Places to Visit in Udaipur

I believe that ‘itihas ke panhe behad khubsurat hote hai‘ (The pages of history are very beautiful) – and Udaipur does justice to this statement. When I entered the city, I didn’t know it would stay with me for the rest of my life, and I am glad it did. This city has a magic that makes you fall in love again – be it with your partner, yourself, or life. There is no formula for this; it’s just in the vibe of the city. Usually, 4-6 days are enough to explore Udaipur, but to experience its true essence, you should not hurry.

Here are some personal recommendations to enhance your experience at the iconic places in Udaipur

Things to do in Udaipur

Early Morning Stroll at Ghangour Ghat

Start your morning with a relaxing stroll around Ghanghour Ghat. The mornings near the lake are peaceful, with less chaos from the crowd and more sweet chirping of birds. As someone who needs to recharge my social batteries from time to time, spending a few moments of solace by the ghat was just what I needed to get through my exciting time in Udaipur.

Tip: You can enhance the experience with a Rajasthan special Kulhad Chai.

Historical Detour at City Palace

Time travel to the great Indian history and experience the royalty of Rajasthan with the eye-catching beauty of the City Palace. Built on a hill at the banks of Lake Pichola in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II, it is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. The dignified Rajput architecture showcases the rich cultural heritage of India. The palace has a vast premise with interlinked buildings, multiple gateways, courtyards, and gardens. The average time required for an entire tour of the City Palace is around 3 hours. I was overwhelmed by the wealth of information, and the architecture made me visualize the royal life of the kings and queens who once lived there.

I was mesmerized by the interior, adorned with an array of bright colors, glass, marbles, mirrors, and more. The image below shows the Kanch Ki Burj chamber, decked out with mosaics of mirrors and colorful glasses

For details on the charges, please refer to the image below. Please note that the charges shown in the image are subject to change.

Immerse in Rajasthani Culture at Dharohar – Bagore ki Haveli

Take a deep dive into Rajasthani culture with an hour-long show, Dharohar, at Bagore-ki-Haveli. This cultural show is organized every evening at the century-old Haveli in the old city of Udaipur. With classic Indian setting and good lighting under the open sky, this show is a treat for the eyes. The talent and skills of the performers will leave you awestruck. A warm welcome song, regional storytelling acts, a puppet show, and stunning dance performances will keep you engaged throughout the show.

Entry Charges:

• Rs. 100/- per person for Indian adults
• Rs. 150/- per person for foreigners
• Rs. 45/- per child
• Rs. 100/- for camera charges

A Leisure Evening at Ambrai Ghat

After a day full of exploring, enjoy a leisurely evening by Ambrai Ghat. The lights and the view of the lake are perfect for spending quality time with your loved ones. Whether you’re talking about life with friends or seeking peaceful solitude, this place won’t let you down. When we visited, we were absorbing the beauty when a group of friends started jamming on a guitar to the Bollywood song “Sham bhi Kabhi,” adding a special touch to the simple evening.

There is a nominal entry fee of Rs 10/-. I have heard that they now charge Rs 100/- for mobile phones and cameras, so please check that.

Timing: 7 AM to 8 PM 

Tip: Carry mosquito repellent with you in the evening.

Cycling at Fateh Sagar Lake

Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or not, give it a try—you won’t regret it! Rent a bicycle and explore the beautiful Fateh Sagar Lake to kick-start your morning 🤭. Cycling early by the lake will energize you for the day ahead. You can easily rent a bicycle near Fateh Sagar Lake for as little as Rs. 30/- per hour from MYBYK Funzone.

Sunset at Bahubali Hills

Take a short 20-minute hike to a hill surrounded by the lake on three sides, approximately 15 km from Udaipur Old City. This spot offers a picturesque sunset view, making it a favorite among sunset enthusiasts and a popular tourist attraction in Udaipur. Visiting this place on the first day of our trip set high expectations for the rest of our journey.

Note: You can book an OLA/UBER to reach the place, but arranging a return cab might be challenging. I recommend booking an auto instead, which typically charges around Rs. 300-400/- including 1.5 hours waiting time.

There is a nominal entry fee of Rs. 10/- per person, and entry closes around 5:30 PM.

Star Gazing at Buddy Lake

No special effort needed; simply drive to the serene lake and find a spot by the roadside facing the water, gazing at the sky. A night by the lake under a starry sky, with the moon and some soft music playing (on your own phone, of course). Is it too much to ask for? Not in Udaipur.

Note: I recommend this experience only if you are with a group of friends or accompanied by someone, as this area gets quite deserted at night without street lights. It’s not recommended for solo travelers.

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Things to Know Before Planning a Trip to Udaipur in 2024

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Sunset at Karni Mata Temple

Sunset lovers, I have another spot for you. Just 3 km from Udaipur Old City, this temple sits atop Machla Magra hills near Doodh Talai Lake. You can reach the top either by stairs, a 30-40 minute climb, or by ropeway, a quick 5-minute ride. The city view from here is mesmerizing, especially at sunrise or sunset, adding an extra touch of magic to its beauty. After sunset, you can also experience the evening Aarti at the temple for a spiritual highlight in your trip. (Aarti is a Hindu ritual to worship the Gods).

Ropeway charge: Rs. 110/- per person (waiting time for tickets are longer on weekends).

Spiritual Connect at Jagdish Temple

Take a relaxing break at the Jagdish Temple in Udaipur. Dedicated to the Hindu lord Vishnu, this temple is situated in the heart of the city, adjacent to the City Palace Udaipur. It offers a glimpse into architectural beauty and spiritual serenity. The intricate sculpting will leave you in awe of the artistic brilliance of the Mewar Dynasty.

Temple Timings: Monday to Sunday, 4 AM to 1 PM and 5 PM to 8 PM IST

Shopping at Hathipole Market and Old city Market

Calling all shopaholics! These places have everything you need. Hathipole Market is renowned for its variety of traditional dupattas, sarees, and footwear, along with shops offering souvenirs and handicrafts. The Old City Market caters more to tourists, featuring western dresses, crop tops with typical Rajasthani prints, imitation jewelry, and handicrafts. Prices are reasonable at both locations, and many shops are open to bargaining.

There are other places worth exploring, although I haven’t personally visited them. Consider giving these a try:

• Sajjangarh Palace
• Monsoon Palace
• Saheli ki Bari
• Jagmandir

Here are some suggestions for things to do in Udaipur, curated from my own experiences. If you are looking for a quick guide to plan your trip to Udaipur, check this out. In my next blog post, I will cover places that are not within Udaipur but in close proximity to the city. If you have time, consider adding those to your itinerary as well.