UDAIPUR
Things to Do in Udaipur, India’s City of Lakes
Nestled amidst the Aravalli Hills, Udaipur, also known as India’s magical “City of Lakes” or the “Venice of the East,” exudes an enchanting charm that captivates visitors from around the world. Reflecting the azure skies above, the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola cradle the majestic City Palace, a magnificent testament to Rajput architecture and royal grandeur.
Wander through the narrow alleys of the old city, where colorful bazaars teem with life, offering a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and scents. Admire the intricately carved facades of the havelis, each telling tales of opulence and splendor. As the sun sets behind the hills, casting a golden hue over the city, the timeless beauty of Udaipur unfolds, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in its rich history and breathtaking landscapes.
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UDAIPUR
things to do
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1 City Palace
Built in the 16th century by Maharana Umaid Singh II, founder of Udaipur, the majestic City Palace is the biggest palace in Rajasthan and the second biggest palace in all of India. Today it’s divided into three sections, one that’s the private residence of the royal family, one that’s a heritage hotel, and one that’s a museum open to the public.
Perched on the banks of Lake Pichola, a treasure trove of history awaits, from ornate courtyards adorned with marble fountains to exquisite chambers adorned with shimmering mirrors and vibrant frescoes. As the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the shimmering waters of the lake, the City Palace emerges as a beacon of timeless elegance, inviting travelers to step back in time and experience the grandeur of India’s royal past.
Tickets:
400 INR per person
Did you know?
Maharana means great warrior, while Maharaja means great ruler.
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meganthetravelingwriter.com
2 Lok Dharohar
Nestled within the heart of Udaipur, Lok Dharohar is a cultural oasis that celebrates the rich heritage and traditions of Rajasthan. Tales of valor and romance come to life through colorful costumes and spirited performances of folk music, dance, and puppetry. As the beats of the dholak resonate through the air and the dancers whirl in a frenzy of motion, Rajasthan’s cultural heritage and age-old traditions are preserved for generations to come.
Tickets:
Can be booked in-person for 200 INR
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3 Sunset at Gangaur Ghat
Experience the enchanting beauty of a Rajasthan sunset at Gangaur Ghat, where the serene waters of Lake Pichola come alive with golden hues. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow in the watery reflections of Gangaur Ghat, watch as the majestic City Palace and towering forts are bathed in the soft light of dusk.
Whether you’re enjoying the sunset from the shore, watching locals jump in or cast a line, or you’re on the water enjoying a leisurely boat ride, sunset at Gangaur Ghat is a magical experience not to be missed.
4 Miniature Art Class
The art of miniature painting in India can be traced in India all the way back to 750 A.D. For thousands of years, painters crafted their own colors from crushed gemstones and real gold, twisting squirrel hair into fine brushes. Artist families once under the patronage of the City Palace now have shops all over Udaipur, selling pieces of their family’s history through miniature art and teaching art classes.
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Visit one of these heritage artists to paint your own masterpiece; it will take 2 to 3 hours to create your own miniature art inspired by the rich color and heritage of Rajasthan.
5 Home Cooking Class
Food tastes better in people’s homes, sharing out of the wealth of their love and the depth of their generosity. This cooking class is an invitation to cook with Rekha in her home, learning the art of chapatis, curries, and chai right in her kitchen. This isn’t just a cooking class, it’s a chance to share life and food with your newest friends, and a rare glimpse into an everyday home in Udaipur.
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6 Sunset at “Monsoon Palace,” Sajjangarh Fort
Experience the splendor of a Rajasthan sunset from the breathtaking vantage point of the Monsoon Palace, also called Sajjangarh Fort. Built in the 19th century by Maharana Saijan Singh, the Maharana originally planned the palace as an astronomy center, but died before he could complete it.
Perched atop a hill overlooking the picturesque city of Udaipur, this historic palace offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making it the perfect spot to witness the magical transition from day to night. As the sun sinks below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the rolling hills and shimmering lakes below, you’ll be captivated by the beauty and tranquility of India’s magical City of Lakes.
Tickets:
300 INR per foreign visitor
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meganthetravelingwriter.com
7 Jagdish Temple
Amidst the bustling streets of Udaipur stands the magnificent Jagdish Temple, a sacred sanctuary dedicated to Lord Vishnu built by Maharana Jagat Singh-I in 1652 A.D. and the most important Hindu temple in Udaipur. Its towering spire, adorned with intricate carvings of Hindu gods, reaches towards the sky, a symbol of spiritual enlightenment and devotion.
As devotees ascend the steps to the temple’s entrance, they are greeted by the soothing melody of bhajans and the fragrance of incense. Inside, the garbh graha (sanctum sanctorum) houses an idol of Lord Jagannath, adorned with jewels and flowers.
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How to Plan Your Trip to Udaipur
Where to Stay in Udaipur
Staying near Gangaur Ghat will mean you’re in walking distance or a short tuk-tuk ride away from most of Udaipur’s best things to do. For budget stays, Jagat Villa Guesthouse was good and less than 250m away from the Stepwell. For an even more unique experience, you can live like royalty at the Taj Lake Palace Udaipur!
How to Get to Udaipur
The best way to visit Udaipur is by train from Delhi and Jaipur or by bus from Jodhpur. There is no direct train from Jodhpur to Udaipur. You can also hire a private taxi, or fly in to Maharana Pratap Airport. The last two options will be the most expensive. You can book trains directly from the IRCTC website, from ixigo, or from 12Go.
How to Get Around Udaipur
The best way to get around is by Uber, but Uber won’t be available in the old sections of the city where cars aren’t able to go. If you stay near to Gangaur Ghat, most attractions will always be within walking distance. Hiring a tuk-tuk from here to attractions like Lok Dharohar and the home cooking class Fort should cost 150 to 200 INR, but depends on your bargaining skills.
Where to Eat in Udaipur
Pap’s Juices – Craving fresh fruit juices, smoothie bowls, and muesli? Pap’s Juices won’t disappoint!
Safety in Udaipur
Like the rest of India, unfortunately it’s still not advisable for women to walk alone at night or in secluded areas. For added safety, connect with other female travelers in the Girls Love Travel and Host a Sister Facebook groups. Udaipur is a fairly safe city, but watch out for pickpockets in markets and crowded areas.
Safety Tip:
Buy an Addalock, an added safety lock for your door, here! After having my hotel room broken into multiple times in India, I don’t travel without it.
Health in Udaipur
Only drink filtered water, not tap. Avoid eating out at unpopular restaurants or street food stalls that are not vetted by other tourists. Avoid eating vegetables and fruits that are cut, not peeled. Brush your teeth with filtered water, not tap. If worse comes to worse, carry Imodium with you along with toilet paper and hand sanitizer, and enjoy India’s incredible food! To quote Anthony Bourdain, “Indian food won’t kill you.”
Malaria and dengue fever are still a risk in Rajasthan, so make sure to take anti-malaria tablets. In February 2019, Rajasthan had the highest number of dengue and malaria cases in all of India.
Travel Insurance for India
Whatever you do, don’t travel without travel insurance. Whether it’s sickness, theft, or lost luggage, something WILL go wrong, and travel insurance is your only way of lessening costs!
Don’t forget travel insurance for your trip! Heymondo covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. Get 5% off here!
India Travel Essentials
Traveling comes with a unique set of challenges. To keep your journey happy, healthy, and safe, I recommend traveling with these:
Addalock (Don’t travel to India without this! It’s an added safety lock that works with any door).
Ear plugs and eye mask (For overnight train rides!)
Hand sanitiser and wet wipes (In India, these are a must.)
Reusable water bottle (Save plastic by investing in a Grayl water purification bottle, which lets you fill up from any water source, anywhere in the world.)
Power bank (There’s not much worse than running out of phone battery and not being able to find your way home.)
International travel adapter (You’ll need at least one of these for all of your trips.)
For a full list of my travel recommendations, click here!
Book Your Trip
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