain friendly preparations if needed.
Gluten-free dishes can be found; request millets like bajra or jowar roti as substitutes.
Dairy is common in dishes; request no ghee or butter when possible.