Udaipur is one of Rajasthan’s most distinctive cities. Built around lakes and surrounded by the Aravalli hills, the city combines Mewar history, palaces, old neighbourhoods, gardens and a slower pace of travel that feels different from Jaipur or Jodhpur.
The most famous places to visit in Udaipur are centred around Lake Pichola and the old city, but there is more to the destination than the City Palace and a sunset boat ride. Fateh Sagar Lake, Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, Jagdish Temple, Bagore Ki Haveli and several quieter cultural sites give you different ways to experience the city.
Udaipur was founded in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the new capital of the Mewar Kingdom. Its location in the Girwa Valley helped shape the city around water, hills and defensive terrain.
This guide covers the best places to visit in Udaipur, how many days you need, practical itineraries, the best time to go, transport, food, markets and how Udaipur fits into a wider Rajasthan trip.
Udaipur at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| State | Rajasthan |
| Region | Southern Rajasthan |
| Known for | Lakes, palaces, Mewar history and architecture |
| Famous name | City of Lakes |
| Ideal stay | 2 to 3 days |
| Best for | History, architecture, culture, food and relaxed sightseeing |
| Major attractions | City Palace, Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir, Monsoon Palace, Fateh Sagar Lake |
| Airport | Maharana Pratap Airport |
| Railway | Udaipur railway network |
| Main travel style | Slow sightseeing with clustered attractions |
Udaipur works particularly well for travellers who prefer combining sightseeing with time around the water instead of moving between monuments all day.
Why Udaipur Is Worth Visiting
Udaipur’s appeal comes from the way its major attractions fit into the landscape.
The City Palace rises above Lake Pichola. Jag Mandir sits on an island in the same lake. The Aravalli hills surround the city, while other lakes such as Fateh Sagar add another layer to the landscape.
The result is a destination where the setting is part of the experience.
Udaipur also has a strong connection with the history of Mewar. Its palaces, temples, havelis and museums provide plenty of context for understanding the region beyond the usual royal imagery associated with Rajasthan.
For travellers building a Rajasthan itinerary, Udaipur also creates a useful contrast with Jaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer.
Places to Visit in Udaipur
You do not need to visit every attraction in the city to understand Udaipur. For a first trip, focus on the historic centre, Lake Pichola, one or two viewpoints and at least one cultural attraction.
City Palace
City Palace is the starting point for understanding Udaipur’s royal history.
The complex stands above Lake Pichola and consists of several palaces, courtyards, terraces, corridors and other structures developed over different periods. The main section now functions as a museum containing historical objects and artworks.
The palace is large enough that it deserves several hours rather than a rushed visit.
Look out for the Mor Chowk, decorative interiors, balconies and views towards the lake.
Because the palace is in the old city, it can also be combined with Jagdish Temple, Bagore Ki Haveli and the nearby ghats.
Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola is central to the Udaipur experience.
The lake contains the islands of Jagniwas and Jagmandir, while the eastern bank is dominated by the City Palace complex. Rajasthan Tourism also identifies the sunset boat ride as one of the ways to experience the lake and its views.
A boat ride is not the only way to appreciate Lake Pichola.
Walking around the ghats and viewpoints around the old city gives you another perspective, particularly when the palace façades begin to change colour towards evening.
If you only have limited time in Udaipur, make sure Lake Pichola is part of your itinerary.
Jag Mandir
Jag Mandir is an island palace in Lake Pichola.
Construction began in 1620 and was completed around 1652. The royal family used it as a summer retreat and for hosting events. Rajasthan Tourism also records the historical connection between the site and Prince Khurram, who later became Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.
The attraction works best when combined with a Lake Pichola boat experience rather than treated as a completely separate sightseeing stop.
Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace
Sajjangarh, commonly called the Monsoon Palace, sits on a hill outside the main city.
The 19th-century palace was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh and was originally planned as an astronomical centre before those plans were abandoned after his early death. It later became associated with its use as a monsoon retreat and hunting lodge.
Its biggest draw today is the elevated view.
The palace looks across Udaipur and the surrounding landscape, making it particularly useful if you want to see how the lakes and hills shape the city.
Fateh Sagar Lake
Fateh Sagar Lake lies north of Lake Pichola and is surrounded by hills and wooded areas.
The lake contains three islands, including Nehru Island and the island housing the Udaipur Solar Observatory.
Fateh Sagar feels different from the more heavily photographed Lake Pichola.
It is a good place to slow down, walk along the waterfront and spend some time away from the busiest parts of the old city.
Jagdish Temple
Jagdish Temple is located close to the City Palace and is one of Udaipur’s best-known temples.
Built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh I, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is noted for its carved pillars, ceilings and detailed architecture.
Its location makes it easy to include on a walking route through the old city.
You can combine City Palace, Jagdish Temple, nearby markets and the lakefront without needing separate transport for every stop.
Bagore Ki Haveli
Bagore Ki Haveli stands near Lake Pichola at Gangaur Ghat.
The 18th-century haveli contains rooms and collections related to costumes, art and traditional life. Its location also makes it useful as part of an old-city walking route.
The attraction is particularly useful for travellers who want something beyond large palace complexes.
Saheliyon Ki Bari
Saheliyon Ki Bari is a historic garden built during the reign of Maharana Sangram Singh II.
The garden contains fountains, marble elephants, kiosks and a lotus pool, along with a small museum.
It offers a different pace from the city’s palaces and crowded old-city streets.
If your itinerary is already heavy on architecture, adding a garden can make the day feel less repetitive.
Moti Magri
Moti Magri is a hill overlooking Fateh Sagar Lake and is associated with a bronze statue of Maharana Pratap on his horse Chetak.
The site provides another viewpoint over the lake and works well for travellers interested in the history of Mewar.
It can be paired with Fateh Sagar Lake because of their proximity.
Ahar Museum
Ahar is useful for travellers who want to explore Udaipur’s archaeological and historical side.
The museum has collections including pottery, sculptures and archaeological finds, while the surrounding area contains a cluster of cenotaphs associated with the Maharanas of Mewar. Rajasthan Tourism notes that some pottery displayed at the museum dates back to around 1700 BC.
This is not an essential stop for every first-time visitor, but it can add depth to a longer Udaipur itinerary.
Shilpgram
Shilpgram is a rural arts and crafts complex located west of Udaipur near Fateh Sagar.
The complex covers around 70 acres and was designed to showcase the lifestyles, crafts and traditions of folk and tribal communities from western India.
It is worth considering if you are interested in handicrafts, folk culture and traditional art rather than only monuments.
Doodh Talai
Doodh Talai is a smaller lake area surrounded by hills and gardens.
It sits along the route towards Lake Pichola and includes gardens such as Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park and Manikya Lal Verma Garden.
It is better treated as a short scenic stop than a full-day attraction.
How Many Days Do You Need in Udaipur?
Two full days are enough for a first introduction to Udaipur.
You can cover the City Palace, Lake Pichola, Jagdish Temple, Bagore Ki Haveli and one or two additional attractions without turning the trip into a race between monuments.
Three days are better if you want to include Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, Fateh Sagar, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Shilpgram or some slower time around the lakes.
A simple way to think about it:
- 1 day: Main old-city highlights
- 2 days: Major attractions plus lakes and viewpoints
- 3 days: A slower trip with additional cultural and scenic stops
Udaipur 1-Day Itinerary
A one-day Udaipur trip requires some discipline. Do not try to cover every attraction.
Morning
Start in the old city.
Visit:
- City Palace
- Jagdish Temple
- Nearby old-city streets
City Palace deserves the largest portion of your morning because of the size of the complex.
Afternoon
Spend some time around Lake Pichola.
Depending on available time and current operating schedules, you can consider a boat ride or explore the lakefront and surrounding ghats.
Evening
Head towards a lakefront viewpoint or another elevated location for the evening.
If your schedule allows, finish with time around the old city rather than immediately leaving after sunset.
Udaipur 2-Day Itinerary
Two days give you enough room to experience the city without rushing every attraction.
Day 1: Old Udaipur and Lake Pichola
- City Palace
- Jagdish Temple
- Bagore Ki Haveli
- Lake Pichola
- Jag Mandir
- Evening around the old city
Keep the first day focused on the historic centre.
Most of these attractions are connected geographically, so you can reduce unnecessary travel.
Day 2: Lakes, Gardens and Views
- Saheliyon Ki Bari
- Fateh Sagar Lake
- Moti Magri
- Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace
- Evening in the city
You can adjust the order depending on opening hours, weather and how much time you want at each attraction.
Udaipur 3-Day Itinerary
Three days give you room to explore without treating every hour as sightseeing time.
Day 1: Historic Udaipur
- City Palace
- Jagdish Temple
- Bagore Ki Haveli
- Gangaur Ghat
- Lake Pichola
Day 2: Lakes and Viewpoints
- Saheliyon Ki Bari
- Fateh Sagar Lake
- Moti Magri
- Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace
Day 3: Culture and Slow Exploration
Use the third day according to your interests.
Possible choices include:
- Shilpgram
- Ahar Museum
- Doodh Talai
- Additional lake time
- Local markets
- Cafés and traditional food
- A slower walk through the old city
A three-day itinerary is especially useful if Udaipur is one of the main destinations of your Rajasthan trip rather than simply an overnight stop. if you want to explore whole Rajasthan but do not know where to go and what to do; here is our detailed Rajasthan travel guide for you.
Best Time to Visit Udaipur
The cooler months are generally the most comfortable period for sightseeing across Rajasthan.
Rajasthan Tourism identifies winter as the state’s main tourist season, while the monsoon can also create a different experience in places such as Udaipur. For Udaipur specifically, the season you choose should depend on what you want from the trip.
Winter
Winter is useful for long sightseeing days because temperatures are generally more comfortable than during the summer. It is also a popular period for Rajasthan travel, so major attractions can be busier.
Monsoon
Udaipur’s lakes and surrounding hills can look particularly different during and after rainfall. If you enjoy greener landscapes and do not mind variable weather, monsoon can be an interesting alternative.
Summer
Summer can be uncomfortable for extended outdoor sightseeing, particularly during the hottest part of the day. If you travel during this period, plan outdoor attractions around mornings and evenings and keep indoor stops in the middle of the day.
How to Reach Udaipur
Udaipur is connected to major Indian cities by air, rail and road.
By Air
Maharana Pratap Airport, also known as Dabok Airport, is the closest airport to Udaipur.
Rajasthan Tourism places it roughly 25 kilometres northeast of the city centre and lists Udaipur as one of the state’s major airports. Flight schedules change, so check current services from your departure city before booking.
By Train
Udaipur is connected by rail with several major cities in India.
Rail can be useful when Udaipur is part of a longer Rajasthan itinerary involving Jaipur, Ajmer, Chittorgarh or other destinations. Rajasthan Tourism lists Udaipur among the state’s major railway stations.
By Road
Road travel is practical if you are combining Udaipur with other Rajasthan destinations.
Rajasthan Tourism notes road connections with cities including Chittorgarh, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Ajmer, Jaipur, Delhi and Mumbai. A road trip can make particular sense if you are travelling through southern Rajasthan rather than using Udaipur as a standalone destination.
How to Get Around Udaipur
The best way to move around Udaipur depends on which part of the city you are exploring. The old city is better experienced on foot for shorter distances.
For attractions farther apart, use an auto-rickshaw, taxi or app-based cab where available. Do not underestimate the value of grouping attractions geographically.
For example, City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Bagore Ki Haveli and Lake Pichola can form one sightseeing cluster. Fateh Sagar and Moti Magri can be handled together. This saves time and makes the itinerary less dependent on traffic.
What to Eat in Udaipur
Udaipur is a good city for trying traditional Rajasthani food alongside everyday North Indian and vegetarian options.
Some dishes worth looking for include:
- Dal baati churma
- Gatte ki sabzi
- Ker sangri
- Bajra roti
- Mirchi vada
- Kachori
- Ghevar
- Rabri
You do not need to search exclusively for expensive rooftop restaurants.
Some of the better food experiences can come from smaller local places and traditional eateries, particularly around the old city.
Shopping in Udaipur
Udaipur’s markets are useful for travellers interested in traditional crafts, textiles and souvenirs.
Look for:
- Handicrafts
- Miniature paintings
- Textiles
- Traditional jewellery
- Leather products
- Decorative items
- Rajasthani artwork
Markets around the old city are particularly convenient because shopping can be combined with sightseeing.
Avoid buying something simply because it looks traditionally Rajasthani.
Compare prices at more than one shop, especially for handicrafts, textiles and jewellery
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are enough for Udaipur?
Two full days are enough for most first-time visitors. Three days are better if you want to include additional attractions, cultural sites and slower time around the lakes.
What are the best places to visit in Udaipur?
The main highlights include City Palace, Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir, Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, Fateh Sagar Lake, Jagdish Temple, Bagore Ki Haveli and Saheliyon Ki Bari.
Is Udaipur good for a 2-day trip?
Yes. A two-day Udaipur itinerary can cover the City Palace, Lake Pichola, Jagdish Temple, Bagore Ki Haveli, Fateh Sagar and one of the city’s major viewpoints.
What is Udaipur famous for?
Udaipur is known for its lakes, palaces, Mewar history, architecture and surrounding Aravalli landscape. Lake Pichola and the City Palace are among its most recognisable landmarks.
What is the best time to visit Udaipur?
The cooler months are generally comfortable for sightseeing. Monsoon can also be appealing because of the lakes and surrounding greenery, while summer requires more careful planning around the heat.
How do you reach Udaipur?
Udaipur can be reached by air, train and road. Maharana Pratap Airport serves the city, while Udaipur is also connected by rail and road with several major Indian cities.
The TravelTheory Take
Udaipur is easiest to appreciate when you stop treating it as a checklist of palaces.
The City Palace matters, but so does the lake below it. The Monsoon Palace matters because of the view. The old city matters because it connects the monuments with everyday life.
Give Udaipur at least two days if you can.
And if you are building a larger Rajasthan trip, use the city’s slower pace as a contrast to the forts of Jaipur and Jodhpur and the desert landscape around Jaisalmer.
For the wider route, start with the Rajasthan travel guide and then build your itinerary destination by destination.
