Things to do in Udaipur India – 25+ tips

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Udaipur is probably one of the most beautiful cities in Rajasthan in India. Surrounded by shimmering lakes and hills, Udaipur is known as the Venice of the East and The City of Lakes in India. You will find palaces, viewpoints, royal gardens, temples, art and culture and lots of good restaurants. Udaipur attracts every year countless national and international visitors, who spend their days enjoying the nice atmosphere. In this article I tell you more about what to do in Udaipur in India with tips for things to do, hotels, restaurants, activities, including how to get around and best travel time, do you can get the most out of your visit.

Discover my tips and things to do in Udaipur India

Udaipur in India is a city where you can easily linger because of its relaxed atmosphere and many attractions. I absolutely loved being there during every stay. It is a city to truly fall in love with. Curious about what to do in Udaipur? In this article you’ll find all my tips for things to do, attractions, restaurants and hotels, so you can get the most out of your stay in Udaipur.

Take a boat ride on Lake Pichola

One of the highlights during my stay in Udaipur was the boat ride. I loved sailing across Lake Pichola while admiring Udaipur’s many things to do and landmarks from the water, such as the havelis, ghats and palaces. You can take a public boat from the City Palace, also stopping at Jag Mandir Island or from Rameshwar Ghat. But if you have a little more money to spend, you really want to take a private boat out on the water. I myself booked a half-hour trip at the Lake Pichola hotel where we could photograph and enjoy the sunset in peace. You can book a tour here.

City Palace – famous things to do in Udaipur India

One of the top things to do in Udaipur in India is to visit the City Palace. This iconic city palace sits on the shores of Lake Pichola and is the largest in Rajasthan. The total complex is 500 meters long and 200 meters wide, and consists of as many as 7 palaces.

Udai Singh II, the city’s founder, began building the palace in the 16^e century. The kings who followed ensured constant expansion and always put their own stamp on it. That Udaipur was a rich city can be seen in the amount of detailed decorations and rich ornaments. The buildings are made of granite and marble and on the walls you will find many colors and mosaics.

Today, part of the site is a museum with halls full of art, weapons, vehicles and richly decorated gates. Narrow corridors and stairs lead you from courtyard to gallery and palace hall, and along the way you have grand views of Lake Pichola. In addition, the complex consists of luxury hotels such as the Shiw Niwas Palace Hotel and Taj Fateh Prakash Palace. A part is still inhabited by the former maharaja family.

Udaipur India tips: The palace is large so it is recommended to spend here at least one hour. Do you want to learn more about the palace during your visit? Then it is recommended to go on a tour. With this tour, you book your ticket, including a guide, transportation and you’ll also be able to skip the line.

Bahubali hills– best things to do in Udaipur India

One of the things to do that has become very popular in recent years is the Bahubali viewpoint, located 15 kilometers outside Udaipur India. The place was discovered by a group of students only a few years ago. Countless Indian couples come here to take wedding photos and also foreign visitors know to find their way. A short 15-minute walk leads up the mountain for a magnificent view of Badi lake, with a peculiar formation of islands. At certain times it can be crowded and you will have to wait your turn to take a photo.

But be sure to walk a little further around the mountain. Often it is less crowded and you will find more photo spots. If you want to visit Badi Lake, your best bet is to hire a tuk tuk for a few hours (which costs a few hundred rupees), that will take you along different things to do and landmarks in Udaipur India.

Saheliyon-ki-Bari – relaxed things to do in Udaipur India

One of my favorite places in Udaipur is Saheliyon-ki-Bari. These gardens filled with ponds and fountains fit right in with the royal atmospheres of Udaipur. Maharana Sangram Singh had this Garden of the Maidens built for his wife and 48 maids, so they could escape from the busy city life. And that is still the case today. There are tall trees, countless flowers, large fountains, happy squirrels and stately marble statues like lions and elephants braving the ponds. Everywhere around, you see Indian couples in love sitting on benches and families busy taking pictures.

Fateh Sagar Lake

Fateh Sagar Lake is located north of Lake Pichola and is a popular spot for locals to watch the sunset. You can also take a boat to Nehru Park, a little island. A unique experience here is the AuroSky dining experience where you enjoy a multi-course dinner in a crane, 55 meters above the ground. I still haven’t done this myself but it looks spectacular.

Do you want to explore the different things to do in Udaipur in India with a guide? You can book your tour here.

Cooking class with Shashi – culinary things to do in Udaipur India

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I’m not the best cook and I don’t line up for cooking courses. But I wanted to make an exception in India and experience an authentic cooking class. That’s how I ended up at Shashi’s Cooking Classes. And what a great choice that was, as Shashi is a woman with a story. As a 19-year-old girl from the countryside, she was married off against her wishes. Unfortunately, her husband died at a young age and for a wife, coming from the highest caste, there are strict rules about how to deal with this and behave in society. A long period of isolation and mandatory mourning followed. And with two young children and no education, this was not an easy task. After countless jobs, Shashi finally started her own cooking school, not knowing that this would be an unprecedented success.

Nowadays countless people from all over the world find Shashi’s Cooking Classes. She was even interviewed by several magazines and television programs about her specialties and cooking skills. During a cooking course, Shashi will take you on a journey through authentic Indian cuisine. You will learn how to make chai, pakora, chutneys, curries, secret recipes for delicious sauces, paneer and many types of naan, chapatis and paranthas – which, it turns out, require the necessary skills. And one is even tastier than the other. Afterwards you will of course try everything you’ve prepared and bring all the recipes with you.

The Monsoon Palace Udaipur India

Monsoon Palace, or Sajjan Garh Palace, is one of the things to do in Udaipur that you might know from the James Bond movie Octopussy. Monsoon Palace is located high on a mountain, overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake and can be clearly seen from all over the city. However, the palace itself is not that special, it is the 360-degree view that makes you want to visit this place. From here, you look far out over Udaipur’s lakes and mountainous surroundings.

Don’t forget to have a drink in the garden of the restaurant. Just watch out for the monkeys. During my visit, my entire brownie went down.

If you do not have a car available, keep in mind that the tuk tuk can’t go up the mountain. At the entrance, where you also buy a ticket, jeeps are ready to take you up the mountain for a few hundred rupees.

Dharohar Folk show – cultural things to do in Udaipur India

I have always been interested in local music and dance and love going to shows around the world. However, I don’t like visiting the big traditional tourist shows, so it is always a bit of a puzzle to find out what a performance entails. But the folklore show at the 18^th century Bagore-ki-Haveli in Udaipur is for sure a performance that is worth visiting.

The old haveli, Bagore-ki-Haveli, hosts a daily performance where dancers, musicians and puppeteers introduce you to traditions from Rajasthan. And the setting alone is already worth a visit. A set designer would be envious of this theater where the walls and alcoves are still in their original state. For an hour you watch different dances accompanied by singing and instruments. The colors, music, atmosphere: this performance truly takes you into another world. The puppeteers and Bhawai dance, where a dancer dances with countless pots on her head, were the highlights for me. You can take a seat on the floor or on one of the benches. Just don’t be shocked if a bat suddenly flies by. Curious? You can book your tickets here.

Udaipur India tips: Bagore-ki-Haveli was built in the 18^th century by the prime minister of the Mewar Empire. Later, the haveli was opened to visitors as a museum with more than 100 rooms full of art and history. If you want to enter this historic property and learn more, visit the museum during the day and don’t forget to take a photo of the rooftop view. 

Gangaur Ghat

One of the iconic things to do in Udaipur in India, is to visit Gangaur Ghat, located on Lake Pichola. A ghat is a staircase leading to the lake and is a gathering place for locals in many places in India. During the day there are vendors, children running after pigeons and visitors looking for a place to sit on one of the steps. But especially during sunset, it is recommended to visit Gangaur Ghat.

Ahar Cenotaphs Udaipur India

In several places in Rajasthan, you will find cenotaphs, former crematoria and memorial sites for royal families, located on small or large platforms. The tombs are empty and serve purely as memorials nowadays. In fact, the deceased royals were cremated and scattered along the Ganges River. One of the things to do, just outside the center of Udaipur in India, is to visit the Ahar Cenotaphs. There are more than 250 tombs, that are more than 350 years old. And chances are, you’ll be walking around here with only a handful of other people.

The cable car to Karni Mata

One of the activities not to be missed when in Udaipur, is a cable car ride to the Karni Mata. This temple is located on a mountain and, like the rat temple in Deshnok, dedicated to Karni Mata. At the top you have a fantastic view of Udaipur and its surroundings. And the ride is an experience as well, with countless Indian families. There is also a path up the mountain, but the cable car is a faster option at 5 minutes. Moreover, there is a warning about cobras along the path, so you might want to be smart.

Udaipur India tips: Try to visit Karni Mata temple during sunset, the views are mesmerizing.

Jagdish temple Udaipur India

Right in the center of Udaipur is the Jagdish temple, a large white building situated on a plateau with numerous decorations and engravings. This Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and ceremonies are held here daily. It is possible to enter the temple by going up a long staircase. However, you must leave your shoes at the bottom of the stairs and, as a woman, cover your shoulders.

Lake Pichola hotel – top things to do in Udaipur India

You cannot leave Udaipur without having a drink on the terrace of Lake Pichola Hotel. Take a seat at one of the tables or small domes and overlook Lake Pichola and its countless palaces.

Things to do around Udaipur in India – tips

Jain temple Ranakpur

One of the most important Jain temples can be found in Ranakpur. Jainism is an important faith in India, related to Buddhism, which values non-violence and also honors all living things. This temple of the 4 faces, the Chamukha, is dedicated to Adinath, the prophet of Jainism, who is worshiped on a platform in the temple. The 3600 m2 temple consists of 29 halls with accompanying domes and 1444 columns, none of which is the same. The decorations and ornaments are just impressive. I found it also interesting to learn that the temple is lit with oil lamps in the evening because electric lighting could harm insects.

The temple opens to visitors daily at noon, as there are special times for worshippers and visitors to enter the temple. Ranakpur is one of the things to do that I recommend visiting if you are on your way to or from Udaipur in India. In fact, it is a 2-hour drive from the city. Don’t forget to take a look at the smaller Jain temples within the complex.

Chittorgarh fort

Chittorgarh was the heart of the Mewar Empire and formerly one of the most important seats in India. This immense fort, nearly 6 km long and 500 m wide, sits on a 150 m high cliff and is the largest fort complex in India. Chittorgarh has always played an important role in the history of the Rajpoets because of its tragic history. The city was attacked three times and each time people chose death rather than surrender, also called the “Jauhar.” Women and children threw themselves on huge pyres and men committed suicide during the battle. Chittorgarh is known for the largest Jauhar in Indian history.

The complex was restored in 1905 and is now a World Heritage Site. A long steep road uphill, passing 7 different gates, leads to the fort’s entrance. Because the different places in the fort are located far apart, the fort is best explored by car or tuk tuk. Worth visiting include the victory tower, the tower of fame, the Meera & Kumbha Shyam temples, Padmini Palace and the old water reservoir. Almost everywhere you can enjoy a view. Chittorgarh is one of the best things to do in the area, located two hours away Udaipur.

Do you want to visit Chittorgarh fort from Udaipur? You can book a tour here.

Mini Travel Guide + tips Udaipur India

Looking for more tips and things to do in Udaipur India? This is an overview with activities.

Best hotels in Udaipur India – tips

There are numerous accommodations in different price ranges to be found in and around Udaipur in India. Many hotels are former palaces transformed into boutique hotels, adding tor the experience. The most beautiful hotels are located on the waterfront.

• Good value for money has The Experience Resort, overlooking the other side of the lake. The rooms are stylish and comfortable, and you can cool off in the small pool.
• Amazing luxury can be found at the The Leela Palace en The Oberoi Udaivilas. For India, you’ll pay top dollar here but compared to a European city, you’ll be sitting in the front row for a penny.
• The city palace is home to luxury hotels such as Shiw Niwas Palace Hotel and Taj Fateh Prakash Palace.
• Jagat Niwas Palace are Amet Haveli nice hotels, including good restaurants.

Looking for more hotels in Udaipur in India? This is an great hotel comparison tool and overview.

Restaurant tips Udaipur India

Curious about the best restaurants in Udaipur India? These are my recommendations.

• From the different floors of Jheel’s Ginger Coffee Bar, you overlook Lake Pichola. The menu includes breakfast, sandwiches, pancakes, waffles and other goodies. 
• Ambrai is my favorite restaurant in Udaipur. This large terrace is part of Amet Haveli and everything is just right here. The menu is extensive and delicious, the service is good and the setting just doesn’t get more romantic.
• For delicious Indian food with a view, head to the Lakeshore Restaurant.
• Mavi Cafe serves vegetarian dishes, coffee and fresh juices.
• Edelweiss is a German bakery – recommended for lunch.
• Little Prince and Jasmine are simple restaurants serving tasty Indian meals. Both are located on the waterfront, just across the Chand Pole bridge.
• At Sheesh Mahal, which is part of The Leela, you dine in a super luxurious setting, overlooking Lake Pichola. The dishes are of high quality and there is often live music.
• At Lake Pichola Hotel , you’ll enjoy lunch or drinks on the terrace during the day. In the evening, rooftop terrace Ubre opens for a romantic dinner.

Best time to visit Udaipur Rajasthan

In the summer months from March to July, it can be very hot in Udaipur. I myself visited Udapur in August, right in the monsoon season (between July and September) and that involved quite a few hours of rain a day with high humidity. The best months to visit Udaipur are between November and March. Then the temperatures are pleasant and you can make the most of your visit. However, keep in mind that this is also the busiest period.

How to reach Udaipur in India

About a 30-minute drive away is the Maharana Pratap Airport that connects Udaipur to several cities in India. Well-known airlines include Air India, Vistara, IndiGo and SpiceJet. Udaipur also has two railway stations; Udaipur City Railway Station and Rana Pratap Nagar Railway Station with connections to several cities. Traveling by car? Udaipur is about four hours away from Jodhpur. On the way, you can make a stop at the temple of Ranakpur. Once you arrive in Udaipur, most of the things to do are within walking distance of each other. For things to do outside Udaipur in India, such as Bahubali Hills, Monsoon Palace, the Karni Mata cable car, the Ahar cenotaphs you can rent a rickshaw for a few hundred rupees. Looking for private transportation to get to Udaipur? Have a look in my viator shop for options.

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More about India

Did you enjoy reading this article with tips for things to do in Udaipur India? Let me take you on a journey along the most beautiful destinations in India. In the next articles you will find my India travel guides with lots of inspiration and tips.

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• The most beautiful palaces and forts in Rajasthan!
• Visiting the Karni Mata Rat temple in Deshnok, India
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