Best places to visit in Udaipur (2020 travel blog)
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Best Places to visit in Udaipur
Restaurants, Cafes and romantic dinner in Udaipur
Shopping in Udaipur
Places to Stay in Udaipur
Best time to visit Udaipur
How many days are required to explore Udaipur
How much budget is required for travelling to Udaipur
Is Udaipur safe for female travellers
How to reach Udaipur
Getting around Udaipur city
Best Places to visit in Udaipur
A few years back, when I first visited Udaipur city, I was mesmerised by the royal touch and the charismatic beauty of the City of Lakes. The grand Udaipur forts and palaces, marvellous City Palace, enchanting lake Pichola, adventurous lake Badi and pretty cafes are a few places to visit in Udaipur.
Udaipur had reserved a sweet spot in my heart, and hence, I visited here again. It was such an enthralling feeling of meeting an old lover! Though this time, I felt that Udaipur is losing its old charm due to over-tourism. There is still a fine taste of royalty and a lot to explore in this city of love and lakes.
So based on my personal experience, here is my list for places to visit in Udaipur. Have also covered other important points like – how to reach Udaipur, places to stay in Udaipur, restaurants and cafes in Udaipur, places to shop in Udaipur.
Excited?? Let’s get started!
1. The Royal City Palace of Udaipur
Gorgeous City Palace of Udaipur is located at the bank of Lake Pichola and is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. It is a perfect example of Marwar architecture with some beautifully designed balconies, windows, colourful tint glasses, marble and mirror work and the grand rooms! The palace also has a museum and a crystal Gallery which will take you through the life of Maharajas in Udaipur
City Palace Udaipur timing and entry fees -
2. Lake Pichola boat ride during sunset –
A boat ride in shimmering, picturesque Lake Pichola is a Udaipur experience you should not miss! The ride will take you through world famous Lake Palaces, Jagat Niwas Palace, Gangaur Ghat and Ambrai Ghat. The boat ride experience during sunset is so soothing and mesmerising.
Lake Pichola Boating price and directions -
3. Spend an evening at Ambrai Ghat in Udaipur
Ambrai Ghat in Udaipur is one of my favourite places to spend a peaceful evening. You will find many travelers just sitting beside the lake and admiring the lake changing its colours as the sun goes down. From the Ambrai Ghat, you can also see the enchanting City Palace shimmering in the moonlight. For directions to Ambrai Ghat see here.
4. Experience the candlelight dinner at Ambrai Restaurant in Udaipur
Dinner at Ambrai will be no less than a Bollywood style romantic dinner. A table facing lit City Palace and the lake sparkling with moonlight with a glass of red wine. Sounds Perfect, right? The food is also as good as the view.
Good to know – Book the place 2 days in ADVANCE. During peak season and weekends, Ambrai is full and getting a table at the perfect spot won’t be easy.
Ambrai Restaurant directions and budget -
5. Enjoy sunset at Sajjangarh Fort (Monsoon Palace)
Sajjangarh fort was supposed to be the astronomical centre for Marwar kingdom, but after the death of Maharaja Sajjan Singh (who originated this idea), it was converted into a fort! It is surrounded by Aravalli Hills, has some breath-taking view of Udaipur city and lakes. During sunset, the Aravalli hills get covered with the orange sky (look at the view)
Sajjangarh palace directions
and entry charges -
6. Visit King’s vintage & classic car museum
Udaipur Kings took their cars quite seriously! One of these cars was used in Bond movies (Not kidding)! This royal collection of cars is still owned by Maharaja and can be seen at Vintage car museum in Udaipur!
Vintage car museum directions and entry fees -
7. Karni Mata temple
The sunrise and night view of the city from Karni Mata temple is something you cannot find anywhere else. The temple is also known for approx. 25,000 black rats that live in the temple. To reach the temple, either take the ropeway from Deendayal Upadhyay Marg or walk through stairs from Dudh Talai (Manikyalal Verma Park). The stairs route will take around 20 mins and a better option than paying for the ropeway.
8. Take an early morning walk around Gangaur Ghat in Udaipur
To feel the true vibes of a city, early morning walks are the best. You will see empty roads, vendors setting up their carts, people heading to temple for morning prayers. Sounds so different than busy noon markets, right? At early morning, you will see hundreds of pigeons being fed by locals at Gangaur Ghat. Sit beside the lake and soaking in all the morning energy. I personally enjoy these moments of solitude and silence.
9. Enjoy the folk dance at Bagore ki Haveli
This Haveli was built by Amarchand Badwa, one of the Prime Ministers of Mewar dynasty and has its own charm. It will take you back to the old era. Don’t compare it with the grand City Palace since the haveli was built for the Prime Minister of the King. It has an amazing collection of puppets too! Also, for Rajasthani folk dance show, head to Bagore ki Haveli a little before 7 PM in the evening.
Bagore ki Haveli – timing, directions and entry charges
10. Trek to Badi Lake
The famous trekking point in Udaipur, discovered lately by a wandering soul (God Bless him/ her)! Badi Lake is 10 km away from Fatehsagar Lake and is not as crowded as other lakes. The uphill silence, panoramic view of the lake from the top (Bahubali peak) and mesmerising sunset, is WORTH IT!!! Don’t worry, its not a tough trek. A water bottle, normal shoes and some munchies should do good.
11. Take an art class from Madan, perfect for art lovers! –
If you enjoy colours and love art and painting like me, you will surely enjoy taking an art class in Udaipur, especially learning from Madan. He is super sweet and a good teacher! The picture you see is what I made in 2 hours of class with him. I think it did come out well! What do you think?
There are many more places to explore in Udaipur like Neemach Mata temple for a night city view, Jagdish temple aarti (a local tradition experience). If you have extra days, consider adding these places to your list!
Restaurants Cafes and romantic dinner in Udaipur
I don’t need to talk much about the goodness of rich Rajasthani food. Go to any part of Rajasthan and you will find mouth-watering Rajasthani flavours. Udaipur being the romantic city, has some of the prettiest cafes and places for candlelight dinners! Obviously, my favourite kachories and Chai too! So here are my places to visit in Udaipur for food –
Thali from Natraj Dining Hall –
Rajasthani Thalis are like food heaven!
Natraj ki Thali is local’s favorite lunch delight.
Its pocket friendly too- INR 250 for one Thali!
Upré by 1559 AD –
A ROOFTOP restaurant to have candlelight dinner (with your better half)! J Don't think much, go for it and cheers to the red wine! These fancy places are always expensive guys! At Upré, you may need INR 1,500 to 2,000 for two people.
‘Royal’ Thali from Traditional Khana –
Royal Thali here is massive! Two rounds of thali serving, first snacks and then the main meal! Well, who will not want to sign up for this? This place is slightly on a higher side, INR 650 for one Thali (WORTH IT for the hungry tummy!).
Coffee at Shiv Sagar, Fatehsagar Lake – This is the place local Udaipurian swear by for best hot and cold coffee (Indian style J)! They say Udaipur is incomplete without Fateh Sagar lake! I am sure you will love to see such a highly rated local spot.
Jheel’s Ginger Coffee Bar (Jheel Café) –
Sitting at the corner of the picturesque lake, sipping the perfect cuppa-coffee, chitchatting with friends or reading your favourite book (Sounds Surreal, right?), Jheel café is THE PLACE! Go here for the Jheeli-vibes and morning coffee! Its extremely close to the Gangaur Ghat (look for signboards) and will not make a big hole in the pocket, INR 600-700 for two people!
Kachori, Poha and Chai opposite Jagdish temple -
I left this one for last! MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE PLACE in Udaipur! You have to have to try these Kachories and Poha and Chai! Promise that this small corner place will become your absolute favourite too! This is the first shop in the lane right opposite Jagdish temple. Price? ONLY INR 50! So enjoy the Garma garm (hot) kachoris!
Shopping in Udaipur
The shopping streets are also one of the important places to visit in Udaipur! Well, who does not love colourful Rajasthani dresses and dupattas? Guys, you should check out the kurtas and Mojari (traditional Rajasthani footwear for men). Hathipole, Bada Bazaar, Ashwini Market are some of the famous markets in Udaipur.
How much budget is required for travelling to Udaipur
Hostels charge around INR 500 to INR 700 for a night in Udaipur. One meal in budget hotels/ restaurants will cost minimum around INR 200. So if you stay in budget hotels/ hostels and eat local, a 3 nights’ trip to Udaipur may cost INR 4,000 to INR 5,000.
Places to Stay in Udaipur
If you can afford, Udaipur has the world's best hotels which are today’s ROYAL PALACES like Taj Lake Palace, The Oberoi Udaivilas! The per night cost may go up to INR 50,000 – INR 60,000.
Budget hotels – To experience MARWAR HAVELI STYLE STAY , budget hotels are the best! My personal experience at Hotel Mahendra Prakash and Hotel Jagat Niwas was amazing! You can check out Amet Haveli too. The per night cost may range from INR 4000-7000. Find all hostels here – https://www.booking.com/
Hostels – If you are a solo traveller or tight on budget, Udaipur has many hostels - Gypsy Child Lake, Bunkyard, Zostel are a few good reviewed hostels. The per night cost will be around INR 600-700. Find all hostels here –
www.hostelworld.com/
AVOID BOOKING A HOTEL NEAR JAGDISH CHOWK. The chowk is way too crowded, cramped with people.
Is Udaipur safe for female travellers
Hell, Yeah!! I had done my first ever solo trip to Udaipur and did not face any issues. I got to meet so many fellow travellers from around the world. Rajasthani folks are really sweet and warm-hearted, so don't worry and visit beloved Udaipur.
Getting around Udaipur city
A lot of places in Udaipur are at a walkable distance from each other! I always love to roam around to see the small gallis, local shops and get the feel of the city! You can also hire a cycle. Check out this website for renting a bike in Udaipur. For far off places, Tuktuks aka autos are the saviours. Ola and Uber are also available in Udaipur. Being one of the most famous tourist cities in India, the roads in Udaipur are getting busier, dusty and polluted! So be a responsible traveller and walk if you can.
Best time to visit Udaipur
September to February will be the best time to visit Udaipur for chilly winter season! June to August has its own perk, you will get to see some dramatic clouds covering the city.
The only recommendation – AVOID visiting Udaipur during the peak summer months (from March to June) and save yourself from the scorching sun!!
How many days are required to explore Udaipur
You will need around 3-4 days for exploring Udaipur completely. In case you are short on time, block minimum 2 days for this romantic city in Rajasthan.
How to reach Udaipur
Bus & Train - Udaipur is well connected with Delhi and all the cities in Rajasthan by buses/ train. You can either take any Rajasthan state government bus or train . Both the options are quite comfortable and will involve a few hours journey. In case you want to travel via train, book your ticket well in advance or else, it will be difficult to get a confirmed seat (Hard reality considering huge Indian population!). There are many state government and private buses, so getting a bus ticket will not be challenging.
Flight – Udaipur has an airport with direct flights from Delhi, Jaipur and many other cities in India. In case you are short on time (and not much worried about the budget :P), take the flight. The prices aren’t that high
In case you plan to explore India around, you can also refer my guide on Jodhpur, Hampi, Amritsar here
Detailed travel guide on Hampi
That’s all for Udaipur, guys!
I hope this blog was helpful! In case you are looking for something more on Udaipur, check out these local websites – Udaipur Blog and My Udaipur City
Enjoy your stay at the romantic city of India and don’t forget to share your Udaipur stories with me!! I will be waiting to hear them!
If you have any queries, put them in comments. Will get back to you soon.
Love,
TannedTravelGirl