15 Best Places to Visit in Udaipur: City of Lakes Guide

Udaipur is the kind of city that rewards slow travel. Set among the Aravalli hills in southern Rajasthan, it wraps around a chain of shimmering lakes, and its palaces, temples and old-town lanes feel closer to a painted miniature than a modern city. If you are drawing up a list of places to visit in Udaipur, this guide covers the 15 that genuinely deserve your time, along with practical advice on timings, the best season and how to combine them into a relaxed itinerary.

Founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the new capital of the Mewar kingdom, Udaipur has been shaped by centuries of royal patronage. That history is visible in every one of the Udaipur tourist places described below, from the sprawling palace complex on the banks of Lake Pichola to the quiet gardens that were once reserved for the women of the royal household.

Whether you have two days or five, this guide will help you decide the best things to do in Udaipur and plan efficient Udaipur sightseeing without rushing from one monument to the next.

Best Time to Visit Udaipur

The ideal window for the places to visit in Udaipur runs from October to March. Days are pleasantly warm, evenings are cool, and the lakeside terraces are at their most inviting. The monsoon months of July to September bring full lakes and green hills, which many travellers find even more beautiful, although heavy showers can interrupt outdoor plans. Summer, from April to June, is hot, with afternoon temperatures often crossing 40°C, so schedule sightseeing for early mornings and late afternoons if you travel then.

For the main city sights, plan two full days. If you want to add Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur, which are the most rewarding day trips, a third day makes the plan far more comfortable.

Udaipur Tourist Places at a Glance

The 15 Best Places to Visit in Udaipur

The following are the best places to visit in Udaipur, arranged roughly in the order that makes geographic sense, beginning with the old city and lakes and ending with the classic day trips.

1. City Palace Udaipur: The Royal Heart of Mewar

Standing on the eastern bank of Lake Pichola, the City Palace is one of the largest palace complexes in Rajasthan and the natural starting point for any visit. Construction began under Maharana Udai Singh II and continued for generations as successive rulers added their own courtyards, balconies and pavilions, which is why the complex appears to be a single building yet blends many architectural moods.

Inside, the museum takes you through Mor Chowk with its peacock mosaics, the Manak Mahal with its mirror and glass work, and the Zenana Mahal, once the private quarters of the royal women. The terraces open onto wide views of the lake and the old city. Allow two to three hours, and consider hiring a guide, because the stories of Mewar make City Palace Udaipur far more rewarding than a quick walk-through.

2. Lake Pichola: The Soul of the City

Lake Pichola is the artery of the old city. Dating to the 14th century and enlarged by Maharana Udai Singh II after he established Udaipur, the lake is bordered by palaces, ghats and havelis, and holds two island palaces. A boat ride at sunset is easily the most popular experience in town. Boats typically cruise past the Lake Palace, built in the 1740s as a royal summer retreat and now a luxury hotel, and stop at Jag Mandir. For the best view of the whole scene, walk along the ghats such as Gangaur Ghat and Ambrai Ghat as the light turns golden.

3. Jag Mandir: The Lake Garden Palace

Jag Mandir sits on an island at the southern end of Lake Pichola and was built in phases during the 17th century by successive Maharanas. It is remembered for sheltering Prince Khurram, the future Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, when he was in exile from his father’s court in the 1620s. Visitors can wander through the Gul Mahal, the garden courtyards and past the large stone elephants at the entrance. The island is a calm spot for tea or a quiet evening, and a visit pairs naturally with your Lake Pichola boat ride.

4. Jagdish Temple: Indo-Aryan Architecture at the Palace Gate

Built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh I, Jagdish Temple stands only a short walk from the City Palace entrance. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Vishnu, and rises on a high platform reached by a steep flight of marble steps flanked by stone elephants. The spire is covered in sculpted dancers, musicians and deities, while the sanctum holds a black stone image of Vishnu. It is among the places to visit in Udaipur that architecture lovers should not miss. Early mornings and the evening aarti are the liveliest times. Dress modestly and remove footwear before entering.

5. Saheliyon-ki-Bari: The Garden of the Maidens

Saheliyon-ki-Bari was laid out in the early 18th century by Maharana Sangram Singh II for the women of the royal household. The garden is known for its marble pavilions, a lotus pool, shaded walkways and fountains that work on natural water pressure, including a well-known elephant-shaped fountain. It is one of the most peaceful Udaipur tourist places, and an hour here in the morning, before the tour groups arrive, makes a gentle contrast to the busier palace areas.

6. Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace: Sunset Above the City

Perched on a hilltop to the west of the city, Sajjangarh was built in 1884 by Maharana Sajjan Singh, who envisioned a tall retreat from which to watch the monsoon clouds gather. The palace sits inside the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, so the drive up is scenic, and the terraces look out over Udaipur and its lakes. Arrive in the late afternoon to catch the sunset. Few places to visit in Udaipur offer a wider panorama of the city and the surrounding Aravalli ridges.

7. Fateh Sagar Lake: Evening Walks and Hill Views

Fateh Sagar Lake lies north-west of Lake Pichola and is linked to it by a canal. It was first built in the 17th century and was rebuilt by Maharana Fateh Singh after floods damaged it in the late 19th century. Ringed by hills, it feels more open and relaxed than the old town, making it one of the easiest places to visit in Udaipur for an unhurried evening. You can take a boat to the Nehru Garden island, walk the lakeside promenade, or simply enjoy snacks from the evening stalls while the light fades over the water.

8. Bagore Ki Haveli: A Museum with an Evening Show

Rising above Gangaur Ghat, Bagore Ki Haveli was built in the 18th century by Amir Chand Badwa, a prime minister of Mewar. The haveli has more than a hundred rooms and courtyards, with fine glass and mirror work, wall paintings and displays of royal costumes and household objects. In the evening, a cultural show of Rajasthani folk dance and puppetry is held in the courtyard, so check the schedule and book a seat early during the busy season.

9. Maharana Pratap Smarak (Moti Magri): Pearl Hill

Moti Magri, the Pearl Hill, overlooks Fateh Sagar Lake and is crowned by a bronze statue of Maharana Pratap on his loyal horse Chetak. The memorial includes landscaped gardens, a small Japanese-style rock garden and exhibits that introduce the history of Mewar. It is one of the more underrated places to visit in Udaipur and a worthwhile stop for the views alone, and it adds context to the stories you will hear at Haldighati and Kumbhalgarh later in your trip.

10. Shilpgram: Rural Arts and Crafts Village

Shilpgram is a rural arts and crafts complex a short drive from Fateh Sagar Lake, run by the West Zone Cultural Centre. It recreates traditional village homes of the communities of western India, hosts craft stalls where you can buy handmade textiles and pottery, and stages folk performances. The annual Shilpgram Utsav, held in late December, brings artisans and performers from across the country and is a highlight for anyone travelling in winter. For shopping and culture in one stop, Shilpgram is hard to beat among the places to visit in Udaipur.

11. Vintage Car Museum: The Royal Garage

Located on the grounds of the Garden Hotel, the Vintage Car Museum displays classic vehicles that once belonged to the Mewar royal family, including Rolls-Royce, Cadillac and Mercedes models. Cars are lined up in a restored garage setting, and the collection is a fun detour for families and anyone who enjoys automotive history. A visit takes under an hour and combines easily with a walk through nearby Gulab Bagh, the city’s large public garden.

12. Eklingji and Nagda: Temples Near the City

About 22 km north of Udaipur, the Eklingji temple complex is dedicated to Shiva as Eklingji, the ruling deity of the Mewar dynasty. Tradition dates the original shrine to the 8th century, and the marble complex includes over a hundred smaller temples around a four-faced black marble Shivalinga. Nearby Nagda has the 10th-century Sas-Bahu temples, noted for their intricate carvings. Mobile phones and cameras are usually restricted inside Eklingji, so carry only the essentials.

13. Haldighati: Where History Was Written

Roughly 40 km from Udaipur, Haldighati is the mountain pass where Maharana Pratap faced the Mughal army in 1576. The pass takes its name from the yellow soil, as haldi means turmeric. Visitors can see the memorial to Chetak, a museum that retells the battle, and local shops selling rose products such as rose water and gulkand. The drive is scenic and combines well with Eklingji in a half-day plan.

14. Kumbhalgarh Fort: The Wall That Climbs the Hills

About 85 km north of Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh was built mainly in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha and is part of the UNESCO-listed Hill Forts of Rajasthan. Its perimeter wall runs for roughly 36 km and is often described as one of the longest continuous walls in the world. The fort is also the birthplace of Maharana Pratap. Walk up to the palace at the top for sweeping views, and stay for the evening light-and-sound show if your schedule allows. Among all day-trip places to visit in Udaipur, this is the one that most visitors rank as unforgettable.

15. Ranakpur Jain Temple: A Forest of Marble Pillars

Tucked into a quiet Aravalli valley about 90 km from Udaipur, the Ranakpur Jain Temple is dedicated to Adinath and was built in the 15th century with the support of Rana Kumbha. Its milky white marble interior holds nearly 1,444 pillars, each carved differently, and light filters through the halls in a way that feels almost theatrical. Non-Jain visitors are generally admitted in the afternoon, so check current timings, dress modestly and leave leather items outside. Ranakpur sits conveniently on the road from Kumbhalgarh, which makes the pair an easy full-day trip.

More Things to Do in Udaipur

Beyond the headline monuments, there are plenty of things to do in Udaipur that bring the city to life:

• Ride the ropeway to Karni Mata Temple on Machla Magra hill for a high vantage point over Lake Pichola.
• Watch a puppet show at Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, a folk art museum known for its performances.
• Shop in the old bazaars around Hathi Pol and Bada Bazaar for miniature paintings, tie-and-dye textiles, silver jewellery and puppets.
• Dine at a rooftop restaurant with a view of the City Palace lit up at night, and try local dishes such as dal baati churma and laal maas.
• Visit the Ahar cenotaphs, the memorial chhatris of Mewar rulers, for a quieter look at the dynasty’s history.

A Simple 3-Day Udaipur Itinerary

This plan covers the main places to visit in Udaipur at an easy pace and is a good template for first-time travellers.

• Day 1, Old City: Start at the City Palace Udaipur, walk to Jagdish Temple, enjoy lunch near the lake, take a late-afternoon boat ride on Lake Pichola, and end the evening at the Bagore Ki Haveli cultural show.
• Day 2, Gardens, Lakes and Hills: Visit Saheliyon-ki-Bari in the morning, then Fateh Sagar Lake, Moti Magri and Shilpgram, and reach Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace before sunset.
• Day 3, Day Trip: Leave early for Kumbhalgarh Fort, continue to Ranakpur Jain Temple in the afternoon, and return to Udaipur by evening.

A well-paced Udaipur sightseeing plan like this avoids the mid-day heat and leaves enough time to enjoy the lakeside atmosphere, which is half the charm of the city.

How to Reach Udaipur from Delhi

Udaipur is well connected to the capital. Maharana Pratap Airport at Dabok receives direct flights from Delhi, with a flying time of around an hour and a half, and the airport is a short drive from the city centre. Overnight trains run between Delhi and Udaipur City station and suit travellers who prefer to save on a hotel night. By road, the journey covers roughly 650 to 700 km and usually takes 10 to 12 hours depending on traffic and stops.

If you would rather leave the logistics to specialists, a carefully planned Rajasthan tour package from Delhi can bundle transfers, hotels, guided sightseeing and day trips into a single comfortable itinerary, so you can focus on enjoying the city instead of coordinating cabs and tickets.

Practical Tips for Visiting Udaipur

• Start early. Palaces and viewpoints are quieter in the morning, and the light is better for photography.
• Dress modestly at temples such as Jagdish Temple, Eklingji and Ranakpur, and carry socks for hot marble floors.
• Carry water, sunscreen and a hat, particularly from April to June.
• Confirm opening hours and ticket details before you go, as timings can change during festivals and peak season.
• Book sunset boat rides and the Bagore Ki Haveli show in advance during winter weekends and holidays.
• Keep some cash for parking, small entry fees and market purchases, and agree on prices before taking rides.

Remember that many of the places to visit in Udaipur are active religious sites or family-run heritage properties, so a respectful attitude goes a long way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to visit in Udaipur for first-time visitors?

First-time visitors should prioritise the City Palace, Lake Pichola, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon-ki-Bari and Fateh Sagar Lake. If time allows, add Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace for sunset and Kumbhalgarh for a day trip.

How many days are enough for Udaipur sightseeing?

Two full days are enough for the main city attractions, while three days allow you to include Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur without hurrying. Five days make for a leisurely trip with time to explore bazaars and cafés.

What is the best time to visit Udaipur?

October to March is the most comfortable period, with pleasant weather and clear evenings. The monsoon season brings lush scenery and full lakes, while summers are very hot.

What are the best things to do in Udaipur in the evening?

Take a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, watch the folk dance show at Bagore Ki Haveli, stroll along Fateh Sagar Lake or have dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the illuminated palace.

Is Udaipur suitable for families and couples?

Yes. Families enjoy the boat rides, gardens, Shilpgram and the Vintage Car Museum, while couples often favour sunset viewpoints, lakeside dining and heritage stays. The city works well for multi-generational groups because most attractions are compact and accessible.

Final Thoughts

Udaipur earns its title as the City of Lakes through a rare combination of water, hills and royal heritage. The best places to visit in Udaipur range from grand palaces and serene gardens to hilltop forts and exquisite temples, and the Udaipur tourist places covered above give you enough variety for a trip that feels both relaxing and rich in history.

Ready to turn this list into a real trip? Explore our Rajasthan tour package from Delhi for a hassle-free route that includes Udaipur along with other highlights of the state, and start planning the places to visit in Udaipur that excite you most. Our team at The Travelit – Best Travel Agency in Dehradun, will be happy to customise the trip around your dates, budget and travel style.