Dare I say: if you haven’t booked in some time in Rajasthan for an Udaipur trip, you haven’t really experienced what the heart of Rajasthan is about. Yes, Jaipur is pink and beautiful, and Agra is a must-visit with the Taj Mahal, but Udaipur is a city that appeals not only to the eyes but to the soul.
The City of Lakes is unlike anywhere else I saw in Rajasthan, with the still blue water of Lake Pichola surrounded by lush green mountains. There are so many landlocked cities in this part of India, I didn’t even realize how much I missed seeing the water until I got here!
Udaipur is soothing and bright, making space for laughing with locals and staring out over the serene waters side by side with a friend. Especially when the palace start to light up at dusk and the whole city sparkles in the reflections of the lake, you’ll understand why an Udaipur trip is one of the best ideas you could’ve had in India.
Why Udaipur Should Be On Your India Trip List
I had never even heard of Udaipur before planning my first trip to Rajasthan, but you’re in the right place because everyone deserves an Udaipur trip if you’re in the region. This city has truly earned its nickname as the City of Lakes! Unlike the other larger and busier cities of Rajasthan like Jaipur or Jodhpur, Udaipur has a relaxed and romantic feel.
Centered around the gorgeous Lake Pichola, Udaipur is compact and beautiful at every turn. It’s easy to appreciate gazing over the water from a rooftop cafe, while taking a boat ride across the still lake, or wandering through the narrow lanes that sell literally everything from tea to saris to tiny art pieces.
Plus, the locals here are so friendly and the pace is a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle and honking of the other cities in Rajasthan! After coming to Udaipur from Jaipur and Agra, I felt like I could wind down for a couple of days with a cup of chai in hand.
🥻 Read more: 9-Day Rajasthan Itinerary: Colors of Agra, Jaipur, & Udaipur
Best Time to Visit Udaipur
The best time to visit Udaipur (and the region of Rajasthan as a whole) is during the cooler months, which also coincide with the dry and touristic season. The high season runs from October to March and boasts the best weather, warm and dry. Avoid the summer months (April to June) because the weather is unbearably hot, sometimes soaring past an insane 40°C! The monsoon season (July to September) is lush and green and has fewer crowds and lower prices, but of course you have to be prepared for heavy rain, mud, and some closed outdoor attractions.
We actually went to Rajasthan during the tail end of monsoon season, in late September. We lucked out with weather—it was still hot, but it didn’t rain a single time—though it was a stroke of good fortune and I wouldn’t rely on this. It actually started pouring the day after we flew out!
🧘🏼♀️ Going to India? Here are some of my best India travel tips and things I wish I knew before going…
How Many Days to Spend in Udaipur
Because the city is fairly small, I recommend spending 2 full days in Udaipur. With this amount of time, you can see important sights like the Udaipur City Palace, take a sunset boat ride across Lake Pichola, wander and shop through the old town, and have a few relaxed rooftop dinners.
If you’re really short on time, having one full day is also possible, but it’ll be a bit rushed. Personally, I’d really recommend staying at least two nights because taking a slower pace is what Udaipur is all about!
How to Get to Udaipur & Move Around the City
Even though Udaipur isn’t that large of a city, it’s actually quite easy to reach. Especially if you’re traveling between major cities, there are multiple good ways to get to Udaipur, Rajasthan!
The fastest option is to fly from Delhi to Udaipur, which takes around 1.5 hours. There are also direct trains from Jaipur, which is a comfortable and scenic way to travel if you have the time. I will warn you, though, that booking trains in India as a foreigner can be a hassle at best and impossible at worst.
🪷 Planning on visiting Jaipur as well? India’s famous pink city is one of the most photogenic and beautiful places I’ve ever seen! I’ve put together a guide just for Jaipur here.
Once you’re in Udaipur, getting around is fairly simple. Uber is an easy option for foreigners to get around longer distances, but within the narrow streets of the old town, tuk-tuks are the most convenient method of transportation. The streets are too steep or small to allow taxis, so you’ll either need to flag a tuk-tuk or walk between spots. Most of Udaipur’s highlights that I’ve listed below are within walking distance, though I do recommend taking a tuk-tuk at least once for an authentic Udaipur trip!
Where to Stay in Udaipur
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to where to stay in Udaipur, as there are so many gorgeous hotels and havelis to choose from. As a popular spot for a getaway, Udaipur is home to some of the most beautiful stays in India!
Luxury Hotels in Udaipur
- Taj Lake Palace: One of the most iconic hotels in India, this white marble palace floats on Lake Pichola. Come here for world-class luxury and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- The Leela Palace Udaipur: Overlooking Lake Pichola, The Leela Palace combines opulence with warmth. It feels regal and personal, straight out of a dream.
- Aurika, Udaipur – Luxury by Lemon Tree Hotels: A modern five-star hotel perched on the Aravalli hills, offering stunning views and contemporary luxury for those seeking comfort outside the old town bustle.
Mid-Range Hotels in Udaipur
- Amet Haveli: A gorgeous family-run heritage hotel on the lake’s edge with unmatched views of the City Palace. It’s especially popular for its on-site restaurant, Ambrai, which is one of the best dinner spots in Udaipur.
- Lake Pichola Hotel: A heritage property right on the lake with charming courtyards and a rooftop restaurant that’s perfect for sunset dining. The location couldn’t be better for exploring the city.
- Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel: This 17th-century haveli offers beautifully decorated rooms with lake views and a romantic rooftop restaurant.
Budget Hotels in Udaipur
- Hotel Grand Bhagwat Udaipur Inn City Centre: A clean, comfortable, and modern hotel near major attractions. It’s a great choice if you want good value without compromising convenience.
- Avaanti Boutique Stays by Avaanti Stays: Stylish yet reasonably priced, this boutique hotel offers a mix of comfort, design, and attentive service that’s hard to find in this range.
Even though there are tons of choices for hotels in Udaipur, it does get popular during the high season. I recommend always booking in advance!
Top Things to Do in Udaipur: Lakes, Palaces & Hidden Gems
City Palace of Udaipur
The City Palace of Udaipur is one of the most impressive landmarks in town and a must-visit on any Udaipur trip. If you’ve been to other cities in Rajasthan, you’re probably used to hearing about this city palace or that city palace, but the City Palace Museum in Udaipur is a huge complex of courtyards, exhibits, and terraces that paint a full picture of the Mewar dynasty. You can buy tickets online or at the entrance.
You’ll find countless guides who will aggressively offer their services to you at the entrance, but I actually think the Udaipur City Palace exhibits are very easy to understand even without a guide. All the plaques are in both Hindi and English and every single display has an explanatory sign, which is super useful.
Honestly, the City Palace of Udaipur is massive and hard to see in one visit. We spent around three hours exploring and still had to skip a bunch of exhibits towards the end! If you’re limited on time, I recommend focusing on the museum galleries, beautiful mirrored rooms, and the lake-view balconies. The architecture here is pretty jaw-dropping and even without the more detail-oriented exhibits, I could’ve spent the whole day just enjoying the design.
🥻 The various city palaces of India are one of the architectural highlights of the country. Make sure to visit the gorgeously designed City Palace of Jaipur as well!
Walk Around the Ghats of Lake Pichola
In Udaipur, you’ll hear a lot about “ghats.” What is a ghat? These are steps that lead down to the water, and they’re an essential part of local life in Udaipur. Walking around the ghats of Lake Pichola is one of the simplest and best free ways to experience the city. You’ll see locals washing clothes, children playing, people feeding pigeons, and visitors enjoying the view of the palaces reflected in the lake.
I find the north and east sides of Lake Pichola the most picturesque and easiest for viewing. For some popular ghats with great views, check out the expansive Gangaur Ghat, Imli Ghat, and Pipli Ghat. It’s these small, everyday scenes that make Udaipur travel so charming!
Lake Pichola Hotel Gallery Cafe
Located inside the Lake Pichola Hotel is one of the most famous cafes in Udaipur for its pretty jharoka seating. We originally intended to come here for a mid-morning chai, but it seems their hours have changed and they’re only open starting at noon these days.
I still do recommend stopping by because jharokas are such an iconic part of Indian architecture and it makes for such a pretty photo opportunity! The food isn’t remarkable but not bad at all either, and it’s a nice scenic stop on your Udaipur trip.
See a Dharohar Folk Dance Show
The Dharohar Folk Dance Show is one of the best cultural experiences in the city and a must-add on your Udaipur travel list. There are two show locations, held daily at Bagore Ki Haveli or Lok Dharohar Haveli. Both feature traditional Rajasthani music, folk dances, and puppet performances, some of which are seriously incredible! My jaw was on the floor seeing some of these women dance with seemingly infinite pots on their heads!
We ended up choosing the show at Bagore Ki Haveli because it’s located right in the old town, making it easy to walk to dinner afterwards, but the show at Lok Dharohar isn’t exactly out of the way either. It’s totally up to you!
Tickets sell out quickly, so I recommend booking online in advance. Arrive early to snag a good seat! Doors open at 6:30 and the show starts at 7 PM, and I definitely recommend getting there at 6:30 if you want one of the best views in the house.
Hike Up Bahubali Hills
If you’re looking to get out of the old town during your Udaipur trip, I recommend heading out to Bahubali Hills. This spot has become pretty popular among locals in the last few years due to movies and photoshoots, and I can entirely understand why!
With just a short 15-minute climb, you’ll get to see panoramic views of the Aravalli mountains and the beautiful Badi Lake. We came for sunrise and enjoyed chai and snacks at the top—it’s peaceful, scenic, and different from anything else we saw in Rajasthan!
Bahubali Hills is around a 30 minute drive from central Udaipur and there is no cell service here. You’ll want to agree on a pickup time and price with your driver beforehand because you can’t call a car, and there’s no civilization for several miles. Entry to the hike is just 15 INR per person, so bring some small bills if you can. Even if it’s a little out of the way, I highly recommend coming to Bahubali Hills—it’s one of those local spots that makes Udaipur travel feel authentic and unique.
Jagat Niwas Palace
Even if you’re not staying here, the Jagat Niwas Palace is one of the prettiest places in Udaipur, Rajasthan to stop for a meal. I love their beautiful jharoka window seating overlooking Lake Pichola! You can come for breakfast or afternoon tea—we came for breakfast, but I actually think the lighting and value might be better for tea.
The atmosphere here is very calm and quiet, with romantic views and the occasional hired musician playing gently in the background. Even though it’s on the pricey side, I definitely think stopping by Jagat Niwas Palace is worth it. The whole vibe makes the Udaipur travel experience so relaxing!
Take A Sunset Boat Ride on Lake Pichola
A sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola is one of the most iconic things to do in Udaipur! You can book it through your hotel or go to the public dock near the City Palace, which is called “Lake Pichola Municipal Boat Ride Point” on Google Maps. We opted for the public boat, which is a bit packed to be sure, but had a great time.
The water turns golden as the sun sets behind the palaces, and the floating Taj Lake Palace and Aravalli Hills in the distance really make you feel like you’re in a different country. If you want to go for a more intimate and private experience, I would book a ride through your hotel—the public dock provides boats mostly for larger groups of 7-30 people—but regardless, it’s a quintessential experience for your Udaipur trip.
Dhoodh Talaj
Just a short walk from the Lake Pichola Municipal Boat Ride Point is Dhoodh Talaj, a small artificial lake surrounded by greenery. Despite the fact that it’s basically right next to the Udaipur City Palace, it’s pretty quiet and a beautiful place to unwind.
There are several pretty jharokas here and a lovely view of the lush greenery that surrounds Udaipur. We came early in the morning and enjoyed the lake all to ourselves with the cool morning air—a simple but rewarding stop on any Udaipur trip.
Udaipur Travel Tips & FAQs for Your Trip
- What is Udaipur famous for? Udaipur is known as the City of Lakes, celebrated for its romantic palaces, scenic boat rides, and old-world charm.
- How many days are enough for a Udaipur trip? Ideally, spend 2 full days in Udaipur to enjoy its main highlights at a relaxed pace.
- What is the best time to visit Udaipur Rajasthan? The best time to visit Udaipur is from October to March when the weather is warm and pleasant.
- Is Udaipur expensive for tourists? Udaipur suits all budgets — from luxury hotels like Taj Lake Palace to affordable stays like Amet Haveli. Meals and local transport are reasonably priced, making Udaipur travel accessible to all.
- What should I wear in Udaipur? Lightweight, breathable clothing is best for daytime sightseeing. Carry a scarf or shawl for temple visits or sun protection.
- How to avoid scams in Udaipur? Be cautious of overpriced tour guides at attractions like the City Palace. Always agree on tuk-tuk fares in advance or use Uber to avoid inflated prices. Avoid buying “genuine silver” or “authentic miniature paintings” from unsolicited sellers near the ghats—visit reputable shops instead.
🧘🏼♀️ Read more: 9-Day Rajasthan Itinerary: Colors of Agra, Jaipur, & Udaipur
Where to Next in India?
After spending a few relaxing days on your Udaipur trip, it’s time to pack up and head to the next destination. India is one of the most gorgeous and diverse countries on the planet, and there are so many regions to explore!
Where are you headed to next in India? Are you exploring other cities in Rajasthan like Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, or Jodhpur? What about a different region altogether or heading to southern India? The possibilities are endless. Enjoy India and namaste!
Did you find this post helpful? Please consider pinning it on Pinterest with the buttons below, or following me on Instagram!