Udaipur, the City of Lakes, is widely regarded as the most beautiful and romantic city in India. Founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the capital of the Mewar kingdom, it is a city where water, hills, palaces, and temples share the same frame: a giant white palace watching over a shimmering lake, marble island palaces that appear to float on the water, and the green Aravalli hills forming a backdrop to it all. Often called the Venice of the East, Udaipur is the jewel of Rajasthan and a highlight of any trip to the state. This Udaipur travel guide covers everything you need to plan a rewarding visit: the essential sights, the best food, the romantic experiences, and practical tips.
For full state planning, see our Rajasthan travel guide, and for curated itineraries, our Rajasthan tour packages collection.
Understanding Udaipur: The City of Lakes
Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the new capital of the Mewar kingdom, after the earlier capital of Chittorgarh became vulnerable to attack. The Mewar dynasty, the Sisodia Rajputs, claims one of the longest-serving royal lineages in the world, and their pride and heritage are woven through every part of the city. Udaipur was built around a series of interconnected artificial lakes, most famously Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar Lake, created through sophisticated water management in an otherwise arid region.
The result is a city of extraordinary beauty and romance, its lakeside palaces and hillside temples reflected in the still water, its old city a maze of narrow lanes leading down to the ghats. Udaipur rewards travellers who let it slow them down, mixing grand monument visits with lazy lakeside time. Two to three days is ideal.
Best Places to Visit in Udaipur
City Palace: Udaipur’s Royal Landmark
The City Palace of Udaipur, built over several centuries by the Mewar dynasty on the banks of Lake Pichola, is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. This enormous complex of eleven interconnected palaces, linked by mazelike passageways, showcases a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture, with intricate mirror work, marble courtyards, mosaics, paintings, and panoramic terraces. The museum inside displays royal artefacts, weapons, and costumes, and the Crystal Gallery houses a remarkable collection of crystal furniture and artefacts. The views of Lake Pichola from the palace balconies are unforgettable, especially in the early morning light. Allow three to four hours. Our places to visit in Udaipur guide covers the palace in detail.
Lake Pichola: Sunset Boat Ride Experience
Lake Pichola is the heart of Udaipur, the lake you have seen in a hundred photographs: calm water, the City Palace along the shore, the white Lake Palace floating in the middle, and Jag Mandir on its own island. A sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, gliding past these landmarks as the City Palace lights up and the sky fades from gold to blue, is one of the most romantic and memorable experiences in all of India. Boats depart from Rameshwar Ghat near the City Palace.
Lake Palace and Jag Mandir: Udaipur’s Floating Palaces
The Lake Palace (Taj Lake Palace), originally built as Jag Niwas in the 18th century as a royal summer retreat, appears to float ethereally on Lake Pichola and is now one of the most romantic luxury hotels in the world, accessible only by boat. Jag Mandir, the island palace built by the Mewar Maharanas in the early 1600s, is said to have inspired elements of the Taj Mahal (the exiled Mughal prince Khurram, later Shah Jahan, was sheltered here). It can be visited by boat and offers marble elephants, gardens, and a peaceful, floating perspective on the city.
Jagdish Temple: A Historic Udaipur Landmark
The Jagdish Temple, in the heart of the old city near the City Palace, is a magnificent Indo-Aryan temple built in 1651, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Its intricately carved bell roof, columns, and exterior are stunning, and the regular devotional singing adds to the atmosphere. It is one of the most important active temples in Udaipur.
Saheliyon Ki Bari: The Garden of the Maidens
Saheliyon Ki Bari (Garden of the Maidens), built in the 18th century by Maharana Sangram Singh for the royal ladies of the court, is a tranquil garden of fountains, lotus pools, marble pavilions, and marble elephants. The fountains operate using an ingenious ancient hydraulic design powered by gravity. It is a peaceful, green oasis, ideal after back-to-back monument visits.
Monsoon Palace: Panoramic Views of Udaipur
The Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh), built in 1884 on a hilltop about 10 kilometres from the city, offers breathtaking panoramic views over Udaipur, its lakes, and the surrounding Aravalli hills. Originally intended as an astronomical centre and later used as a monsoon retreat and hunting lodge, it is at its most spectacular at sunset. The surrounding Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary adds to the experience.
Fateh Sagar Lake and Bagore Ki Haveli
Fateh Sagar Lake, connected to Lake Pichola, is loved for its breezy promenade, islands, and cafes, ideal for a relaxed morning walk or cycle. Bagore Ki Haveli, an 18th-century mansion at Gangaur Ghat, houses a museum and stages the nightly Dharohar cultural show of folk dances and puppetry, one of the best cultural performances in Udaipur.
Best Food and Dining in Udaipur
Udaipur’s dining is defined by its extraordinary lakeside and rooftop settings. Ambrai Restaurant, on the lake shore, offers arguably the finest view of the Lake Palace, while Upre by 1559 and Natraj Dining Hall (for a traditional thali) are other favourites. Our places to eat in Udaipur guide covers the city’s food scene in detail.
Best Day Trips from Udaipur
Udaipur is the ideal base for two of Rajasthan’s most spectacular sights: Kumbhalgarh Fort, with its 36-kilometre wall (the second longest in the world), and the Ranakpur Jain Temple, a marble masterpiece of 1,444 carved pillars. Both can be combined in a single day trip. Chittorgarh Fort is another rewarding excursion. Our offbeat places in Rajasthan guide covers these sights.
Practical Tips for Visiting Udaipur
Allow two to three days. Udaipur rewards a slower pace: mix the monuments with lazy lakeside time rather than rushing.
Book the sunset boat ride early during peak season, as tickets sell out. The outer lake loop offers the best views.
Visit the City Palace in the morning for the best light and fewer crowds.
Book lakeside restaurants in advance. The best tables at places like Ambrai fill early, particularly at sunset.
Consider the monsoon. Uniquely among Rajasthan’s cities, Udaipur is beautiful during the monsoon (July to September), when the lakes fill and the hills turn green.
Plan Your Udaipur Trip with Immersive Trips
At Immersive Trips, we craft Udaipur itineraries that capture the city’s romance and beauty, from sunset boat rides to lakeside heritage stays to the spectacular day trips to Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur. Get in touch with our team to plan your City of Lakes visit.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Udaipur
How many days do I need in Udaipur?
Two to three days is ideal. This allows time for the City Palace, a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir, the Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon Ki Bari, the Monsoon Palace, and relaxed lakeside time, plus an optional day trip to Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur.
Why is Udaipur called the City of Lakes?
Udaipur is called the City of Lakes because it was built around a series of interconnected artificial lakes, most famously Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar Lake, created through sophisticated water management in an otherwise arid region. The lakes, palaces, and hills together give the city its extraordinary beauty and its nickname, the Venice of the East.
What is the best thing to do in Udaipur?
A sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, gliding past the Lake Palace and Jag Mandir as the City Palace lights up against the darkening sky, is the defining Udaipur experience and one of the most romantic things to do in all of India. The City Palace is the essential land-based sight.
Is the Lake Palace open to visitors?
The Lake Palace (Taj Lake Palace) is now a luxury hotel, accessible only by boat and reserved for its guests and diners. Non-guests cannot generally visit, but the palace can be admired from a boat ride on Lake Pichola, and dining experiences may be available to non-residents by prior arrangement.
What is the best time to visit Udaipur?
October to March offers the most comfortable weather, with pleasant days ideal for sightseeing and boat rides. Uniquely among Rajasthan’s cities, Udaipur is also beautiful during the monsoon (July to September), when the lakes fill and the surrounding hills turn green, offering a completely different and romantic atmosphere.
Can I visit Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur from Udaipur?
Yes. Both are popular day trips from Udaipur and can be combined in a single day. Kumbhalgarh Fort, with its 36-kilometre wall (the second longest in the world), and the Ranakpur Jain Temple, a marble masterpiece of 1,444 carved pillars, are among the most spectacular sights in Rajasthan.
What is the Monsoon Palace, and is it worth visiting?
The Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh), built in 1884 on a hilltop about 10 kilometres from the city, offers breathtaking panoramic views over Udaipur, its lakes, and the Aravalli hills. It is well worth visiting, particularly at sunset, and appeared in the James Bond film Octopussy.
Where should I take a boat ride in Udaipur?
Boat rides on Lake Pichola depart from Rameshwar Ghat near the City Palace (and Lal Ghat nearby). The sunset ride, passing the Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, and the illuminated City Palace, is the most popular and romantic. Booking in advance during peak season is recommended, and the outer lake loop offers the best views.
Is Udaipur good for couples and honeymooners?
Yes, Udaipur is regularly cited as the most romantic city in India and is the natural centrepiece of a Rajasthan honeymoon, with its lake palaces, sunset boat rides, private island dinners, and romantic heritage stays. Our honeymoon tour packages in Rajasthan guide covers romantic Udaipur in detail.
How do I get to Udaipur?
Udaipur has an airport (Maharana Pratap Airport) with direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur, and is well connected by train and road. It is approximately five hours from Jaipur by road and a natural stop on the Rajasthan circuit. For travellers arriving from Mumbai or the west, Udaipur is a convenient entry point to Rajasthan. Our how to reach Rajasthan guide covers the options.