Things to do in Udaipur
Things to do in Udaipur
Udaipur, the City of Lakes in Rajasthan, is widely considered one of the most romantic cities in India, a dreamlike destination of shimmering lake palaces, white marble temples, and haveli-lined ghats reflected in the placid waters of Lake Pichola. The iconic Lake Palace — seemingly floating on the waters of Pichola — and the grand City Palace complex are among the finest examples of Rajput architecture anywhere in India. Udaipur's vibrant arts scene, exquisite handicrafts, and the mesmerizing evening boat rides on the lake make it a city that captures hearts and refuses to let go.
- No photoLeisure / SightseeingView full guide
1 hour
Boat Ride on Lake Pichola
Sail across the shimmering Lake Pichola on a government-operated boat or private chartered vessel, gliding past the fairy-tale Jag Niwas (Lake Palace Hotel, 1746 — now the Taj Lake Palace), the royal Jag Mandir island palace, and the spectacular City Palace complex rising from the eastern lakeshore.
- No photoHeritage / CulturalView full guide
2–3 hours
City Palace Tour
Explore Rajasthan's largest royal complex — the City Palace (construction began 1559 under Udai Singh II, completed by 22 successive rulers) overlooking Lake Pichola. The museum inside exhibits royal artefacts, miniature paintings, crystal collections, and the famous glass and mirror inlay work of Sheesh Mahal and Manak Chowk.
- No photoCultural / ArtsView full guide
1 hour
Cultural Show
Attend a Rajasthani cultural performance at Bagore Ki Haveli (lakeside heritage mansion) — nightly Dharohar Folk Dance shows featuring Ghoomar (circular skirt dance), Kalbelia (snake charmer dance), Bhavai (pot-balancing dance), and puppet shows representing the living cultural traditions of Rajasthan.
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1–1.5 hours
Vintage Car Museum
Tour the Vintage and Classic Car Collection of Maharana of Mewar — a private museum housing the royal family's extraordinary fleet of Rolls-Royces, Cadillacs, Mercedes-Benzes, Bentleys, Buicks, and other prestigious automobiles dating from the 1930s to 1950s, some customised with tiger hunting rails and howdah mounts.
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2–3 hours
Heritage Walk
Walk through Udaipur's old city — a maze of blue-painted havelis, marble-arched temples, narrow markets selling miniature paintings and silver jewellery, and rooftop cafes with lake views. The Jagdish Temple (1651), Gangaur Ghat, Ambrai Ghat, and Fateh Sagar Lake area are essential stops.
- No photoSightseeing / LeisureView full guide
1–1.5 hours
Sunset Viewing
Watch the sun set over Lake Pichola from Udaipur's finest vantage points — the rooftop of Ambrai restaurant by the lake, Sajjangarh Palace (Monsoon Palace; 3 km above the city offering panoramic views of all lakes and the Aravalli range), or the packed rooftop cafes along Lal Ghat.