Udaipur Travel Guide

Get ready to explore Udaipur, the city of lakes and palaces in Rajasthan. Plan your trip with our travel guide, complete with information on the best things to see and do, where to stay, how to get there, and more.


Udaipur is a picturesque city located in Rajasthan, India. Known as the “City of Lakes” and the “Venice of the East,” it is surrounded by the stunning Aravalli hills and boasts several beautiful lakes and palaces. Udaipur’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant art scenes, and natural beauty make it a must-see destination for travelers. This travel guide provides a comprehensive overview of the city, covering everything from its history and attractions to food and drink, accommodations, and safety tips.

Introduction to Udaipur

Udaipur is a city with a rich history and stunning architecture that will leave you in awe. The city was founded by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1559 as the capital of the Mewar Kingdom. Over the years, Udaipur has been ruled by different dynasties, each contributing to its unique culture and heritage.

Udaipur is famous for its stunning palaces and forts, each with a story of its own. Among the most popular tourist attractions in the city are the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Pichola, and the Monsoon Palace.

List of Places to Visit in Udaipur

Udaipur has a lot of fascinating places to explore, and here are some of the most significant ones categorized by their respective characteristics:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • City Palace
  • Jagdish Temple
  • Bagore Ki Haveli
  • Vintage Car Museum
  • Shilpgram
  • Ahar Archaeological Museum

Natural Attractions of Udaipur: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Fateh Sagar Lake
  • Lake Pichola
  • Saheliyon Ki Bari
  • Monsoon Palace
  • Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Jungle Safari Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Udaipur

Udaipur is surrounded by scenic hills perfect for hiking or biking. Here are some ideal routes to try:

  • Aravalli Hills Trek
  • Tiger Lake Trek
  • Badi Lake Biking Trail

Best Things to Do in Udaipur: Activities and Tours

  • Boat Ride in Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, Badi Lake, or Udai Sagar Lake
  • Sound and Light Show at City Palace
  • Cultural Show at Bagore Ki Haveli
  • Day Trip to Kumbhalgarh Fort or Chittorgarh Fort
  • Food and Heritage Walk

Week-Long Itinerary for Udaipur

A week-long itinerary for Udaipur will provide you plenty of time to adequately explore the city and nearby areas. Here is what you could include:

Day 1: City Palace, Jagdish Temple, and Lake Pichola Boat Ride Day 2: Monsoon Palace, Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, and Bagore Ki Haveli Cultural Show Day 3: Fateh Sagar Lake, Saheliyon Ki Bari, and Shilpgram Crafts Village Day 4: Kumbhalgarh Fort Day Trip Day 5: Chittorgarh Fort Day Trip Day 6: Vintage Car Museum, Ahar Archaeological Museum, and Badi Lake Day 7: Food and Heritage Walk, Shopping, and Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Udaipur

Rajasthan is famous for its spicy food, and Udaipur is no exception. Here are some dishes to try:

Must-Try Dishes:

  • Laal Maas
  • Gatte ki Sabzi
  • Ker Sangri
  • Kachori
  • Dal Baati Churma

Local Beverages:

  • Masala chai
  • Lassi
  • Beer

Where to Stay in Udaipur: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Udaipur offers various accommodation options, ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Here are some options to consider:

Luxury Hotels:

  • The Leela Palace Udaipur
  • Taj Lake Palace
  • Oberoi Udaivilas
  • Trident Udaipur
  • Fateh Prakash Palace

Budget Hotels and Guesthouses:

  • Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel
  • Shree Vilas Orchid
  • Hotel Udai Niwas

Hostels:

  • Moustache Udaipur
  • Zostel Udaipur
  • Bunkyard Hostel

What to Buy in Udaipur: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Udaipur is renowned for its handicrafts and textiles. Here are some souvenirs to consider:

  • Paintings and Miniature Art
  • Silver Jewellery
  • Pichwai Paintings
  • Wood Carvings
  • Block Printed Textiles

Local Culture and Customs of Udaipur

Udaipur is a culturally rich city with significant historical value. Here are some customs and etiquettes to note:

  • Dress modestly while visiting religious places.
  • Seek permission before taking photos of people.
  • Respect the local culture and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Udaipur

The best time to visit Udaipur is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and mild. It is also the busiest tourist season, so be prepared for crowds and higher prices.

Do’s and Don’ts of Udaipur

Do:

  • Try the local food and beverages.
  • Respect the local customs.
  • Keep a copy of your passport and visa with you.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect the local culture and traditions.
  • Drink tap water.
  • Carry or buy drugs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Udaipur

Udaipur is a relatively safe city, but it is essential to be cautious and aware of your surroundings. Here are some safety tips to follow:

  • Avoid traveling alone at night.
  • Keep your valuables safe.
  • Use authorized taxis and buses.

Health in Udaipur

Be cautious of street food and drink bottled water. Here are some essential health tips to consider:

  • Stay hydrated.
  • Carry sunscreen and insect repellent.
  • Seek medical attention if you fall sick.

Getting to Udaipur: Transportation Options and Logistics

Udaipur is well-connected by air, road, and train.

Airports Near Udaipur

  • Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur

Bus Stations Near Udaipur

  • Udaipur City Bus Stand
  • Udaipur Roadways Bus Stand
  • Maharana Pratap Bus Stand

Other Options

  • Taxis
  • Car Rental
  • Train

How to Get Around in Udaipur

Udaipur offers several transportation options, including buses, taxis, tuk-tuks, and bicycles. However, the best way to get around and explore the city is on foot.

Where to Go Next from Udaipur: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby places to explore from Udaipur:

  • Mount Abu
  • Ranakpur Jain Temple
  • Haldighati
  • Kumbhalgarh Fort

Conclusion

Udaipur is a city with rich history, culture, and natural beauty. From towering palaces to tranquil lakes, it has everything to offer to the discerning traveler. This travel guide should be useful in planning the perfect trip to Udaipur. Remember to respect the local culture and traditions and enjoy your time in this enchanting city.

View of Udaipur City Palace at night View of Udaipur City Palace at night Royal cenotaphs in Ahar, near Udaipur Royal cenotaphs in Ahar, near Udaipur