Rajasthan, southern Mewar · India
The City of Lakes: white palaces reflected in Lake Pichola, hilltop forts, narrow old-town lanes and a laid-back Rajasthani charm that draws visitors for longer than they planned.
Photo: Jakub Hałun · CC BY-SA 4.0
Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II of the Mewar dynasty, after the capital at Chittorgarh had been repeatedly besieged by Mughal armies. The Mewar rulers, who had resisted the Mughals for generations, chose a site in a valley of the Aravalli hills beside a large artificial lake, Lake Pichola, and built a series of palaces and gardens in the following centuries.
The centrepiece is the City Palace, a huge complex of courtyards, balconies and domes rising directly from the lake and still partly occupied by the royal family. Across the water, the Lake Palace, built as a summer palace in the 18th century and now a luxury hotel, and Jag Mandir, another island palace, appear to float on the surface. The old town of white havelis and lanes runs down to the shore.
Udaipur is popular for weddings and honeymoons, and it can be busy, but it is also one of the most relaxed cities in Rajasthan, with a good food scene, craft shops and cooking classes. It is a fine place to slow down after the intensity of Delhi and Jaipur.
Why visit
Udaipur combines scenery, palaces and atmosphere in a way that few Indian cities can.
Lake Pichola, hills and palaces make it the most picturesque city in Rajasthan.
One of the largest palace complexes in Rajasthan, with museums, painted halls and terraces over the water.
Winding lanes, rooftop cafés, shops and workshops, easy to explore on foot.
Miniature painting, puppet shows, folk dance and silverware.
The Jain temples of Ranakpur and the great fort at Kumbhalgarh are within reach.
Main attractions
Most sights are around Lake Pichola, with hilltop views and a couple of gardens.
A sprawling palace of granite and marble begun in 1559 and added to for nearly 400 years, with courtyards, mirrored halls, painted rooms and balconies with views over the lake. Part is a museum.
Tip Go in the morning and hire a guide.
A large artificial lake with two island palaces. Jag Niwas, or the Lake Palace, is now a luxury hotel, and cannot be visited unless you book a meal or a stay.
Tip Take a boat trip at sunset.
A palace on a second island, said to have given shelter to the future Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, and now used for events and dining. It can be reached by boat.
Tip Check whether boats are landing when you visit.
A large Hindu temple, dedicated to Vishnu and built in the mid-17th century, with elaborately carved pillars and a steep flight of steps from the street.
Tip Remove your shoes and dress modestly.
The Garden of the Maids of Honour, a fountain garden of pools, lotus ponds and marble kiosks, built for the women of the royal household.
Tip Best in the morning.
A hilltop palace with views over the lakes, particularly at sunset.
Tip Take a taxi.
Things to do
Udaipur is for slow days, evenings by the water and food.
A boat trip gives views of the City Palace, Jag Mandir and the Lake Palace in the golden light.
Tip Book the sunset slot.
Learn to make Rajasthani dishes and chai with a local family.
Tip Book through your guesthouse.
Evening shows at Bagore Ki Haveli feature music, dance and puppetry.
Tip Buy tickets in advance.
A day trip to the marble Jain temples of Ranakpur, with more than 1,400 carved pillars, and the huge 15th-century fort of Kumbhalgarh with its long wall.
Tip Hire a driver for the day.
Workshops around the City Palace sell miniature paintings and silver jewellery.
Tip Check the quality and the price.
The old town has many restaurants with terraces facing the palace.
Tip Book a table for sunset.
Local food
Mewari food is similar to that of Rajasthan, with local variations, and Udaipur has a good range of restaurants.
Baked wheat balls with lentils and a sweet crumbled wheat dessert.
Where to try it Traditional restaurants.
A spicy red mutton curry.
Where to try it Rajasthani restaurants.
Gram-flour dumplings in a spiced yoghurt gravy, popular with vegetarians.
Where to try it Family restaurants.
A large green chilli stuffed with potato and fried in batter.
Where to try it Street stalls.
Sweet, milky tea and cool yoghurt drinks.
Where to try it Rooftop cafés.
Accommodation
Udaipur has many small heritage hotels facing the lake, and prices vary widely.
Transport
Udaipur is in southern Rajasthan, about 400 km from Jaipur.
The old town is walkable, and rickshaws and cabs cover the rest.
When to go
Udaipur is cooler than the rest of Rajasthan, but summers are hot, and lake levels are best after a good monsoon.
Mild and sunny. Peak season, with weddings.
Warm, and lakes are lower.
Very hot.
Green hills and full lakes, humid, and fewer visitors.
Worth planning around: May and June. Wedding season in winter can make hotels expensive.
Itinerary
The palace and the lake first, then a slower day of crafts and gardens.
The centre of the city.
A slower day.
Travel tips
Udaipur is easy, and a few tips help.
FAQ
Two days for the main sights, and three if you want a day trip to Ranakpur and Kumbhalgarh.
Generally only as a guest or with a reservation for a meal or drink. It is not an open tourist attraction.
They are different. Udaipur is more romantic and relaxed, while Jaipur is larger, busier and has more shopping.
October to March. The lakes are full after the monsoon.
Generally yes. The main problems are touts and overcharging.
By flight, overnight train or a long drive of about 6 to 7 hours.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Udaipur, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Rajasthan, northern India, India
The capital of Rajasthan, a UNESCO-listed walled city with the Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and Amber Fort, and India's best craft shopping.
Don't miss Amber Fort in the early morning, before the crowds and the heat.
Explore Destination — JaipurKarnataka, southern India, India
A UNESCO-listed archaeological landscape of temples, palaces and markets from the 14th to 16th centuries, with a living temple town, river crossings and a rocky, otherworldly setting.
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