Udaipur

The City of Lakes: white palaces on blue water, ringed by the Aravalli hills.

Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the new capital of Mewar. Its palaces and havelis rise straight out of Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar, with the Aravalli hills all around, and in the evening the whole old city glows gold over the water.

It is the slowest, gentlest city in Rajasthan: perfect for couples and families, and a lovely base for day trips to Kumbhalgarh, Ranakpur and Chittorgarh.

Travelling with Kurja: see the group trips that visit Udaipur, or ask for a private trip planned around your dates.

Best time: September to March
Ideal stay: 2–3 days
Airport: Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR)
Railway: Udaipur City

Top Tourist Places in Udaipur

Must visit City PalaceHistory and ruins

The largest palace complex in Rajasthan, built over four centuries along Lake Pichola.

Photo: Henrik Bennetsen · CC BY-SA 2.0

Must visit Lake Pichola boat rideNature, lakes and hills

Glide past the ghats and the Lake Palace to Jag Mandir island, best at sunset.

Photo: Uri Sittan Tripo · CC BY-SA 3.0

Bagore Ki HaveliHistory and ruins

An 18th-century haveli by Gangaur Ghat with a museum and an evening folk dance show.

Saheliyon Ki BariNature, lakes and hills

The Garden of the Maidens: fountains, lotus pools and marble elephants.

Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace)History and ruins

Hilltop palace with the best sunset view over the city and its lakes.

Fateh Sagar LakeNature, lakes and hills

Open lakeside promenade, popular with locals in the evening.

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Things to Do

Food to try

Dal baati churma – Mewar style, with plenty of ghee.
Gatte ki sabzi – Gram-flour dumplings in a spiced yoghurt curry.
Kachori and mirchi bada – Street snacks around the old city.
Rooftop thali – A Rajasthani thali with a lake view is part of the Udaipur experience.

Travel tips

Take the sunset boat on Lake Pichola.
Book the evening Dharohar dance show at Bagore Ki Haveli early.
Most old-city lanes are narrow: walk or take an auto-rickshaw.

How to Reach

Udaipur has an airport and good rail and road links.

Jaipur · Car or train395 km, 6–7 hours
Ahmedabad · Car or bus260 km, 4–5 hours
Jodhpur · Car250 km, 5 hoursVia Ranakpur, a good stop on the way.
Delhi · Flight or overnight train660 km

Best Time to Visit

September to March is the best time to visit Udaipur; after a good monsoon the lakes are full and the hills are green.

Winter (best)October–March · 8–28°CSunny days and cool nights: the best time for sightseeing. Book Christmas, New Year and festival dates early.
SummerApril–June · 36–42°CVery hot from mid-April. Sightsee early and late, rest in the afternoon, and expect lower hotel prices.
MonsoonJuly–September · 28–35°CThe lakes fill up and the hills turn green; the Monsoon Palace earns its name.

Festivals

Gangaur and Mewar Festival (March–April)Processions to Gangaur Ghat, folk music and fireworks over Lake Pichola.
Shilpgram Crafts Fair (late December)Ten days of crafts, food and folk performances from across western India.