Places To Visit in Udaipur- Introduction
Udaipur is a historic city in southern Rajasthan, India, often called the “City of Lakes.” It lies in the Aravalli Hills near the Gujarat border. Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the new capital of the Mewar kingdom. The old city has a grand City Palace built on a ridge and many lakes and gardens. Over the centuries, it became a centre of Rajput culture and heritage. Even today Udaipur is famous for its royal palaces, forts, lakes and rich Mewari culture. Its people speak Hindi, English and the regional Rajasthani language (Mewari dialect).
The name “City of Lakes” comes from the many artificial lakes around the city. Five main lakes – Fateh Sagar, Lake Pichola, Swaroop Sagar, Rangsagar and Doodh Talai – are part of the city’s layout. These lakes form scenic backdrops for Udaipur’s palaces and gardens. The city is also nicknamed the “Venice of the East” because of its water views (SRC-RajasthanTourism).
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Udaipur’s economy is largely driven by tourism, which employs many people in hotels, tour services and handicrafts. It is also a regional hub for mining, marble processing and manufacturing. The city has factories making chemicals, minerals (such as zinc and asbestos) and clay products. Udaipur is known for fine handicrafts like jewelry, leather goods, miniature paintings and textiles. Many small industries (marble work, electronics, garments) support the local economy.
Udaipur has grown as an educational centre too, with several universities and colleges. The population of the city is around a few hundred thousand in the municipal area (the district has over three million people). It hosts government offices for the state’s mining and excise departments, and companies like Hindustan Zinc. Tourism, government services, farming in nearby areas, and local trade are the main sources of income for residents.
Recent Developments and News (2025)
In 2025 Udaipur has seen many new projects and a rise in visitors. The state of Rajasthan is now a very popular travel destination. In early 2025 the Rajasthan Tourism Department reported a domestic tourism boom, with about 37.8 million visitors to the state in January–February. Many tourists are taking road trips, for example along the scenic Udaipur–Mount Abu route. For Udaipur specifically, local tourism officials say the city saw nearly 6.92 lakh visitors by May 2025, up from 6.75 lakh in the same period last year. This includes about 80,000 foreign tourists. In other words, more people are coming to Udaipur now than before.
To support the growing tourism, the local government is building new infrastructure. For example, a project is transforming the Nehru Garden on Fateh Sagar Lake into a theme park with musical fountains, water shows and a 7D theatre. Long-delayed road projects are moving forward. Plans include a 2.8 km elevated road to ease traffic between Pratapgarh Chauraha and Balicha, and a new overbridge at Balicha Tiraha to separate local and highway traffic. The 299 km railway line from Udaipur to Asarwa (Gujarat) is nearly electrified, so in 2025 electric trains will start running to cities like Ahmedabad. The Udaipur–Asarwa trains will link Udaipur more closely with Gujarat, Maharashtra and South India. At Udaipur’s main railhead (Rana Pratap Nagar Station), a new 3-story building with better parking is under construction.
There are also new tourist attractions coming. In January 2025 the Lion Safari at Sajjangarh Bio Park opened, giving visitors a chance to see lions in a natural setting near the Monsoon Palace. The park’s reptile section also opened, with snakes and other reptiles on display. In early 2025 Udaipur even plans to bring a pair of giraffes to the zoo section, creating a new attraction for families. Outside the city, a new 8.3 km road from Badgaon to the national highway (NH-76) was started, to improve access to hill destinations like Kumbhalgarh and Mount Abu.
On the civic side, Udaipur is part of India’s Smart Cities Mission, aiming to improve water supply, sanitation, roads and parking. In late 2024 the Udaipur Municipal Corporation began upgrading sewer and water networks under a big city project. These efforts are meant to handle the city’s growth and protect its lakes. Overall, Udaipur is focusing on sustainable tourism and infrastructure: cleaning lakes, promoting heritage hotels, and improving roads and public facilities for visitors.
Tourism Highlights
Udaipur’s fame rests on its beautiful palaces, lakes and temples. Tourists come to enjoy the royal heritage and scenic views. For example, the famous Lake Palace (Jag Niwas) floats on Lake Pichola at the city’s centre. (See photo above.) Udaipur’s palaces and lakes are major attractions. The opulent City Palace, begun in 1570 by Maharana Udai Singh II, towers over Lake Pichola with turrets and gardens. Jag Mandir (the “Lake Garden Palace”) is another royal island palace on Pichola built in the 1600s. On a hill north of the city is the white Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh), a summer lodge built in the 19th century, now offering panoramic sunset views.
Lake Palace on Lake Pichola. This former royal summer palace is now a luxury hotel. The Lake Palace, built of white marble in the 18th century, is one of Udaipur’s most iconic sights.
Udaipur’s five main lakes – Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Udai Sagar, Doodh Talai and Rang Sagar – offer boat rides and waterfront walks. Lake Pichola is the most famous; a sunset boat cruise shows off reflections of the City Palace and palaces on its islets. Fateh Sagar Lake, just north of Pichola, has a small island with the Udaipur Solar Observatory (a rare observatory on an island) and the decorative Nehru Island park. Udai Sagar Lake, about 13 km east, was built in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh as a reservoir and is a quiet picnic spot. Doodh Talai Lake near Pichola is smaller but has pretty gardens (Deen Dayal and Manikya Lal Verma parks) on its banks. A bit farther is Jaisamand Lake, the second-largest man-made freshwater lake in Asia, popular for boat rides and bird-watching.
Historic temples are also part of Udaipur’s appeal. The 17th-century Jagdish Temple is a large Hindu shrine in the old town, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It has carved stone pillars and an ornate main idol. Other important temples nearby include the Eklingji temple complex (a holy Shiva temple about 22 km north of Udaipur, which is the ruling deity of Mewar), and Sahastra Bahu Temple (11th-century Vishnu temple near Eklingji). Pilgrims visit these temples year-round.
Culture, Shopping and Local Food
Udaipur is rich in Rajasthani culture and crafts. The city’s folk traditions include dances like Ghoomar and Kalbeliya, music played on traditional instruments, and colorful festivals. Two of the largest festivals are worth noting. First is the Mewar Festival (around March/April). It marks the arrival of spring and coincides with the Gangaur festival. The city celebrates with processions carrying idols of Shiva and Parvati, folk dances, music and fireworks. In 2025 the Mewar Festival ran from March 30 to April 1, featuring a grand procession on Lake Pichola and events at the City Palace. Second is the Shilpgram Festival, held each year from December 21–30. Shilpgram is a rural arts complex 7 km west of Udaipur. The 10-day festival attracts art lovers with craft fairs and cultural shows of folk music and dance. These events make the city lively and draw many visitors.
For shopping, Udaipur’s markets are full of handicrafts. Popular markets include Bapu Bazaar and Hathi Pol Bazaar near the City Palace. Bapu Bazaar has rows of shops selling brightly colored textiles, tie-dye (bandhani) fabrics, saris, and embroidered wall hangings (SRC-Tajhotels). Hathi Pol (Elephant Gate) Bazaar is known for antiques and art: you can find vintage jewelry, traditional wooden carvings, puppets, and even old knives and swords there. Modern malls and jewelry stores can be found in new areas like Fateh Sagar Circle, but most tourists love the old bazaars for souvenirs.
Local food is another attraction. Udaipur shares the hearty cuisine of Rajasthan. A must-try is dal-baati-churma (lentils with baked wheat balls and sweet crushed wheat). Spicy gatte ki sabzi (gram flour dumplings in yogurt curry) is also common. For sweets, mawa kachori (deep-fried pastry filled with sweetened milk solids) and ghevar (fried sweet cake served with syrup or rabri) are local favorites. Street-side eateries and old restaurants around the Clock Tower (Badi Bazaar) serve these dishes. Udaipur is also known for its thali meals – a platter of several Rajasthani dishes – at places like Natraj Dhaba and Ambrai Restaurant.
Travel Tips
How to reach: Udaipur is well connected by air, road and rail. The Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR) is about 20 km north of the city centre. It has direct flights to major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Jaipur. (The nearest international airport is Jaipur, or Delhi for some international flights.) By rail, Udaipur’s main station (City Station, code UDZ) is on the broad-gauge network. Trains connect to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and other cities. Express trains like the Mewar Express and Chetak Express serve Udaipur daily. The Palace on Wheels luxury tourist train also stops here. By road, Udaipur lies on National Highway 8: the drive from Mumbai or Delhi takes about 10–11 hours (around 700 km) through scenic roads. There are also frequent buses: state-run and private buses from Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mount Abu and other cities.
Best time to visit: The ideal season is winter (October to March). In winter, daytime temperatures are mild (10–25 °C) and nights cool. This is peak tourist season, good for sightseeing and lake tours. Major festivals like the Mewar Festival and Summer Festival (before May) happen in this period. The monsoon months (July–September) see moderate rain and green hills, which some visitors enjoy, but roads can be slippery. Summers (April–June) are very hot (often above 40 °C) and humid; this season has fewer tourists but cheaper hotels.
Accommodation: Udaipur has hotels and guesthouses for every budget. Luxury visitors often stay in palace hotels or resorts on Lake Pichola, such as the famed Taj Lake Palace or The Oberoi Udaivilas. Historic properties like Rajwada and Udai Kothi are high-end options. There are many mid-range and budget hotels near Bapu Bazaar, near City Palace, and around Fateh Sagar Lake. Homestays and hostels are also available for backpackers. During festivals, hotels fill up fast, so booking in advance is wise.
Safety: Udaipur is generally safe for tourists and sees many families and couples. Visitors should still use normal travel precautions. After a high-profile incident in mid-2025 where a foreign tourist was attacked, some governments issued advisories urging women to be especially vigilant. The Udaipur police and tourism officials say they are improving security at hotels and sights. Travelers are advised not to wander alone at night in quiet areas, to keep valuables secure, and to stick together in groups when possible. If any problem arises, police (dial 112 in India) respond in tourist areas. Overall, Udaipur’s streets are busy and well-patrolled, but usual care is recommended, especially for solo women travelers.
FAQ
Q: What is Udaipur famous for?
A: Udaipur is famous for its scenic lakes and grand palaces. It is often called the “City of Lakes” or “Venice of the East”. The beautiful City Palace on Lake Pichola, the floating Lake Palace hotel, and the Monsoon Palace on a hill are iconic. Udaipur is also known for its royal Rajput history and vibrant Rajasthani culture.
Q: When is the best time to visit Udaipur?
A: The best time is during October to March. Winter weather is cool and pleasant, ideal for outdoor sightseeing. This is also festival season (Mewar Festival, Winter Festival) when the city is lively. Summers (April–June) are very hot, so fewer tourists come then. Monsoon (July–September) brings some rain but makes the lakes and hills green.
Q: How do I reach Udaipur?
A: Udaipur is well connected. By air, Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR) has flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur and other cities. By train, Udaipur’s railway station has daily trains to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Indore, Kolkata and more. The Palace on Wheels luxury train also stops here. By road, National Highway 8 links Udaipur with Delhi and Mumbai (about 10–11 hours drive). Many buses run from Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mount Abu, etc.
Q: What are the top attractions in Udaipur?
A: Top sights include the City Palace (a large hilltop palace complex), the Lake Palace (palace-turned-hotel in Lake Pichola), and Jag Mandir (an island palace on Lake Pichola). The Monsoon Palace offers sunsets over the city. Lakes Pichola and Fateh Sagar offer boat rides. Jagdish Temple (17th century) is a famous shrine. You can also visit Saheliyon Ki Bari (women’s garden with fountains) and the Bagore Ki Haveli museum on Gangaur Ghat. Just outside Udaipur are the Eklingji temple complex (Shiva temple) and the Nagda ruins. Don’t miss the folk arts at Shilpgram crafts village or the Crystal Gallery.
Q: What special food should I try?
A: Udaipur has delicious Rajasthani cuisine. Try the Dal-Bati-Churma (lentils with baked wheat balls and sweet churma) and Gatte ki Sabzi (gram flour dumplings curry). For sweets, taste Mawa Kachori and Ghevar. Street-food snacks like Mirchi Bada (spicy chili fritter) and Pyaaz Kachori (stuffed onion pastry) are also popular. Many restaurants serve a traditional Rajasthani thali (platter) with several dishes.
Q: Where can I shop for souvenirs?
A: Head to Bapu Bazaar near the City Palace. It has shops of colorful bandhani fabrics, saris and handicrafts. Hathi Pol Bazaar, named for the old Elephant Gate, has antiques, paintings, wooden crafts and silverware. The City Palace complex itself has a few handicraft shops. For high-end shopping, there are boutiques in Fateh Sagar Square. At Gangaur Ghat and Lake Palace Road you’ll find stalls with miniature paintings and puppets. Shilpgram Crafts Bazaar (especially during festivals) showcases rural arts from all over Rajasthan.
Q: Is Udaipur safe for tourists?
A: Yes, Udaipur is generally safe, especially tourist areas and hotels. The city welcomes thousands of families and couples. Still, basic precautions apply: keep an eye on belongings in crowded places and avoid very late walks alone. In mid-2025 there was a serious crime against a foreign tourist which led to advisories for women travelers. Since then, security has been tightened. Women travelers are advised to stay in groups, use trusted transportation, and report any suspicious activity to the police.
Q: How many days should I stay in Udaipur?
A: A stay of 3–5 days is usually enough to see the main attractions. You can spend two days exploring the City Palace, lakes and temples, one day at the gardens (Saheliyon Ki Bari, Gulab Bagh) and markets, and another day taking a short trip (for example to the Eklingji temple or Kumbhalgarh Fort nearby). If you plan to attend a festival or relax more, add a couple more days.
Q: Any advice on accommodation?
A: For a luxury stay, consider lake-palace hotels or a heritage hotel near the City Palace. There are many mid-range hotels near Fateh Sagar Circle and along the main roads. Budget travelers can find guesthouses near Badi Bazaar (Clock Tower) or near the railway station. Booking.com and other sites list many options. During peak season and festivals, hotels book up quickly, so reserve early.
Q: What is unique about Udaipur?
A: Udaipur’s combination of lakes and Rajput architecture is unique. It offers romantic sunset views over water, and its old city is still alive with history. The local art and folk culture (dances, music, crafts) are very rich. Many wedding and movie scenes are shot here for its beauty. Moreover, Udaipur’s lakes and hill forests set it apart from the more desert-like northern Rajasthan. Visitors often say it feels cooler and more green than other parts of Rajasthan.
Sources: Official Rajasthan tourism and news reports, travel guides, and local media
