Udaipur, often called the “City of Lakes,” is one of the fascinating places to visit in Udaipur in Rajasthan, India. Udaipur was founded in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the new capital of Mewar. Udaipur is situated within the Aravalli hills and is decorated with beautiful lakes. It is famous for its rich history, great architectural marvels, and pretty landscapes. “Venice of the East”, Udaipur, is also known for its profusion of zinc and marble.
The place gives a unique blend of heritage and natural beauty. So whether you are an individual interested in history, an environment lover, or looking for something romantic, Udaipur is a special destination for one and all. Here is an all-inclusive guide to the places to visit in Udaipur.
12 Places to Visit in Udaipur
Now let us look at the 12 best places to visit in Udaipur and the things to do in Udaipur.
City Palace: A Glimpse into Royalty
The City Palace, an architectural wonder, stands majestically on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola. Created centuries ago by the Mewar dynasty. The palace has an amalgamation of both Rajasthani and Mughal styles of architecture. All these courtyards house intricate museums and balconies, which offer breathtaking glimpses of the lake and city. The palace accommodates various places that have a different charm and history altogether. It should definitely be on the checklist of the places to visit in Udaipur.
Highlights
- Architecture
- Triple Arched Gate: The main entrance
- Tripolia: Eight marble porticos
- Surajgokhada: The balcony of the sun.
- Mor Chowk: Known for its exquisite peacock mosaics in the glass.
- Chini Chitrashala: Famous for its blue and white ceramics.
- Museums: Get a glimpse of the royal family’s arms, clothes, and paintings.
- Views: Capture the majestic views of Lake Pichola from the balconies of the palace.
Activities
- Join a guided tour to understand the history and legends related to the palace.
- Take stunning photographs of the palace’s exquisite architecture and scenic surroundings.
- Witness a high-tech sound and light show organised every evening at Manak Chowk. The show is all about Mewar’s rich history.
Lake Pichola: Serenity on Water
Lake Pichola is one of the most iconic landmarks in Udaipur. The freshwater lake of Udaipur is the best Udaipur tourist places. The lake was named after the village of Pichola. Jagniwas and Jagmandir are two islands that exist within this lake, each of which has historical significance. The City Palace lies alongside the eastern banks of the lake. You can reach this one of the Udaipur places to visit by any local transport within the city.
Highlights
- Scenic Beauty: The City Palace and Jag Mandir can be seen from different points around the lake.
- Cultural Significance: Learn about the lake’s history and how it helped in the development of Udaipur.
Activities
- Boat Rides: Enjoy a quiet ride while watching the sunset; evening rides are magic.
- Dining: Eat at lakeside restaurants offering local food with beautiful views.
Jag Mandir: The Island Palace
Jag Mandir also known as the ‘Lake Garden Palace’ was built on an island in Lake Pichola. The construction of this place to visit in Udaipur started in 1620. Jag Mandir is a beautiful palace constructed using yellow sandstone and marble. The palace was constructed as a summer resort and for hosting parties. It has wonderful architecture adorned with intricate carvings. The palace has lavish gardens and offers a peaceful refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Highlights
- Architectural Splendor: Take a moment to look at the carvings and beautiful fountains in one of the wonderful Udaipur tourist places.
- Historical Significance: Appreciate its role as a refuge for Shah Jahan during his youth.
Activities
- Dining: Savor authentic Rajasthani cuisine at the restaurant in the palace.
- Relaxation: Spend time in the gardens, enjoying the serenity.
Fateh Sagar Lake: A Man-Made Wonder
Fateh Sagar Lake is one of the prettiest artificial lakes in Udaipur and is named after Maharana Fateh Singh. It comprises three beautiful islands that add a touch of beauty to it. The lake is ideal for a relaxed boat ride; it also houses various attractions located on its islands, such as Nehru Park and Udaipur Solar Observatory.
Attractions
- Islands: Visit Nehru Park, which hosts gardens and a zoo.
- Pandemic Views: Enjoy extensive view options over the Aravalli hills forming the backdrop of the lake.
Activities
- Picnic: Good place for families with kids to visit; people often pack and go.
- Water Sports: Such as jet skiing or paddle boating, for something exciting.
Sajjangarh Palace or Monsoon Palace: Hill Station Getaway
Sajjangarh Palace also called the Monsoon Palace, is situated just outside Udaipur. This beautiful place to visit in Udaipur was built in the 19th century on Bansdara hills. This Udaipur places to visit was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh. The palace was originally planned to be an astronomical centre. Eventually, it became the monsoon palace and hunting lodge. This white marble palace is a great spot to watch sunsets and the Udaipur skyline.
Highlights:
- Panoramic Views: Witness some of the best sunset views in Udaipur from this vantage point.
- Architecture: Appreciate the Indo-Saracenic architecture amidst natural beauty.
Activities:
- Hiking: Take the walking trails to the palace which is a wonderful way to savor nature.
- Photography: You will take home fabulous sunset views.
Saheliyon Ki Bari: The Garden of Maidens
Saheliyon Ki Bari, or the Garden of Maidens, is an alluring garden featuring fountains, lotus pools, and marble elephants. Built for the ladies of the royal court, this peaceful garden offers them a serene escape from the rest of the city’s buzz. This mesmerizing Udaipur places to visit was built by Maharana Sngram Singh II. Along with a small museum, it has several attractions such as marble elephants, fountains, kiosks, and a lotus pool.
Highlights
- Fountains: Admire intricate fountains made with the purpose of making noise.
- Lush Gardens: Walk through beautifully landscaped gardens with blooming flowers.
Activities
- Relaxation: A perfect spot to take a leisurely stroll in nature or to unwind on benches.
- Photography: Beautiful floral arrangements against historic backgrounds.
Vintage Car Museum: A Royal Collection
For car enthusiasts, the Vintage Car Museum is an exciting and must places to visit in Udaipur. You can witness this collection within the grounds of the Garden Hotel. Expect to watch classic vehicles like Cadillac, Chevrolet, Morris, etc owned by the Maharanas of Udaipur. All these cars were the luxurious modes of transport for Mewar’s royalty.
Highlights
- Classic Cars: Beautifully restored vintage rides such as Rolls Royce and Cadillacs await your attention.
- Historical Context: Learn about the history of the car and its importance in the royalty of Udaipur.
Activities
- Guided Tours: Tour these vehicles to find knowledge about car history and royals.
- Photography Locations: Click pictures against an impressive backdrop.
Ahar Museum: Echoes of History
Ahar Museum is another beautiful Udaipur tourist places. It is popular for history and archeology it holds. This museum is among the best Udaipur tourist places to visit due to its ancient cenotaphs and rare collections. It features relics from the 10th century, depicting the magnificence of the bygone years. Being close to the city, you can easily reach the Ahar Museum with local transport.
Highlights
- Historical Artifacts: The museum has many terracotta, pottery, and sculptures from different periods.
- Royal Cenotaphs: Over 250 cenotaphs of Mewar rulers are located nearby, adding a majestic touch to the place.
Activities
- Explore Ancient Relics: Immerse yourself in the fascinating history through rare exhibits.
- Photography: Capture the intricate designs of cenotaphs and museum artifacts.
Jagdish Temple: Divine Masterpiece
This is an architectural treasure. It is just a few miles walk from City Palace. Jagdish Temple, a three-storied temple was built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh I. It is a perfect example of the Indo-Aryan style of architecture. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is a beautiful temple, and it continues to be one of the popular places to visit in Udaipur. famous for carving and sculpting works that feature rich Indian traditional architecture.
Featuring
- Intricacies of Carvings: Check out the detailed carvings that feature multiple Gods and other mythological representations.
- Cultural Significance: Understand its importance as one of Udaipur’s largest temples.
Activities:
- Worship Services: Experience local rituals during prayer times; it’s an immersive cultural experience.
- Photography: Capture detailed architectural elements both inside and outside the temple.
Bagore Ki Haveli: Cultural Heritage
Located on the waterfront of Lake Pichola, at Gangaur Ghat, Bagore Ki Haveli is a historic haveli. It was built in the 18th century by the Prime Minister of Mewar, Amar Chand Badwa. This place to visit in Udaipur has been turned into a museum to showcase Rajasthani culture and heritage. The palace has more than a hundred rooms that display modern art and costumes. The evening dance performances held here are quite popular among tourists.
Highlights:
- Cultural Exhibits: See the artifacts related to royal life including costumes and musical instruments.
- Dance Performances: Watch traditional dance performances that show the folk culture of Rajasthan.
Activities:
- Cultural Events: Be treated to local folk dance performances every night. This is a spectacular representation of local art.
- Museums: Spend your day admiring several galleries displaying old relics.
Shilpgram: An Artisan Village
Those interested in local handicrafts and culture must surely visit the very beautiful crafts village called Shilpgram, located outside the city of Udaipur. Here, visitors can purchase handicrafts, manufactured by local artisans and participate in cultural events which emphasize the rich heritage of Rajasthan.
Highlights:
- Local Handicrafts: Get a glimpse of exquisite handmade items such as pottery, textiles, jewelry, and many more.
- Cultural Activities: Engage in traditional crafts-making activities like pottery-making or weaving.
Activities
- Shopping Spree: Buy the finest handicrafts from local artisans. This is also an ideal souvenir.
- Folk Music/Dance Events: Experience folk music and dance performance every day at Shilpgram’s open-air auditorium.
Pratap Memorial/Moti Magri: A Hilltop Tribute
Moti Magri, also known as Pearl Hill or the Pratap Memorial, is a scenic hilltop offering breathtaking views of Udaipur. This place is renowned for the statue of Maharana Pratap and his loyal horse, Chetak. The locals here climb up the hill to pay homage to which stands to the great warrior. It is one of the serene Udaipur places to visit for history and nature lovers.
Highlights
- Maharana Pratap Memorial: Learn about the bravery of the legendary king of Mewar.
- Panoramic Views: Enjoy stunning views of Fateh Sagar Lake and the cityscape.
Activities
- Walk Through History: Visit the museum to understand the legacy of Maharana Pratap.
- Relax in the Gardens: Spend time in the well-maintained gardens surrounding the statue.
FAQs
Which season is the best to visit Udaipur?
The duration from September to March is the best time to visit Udaipur. As the weather is mild and not so hot for visiting Udaipur tourist places.
How many days are required for Udaipur sightseeing?
To witness all the beautiful places to visit in Udaipur 3-4 days are sufficient. You can make the most of your trip in these 3-4 days.
How many lakes are in Udaipur?
There are seven lakes in Udaipur, five of which are the major lakes. These five lakes are under restoration by the National Lake Conservation Plan.
What should I wear in Udaipur?
To enjoy all the Udaipur tourist places thoroughly wear something lightweight and breathable.
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