UDAIPUR

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!