Known as the City of Lakes, there are plenty of things to do in Udaipur that would help you make the most of your holidays. Often voted as one of the best destinations in India, Udaipur is an excellent choice for those who want to relax and seek adventure.
While this beautiful city offers stunning vistas of Lake Pichola and Lake Fateh Sagar, a romantic and enchanting atmosphere, it also offers a variety of things to do in Udaipur that would keep you on your toes. Hence, there are plenty of options that you would want to try when you are holidaying in Udaipur.
If you are visiting Udaipur but haven’t planned your itinerary yet you can choose from these options and choose services to help you make the most of your time.
This list is made based on our personal experiences. We stayed in Udaipur for 10 days and that helped us sort this list.
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1. Visit the Majestic City Palace
Nestled on the banks of Lake Pichola, City Palace Udaipur is a stunning architectural marvel built by several rulers of the Mewar dynasty. In terms of architecture, the palace intricately blends Rajasthani and Mughal styles in its balconies, courtyards and grand halls.
Explore the opulent rooms and a collection of royal artefacts as you snake through the narrow hallways and passages. Considering how vast and complicated the palace interiors are you should always book a guide to help you tour the palace. Reserve now and skip the line for City Palace Udaipur.
2. Take a Boat Ride on Lake Pichola
Probably one of the most romantic things to do in Udaipur is enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola. This is one of the most serene experiences as you glide through the calm waters and enjoy stunning views of the magnificent City Palace Udaipur.
The boat ride offers you a great unique perspective to view Udaipur’s historical landmarks and enjoy the scenery around. As per my experience, one fine way is to explore the famous Ghats along with the boat tour with a small group. Trust me; a crowded boat is no fun.
3. Explore the Serene Jag Mandir
One of the things to do in Udaipur is explore the serene Jag Mandir. Popularly known as the Lake Garden Palace, this island palace is located on Lake Pichola. Built in the 17th century by Maharana Karan Singh, this island palace served as a summer retreat and royal guesthouse.
Surrounded by water, this island palace offers stunning vistas of the City Palace and Aravalli Hills in the distance. You can reserve now and pay later for a scenic boat ride and buffet dinner experience at Jag Mandir Palace.
4. Admire the Architecture of Jagdish Temple
One of the things to do in Udaipur is seek blessings at the iconic Jagdish Temple. Just a 3-minute walk from Badi Pole gate of the City Palace you can explore this 17th century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Admire the Indo-Aryan architecture and the artistic work done on pillars, ceilings and towering spires. If you are around City Palace you can explore this temple on your own. This will help you save money but you will miss out on the details about the temple.
If you are interested in exploring the City Palace Udaipur and the Jagdish Temple, you can opt for a combo tour of City Palace and Jagdish Temple Udaipur.
5. Taste a Traditional Rajasthani Thali
As Indians we love thali and when you are in Udaipur you should not miss out on your chance to eat at the Nataraj Hotel and Restaurant. This hotel is close to Udaipur Railway Station and offers a delicious thali that simply is unbeatable.
If you are looking for a traditional vegetarian Rajasthani cuisine, you should not miss out on this hidden gem when you are in Udaipur.
6. Stroll Through Saheliyon Ki Bari
If you intend to spend an evening leisurely you can head to the lush Saheliyon Ki Bari (Garden of the Maidens). This 18th-century garden built by Maharana Sangram Singh is unique in a way. The garden has various fountains that replicate the sounds of various water effects. Hence, some fountains here replicate the sound of a soft drizzle while some replicate the pouring rain effect.
Designed for the royal ladies to spend time leisurely in a private space , the garden offers a peaceful sanctuary for all the visitors as well. Explore various ornamental fountains, a massive lotus pond, plenty of flowers and Rajasthani architecture amidst lush greenery.
7. Enjoy Wildlife at Sajjangarh Biological Park
One of the things to do in Udaipur Rajasthan is visit the Sajjangarh Biological Park. This is one of the best places in Udaipur to visit with family. The park offers a great experience for those who want to enjoy sighting wildlife.
Established in 2015, Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary offers a scenic and educational experience as you see various animals like tigers, leopards, deer, and an array of bird species.
8. Enjoy Views from the Monsoon Palace
While you are exploring Sajjangarh Biological Park you can also take time to visit the Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace perched atop the Aravalli Hills. For this, you will need to take a vehicle ride up the hill where the palace is located.
Built in 1884 for tracking monsoon clouds, this palace was later used as a royal retreat. From up above you can enjoy panoramic views of Udaipur’s lakes, palaces and the surrounding countryside. Stay here until sunset for some stunning sunset views in Udaipur. You can also book an e-bike to explore the Monsoon Palace trail.
9. Enjoy Sunset at the Fateh Sagar Lake
One of the things to do in Udaipur for first-timers is explore various lakes. While Lake Pichola steals the limelight, you must also enjoy wandering around Lake Fateh Sagar. You can enjoy sunset views here that are second to none.
This is one of the best places where you can enjoy evening walks with your partner, or family or even when you are solo.
10. Discover the Ancient Ahar Cenotaphs.
If you are a history buff and architecture enthusiast you would want to visit the Ahar Cenotaphs. These cenotaphs are locally known as ‘chhatris’. Built over 400 years ago, these are a collection of royal memorials that have domed pavilions and intricate marble carvings.
There are more than 250 cenotaphs present here including one of Maharana Amar Singh. These memorials reflect the grandeur of Rajasthani architecture and the best part is that there are not many tourists around.
11. Explore the Bagore Ki Haveli Museum
When you are in Udaipur you should explore an authentic Rajasthani haveli (mansion) reflecting the traditional Rajasthani architecture. This is one of the best ways to explore Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage. Nestled on the waterfront of Lake Pichola, this haveli has over 100 rooms highlighting the opulent lifestyle of Udaipur’s aristocracy.
You can walk through the grand courtyards, and balconies and explore the detailed architecture, weaponry and folk art. Ideally, you must visit this place before evening hours as it closes down and reopens for evening cultural performances and dance and light shows.
12. Take a Bicycle Tour of the City
One of the best things to do in Udaipur is to enjoy a bicycle ride around the city. This offers a great experience as you pedal your way through various roads of Udaipur. You can read more about my bicycle tour in Udaipur and enjoy images as well.
This is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and still enjoy some lovely sights of the city and other areas like Badi Lake. I would recommend opting for a bicycle tour early morning when there’s less traffic.
13. Take a Rajasthani Cooking Class
While you are in Udaipur you would certainly want to enjoy a good meal at various street food stalls and restaurants. However, if you love to cook you can also look out for cooking classes that allow you to learn how to cook traditional Rajasthani cuisine.
This allows you to enhance your culinary skills and gain more knowledge about different recipes. If you are interested in learning Rajasthani cuisine you can reserve for a class of limited participants.
14. Shop at Local Markets
Udaipur is a paradise for shoppers. Hence, when you are visiting Udaipur you must plan on how you want to shop around and what things you want to buy. Take a look at my shopping in Udaipur images. This would help you make informed choices about what you want to shop.
Udaipur is known for its textiles and handicrafts and therefore I would recommend that you shop for bedsheets and clothes that you can take back home for yourself and your family.
15. Quiet Lunches at Lakeside Restaurants
One of the best things to do in Udaipur is enjoy meals at restaurants overlooking a lake. This offers a unique experience that is hard to find elsewhere. You can find various amazing restaurants around Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar Lake.
My recommendations would be to try The Tribute, Ambrai Restaurant and 1559 AD. Please note that you might confused 1559 AD and Upre by 1559 AD as the same restaurant but they are not. However, they have the same management team.
Personally, we felt that the food at 1559 AD had an edge over Upre by 1559 AD. However, Upre enjoys a stunning lake view. Hence, if location doesn’t matter to you I would recommend 1559 AD near Fateh Sagar Road.
16. Visit the Maharana Pratap Memorial
While you are exploring Udaipur you can also visit the Maharana Pratap Memorial at Moti Magri Hill in Udaipur. This is one of the best places where you can enjoy a serene environment. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and overlooking the spectacular Fateh Sagar Lake you can enjoy your time here.
Here you can find a memorial that features a bronze statue of Maharana Pratap riding his loyal horse, Chetak. The site also houses a museum exhibiting weapons, artefacts and detailed accounts of Maharana Pratap’s battles and personal life.
17. Savour the Street Food in Udaipur
You can learn a lot about a city through its street food. Udaipur is a great place for those who love street food. If you enjoy nightlife and love to hog some tasty Rajasthani street food you can head out to various places like Sukhadia Circle and Delhi Gate Udaipur.
If you are unsure about what to try you can book a street food guide. This will help you walk through the experience and also know more local and cultural details.
18. Learn About the Daboo Printing Art
Rajasthan is known for its textile and printing industry. Hence, while you are here you can explore more about the Daboo printing art which is quickly reviving from its old roots.
You can learn more about how Daboo print design is made and why it is so labour-intensive which eventually adds to the price. You can also buy these fabrics at various stores across Udaipur.
19. Enjoy a Night Walk
Udaipur can be hot during day time making it hard to explore the outdoors during afternoon hours. However, if you are willing to walk around the city you can opt for a nice night walk experience that would allow you to explore a little more.
Choosing a night walk allows you to explore the same streets and local attractions in a different light, I mean the street lights. During late evening hours, the vibe of the place is quite different which adds to the experience. To ensure you are safe you can book a local guide to help you tour the city before you call it a day.
20. Relish a Romantic Dinner
Udaipur is known as the City of Lakes and one of the best things to do in Udaipur is enjoying a romantic dinner at a lakeside restaurant. If you are planning a romantic dinner you can choose to dine at Upre by 1559 AD. You can read my blog with pictures of the dinner experience at Upre by 1559 AD.
This restaurant near Ambrai Ghat can provide you with uninterrupted panoramic views of Lake Pichola and the stunningly lit City Palace. You can order the authentic Lal Maas if you prefer meat dishes. The restaurant also serves delicious vegetarian dishes that would add some flavour to your romance.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a fun-filled tour there are plenty of things to do in Udaipur to help you make the most of your holidays. You can browse through this list and also look out for various hotels in Udaipur that would help you stay at the right location.
With the right things to do in Udaipur, you can create a memorable trip in Rajasthan without having to exceed your budget.
FAQs:
Q: How many days are sufficient for the Udaipur trip?
A: Ideally, you should stay in Udaipur for at least a week to explore various local attractions. Some attractions like the City Palace, Sajjangarh Biological Park and Monsoon Palace can take multiple hours to explore. Hence, you need to plan your itinerary accordingly or you will feel tired at the end of the day.
Q: What is the best time to visit Udaipur?
A: September is the best month to visit Udaipur. By this time, you will not experience heavy monsoon weather. The environment around will be green and lush offering you excellent landscapes. Also, Udaipur enjoys peak tourist season after Diwali (November – March) so this will be a good time to enjoy discounts on hotels and accommodations.
Q: Which is better Udaipur or Jaipur?
A: If you prefer a small-town experience with beautiful lakes, palaces, mountains, gardens and lakeside restaurants you should choose Udaipur. On the other hand, if you prefer an urban experience with bustling bazaars, amazing food and iconic Rajasthani landmarks like Hawa Mahal then you should choose Jaipur. Udaipur has a very relaxed vibe while Jaipur has a distinct city-like fast lifestyle experience.
2 comments
The thought of a “City of Lakes” sends my imagination flying, Sharukh. The architecture is mind-blowing! The Rajasthani Thali looks delicious – I need to investigate that further. Yum. I’m fascinated by how they made the fountains to emulate various sounds. Someone was brilliant to do that.
You probably already knew that the Daboo printing would get my interest. Thanks for including that. Also the photo of you and Sarah at sunset – that’s lovely. I enjoyed your descriptions and the history. Sharing. Big hugs to you both.
Udaipur remains one of the best trips of me and Sarah. We stayed for 9 days and we enjoyed every moment of it and cherish it. Saheliyon ki Bari offers a visual and aural experience. These fountains look like any other ordinary fountains until you close your eyes and listen to the sound of water, everything changes then. Glad that you enjoyed the tour. Thanks for visiting and commenting, Teagan. Hugs 🙂