Lakes, lakes, pristine palaces, and more lakes. Udaipur mha padhaaro sa! 

Often associated with the monsoon, and rightfully so, Udaipur city is surrounded by cool lakes, cooler sights, and the coolest views thanks to the Aravalli. The city’s flamboyant charms appeal to one and all. The stunning scenes of Lake Pichola call for lovers of photography. The promise of hikes draws adventure seekers. The natural scenery and picturesque evening bring in the sunset lovers. The rich heritage, featuring the battle of Haldighati, attracts history lovers far & wide. As for the rest, the delicious food scene is enough. 

And with our detailed guide, you can explore the best of Udaipur.

View of Udaipur city from the City Palace

Best Time to Visit Udaipur

Udaipur is best explored during winter (October to March) when temperatures are low. 

Alternatively, you can visit during the Monsoon season (July to September), when the temperature in Udaipur is pleasant and the city’s at its greenest. Do carry umbrellas and raincoats for the occasional showers. 

Summers (April to June) are usually less preferred, as Udaipur’s temperature soars as high as 45 degrees.

Places to Visit in Udaipur 

While the city’s bounty of sights is seemingly endless, we made a list of the very best places to visit in Udaipur:

City Palace: Decked out with fancy carvings, charming balconies, and cupolas, the city palace is the largest in Rajasthan! Just 4 km from the city centre, the palace houses a majestic mix of 11 mini-palaces, each with its own tale to tell. Over the years, different maharanas have added their flair, but the OG architect behind this beauty was Maharana Udai Singh II. 

Timings: 9 am to 5 pm (The Museum remains closed on Sundays.)

Ticket: 400 INR per person

Stunning Udaipur City Palace | Picture by Volker Glätsch from Pixabay

Jagdish Temple: Among the most famous temples in Udaipur, the Jagdish Temple boasts stunning Indo-Aryan architecture. A steep flight of stairs will take you up to this 3-tiered marvel. And it’s only 800 m from Zostel Udaipur! 

Lake Palace: Set amidst the serene waters of Lake Pichola, this palace-turned-heritage hotel offers a royal stay with marbled halls, lush gardens, and breathtaking lake views. A 15-min drive from the city centre will bring you to this spot.

Jag Mandir Island: The Jagmandir Island is home to the Jagmandir Palace or the Lake Garden Palace, set right on Lake Pichola. It is about 5 km from the city centre. 

Timings: 10 am to 6 pm 

Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace: One of the most iconic Udaipur tourist places, Sajjangarh Palace is known to offer panoramic views of Udaipur. Also called the “Monsoon Palace,” this palace was built as a rain-watching retreat with plans of turning it into an astronomical observatory. 

Catch the greenest views and a stunning sunset from here!

Timings: 9 am to 5 pm 

Ticket: 210 INR per person

Magnificent Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace at night | Picture by Aditya Chache on Unsplash

Ahar Museum & Cenotaphs: Housing architectural gems and sculptures dating back to 1700 BC, Ahar Museum is your one-stop time machine! But what truly sets this spot apart is the cluster of cenotaphs honouring the Maharanas of Mewar. 

Timings: 10 am to 4:30 pm 

Ticket: 20 INR per person

Saheliyon ki Bari: Also known as the Garden of Maidens, this picturesque garden was especially built for the ladies. Just 4 km from the city centre, explore the lush greenery, fountains, lotus pools, marble pavilions, and a small museum. 

Timings: 9 am to 7 pm 

Ticket: 10 INR per person 

Bagore ki Haveli: Just 2 km from the city centre, this grand 18th-century mansion on the banks of Lake Pichola showcases a stunning collection of traditional artefacts, intricate glasswork, and cultural exhibits. 

Timings: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm 

Ticket: 60 INR per person 

Lakes of Udaipur

The lakes of Udaipur add a sparkling touch to the city's timeless charm. It's easy to see why Udaipur is called the City of Lakes. These shimmering waters are pure magic:

• Lake Pichola: Spot the Jagmandir & Jagniwas Islands. 
• Fateh Sagar Lake: Enjoy a blazing sunset, a bout of boating, and the best of Rajasthani street food. 
• Udai Sagar Lake: This gem was formed due to a dam built on the Berach River. 
• Doodh Talai Lake: Explore the manicured gardens beside.
• Jaisamand Lake: It is the 2nd largest man-made sweet water lake in Asia.
• Badi Lake: It is surrounded by three pristine lakes.

Sunset and boating scenes at Lake Pichola

Things to do in Udaipur 

From sunset catching to thrilling ropeways, there’s a whole lot of fun waiting for you at Udaipur, including:

Ropeway Ride or Hike to Karni Mata Temple: Take a scenic ropeway ride or a steep & thrilling hike to the summit. Visit the ancient temple and catch a bird’s eye view of Udaipur.

Timings: 4 am to 10 pm

Ticket for ropeway: 200 INR per person (round trip)

Shop at the Local Markets: Souvenirs in Udaipur can go from intricately designed handicrafts to beautifully crafted sarees, and these markets in Udaipur will help you get the best of them:

• Hathipole Bazar
• Ashwini Bazar
• Bapu Bazar
• Jagdish Chowk

Visit the Ghats: Enjoy a relaxing evening at the Gangaur ghat and Ambrai ghat. Oh, and Gangaur ghat is just a 10-min walk from Zostel Udaipur. 

Sunset at Bahubali Hills: Overlooking the serene Badi Lake, Bahubali Hills make the perfect hangout spot. A short 10-min hike will take you up to the sunset spot. 

Views of the Bahubali Hills | Picture by Kashish Lamba on Unsplash

Sunrise at Rayta Hills: Looking to catch a sunrise? This spot knows the trick. And it comes with a scenic drive across curving roads. 

Boating at the Lakes: Take a serene motorboat ride or chase the waves on a speedboat at Fateh Sagar Lake and Lake Pichola. 

Day Trips from Udaipur

Venture beyond Udaipur to uncover enchanting landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences — here are the top spots to explore:

Chittorgarh: 111 km, ~2 hr: Set off on a chill day trip from Udaipur to Chittorgarh, where the grand Chittorgarh Fort—one of India’s largest—takes you back in time. Wander through its epic ruins, pass by towering gates, and explore palaces that still buzz with tales of bravery and legendary battles.

The pristine Gaumukh Reservoir inside the Chittorgarh Palace | Picture by Mayank Gaur on Unsplash

Shilpgram: 8 km, 20 min: Shilpgram is a vibrant rural arts and crafts complex, where you can explore traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, folk performances, and experience the local culture up close.

Kumbhalgarh Fort: 86 km, ~2.5 hr: The impressive Kumbhalgarh Fort boasts the world’s second-longest continuous wall, after China’s Great Wall. Explore its hidden temples, winding passages, and breathtaking viewpoints, each with its tales of intrigue and bravery.

Best Restaurants in Udaipur 

Looking for the best restaurants in Udaipur? We’ve got you a list: 

Krishna Dal Bati Restro: Any Rajasthan trip is incomplete without having steaming Dal Bati Churma. And in Udaipur, you can not go wrong with this spot.

What to try: Dal baati churma, Chaach

Cost for two: 150 INR 

Jheel’s Ginger Coffee Bar & Bakery: Set near the Gangaur Ghat, pair the scenic views of Lake Pichola with fresh bakes and brews! And it’s just an 8-min walk from Zostel Udaipur!

What to try: Choco latte, Mushroom sandwich, and Walnut pie

Cost for two: 900 INR

Millets of Mewar: Treat yourself to a wide selection of millet-based food at this humble joint. And the experience is made more fun with their floor seating. 

What to try: Dal bati churma thali (Made of millet), Mewari govind gatta, Millet bajra roti

Cost for two: 1000 INR

Sukhadia Circle / Fateh Sagar Lake: Rajasthan and street food are a match made in heaven. And you’ll know exactly what we mean when you visit the Sukhadia Circle and the lane beside Fateh Sagar Lake. You’ll find some of the best eateries in Udaipur here. 

What to try: Dabeli, Mirchi bada, Samosa, Pao Bhaji, and much more!

A steaming plate of dal bati churma 

Khamma Ghani Restaurant: This lake-front restaurant is known for offering a regal dining experience. Across its lamp-lit tables, you can enjoy a selection of Rajasthani and North Indian fare. 

What to try: Paneer lababdar, Chicken banjara, Gatta curry 

Cost for two: 1500 INR

Mavi Cafe: This humble haunt is the perfect spot to chill and catch up with your friends with fresh coffee and snacks!

What to try: Avocado toast, Banana Pancake, Smoothie bowl

Cost for two: 1500 INR

Ambrai Restaurant: Enjoy an al fresco dining experience with spectacular City Palace views, perfect for a romantic dinner.

What to try: Murg Tikka, Mutton 

Cost for two: 1700 INR

About Zostel Udaipur

Looking for a hostel in Udaipur near Lake Pichola? Well, congrats—you’ve just hit the jackpot with Zostel Udaipur! Tucked beside the serene Swaroop Sagar Lake and only a quick stroll from the lively Jagdish Chowk, this is your perfect launchpad for a Udaipur adventure. Wake up to dazzling lake views from your room, or head to our rooftop to sip chai while the sunset splashes the city in gold. Feeling social? Dive into a game of snooker in the common room, groove to impromptu jam sessions, or swap travel tales under the stars. When wanderlust kicks in, team up with fellow explorers and wander through Udaipur’s bustling bazaars, royal palaces, and secret spots.

Check out Zostel Udaipur!

Beautiful wall art, colourful common room, and rooftop restaurant views at Zostel Udaipur | Pictures by @ankitguptaphotography

Bonfire at the rooftop, cosy dorms, and private room at Zostel Udaipur | Pictures by @ankitguptaphotography

Udaipur City is buzzing with fun, frolic, and fabulous food. So plan your adventure and #LiveItNow!