Udaipur
White palaces on still lakes ringed by the Aravalli hills, Rajasthan's most romantic city.
- Famous for
- City Palace on Lake Pichola, Lake Palace and Jag Mandir, sunset boat rides, miniature painting.
- Best time
- September to March; lakes are fullest after the monsoon
- Suggested stay
- 3 days
- Getting there
- Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur; trains from Delhi and Jaipur
The story of Udaipur
Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the new capital of Mewar, the kingdom of the Sisodia Rajputs, after repeated attacks on Chittorgarh. Its rulers built a chain of artificial lakes that still define the city.
The City Palace, built over about 400 years, is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Udaipur is also the base for visiting Kumbhalgarh, whose wall is among the longest in the world, and the Ranakpur Jain temple.
Interesting things to see and do
Courtyards, mirror work and museum above Lake Pichola.
Sunset cruise past the Lake Palace to Jag Mandir.
Evening Rajasthani folk dance show.
Fountain garden built for royal ladies.
Hilltop palace with sunset views.
Evening walk along the lakeside.
Full-day trip to the great fort wall and marble Jain temple.
Day-by-day plan
A suggested pace. We adjust it to your dates, hotel and travel style.
Palace & lake
- City Palace in the morning
- Jagdish Temple
- Old city walk and miniature-painting studios
- Sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola
- Bagore ki Haveli dance show
Gardens & hills
- Saheliyon ki Bari
- Fateh Sagar Lake
- Vintage car museum
- Sunset at Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace
Kumbhalgarh & Ranakpur
- Drive to Kumbhalgarh Fort (about 2 hours)
- Walk a stretch of the great wall
- Ranakpur Jain temple with its 1,444 carved pillars
- Return to Udaipur or continue to Jawai