Udaipur
Udaipur, known as the “City of Lakes,” is a beautiful city in Rajasthan, India, famous for its stunning lakes and palaces. Surrounded by the Aravalli Hills, Udaipur is home to the majestic City Palace and the serene Lake Pichola, where the Lake Palace sits in the middle of the water. The city’s romantic setting and rich history make it a popular destination for tourists.
Udaipur is also known for its colorful culture, traditional markets, and vibrant festivals. With its charming lakes, royal heritage, and scenic beauty, Udaipur offers a magical experience for visitors.
1. City Palace
Description
City Palace in Udaipur is a grand complex that stretches along the eastern shores of Lake Pichola. It features several palaces, courtyards, terraces, and gardens. The intricate architecture is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles, making it a major tourist attraction. You can enjoy beautiful views of the city and lakes from here.
Historical Significance
Built by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1559, the palace complex has been expanded over the centuries. It showcases the rich heritage of the Mewar kingdom and is a symbol of Udaipur’s royal history.
Location
Located on Lake Pichola’s eastern banks, Udaipur, Rajasthan.
Traveling
Easily accessible by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or local buses from Udaipur city center.
Nearby Eateries
- Ambrai Restaurant: Famous for lakeside dining. Ambrai Restaurant
- Jheel’s Rooftop Café: Offers a great view and good food. Jheel’s Rooftop Café
Cost
Entry fee is ₹300 for adults and ₹100 for children.
2. Lake Pichola
Description
Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful lakes in Udaipur, known for its calm waters and stunning views of palaces and temples. Tourists can enjoy boat rides that offer a picturesque view of the surrounding landmarks, including the City Palace and Jag Mandir.
Historical Significance
Lake Pichola was created in 1362 by a Banjara tribesman to meet the water needs of the city. Over the years, it became an integral part of Udaipur’s landscape and a favorite spot for royalty.
Location
Situated in Udaipur, close to City Palace.
Traveling
Accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw from Udaipur city center.
Nearby Eateries
- Upre by 1559 AD: Offers a rooftop dining experience. Upre Website
- Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel: Known for fine dining by the lake. Jagat Niwas Website
Cost
Boat rides cost between ₹400 and ₹800 per person.
3. Jag Mandir
Description
Jag Mandir is an island palace located on Lake Pichola. Known for its serene ambiance and stunning architecture, this palace is a great spot for relaxation. It features a garden courtyard, carved elephants, and beautiful marble structures.
Historical Significance
Built in the 17th century by Maharana Karan Singh, the palace served as a summer retreat for the royal family and was used to shelter Mughal emperor Shah Jahan during a rebellion.
Location
Situated on Lake Pichola, Udaipur.
Traveling
Accessible by boat from the City Palace jetty.
Nearby Eateries
- Jag Mandir Palace Restaurant: Dine inside the palace with lake views. Jag Mandir Restaurant
- Lakeview Restaurant: Offers budget-friendly meals with a scenic view.
Cost
Boat ride to Jag Mandir costs between ₹400 and ₹800 per person.
4. Lake Palace
Description
Lake Palace is a luxury hotel located on Jag Niwas Island in Lake Pichola. Known for its stunning white marble architecture, the palace offers breathtaking views and is considered one of the most romantic spots in Udaipur. It is accessible only by boat.
Historical Significance
Built in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II, this palace served as a summer retreat for the royal family. Today, it operates as a luxury hotel managed by the Taj Group.
Location
Located on Lake Pichola, Udaipur.
Traveling
Accessible by boat from the City Palace jetty.
Nearby Eateries
- Neel Kamal (Taj Lake Palace): Offers royal Indian cuisine. Taj Lake Palace
- Sunset Terrace: Fine dining with a view of Lake Pichola. Sunset Terrace
Cost
Boat rides are ₹400–₹800, and dining costs vary by restaurant.
5. Jagdish Temple
Description
Jagdish Temple is a beautiful Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located near the City Palace. The temple’s intricate carvings, huge statues, and towering structure make it an important cultural landmark. It is an ideal place for spiritual reflection and architectural appreciation.
Historical Significance
The temple was built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh I. It showcases the rich architectural style of the Mewar dynasty and is still a functioning place of worship.
Location
Located near City Palace, Udaipur.
Traveling
Easily accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw from Udaipur city center.
Nearby Eateries
- Bawarchi Restaurant: Offers vegetarian dishes at affordable prices. Bawarchi Restaurant
- Natraj Dining Hall: Famous for traditional thali meals. Natraj Dining Hall
Cost
Free to visit.
6. Fateh Sagar Lake
Description
Fateh Sagar Lake is a beautiful, artificial lake surrounded by hills and lush greenery. It’s a peaceful spot for boating, walking, and enjoying views of the surrounding landscape. The lake has three small islands, one of which hosts the Udaipur Solar Observatory.
Historical Significance
The lake was originally built in the 1680s by Maharana Jai Singh but was later reconstructed by Maharana Fateh Singh after heavy rains damaged the dam.
Location
Located in the northwest of Udaipur city.
Traveling
Easily accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw from Udaipur.
Nearby Eateries
- Raaj Bagh Restaurant: Lakeside dining experience. Raaj Bagh Website
- The Oberoi Udaivilas: Luxurious dining with stunning views. Oberoi Website
Cost
Free to visit, boating costs between ₹50 and ₹200.
7. Saheliyon Ki Bari
Description
Saheliyon Ki Bari is a historic garden built for the royal ladies of Udaipur. The garden features beautiful fountains, marble pavilions, and lush greenery, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and a glimpse of royal life.
Historical Significance
Maharana Sangram Singh II built this garden in the 18th century as a gift for his queen and her maidens. It became a place where the ladies could relax away from court politics.
Location
Located in the northern part of Udaipur city.
Traveling
Easily accessible by local taxis and auto-rickshaws.
Nearby Eateries
- Tribute Restaurant: Lakeside dining offering a variety of Indian and continental dishes. Tribute Restaurant
- Upre by 1559 AD: Fine dining with a rooftop view. Upre Website
Cost
Entry fee is ₹20 for adults and ₹10 for children.
8. Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh Palace)
Description
Monsoon Palace, also known as Sajjangarh Palace, is perched on a hilltop overlooking Fateh Sagar Lake. The palace offers stunning panoramic views of Udaipur and is especially beautiful at sunset. It was originally built as an observatory to watch the monsoon clouds.
Historical Significance
The palace was built in 1884 by Maharana Sajjan Singh. It was intended to serve as a retreat and to keep a watch over monsoon weather patterns.
Location
Located 10 km west of Udaipur city center.
Traveling
Reachable by taxi or auto-rickshaw. It’s a 20-minute drive from Udaipur.
Nearby Eateries
- Ambrai Restaurant: Fine lakeside dining. Ambrai Restaurant
- Millets of Mewar: Known for healthy, organic food. Millets of Mewar
Cost
Entry fee is ₹10 for Indians and ₹80 for foreigners.
9. Bagore Ki Haveli
Description
Bagore Ki Haveli is a historic mansion located by Lake Pichola. The haveli features over 100 rooms with traditional décor, costumes, and artifacts. Visitors can enjoy cultural performances, such as Rajasthani folk dances, in the evening.
Historical Significance
Built in the 18th century by Amir Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar, the haveli has been restored to preserve its cultural significance and is now a museum.
Location
Located at Gangaur Ghat, Udaipur.
Traveling
Easily accessible by auto-rickshaw or taxi from the city center.
Nearby Eateries
- Jheel’s Rooftop Café: Great views and casual dining. Jheel’s Rooftop Café
- Rainbow Restaurant: Budget-friendly dining with a lake view.
Cost
Entry fee is ₹60 for adults and ₹30 for children. Evening cultural shows cost ₹100.
10. Shilpgram
Description
Shilpgram is a rural arts and crafts village located on the outskirts of Udaipur. It showcases traditional Rajasthani crafts, music, and dance, offering visitors an insight into the region’s rural life and culture. The complex also holds annual fairs and cultural events.
Historical Significance
Shilpgram was set up in 1989 to promote traditional arts and crafts and to provide a platform for artisans from various regions to display their skills.
Location
Located 3 km west of Udaipur city.
Traveling
Accessible by local taxi or auto-rickshaw from Udaipur.
Nearby Eateries
- Shilpi Restaurant: Close to Shilpgram, offering Indian and Rajasthani cuisine. Shilpi Restaurant
- Lake Pichola Hotel: Offers fine dining with lake views. Lake Pichola Hotel
Cost
Entry fee is ₹30 for adults and ₹15 for children.
