10 Best Things To Do In Udaipur: An India-Oasis Amidst The Deserts

things to do in udaipur india
Nevedha
Nevedha 
Updated
| 2 min read

Udaipur is known as Venice of East India. It is the city of lakes filled with a set of well preserved palaces, lakes, temples and ghats. It is the capital of Mewar kingdom and is also the cultural center face of Rajasthan. Udaipur is most famed for it’s intricate peacock mosaics.

1. Lake Palace

Udaipur, Lake Palace Hotel (6269601174)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Arian Zwegers used under CC BY 2.0

It is located 2 kilometers (1 mile) from the city and seated on the Jag Niwas Island on a sprawling 1.5 hectare (3.7 acre) land. It is built over Lake Pichola, was once a summer palace for royalties. Now it has been made into a heritage hotel. Lake Palace is an elegant white palace which gives us a fairy tale scene with blue water rippling and sunrise/sunset views.

Lake Palace

Address: Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001

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2. Lake Pichola

Lake Pichola Udaipur
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Pixelstitch used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This is the largest lake in the city. It’s one of the most beautiful lakes in India and surrounded by hills and gardens. The famous city palace is built on the middle of this lake. It is a main tourist attraction and boat rides are available in this lake.

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3. City Palace

Udaipur City Palace
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Henrik Bennetsen used under CC BY-SA 2.0

This royal building is a huge complex with plenty of rooms and pillars inside. It took more than 300 years to complete the construction. It is the biggest building in Udaipur. It is near Lake Palace and Pichola Lake. Its architecture style is authentic. It is located at hill top which helps the visitors enjoy the panoramic view of the entire city.

City Palace

Address: Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001

Website: City Palace

Tip from Content Creator

Himanshu

Himanshu

City Palace City Palace City Palace

Photos of City Palace shared by content creators from India, Himanshu.

Traveler's tips

You can park your two-wheeler inside the palace complex subject to the availability of parking space. However, if you're coming in a four-wheeler, you cannot take your car ahead after a certain point. There are around three designated parking spots close to City Palace. Although there are hourly charges mentioned on the board, I was asked to pay a fee of 50 INR (0.60 USD) for parking my vehicle in one of the spots, which was in a market. After that, you can hire an auto or walk on foot for around 1 km to reach the palace entrance. The auto fare was 20-25 INR (0.24-0.30 USD) per person. Note these charges are likely to change as per the peak season and demand, but you can always bargain to get the best rates. 

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4. Fateh Sagar Lake

Fateh Sagar Lake and Sajjangarh palace Udaipur Rajasthan India
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Amanjeev used under CC BY 2.0

It is the second largest lake in the city. It is an artificial lake and has three islands which can be reached by boat. The first two islands are made into gardens and the third island has been made into a solar observatory which is also a place of attraction for the tourists. Boat rides are available at this lake.

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5. Eklingji Temple

India-Eklingji
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dennis Jarvis used under CC BY-SA 2.0

This is a Hindu temple, which has more than 100 pillars. It was built with granite and marbles. The temple is famous for its four faced statue of Lord Shiva. It is one of the very few Hindu temples in Rajasthan. Eklingji temple can be reached by a one hour drive from Udaipur.

Eklingji Temple

Address: Siyol, Rajasthan 313202

Website: Eklingji Temple

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6. Dudh Talai Musical garden

Taken at India's most beautiful Garden Mughal Garden, Delhi(Musical Garden, President House)1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sachin2449 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Dudh Talai is a small lake and it’s the most ideal place to take a peaceful stroll. All the important places such as Lake Pichola, City Palace and Lake Palace can be seen from this garden. It has a rock garden with a musical fountain. It also has a sunset point which offers great views.

Dudh Talai Musical garden

Address: Dudh Talai, Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001

Website: Dudh Talai Musical garden

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7. Saheliyon-Ki-Bari

Udaipur-Sahelion Ki Bari-03-Garden of the rain without clouds-20131013
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Daniel Villafruela used under CC BY-SA 3.0

This is known as the garden of maids. It has beautiful fountains with lush lawns and marble arts. This was lovingly gifted by the King to the Queen. Saheliyon-Ki-Bari served as a peaceful and enjoyable place for the Queen’s 48 maids.

Saheliyon-Ki-Bari

Address: Lake City, Near Science Museum, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001

Website: Saheliyon-Ki-Bari

Traveler's tips

Saheliyon ki bari is one of the best gardens in Udaipur. The entry fee is 10 INR (0.12 USD), and the ticket counter closes by 6pm. Inside, there are vast manicured gardens with several fountains. Here, you'll find several Instagrammable spots to click pictures by the marble elephants, under the beautiful canopies, fountains, and lotus pools. Also, in the evening, these fountains are lit with colorful lights which makes the whole ambiance even more aesthetic. Note that there are no eateries inside, but a few stalls selling tea and light snacks outside the garden premises. Also, there's no dedicated parking space, and only on-road parking is available. Another famous garden worth visiting is Gulab Bagh. 

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8. Jag Mandir

Jagmandir, Lake Pichola, Udaipur
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sandy1950 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This is known as the lake garden palace. It has served as a summer resort and pleasure area for royalties. This palace has been built with sandstone and black marble. The architecture style reflects Mughal’s and Rajput’s.

Jag Mandir

Address: Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001

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9. Kumbhalgarh Fort

Kumbhalgarh Fort at Sunset
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Amitdighe used under CC BY-SA 3.0

This fort has thick walls, beautiful buildings and temples. There are various architecture styles present inside the fort. It served as refugee for the King during times of conflict. It is around 60 kilometers (30 miles) from the main city.

Kumbhalgarh Fort

Address: Qila Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan 313325

Website: Kumbhalgarh Fort

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10. Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum

Ganesh, folk art, Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum, Udaipur, India
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Yann Forget used under CC BY-SA 4.0

This institute engages in the studies of folk art, culture, songs and festivities of Rajasthan. It has a museum which exhibits the rural dresses, ornaments, puppets, folk musical instruments and paintings of Rajasthani culture. The puppet theater here offers puppet shows as well.

Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum

Address: Saheli Marg, Madhuban, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001

Website: Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum

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Rajasthan is not only about deserts

Udaipur is full of surprises. It is one of the most romantic places in India. September and March are the best time to visit this city, take a royal vacation and get caught in the spell Udaipur Casts!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Nevedha, an engineering graduate, channels her passion for travel through her lifestyle website, Life Simplified 101. Writing is her liberating medium, allowing words to articulate her thoughts....Read more

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