Udaipur
City of Lakes
The Venice of the East - romantic lake city with marble palaces and stunning sunsets
Overview
Udaipur, the "City of Lakes," is often called the most romantic city in India and the Venice of the East. Founded in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II, the city is built around picturesque lakes and surrounded by the Aravalli Hills. The white marble City Palace complex rises majestically from Lake Pichola's shores, while the Lake Palace (now a luxury hotel) appears to float on the water. Udaipur offers boat rides on serene lakes, stunning sunset views, intricate miniature paintings, and a rich cultural scene. The city has served as a filming location for several James Bond and Hollywood movies. With its palaces, havelis, temples, and gardens, Udaipur exudes old-world charm and royal grandeur.
Top Attractions
Romantic Udaipur in One Day
City Palace
Explore largest palace complex in Rajasthan - courtyards, museums, and lake views
Jagdish Temple
Indo-Aryan temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu with intricate carvings
Lunch at Ambrai Restaurant
Lakeside dining with views of City Palace and Lake Palace
Saheliyon Ki Bari
Garden of Maidens - fountains, lotus pools, marble pavilions
Sunset Boat Ride
Lake Pichola cruise passing Jag Mandir and Lake Palace
Bagore Ki Haveli
Evening cultural show with Rajasthani folk dance and puppet show
Rooftop Dinner
City lights and lake views with traditional Rajasthani cuisine
Two Days in the City of Lakes
Day 1
City Palace
Spend 2-3 hours exploring the grand palace, museum, and crystal gallery
Jagdish Temple
Beautiful Indo-Aryan architecture
Lunch at Upre
Rooftop restaurant with palace views
Vintage Car Museum
Royal collection of classic cars including Rolls Royce
Lake Pichola Sunset Cruise
Hour-long boat ride past palaces and ghats
Bagore Ki Haveli Cultural Show
Traditional dances and music performance
Dinner at Ambrai
Romantic lakeside setting with illuminated palaces
Day 2
Fateh Sagar Lake
Morning walk or boat ride on the second-largest lake
Saheliyon Ki Bari
Explore the ornamental gardens and fountains
Lunch at Jheel Ginger Coffee
Lakeside café with healthy options
Shilpgram
Rural arts and crafts complex showcasing tribal culture
Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh)
Hilltop palace with panoramic sunset views over Udaipur
Old City Walking Tour
Narrow lanes, local markets, traditional havelis
Rooftop Dinner at Raas Leela
Modern Indian cuisine with lake views
Best Time to Visit
September to March (10-28°C). Monsoon (July-September) fills lakes beautifully
Getting There
Closest Airport:
Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR)
22 km from city center (40 minutes)
Local Cuisine
Must Try:
Laal Maas, Dal Baati Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, Safed Maas (white mutton curry), Mewari Specialties
Vegetarian:
Mewari Thali, Dal Baati Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, Ker Sangri, Panchmel Dal
Travel Tips
- •Book Lake Palace hotel for high tea (₹2,500) even if not staying - worth the experience
- •Sunset boat rides (4:30-6 PM) are most scenic but crowded - book ahead
- •City Palace combo ticket (₹300) includes crystal gallery and museum
- •Stay in Old City for walking distance to attractions and lake views
- •Monsoon Palace best visited 1 hour before sunset