Udaipur Travel Guide: Lakes, Palaces & Things to Do
Plan two to three days in Udaipur. Visit the City Palace, take a boat ride on Lake Pichola (ideally at sunset), walk the old city around Jagdish Temple and watch the sun set from the Monsoon Palace. The best time is September to March; Udaipur connects to Jaipur by road (around 6–7 hours) or by flight, and to Agra usually via Jaipur or a flight through Delhi.
Why Visit Udaipur?
Udaipur, the old capital of the Mewar kingdom, is often called the most romantic city in India. White palaces rise from the edges of man-made lakes, with the Aravalli hills behind them. It is quieter and slower than Jaipur, which makes it an ideal final stop on a Rajasthan journey or a honeymoon.
City Palace
The City Palace is a vast complex of courtyards, balconies and towers built over several centuries on the shore of Lake Pichola. Inside, the museum sections include mirrored rooms, peacock mosaics and royal collections, and the upper terraces have some of the best views over the lake. Allow 2–3 hours.
Lake Pichola and the Boat Ride
Lake Pichola is the heart of Udaipur. A boat ride takes you past the ghats and the palace-lined shore, with views of the Lake Palace (now a hotel open only to its guests) and a stop at Jag Mandir, an island palace with gardens. Late afternoon into sunset is the most beautiful time. Water levels depend on the monsoon, so the experience varies a little by season.
The Old City
The lanes around Jagdish Temple, a 17th-century Vishnu temple with intricate carvings, are full of miniature-painting studios, textile shops and rooftop cafés. Walk down to Gangaur Ghat by the lake, and in the evening see the Rajasthani folk dance and puppet show at Bagore Ki Haveli. For sunset photos from the other side of the lake, head to Ambrai Ghat.
Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh)
On a hilltop outside the city, the Monsoon Palace was built as a royal retreat to watch the monsoon clouds. The palace itself is fairly bare, but the panoramic view over Udaipur and its lakes at sunset is the reason to go. It sits within a wildlife sanctuary and is reached by road.
More Things to Do
- Saheliyon-ki-Bari: the garden of the maidens, with fountains and lotus pools.
- Fateh Sagar Lake: a larger lake popular for evening walks.
- A cooking class or a miniature-painting workshop.
- Day trips to the Ranakpur Jain temple and Kumbhalgarh Fort, whose walls are among the longest in the world.
How Many Days in Udaipur?
- 2 days: City Palace, Lake Pichola, the old city and a sunset viewpoint.
- 3 days: our recommendation, adding the Monsoon Palace, gardens and a slow day by the lake.
- 4+ days: for Ranakpur and Kumbhalgarh day trips.
Best Time to Visit
September to March is the best time: the lakes are usually full after the monsoon, and the weather is pleasant. December and January nights are cool. April to June is very hot. The monsoon (around July to September) is green and atmospheric, though showers can interrupt sightseeing.
Connections: Jaipur, Agra and the Rest of Rajasthan
- Jaipur ↔ Udaipur: around 6–7 hours by road, or a short flight. Many travellers go via Jodhpur instead, stopping at the Ranakpur Jain temple between Jodhpur and Udaipur.
- Agra ↔ Udaipur: too far to drive comfortably in one day; most people travel via Jaipur, or fly through Delhi.
- Jodhpur ↔ Udaipur: around 5–6 hours by road via Ranakpur.
Udaipur has an airport with domestic connections, which makes it a convenient place to end a Rajasthan trip. For wider routes, see our North India travel guide and Jaipur travel guide, or compare the Golden Triangle with a Rajasthan extension.
Udaipur on a Private Tour
Our Udaipur lakes and palaces tour includes a private boat on Lake Pichola, the City Palace and an old-city walk. Udaipur is also the final stop on the Royal Rajasthan tour with the Taj Mahal and the Rajasthan Heritage tour. Browse all Rajasthan tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Two to three days. Three lets you enjoy the lakes at a relaxed pace and add the Monsoon Palace.
September to March, when the lakes are usually full and the weather is pleasant.
The Lake Palace is a hotel and is generally open only to its guests. You can see it from a boat on Lake Pichola.
Around 6–7 hours by road, or a short flight.
Yes. Its lakes, palaces and sunsets make it one of India's most popular romantic destinations.
