Explore Udaipur

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Udaipur, formerly the capital of the Mewar Kingdom, is a city in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1559, it’s set around a series of artificial lakes and is known for its lavish royal residences. City Palace, overlooking Lake Pichola, is a monumental complex of 11 palaces, courtyards and gardens, famed for its intricate peacock mosaics. ― Google

🌊 Udaipur Travel Guide

Known for: Palaces, lakes, whitewashed havelis, romantic heritage, Rajasthani culture, and stunning sunsets
Location: Rajasthan, India — nestled in the Aravalli Hills

🕒 Best Time to Visit:

  • October to March (Winter):
    ✅ Best time — pleasant weather for sightseeing and boat rides
    ✅ Ideal for weddings, photography, and cultural experiences

  • April to June (Summer):
    🔥 Very hot — travel in early morning or evenings

  • July to September (Monsoon):
    🌧️ Lakes are full and lush landscapes, good for off-season travel

🛣️ How to Get There:

  • 🛫 By Air:

    • Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR) – ~22 km from city, flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur

  • 🚆 By Train:

    • Well connected to Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata

  • 🚗 By Road:

    • Scenic drive from Jaipur (7 hrs) or Ahmedabad (4.5 hrs)

    • Regular buses and taxis available

🌟 Top Attractions:

🏰 City Palace:

  • Overlooking Lake Pichola, it’s one of the largest royal complexes in Rajasthan

  • Intricate courtyards, marble balconies, and a museum

⛵ Lake Pichola:

  • Take a sunset boat ride for views of palaces and ghats

  • Key sights: Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, Gangaur Ghat

🌄 Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace):

  • Perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of the city and lakes

  • Stunning during sunset

🌳 Saheliyon ki Bari (Garden of the Maidens):

  • Lush gardens with fountains and lotus pools built for royal women

🕍 Jag Mandir Palace:

  • Island palace in Lake Pichola, accessible by boat

  • Romantic dining and photo ops

🏞️ Fateh Sagar Lake:

  • Another scenic lake with boat rides and lakeside cafés

  • Home to Nehru Park and Udaipur Solar Observatory

🎨 Activities to Do:

  • Take a boat ride on Lake Pichola at sunrise or sunset

  • Visit Bagore Ki Haveli for folk dance shows (every evening)

  • Explore Shilpgram – a rural arts and crafts village

  • Shop for miniature paintings, leather journals, and silver jewelry

  • Attend a cooking class or Rajasthani textile workshop

🏨 Accommodation:

Luxury:

  • Taj Lake Palace – Iconic floating hotel in Lake Pichola

  • The Oberoi Udaivilas – Palatial property with regal gardens and lake views

  • Leela Palace Udaipur – Lavish lakeside stay

Mid-range:

  • Jagat Niwas Palace, Amet Haveli, Udai Kothi

Budget:

  • Banjara Hostel, Zostel Udaipur, GoStops Udaipur

🍛 Food & Restaurants:

Must-Try Dishes:

  • Dal Baati Churma

  • Gatte ki Sabzi

  • Laal Maas

  • Ker Sangri

  • Mirchi Bada, Kachori, and Rabri

Recommended Restaurants:

  • Ambrai – Lakeside Rajasthani dining with palace views

  • Upre by 1559 AD – Romantic rooftop restaurant

  • Jheel’s Ginger Coffee Bar & Bakery – Great for breakfast/lake view

  • Savage Garden – Cozy courtyard café in old town

🧑‍🎨 Local Culture:

  • Deep royal heritage — former capital of the Mewar Kingdom

  • Rich in Rajput art, music, and architecture

  • Hosts Shilpgram Festival (Dec–Jan) and Mewar Festival (March/April)

  • Strong traditions of miniature painting, folk dances (Ghoomar), and puppetry

⚠️ Travel Tips:

  • ☀️ Carry sunscreen and water for daytime sightseeing

  • 🧳 Roads in the old city are narrow — wear comfortable shoes

  • 📸 Photography is restricted in parts of palaces — check signs

  • 🛶 Book boat rides and shows in advance during tourist season

  • 💳 Carry cash for small vendors (some areas are not card-friendly)