Best Places to Visit in Udaipur

Welcome to Udaipur, a city in the Indian state of Rajasthan, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Often called the “City of Lakes,” Udaipur is famous for its beautiful lakes, magnificent palaces, and ancient temples. This blog will guide you through the best places to visit in Udaipur, including its stunning lakes, grand palaces, and historical forts. Additionally, we will provide tips on planning your trip and suggest some offbeat experiences to make your visit even more memorable.

Best Places to Visit in Udaipur

1. Lake Pichola

Lake Pichola, an artificial freshwater lake created in the 14th century by a Banjara tribesman, is one of Udaipur’s most iconic attractions. Surrounded by lush hills, grand palaces, and ancient temples, the lake is renowned for its stunning beauty. The lake’s charm lies in its serene waters, which reflect the picturesque surroundings. Visitors can enjoy boat rides that offer spectacular views of the City Palace, Lake Palace, and Jag Mandir. Sunset cruises are particularly popular, providing a magical experience as the sun sets over the water. For photography enthusiasts, the lake offers numerous scenic spots, especially during sunrise and sunset.

2. Fateh Sagar Lake

Fateh Sagar Lake, constructed in the late 17th century by Maharana Fateh Singh, is another beautiful lake in Udaipur. Known for its tranquil waters and scenic surroundings, the lake is divided into three distinct islands. The largest island houses Nehru Park, a popular picnic spot with a boat-shaped restaurant and a small zoo. The second island features the Udaipur Solar Observatory, one of Asia’s best solar observing sites. The third island is a public park with impressive water-jet fountains. Visitors can enjoy boat rides on the lake, which offer peaceful views and a relaxing atmosphere.

3. Jaisamand Lake

Jaisamand Lake, also referred to as Dhebar Lake, ranks as the second-largest artificial lake in Asia. Created in the 17th century by Maharana Jai Singh, it spans an area of 87 square kilometers. The lake is surrounded by the lush hills of the Aravalli Range and features several marble cenotaphs, a palace with intricate architecture known as Hawa Mahal, and Ruthi Rani ka Mahal, an abandoned queen’s palace. The expansive views and serene environment make it a perfect spot for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.

4. Rajsamand Lake

Rajsamand Lake, constructed in the 17th century by Maharana Raj Singh, is known for its historical and architectural significance. The lake is bordered by a beautiful marble embankment with intricately carved pavilions and steps. These marble structures are adorned with detailed carvings that depict the history of the Mewar dynasty. The serene waters of the lake, combined with its historical ambiance, make it a peaceful place for visitors to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty.

5. City Palace

The City Palace of Udaipur is a majestic architectural marvel that stands on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola. Constructed over nearly 400 years, starting in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II, the palace complex is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. The palace features several palaces within its complex, including the Zenana Mahal (Queen’s Palace), the Surya Chopar (Sun Square), and the Mor Chowk (Peacock Courtyard). Visitors can explore its museums, courtyards, and gardens, which house artifacts, royal costumes, and historical items from the Mewar dynasty. The panoramic views of Lake Pichola and the surrounding city from the palace are breathtaking.

6. Lake Palace (Jag Niwas)

The Lake Palace, also known as Jag Niwas, is one of Udaipur’s most stunning palaces, situated on an island in Lake Pichola. Built in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, the palace was originally a royal summer retreat. Today, it operates as a luxury hotel managed by the Taj Group, offering an opulent experience to its guests. Accessible by boat, the palace is renowned for its exquisite architecture, white marble walls, and beautiful courtyards. Even if you are not staying at the hotel, boat rides around the lake provide excellent views of this magnificent structure.

7. Monsoon Palace (Sajjan Garh)

The Monsoon Palace, also known as Sajjan Garh, is a hilltop palace built in 1884 by Maharana Sajjan Singh. Originally intended as an astronomical center, it was later used as a monsoon retreat for the royal family. Perched on a hill overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake, the palace offers panoramic views of Udaipur, its lakes, and the surrounding countryside. The best time to visit is during sunset when the palace provides a breathtaking view of the sun setting over the city.

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8. Jag Mandir

Jag Mandir, also known as the Lake Garden Palace, is a historic palace built on an island in Lake Pichola. Constructed in the early 17th century, it served as a refuge for Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan during a rebellion against his father. The palace is renowned for its beautiful garden courtyard, intricate carvings, and impressive architecture. Key attractions include the Gul Mahal, which is an exquisite structure made of yellow sandstone and marble. Visitors can reach Jag Mandir by taking a boat ride from the City Palace, offering a peaceful and picturesque experience on the lake.

9. Jagdish Temple

Jagdish Temple, a prominent Hindu temple in Udaipur, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh, this temple is a fine example of Indo-Aryan architecture. It is located near the City Palace and is easily accessible. The main shrine houses a beautifully carved idol of Lord Vishnu made of black stone. The temple also features several smaller shrines dedicated to other deities like Lord Shiva, Ganesh, and the Sun God. Visitors can admire the detailed carvings on the pillars and walls, which depict scenes from Hindu mythology. The temple is a lively place of worship, especially during major Hindu festivals.

10. Eklingji Temple

Eklingji Temple is a famous temple complex located about 22 kilometers from Udaipur. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Rajasthan. The temple was originally built in the 8th century and has been rebuilt and renovated several times. The main deity, Eklingji, is represented by a four-faced Shiva lingam made of black marble. The complex includes 108 smaller temples, each with intricate carvings and sculptures. The serene atmosphere and the architectural beauty make Eklingji Temple a must-visit for both devotees and tourists.

11. Neemach Mata Temple

Neemach Mata Temple, often referred to as the “Vaishno Devi of Udaipur,” is situated on a hill near Fateh Sagar Lake. The temple is dedicated to Neemach Mata, a local deity believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Visitors can reach the temple by climbing a short but steep flight of steps, which offers a rewarding panoramic view of Udaipur and its lakes. The temple is a peaceful place, ideal for meditation and enjoying the natural beauty surrounding it. The best time to visit is during early morning or late evening when the weather is pleasant.

12. Karnimata Temple

Karnimata Temple, also known as the Karni Mata Temple, is perched on Machla Magra Hills and is accessible via a ropeway. Dedicated to the local deity Karni Mata, the temple offers stunning views of the city and Lake Pichola. It is a popular spot for both pilgrims and tourists due to its scenic location. The ropeway ride to the temple is an exciting experience, providing panoramic views of Udaipur. The temple is particularly beautiful at sunset, when the whole city is bathed in a golden glow. The peaceful ambiance and the breathtaking views make it a memorable visit.

13. Bagore Ki Haveli

Bagore Ki Haveli is a splendid mansion situated on the shores of Lake Pichola, close to Gangaur Ghat. Built in the 18th century by the Prime Minister of Mewar, Amir Chand Badwa, it has over 100 rooms adorned with traditional costumes and modern art. The haveli also features a museum that showcases artifacts from the Rajput era, including royal costumes, weapons, and intricate glassworks. One of the main attractions is the evening cultural show, “Dharohar,” which includes traditional Rajasthani dance and music performances. The haveli’s beautiful architecture and cultural richness make it a must-visit site in Udaipur.

14. Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal

Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving the folk arts of Rajasthan. Located in Udaipur, it features a museum with an extensive collection of traditional Rajasthani puppets, masks, dolls, folk dresses, and musical instruments. The museum also hosts puppet shows and folk dance performances, offering visitors a glimpse into the vibrant cultural heritage of the region. This institution plays a crucial role in promoting and preserving the traditional arts and crafts of Rajasthan and is a great place for those interested in cultural history.

15. Shilpagram

Shilpagram, meaning “Craftsmen’s Village,” is a rural arts and crafts complex located about 3 kilometers west of Udaipur. It is an initiative to promote the crafts and handicrafts of the rural and tribal populations of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa. The complex features traditional huts from these regions, showcasing their unique architectural styles. Shilpagram hosts an annual fair in December, where artisans display and sell their handmade goods, including textiles, pottery, jewelry, and paintings. Visitors can also enjoy folk dance and music performances, making it a vibrant cultural experience.

16. Gulab Bagh and Zoo

Gulab Bagh, also known as Sajjan Niwas Garden, is the largest garden in Udaipur, spread over 100 acres. It was built in the 19th century by Maharana Sajjan Singh and is named after the abundance of roses (Gulab) in the garden. The garden houses a variety of flora, making it a beautiful and serene place to visit. Within Gulab Bagh, there is also a zoo that is home to a variety of animals, including tigers, leopards, and birds. The garden also features a library with a collection of ancient manuscripts and books. It is an ideal spot for nature lovers and families.

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Best Time to Visit Udaipur

The best time to visit Udaipur is from September to March. During these months, the temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C, making it comfortable to explore the city’s outdoor attractions.

How to Get to Udaipur

Flights

Overview of Maharana Pratap Airport: Maharana Pratap Airport, also known as Dabok Airport, is located about 22 kilometers from the city center. It is a small but well-connected airport.

Major airlines and flight routes: The airport is served by major airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet, with frequent flights to and from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Bangalore.

Trains

Key train routes and railway stations: Udaipur City Railway Station is the main railway station in the city, well-connected to major cities in India. Popular train routes include the Mewar Express (from Delhi), Chetak Express (from Delhi), and the Udaipur City-Jaipur Intercity Express.

Buses

Major bus operators and routes: Udaipur is connected by road to various cities in Rajasthan and neighboring states. Major bus operators like Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC), and private operators offer regular services to cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, and Delhi.

Road Trips

Overview of road conditions and routes from major cities: Udaipur is accessible by well-maintained highways. The city is about 420 kilometers from Jaipur, 260 kilometers from Jodhpur, 250 kilometers from Ahmedabad, and 670 kilometers from Delhi. The NH48 and NH58 highways connect Udaipur to these cities, making for scenic and comfortable road trips.

Conclusion

Udaipur, with its rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning landscapes, truly lives up to its title as the “City of Lakes.” From the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar Lake to the grandiose palaces like the City Palace and Lake Palace, every corner of Udaipur tells a story of its royal past. The city’s temples, such as Jagdish Temple and Eklingji Temple, offer spiritual solace and architectural beauty. Cultural sites like Bagore Ki Haveli and Shilpagram provide a deeper understanding of the region’s traditions and arts.

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