Destination of the Month: The Ultimate Guide to Udaipur

Surrounded by lush hills, laced amidst serene lakes and dotted with intricate palaces dating back to the 16th century, Udaipur is truly a magical city.

The contrast between the city’s rich and well-preserved history and the rows of Mediterranean-inspired lakeside cafés will make you feel like you’ve entered another world – and with fans like Rudyard Kipling and epithets like “Venice of the East” and “the most romantic spot on the continent of India,” you’ll be in good company.

Our ultimate guide to Udaipur shows you what this fantastic destination has to offer.

Guide to Udaipur: Best Time to Visit

First in our guide to Udaipur is when to visit. The prime time for a tour Udaipur falls after the summer rainy season, between September and March. You can expect temperatures between 11°C and 25°C, with clear skies and crisp mornings melting into warm afternoons – perfect for exploring Lake Pichola by boat at sunset or for taking stunning pictures of palaces bathed in golden light. 

Guide to Udaipur: Where to Stay

Guide to Udaipur: What to Eat

No guide to Udaipur would be complete without culinary delights! Don’t miss out on trying traditional Rajasthani dishes like dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and ker sangri – or the exceptional scenery at the many Mediterranean-inspired lakeside eateries the city’s famous for. Anyone with a sweet tooth will be a fan of the deliciously nutty mawa kachori.

Guide to Udaipur: Must-See Sights

There is no shortage of sights to see or activities to try in this jewel of a city with its enchanting blend of history, culture and serenity.

• Lake Pichola: First up, you can’t miss a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Where else in the world do you have the opportunity to gently float past multiple centuries-old palaces, gardens and temples? We recommend booking a sunset boat ride to truly appreciate the light and the sights as the sky transforms into shades of gold and pink.
  
• City Palace: Standing out as iconic in a city known for its palaces is the staggering City Palace. With construction dating back to the 16th century and situated right on the bank of the lake, this palace was the home of the rulers of Mewar for centuries. Now housing a fascinating museum, the detailed rajput architecture is something to behold.
• Jagdish Temple: A city as enchanting as Udaipur is naturally also home to a thriving spiritual heritage. Jagdish Temple, a 17th-century structure dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is an essential visit. The temple’s gorgeous stone carvings of scenes from Hindu mythology, intricate spires, and calm setting make it one of Udaipur’s finest religious sites.
• Bagore-ki-Haveli: For more recent history, the museum at Bagore-ki-Haveli gives a glimpse into life in the city in the 18th century. Originally built as a residence for the Prime Minister of Mewar, visitors can now wander around the mansion’s hundred or so rooms admiring the Mewari frescoes, restored private quarters, displays of local modern art, and artefacts from the building’s heyday. Don’t miss the lively traditional Rajasthani dance show in the evening.
• Mansapurna Karni Mata Ropeway: After exploring the city on foot and aboard a boat, don’t miss the opportunity to take in the views from the air: the Mansapurna Karni Mata cable car offers sweeping vistas in all directions. Keep your camera handy for a stunning sunset over rolling hills opposite the viewpoint at the top.
• Hathi Pol Bazaar: This quintessential Rajasthani market is chock-full of local crafts, textiles, pottery, spices, leather goods and jewellery – perfect for picking up a souvenir or simply strolling around to take in the vibrant colours and textures.