Udaipur : Guide to Exploring the City of Lakes 2025!

SANGEETA PAL

Published on: 14 August, 2025

Dreaming of a trip that blends royal vibes, stunning lakes, and vibrant culture? Udaipur, dubbed the ‘Venice of the East,’ is your perfect destination! Nestled in Rajasthan’s Aravali hills, this city of lakes and palaces offers breathtaking sights like the iconic Lake Palace, grand City Palace, and scenic Monsoon Palace. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure, this step-by-step travel guide will show you how to make the most of Udaipur. From must-visit spots to fun activities, here’s how to plan an unforgettable trip in just a few easy steps!

Kick Off Your Udaipur Adventure with These Simple Steps!

Udaipur is a treasure trove of history, beauty, and charm, founded in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II as Mewar’s capital. With azure lakes, majestic palaces, and lively festivals, it’s a traveler’s paradise. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or foodie, Udaipur has something for everyone. This tutorial breaks down how to plan and enjoy your trip like a seasoned explorer. Follow these steps to create a memorable vacation:

Step 1: Plan Your Trip: Start by setting your budget and trip duration. October to March is the best time to visit, with pleasant weather perfect for sightseeing. A 3-4 day trip costs around ₹10,000-15,000 per person, covering accommodation, food, and local transport. Book flights or trains early to snag deals.
Step 2: Choose Your Travel Mode: Fly into Maharana Pratap Airport (Dabok), just 25 km from the city, with daily flights from Delhi and Mumbai via Air India or SpiceJet. By road, Udaipur is well-connected to Jaipur, Ahmedabad, or Jodhpur by bus or car. Trains from Delhi, Mumbai, or Agra also reach Udaipur’s railway station.
Step 3: Book Your Stay and Transport: Opt for hotels near Lake Pichola for stunning views—heritage properties or budget guesthouses are great picks. For getting around, rent a bike, car, or use autos/taxis. Cycling is a fun way to explore the city’s lanes!
Step 4: Create a Sightseeing Itinerary: Hit major spots like City Palace in the morning and enjoy boating on Lake Pichola in the evening. Spread your visits over 2-3 days to cover everything comfortably.
Step 5: Savor Local Flavors and Shop: Try Rajasthani classics like dal-baati-churma at local eateries. Shop for zinc crafts, marble souvenirs, or colorful bandhani textiles in markets like Hathi Pol.
Step 6: Stay Safe and Smart: Carry water in summer, hire a local guide for historical insights, and check any travel advisories or local guidelines.
Step 7: Explore Nearby Gems: Extend your trip to Chittorgarh (117 km), Dungarpur (103 km), or Jhalawar (322 km) for more Rajasthani charm.

Must-Visit Attractions in Udaipur: Your Sightseeing Checklist

Udaipur’s iconic spots are a mix of history, architecture, and natural beauty. Spend 1-2 hours at each and capture Insta-worthy photos:

Pratap Memorial (Moti Magri): Admire the bronze statue of Maharana Pratap and his loyal horse Chetak, overlooking Fateh Sagar Lake. Climb the hill for a dose of history and stunning views.
City Palace: This majestic palace on Lake Pichola’s edge boasts courtyards, mosaics, and a sound-and-light show that brings Mewar’s history to life.
Lake Palace: A former summer palace turned luxury hotel on Jagniwas Island, its black-and-white marble beauty is a must-see via boat or a lavish stay.
Jag Mandir: Known as the Lake Garden Palace, this island retreat on Lake Pichola inspired the Taj Mahal. Visit for its royal charm and history.
Monsoon Palace: Perched on Bansdara hills, this 19th-century palace offers panoramic city views, especially at sunset.
Ahar Museum: Near royal cenotaphs, this museum showcases rare pottery and a 10th-century Buddha statue.
Jagdish Temple: A 1651 Vishnu temple with intricate Indo-Aryan carvings, perfect for spiritual vibes.
Fateh Sagar Lake: A serene lake with Nehru Island and a solar observatory, ideal for boating.
Lake Pichola: Udaipur’s heart, with palaces and evening boat rides that feel magical.
Saheliyon Ki Bari: A beautiful garden with fountains and lotus pools, built for royal ladies.
Bagore Ki Haveli: Catch the evening Dharohar dance show and explore its museum.
Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal: Enjoy traditional puppet shows and folk art exhibits.
Eklingji Temple: A hilltop Shiva temple complex with 108 shrines.
Vintage Car Museum: See 20+ royal cars at Fateh Prakash Palace.
Crystal Gallery: Marvel at the world’s largest crystal collection.
Shilpgram: A 70-acre living museum showcasing tribal crafts, best during the December festival.
Jaisamand Lake: Asia’s second-largest man-made freshwater lake, perfect for boating.
Kumbhalgarh: A 84-km drive to a fort with a Great Wall of India-like rampart.
Ranakpur: Stunning Jain temples with 1,444 carved pillars.
Nathdwara: A Krishna temple famous for its paintings.
Haldighati: The historic battlefield of Maharana Pratap, now a museum.
Rajsamand Lake: A marble-dammed lake for scenic sunsets.
Devigarh: An 18th-century fort turned luxury hotel.
Rishabhdeo Ji: A 15th-century Jain-Hindu pilgrimage site.
Jagat: A 10th-century Ambika Mata temple, dubbed Rajasthan’s Khajuraho.

Join the Festive Fun in Udaipur

Udaipur’s festivals are vibrant and unmissable:

Mewar Festival: Celebrate spring with folk dances and colorful parades.
Kumbhalgarh Festival: A 3-day extravaganza of folk performances, turban-tying contests, and dazzling light shows.

Exciting Activities to Amp Up Your Trip

Make your Udaipur trip unforgettable with these activities:

Cycle Through Udaipur: Rent a bike to explore Lake Pichola’s lanes and soak in the local vibe.
Dharohar Dance Show: Watch Rajasthani folk dances under the stars at Bagore Ki Haveli.
Puppet Show: Catch a kathputli performance at Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal.
Visit Shilpgram: Shop for crafts and experience tribal life at this 70-acre complex.
Udaipur Ropeway: Ride from Deen Dayal Park to Karni Mata Temple for epic city views.
Jaisamand Lake Boating: Cruise on Asia’s second-largest freshwater lake.
Camping: Sleep under the stars in Aravali camps with cozy tents.
Zip Line: Glide over Cheerwa Valley or Kumbhalgarh for thrilling views.
Helicopter Joy Rides: See Kumbhalgarh, Nathdwara, or Udaipur from the sky.

How to Reach Udaipur

By Flight: Maharana Pratap Airport (25 km away) has daily flights from Delhi and Mumbai.
By Road: Buses or cars from Jaipur, Ahmedabad, or Jodhpur make it easy.
By Train: Udaipur’s railway station connects to Delhi, Mumbai, and Agra.

Poll: What’s your must-do in Udaipur—boating or festival-hopping? Tell us in comments.

The Rajasthan Tourism Desk is a passionate team dedicated to showcasing the state’s beauty and culture. We share tips and stories to make your trip unforgettable, from hidden gems to iconic landmarks.