Nestled in the heart of Rajasthan, Udaipur is a city that exudes regal charm and magnificence. Known as the ‘Venice of the East’ and the ‘City of Lakes’, Udaipur is a popular tourist destination that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan. The city is known for its majestic palaces, serene lakes, intricate architecture and bustling bazaars. Udaipur is a perfect blend of old-world charm and modernity, making it an ideal destination for both history buffs and modern travellers.
8 Best Lakes in Udaipur
Udaipur's lakes are the city's biggest draw, and for good reason. Here are the eight best lakes in Udaipur that are a must-visit:
Lake Pichola: This iconic lake is the heart of Udaipur and offers breathtaking views of the city's famous palaces, including the Lake and City Palace.
Fateh Sagar Lake: Another famous lake in Udaipur, Fateh Sagar is a serene and tranquil oasis that is perfect for a quiet evening stroll or a boat ride.
Jaisamand Lake: This artificial lake is the second-largest in Asia, surrounded by the picturesque Aravalli Hills.
Udai Sagar Lake: This scenic lake is located on the outskirts of Udaipur and is a popular spot for picnics and day trips.
Rajsamand Lake: Built in the 17th century, Rajsamand Lake is a beautiful man-made lake that offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and countryside.
Badi Lake: Located in the heart of the Aravalli Hills, Badi Lake is a serene and tranquil oasis that is perfect for a peaceful getaway.
Doodh Talai Lake: This picturesque lake is located near the City Palace and offers stunning views of the palace and the surrounding hills.
Goverdhan Sagar Lake: Located on the outskirts of Udaipur, this beautiful lake is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.
5 Best Forts in Udaipur
Udaipur is known for its majestic forts and palaces that are a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage. Here are the five best forts in Udaipur that are a must-visit:
City Palace: This iconic palace is the crown jewel of Udaipur and is a beautiful blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.
Kumbhalgarh Fort: Located on the outskirts of Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh Fort is one of the most impressive forts in Rajasthan and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Sajjangarh Fort: Also known as the Monsoon Palace, Sajjangarh Fort is located atop a hill and offers stunning panoramic views of Udaipur and its surrounding hills.
Chittorgarh Fort: Located about two hours from Udaipur, Chittorgarh Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the largest forts in India.
Bagore Ki Haveli: This beautiful haveli has been converted into a museum and offers visitors a glimpse into Rajasthani culture.
5 Best Dining Places in Udaipur
Udaipur is known for its delicious cuisine that is a blend of Rajasthani, Mughlai and Indian flavours. Here are the five best dining places in Udaipur that offer a gastronomic experience:
Ambrai: Located on the banks of Lake Pichola, Ambrai is a fine-dining restaurant that offers stunning views of the lake and the City Palace. The restaurant serves traditional Rajasthani and Mughlai cuisine, along with a selection of international dishes.
Udai Kothi: This beautiful hotel has a rooftop restaurant that offers stunning views of Lake Pichola and the surrounding hills. The restaurant serves a variety of Indian and international dishes, along with a selection of wines and cocktails.
Jhumar: Located in the heart of Udaipur, Jhumar is a cozy restaurant that serves traditional Rajasthani cuisine, along with a selection of Indian and Chinese dishes.
Charcoal by Carlsson: This stylish restaurant is located in the heart of Udaipur and offers a range of grilled dishes, along with a selection of international and Indian cuisine.
Savage Garden: This unique restaurant is located in a beautiful garden setting and offers a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, along with a selection of cocktails and mocktails.
5 Best Museums in Udaipur
Udaipur is home to a number of museums that offer visitors a glimpse into the city's rich cultural heritage. Here are the five best museums in Udaipur that are a must-visit:
City Palace Museum: Located within the City Palace complex, this museum houses a collection of artefacts and exhibits that showcase the history and culture of Udaipur.
Vintage Car Museum: Located within the Garden Hotel, this museum houses a collection of vintage cars that belonged to the erstwhile rulers of Udaipur.
Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal: This museum showcases the traditional arts and crafts of Rajasthan, including puppetry, folk music and dance.
Crystal Gallery: Located within the Fateh Prakash Palace, this museum houses a collection of crystal artefacts, including furniture, chandeliers and other decorative items.
Bagore Ki Haveli Museum: This beautiful haveli has been converted into a museum and offers visitors a glimpse into the traditional way of life in Rajasthan, including costumes, jewellery and household items.
5 Best Art Galleries in Udaipur
Udaipur is known for its vibrant art scene, and the city is home to a number of galleries that showcase the works of local artists. Here are the five best art galleries in Udaipur that are worth a visit:
Mewar Art Gallery: This gallery showcases the works of local and regional artists, including paintings, sculptures and other forms of art.
Artisan: This gallery showcases the works of contemporary artists from across India, including paintings, sculptures and installations.
Gallery One: This gallery showcases the works of local and regional artists, including paintings, sculptures and photographs.
The Royal Arts: This gallery showcases the works of local and regional artists, including paintings, sculptures and handicrafts.
The Bindaas Artist: This gallery showcases the works of local and regional artists, including paintings, sculptures and other forms of art.
5 Best Palaces in Udaipur
Udaipur is known for its majestic palaces that are a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage. Here are the five best palaces in Udaipur that are a must-visit:
City Palace: This iconic palace is the crown jewel of Udaipur and is a beautiful blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.
Lake Palace: This stunning palace is located on an island in Lake Pichola and is a beautiful example of Rajasthani architecture.
Fateh Prakash Palace: This palace was built in the early 20th century and is now a luxury hotel that offers stunning views of Lake Pichola.
Shiv Niwas Palace: This beautiful palace was built in the early 20th century and is now a heritage hotel that offers guests a glimpse into the grandeur of the past.
Jag Mandir Palace: This palace is located on an island in Lake Pichola and is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture.
5 Best Outdoor Activities to do in Udaipur
Udaipur is surrounded by hills and is known for its beautiful lakes, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities. Here are the five best outdoor activities to do in Udaipur:
Boating: Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar Lake offer visitors the opportunity to take a boat ride and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills and palaces.
Trekking: The hills around Udaipur offer some great trekking opportunities, with trails that lead to waterfalls, temples, and scenic viewpoints.
Cycling: Udaipur has some beautiful cycling routes that take you through scenic countryside and past historic landmarks.
Horse Riding: Udaipur has a number of stables that offer horse riding lessons and guided tours of the surrounding countryside.
Wildlife Safari: The Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, located a few hours from Udaipur, offers visitors the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including leopards, wolves and sloth bears.
5 Best Shopping Places in Udaipur
Udaipur is known for its beautiful handicrafts, including textiles, pottery and jewellery. Here are the five best shopping places in Udaipur that are a must-visit:
Hathi Pol Bazaar: This bustling market is known for its colourful textiles, jewellery and handicrafts.
Bada Bazaar: This market offers visitors a wide range of handicrafts, including pottery, textiles and leather goods.
Shilpgram: This cultural village is located on the outskirts of Udaipur and offers visitors the opportunity to see traditional Rajasthani handicrafts being made.
Sadar Bazaar: This market is known for its beautiful textiles, including saris and shawls, as well as jewellery and handicrafts.
Rajasthali: This government-run emporium offers visitors a wide range of handicrafts, including textiles, pottery and jewellery.
5 Best Safaris in Udaipur
Udaipur is surrounded by wildlife reserves and national parks that offer visitors the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife. Here are the five best safaris in Udaipur that are worth a visit:
Jeep Safari in Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary: This safari takes visitors through the rugged terrain of the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and offers the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including leopards, wolves and sloth bears.
Elephant Safari in Amer Fort: This safari takes visitors through the beautiful Amer Fort on the back of an elephant and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and palaces.
Horse Safari in Aravalli Hills: This safari takes visitors through the scenic Aravalli Hills on horseback and offers the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including deer and antelope.
Camel Safari in Thar Desert: This safari takes visitors through the beautiful Thar Desert on the back of a camel and offers stunning views of the desert landscape.
Bird Watching in Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary: This safari takes visitors through the Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of bird species, including flamingos and pelicans.
Conclusion
Udaipur is a city that offers visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of the past, with its beautiful palaces, forts and museums. It is also a city that offers visitors the opportunity to engage in a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, trekking and horse riding. Udaipur is also known for its beautiful handicrafts, which can be found in the city's bustling markets and emporiums. And for those who want to see wildlife, Udaipur has a number of wildlife reserves and national parks that offer safaris and the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife species. So, whether you're interested in history, culture or nature, Udaipur is a city that has something to offer everyone.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Udaipur?
The best time to visit Udaipur is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and there is little rainfall.
What are the best places to visit in Udaipur?
The best places to visit in Udaipur are City Palace, Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, Jagdish Temple and Saheliyon-ki-Bari.
What are the best outdoor activities to do in Udaipur?
The best outdoor activities to do in Udaipur are boating, trekking, cycling, horse riding and wildlife safari.
What are the best shopping places in Udaipur?
The best shopping places in Udaipur are Hathi Pol Bazaar, Bada Bazaar, Shilpgram, Sadar Bazaar and Rajasthali.
What are the best safaris to do in Udaipur?
The best safaris to do in Udaipur are jeep safari in Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, elephant safari in Amer Fort, horse safari in Aravalli Hills, camel safari in Thar Desert and bird watching in Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary.