Udaipur is the most beautiful city in Rajasthan, the place is known for its lakes, forts, places, and temples. Many Bollywood films are shot here and after that, it becomes a very famous destination wedding destination. The place is very romantic and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. I was born here and decided to write a Udaipur travel guide so that you can roam the city from the local perspective.
Best time to Visit
Winter (November-February) is the best month to visit Udaipur, Most of the tourists arrive during this season and all the lakes are filled with fresh water after the monsoon.
Monsoon is also a good month to visit Udaipur, all the surrounding areas wear the green coat and fresh waters start reaching the Lakes. Also, the Hotels are a bit cheaper as compared to the winter season.
Avoid the Summer season, it’s off-season here in Udaipur and it can be brutal if you’re coming from a cold weather area. However, you’ll find everything at a dirt cheap price including the flight ticket.
TIP: Avoid the Diwali time, as the city is flooded with Gujrati tourists and it’s also very difficult to find hotels.
How to reach
Udaipur is a very popular travel destination and is accessible from all the Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Chennai and major cities of Rajasthan.
By Air
If you’re coming from Air, then Udaipur is connected through the air from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Chennai. Maharana Pratap or Udaipur Airport is located at 22 KM away from the city. If you book in advance then you can book the flight at the price of Rs. 1600-2000 from Delhi or Mumbai.
Udaipur Airport to City: Both Uber and Ola are available from the Airport and also Private taxis run from the Airport. Taxi takes around Rs. 400 to reach the Udaipur city. Another cheaper option is to take a private shared taxi or bus from outside the Airport near the Highway. However, it takes more time and you’ve waited 10-20 mins.
By Train
The train is the cheapest way to reach Udaipur, Daily trains run from Udaipur, Jaipur, and Mumbai.
By Bus
Udaipur is also connected with Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Ahmadabad, Jodhpur etc by Bus. You can find both Private and Govt. Owned (RSRTC) buses running from different cities. Both the Volvo and Sleeper buses are available. If you’re coming from Mumbai then Bus is your best bet.
By Road
If you like to come to Udaipur by Road trip then you can take the Mumbai-Delhi National Highway. Roads are pretty good and you’ll enjoy the surrounding view.
Accommodation
Udaipur Hotel price depends on where you want to live, normally you’ll get the Hotel at Rs. 750-1000 per day and if you want the lakeside hotel then the price may shoot up from Rs. 2500-4500 per day.
There are also a few hostels available which cost you around Rs. 500 per day.
Premium Hotels are very expensive as compared to any other place as most of the Hotels are near lakeside and also very popular for the Destination wedding. So Premium hotels cost you around Rs. 15000-75000 per day.
Food
Food is somewhat cheap in Udaipur, however, it may cost a little more if you’re going to the lakeside rooftop restaurant. Most of the restaurants in Udaipur are veg, however, you can also have the Non-veg restaurant in some other restaurants.
Top Things to See and Do in Udaipur
City Palace
City Palace is must-visit when you arrive in Udaipur, its palace is located near the bank of Pichola Lake and still, the king lives here. The front part of the Palace is open for the Visitors while the back part is converted into Hotel.
Visiting Hours: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Price: Rs. 300 for Full Access & Rs. 30 for Limited Access
Boating at Lake Pichola
Boating at Lake Pichola is another must-do in Udaipur, you can enjoy the panorama view of majestic City Palace, Lake Palace, and the city’s Old Town. You can take the Boat from Dudhtalai.
TIP: Go for the Boat ride at Dusk or Dawn time to enjoy the best view.
Price: Rs. 300 – 500
Sajjan Garh Fort (Monsoon Palace)
Sajjan Garh Fort also known as Monsoon Palace is located on the top of Aravali hills. In the past, this place is used by Royals to witness the clouds during the monsoon season. Also, this place is perfect for watching the sunset.
The place is located at the top of the hill so you’ve to go by walk or take your vehicle or rent a vehicle to drop off.
Timing: 8 AM to 6 PM
Price: Rs. 10 (Rs. 80 for foreign tourist)
Saheliyon Ki Bari (Courtyard of the Maidens)
Saheliyon Ki Bari is also very popular among tourists, if you love fountains, flowers, gardens, and lotus pools then this place is perfect for you. In the past, this garden is specially built for the Queens and its maids to spend some time here. This place is also perfect for Photography and Pokemon go as there are a few Pokestops and Gyms in this garden.
Timing: 8 AM to 5 PM
Price: Rs. 10
Fateh Sagar Lake
The second biggest Lake in the Udaipur and also very popular among local people. The lake is surrounded by hills and you can view the Sajjangarh fort from the distance. You can also go boating here but I do not recommend it, Pichola Lake provides you much a memory boating experience.
Timing: Open All Day (No Entry for vehicles from 5 AM to 8:30 AM as this time reserved for Morning runners)
Price: None
Jagdish Temple
Jagdish temple is located near the City Palace. The temple was built in 1651 by the King of Udaipur and was built beautifully by carving the stones.
Time: Sunrise to Sunset (Sunrise time is best)
Price: NA
Dudhtalai & Short Hike to Karni Mata Temple
You can go to Dudhtalai where you can spend your evening and from there you can take a short hike to Karni Mata temple located on the top of the hill. From the top, you can enjoy the view of the entire Udaipur city, if you’re interested in hike then you can also reach there by the Ropeway.
Time: Sunrise to Sunset
Price: Rs. 100 for ropeway, Free if you go by foot
Bagore ki Haveli
The Haveli is located just near the Ganguar Ghat adjacent to Lake Pichola. If you like the Heritage & culture site then you must include this place in your itinerary. There are hundreds of rooms in this haveli and many of this room has cultural items such as puppets and costumes. You must go for the Night culture show.
Time: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Price: Rs. 25
Price (Culture Show): Rs. 50 for Domestic & Rs. 100 for Foreign tourist
These locations are far from Udaipur, only visit if you’ve enough time.
Kumbhalgarh Fort
Kumbhalgarh Fort also known as The Great Wall of India is located 84 km away from Udaipur. The fort was built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha. The fort is itself not huge like Chittaurgarh fort, however, the fort wall stretches some 36kms. This fort is also the birthplace of Maharana Pratap.
Price: Rs. 15 (Rs. 200 for Foreign tourists)
When you’re covering the Kumbhalgarh fort, don’t forget to visit the Haldighati.
Tips for the Best Experience in Udaipur
Roam on Foot – If you’re staying in the old town or around the lake then the best way to enjoy the old city is by foot. Old city roads are not wide enough to handle the current traffic load. So walking is the best way to roam and by walking you can get closer to the Udaipur culture and vibrant handicraft market.
Never Miss Sunrise & Sunset – Sunrise time is good to start your day in Udaipur, you’ll see some good opportunities to click some good photographs, plus the city is waking up and you can get close to the locals and their day-to-day routine. Sunset is a good time to spend your evening at the lakeside, you can go to Gangaur ghat, Hanuman ghat or Manji ka Ghat for some really nice photographs. Also if you’re interested in time-lapse then you should head to Karni Mata for the beautiful shot. Here is the Google Maps link.
City Transport – The best & cheapest way to roam in the city is the scooter or bike that you can take on rent. Udaipur is a small city so you won’t have any problem to roam and also you can easily roam in the old city without worrying about the traffic. Auto is the best transport you can take if you don’t how to drive.
