If you are a peace lover and adore spending time with nature, you must add Udaipur to your travel list. It’s a city located in the southernmost part of Rajasthan, India, near the Gujarat border.

white concrete building near body of water during night time

Udaipur is popularly known as the “city of lakes” because of the lovely water bodies in its premises. Another good thing about the city is the stay part.

Also Read: Why Should Sikkim Be on Your Travel List?

Some locals have converted their old Havelis into hotels that will give you a home-like feeling, and believe me, that’s rare. The most suitable time to visit is from November to mid-December & February to March.

If you are a winter person, you can see the city in January too, but it gets too cold in the evening to roam around. While planning to visit Udaipur, save at least 3 days from your calendar.

Furthermore, if you are traveling from Delhi, Train is the best option to go with. For those who love road journeys, it will take around 12-13 hours from the capital.

Places to Explore in Udaipur

Pichola Lake

Pichola lake is amongst the most beautiful lakes in Udaipur. The view is breathtaking during the late evening hours with shimmering lights all over.

There are rooftop restaurants at Laal Ghaat near Pichola, which you can enjoy, especially at night. A wholesome view of the lake awaits if you choose to have a meal at a rooftop dining outlet.

City Palace

City Palace is situated on the banks of the Pichola Lake in Udaipur & is regarded as the largest royal complex in the state. One should at least have an hour to visit the palace.

Entry Fee:

  • INR 15 for Kids
  • INR 30 for Adults
  • INR 200 Camera fee

Timings: All days 9:30 am – 5:30 pm

Boat Ride During Day

Timings: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm in winters; till 3:00 pm in Summers

Entry Fee:

  • INR 200 for Kids
  • INR 400 for Adults

Sunset Boat Ride

Timings: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm in winters; till 6:00 pm in Summers

Entry Fee:

  • INR 400 for kids
  • INR 700 for Adults

There is a show, “The Mewar Sound & Light Show”, in Hindi that you can watch from May to August from 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

In English, you can enjoy it from September to March from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM & also in April from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

Jagmandir Island Palace

Jagmandir is a palace surrounded by Pichola Lake, and the only way to get there is by taking a boat from the City Palace. You have to walk (10-15 mins) from the City Palace to take the boat. It’s open on all days from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM & there is no entry fee

Some parts of the “Ye Jawani Hai Deewani” movie were shot in Jagmandir. So, if you have watched the film, you can imagine how pleasing this palace is.

It’s hard to express the beauty in words, so you should go & experience the same. You can also book a suite, but I recommend you make bookings in advance.

Also Read: 15 Best Skiing Destinations in India

Fateh Sagar Lake

It’s an artificial lake named after Maharana Fateh Singh of Udaipur and Mewar. It is the second-largest amongst the four lakes of Udaipur city.

The Lake is mesmerizing & eye-soothing, hands down. You will fall in love with nature once again after visiting the Fateh Sagar Lake. Boating here is a must. 

There are 2 options for boating-

  • Motorboat : INR 100 (Child) – 200 (adult) for 3 mins
  • Speedboat: INR 200 for 30 mins

Timings: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

If you really want to enjoy the surrounding greenery and take photographs, you should opt for the long boat ride (Speedboat). However, if you wish to make it fast & just enjoy the boat ride, go for the short one (Motorboat).

Also, the people who have not experienced a fast boat ride should go for Motorboat. 

Under the Sun Aquarium

Under the Sun Aquarium is one of the Biggest Aquariums in India. It is situated near the Fateh Sagar Lake, Udaipur. If you are traveling with kids, I would call it a must-visit place.

There are various fishes available in different aquariums. You can carry your personal camera inside, there are no charges. In short, you can click as many photos you want. 

Entry fees:

  • INR 47 for Kids
  • INR 118 for Adults
  • INR 236 for foreigners

Timings: 8:00 am -10:00 pm

Moreover, there’s an additional fee for other activities like VR sessions & the click art museum.

Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh palace)

Monsoon Palace is a glorious residential palace situated on a hilltop. Built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1884, it offers spectacular panoramic views of Udaipur city and its beautiful lakes.

If you are in your own vehicle, you are good to go up the hills to the palace. Otherwise, you must book a Taxi at the entry as the autorickshaws don’t go up there.

View from the Monsoon Palace

Most autorickshaws will drop you at the road entrance leading to the hilltop area and ask you to manage on your own from there.

Another thing that you can opt for is to rent a two-wheeler, which will cost you between INR 400 – 600 for one day (till evening). You can get the agent’s phone number from the hotel you are staying in.

Entry Fees:

  • INR 10 for Indians
  • INR 80 for Foreigners

Preferred Timings: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Sajjangarh Biological Park

Sajjangarh Biological Park is a zoological garden located near Monsoon Palace (also known as Sajjangarh Palace) in Udaipur.

If you have never visited a Zoo, you should visit this park. Else, you can avoid this place as it’s the same as any other Zoo.

Moreover, you’ll have to walk a lot while visiting the park because of its vast area. One can also take the golf cart to roam around, but that’s chargeable.

It’s advisable to visit this place in the morning to see more animals walking around. In the daytime, most of the animals prefer sleeping.

Also, it saves you a lot of time as you can complete this place by 1:00 pm. Afterward, you can visit the Sajjangarh Palace, just 4-5 km away from the zoo.

Also Read: Best Places to Visit in India During Summers

Entry fees:

  • INR 15 for students (Id card is mandatory) 
  • INR 35 for Adults
  • INR 300 for foreigners
  • INR 80 for camera
  • INR 200 for video camera

Timings: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Closed on Tuesday)

There are some local eateries with a seating area outside the zoo. You can have light meals (Noodles, Tea & soft drinks are available) there & relax for some time.

Badi Lake

Badi lake is an artificial freshwater lake built by Maharana Raj Singh I in the village of Badi. It’s a hidden gem for nature lovers with a pleasant & quiet environment with mountains around.

The distance from Monsoon Palace to the lake is approximately 10 kilometers & takes half an hour to cover. You can visit it any day at any time & since it’s all open, there is no entry fee either.

According to me, the best time to visit the lake is during sunset because of the irresistible view. The ride to Badi lake is also pleasing to the eyes. 

Manshapurna Karni Mata Temple

Shri Manshapurna Karni Mata Temple is a Hindu temple located on the Machla Magra Hills in Udaipur. It enshrines the stone idol of Karni Mata.

Visitors need only to reach Deen Dayal Park (Doodh Talai), where ropeways further help reach the temple. The Temple is located 5 minutes from the ropeway station.

Visitors who don’t prefer taking ropeway can also take the help of the staircase accessible from the Manikya Lal Verma Park. However, ropeway is an easier option in my opinion.

Ropeway Fees:

  • INR 43 for Kids (Indian)
  • INR 150 for Kids (Foreigner)
  • INR 300 for Adults (Foreigner)

Ropeway Timings: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Also Read: Four Groups You Can Join for Your Solo Trip in India

Best Hotels in Udaipur

Hotel Aashiya Haveli

This hotel is situated near Pichola Lake & offers homely comfort with fabulous staff. They do not serve meals but can surely provide you with tea & water, which is non-chargeable.

There is a walk of 2 mins to a nearby rooftop restaurant which offers a mesmerizing view of the Pichola lake.

Hotel Bhairavgarh

The surrounding of this hotel is beautiful & clean. They provide delicious meals and have a good & courteous staff. However, prices are on the higher side.

Hotel Devraj Niwas

The main attraction of this hotel is the rooftop restaurant & its food. The hotel also provides quality tea & coffee. The staff is also very friendly and helpful.

Gajraj The Baneria House

Situated in the heart of the city, the hotel offers a perfect blend of homely comfort with a harmonious mélange of atmosphere and amenities.

They provide restaurant and laundry services as well. The staff is very cooperative and helpful.

Conclusion

From lakes to rooftop restaurants, Rajasthan’s Udaipur is a location to behold. I have put in great effort to bring this blog together with a sole aim to help you have an unforgettable trip.

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