Udaipur
City of Lakes
Lake PicholaCity PalaceJag MandirSunset ViewsRajasthani Art
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Pages2026 Edition
City of Lakes
Udaipur
Udaipur sits in a valley in the Aravalli Range of southern Rajasthan, centered on the artificial Lake Pichola. Founded in 1559 as the new capital of Mewar after Chittorgarh fell, it remains one of India's most atmospheric cities with its lakes, palaces, and well-preserved old town.
The essential sights and experiences
India's largest palace complex (400 years of construction). 11 palaces within, with courtyards, pavilions, terraces, and stunning lake views.
Essential Udaipur experience. One-hour boat ride past Jag Mandir, Jag Niwas, and the ghats. Sunset rides are most popular.
17th-century island palace where Shah Jahan took refuge. Beautiful gardens and marble elephants. Restaurant available.
1651 temple to Lord Vishnu with a 79-foot mandap and intricate stone carvings. Active worship site.
18th-century haveli museum with puppet collection and traditional Rajasthani architecture. Evening cultural show (₹90).
Floating white marble palace, now a Taj hotel. Non-guests can dine at restaurants with prior reservation.
When to go and what to expect
Best time post-monsoon. Lakes are full, hills are green, weather is pleasant (20–30°C). Peak tourist season.
Cool and pleasant (10–25°C). Light woolens needed for evenings. Christmas and New Year are busy.
Hot season building to 45°C by May. Fewer tourists, lower hotel rates. Visit early morning only.
Monsoon transforms the Aravallis green. Lakes fill up. Dramatic clouds over the palaces.
Udaipur — best experienced in September–March
The old city wraps around Lake Pichola's eastern shore, a maze of narrow lanes lined with havelis, temples, and shops selling everything from miniature paintings to silver jewellery. The City Palace dominates the skyline, while the ghats along the lake provide the perfect vantage point for those iconic sunset views. This is where you'll spend most of your time — every corner reveals another photo-worthy scene.
The lanes behind the City Palace are where the real Udaipur lives. Artisans sit in tiny workshops painting miniatures, tailors stitch traditional Rajasthani garments, and chai wallahs do brisk business. Walk from Jagdish Temple to Hathi Pol Bazaar for the most atmospheric stretch. The Gangaur Ghat comes alive at sunset when locals gather for the evening Aarti ceremony.
North of the old city lies Fateh Sagar Lake, the second major water body, popular with locals for morning walks and evening promenades. The area around it has evolved into modern Udaipur — the university, cafes frequented by students, and the popular Nehru Garden on an island in the lake. This is where you come for a break from tourist crowds.
The Moti Magri hill overlooking Fateh Sagar has a memorial to Maharana Pratap and his loyal horse Chetak. The views over the lake are excellent. In the evening, locals gather at the Fateh Sagar paal (promenade) for street food — try the famous kulfi and bhel puri vendors.
Behind the main lakefront lies a network of havelis — traditional merchants' houses with intricately carved balconies and shaded courtyards. Many have been converted into boutique hotels and guesthouses, but the area retains its old-world charm. The bazaars here — Bada Bazaar, Hathi Pol, and Chetak Circle — are where locals shop for textiles, jewellery, and spices.
This is the best area to find authentic Rajasthani crafts at fair prices. Look for Bandhani textiles, Meenakari jewellery, and the famous Udaipur miniature paintings. The artisans often work in the lanes behind the shops, and many welcome visitors who want to watch them paint.
City of Lakes