Udaipur

Understand

History In 1568, the Mughal emperor Akbar captured Chittorgarh, and Udai Singh was forced to flee and establish the city of Udaipur. Udaipur remained the capital of the state of Mewar, which became a princely state of British India in 1818. After India's independence in 1947, Mewar was integrated into the state of Rajasthan.

Culture People in Udaipur usually prefer wearing bright colored clothes. Colourful festivals and fairs depict the cultural prosperity of Udaipur.

Climate

Udaipur offers moderate climate all through the year, but the best season to visit the place is from September to March. Winters (December to February) offers pleasant climate with a temperature not going beyond 32°C. The pleasing weather is perfect for enjoying holidays and indulging in various tourist activities. Summers (mid-March to June) has hot weather with a temperature maximum of 45°C, especially April to June. The hot climate is not preferable for Udaipur tourism activities. Monsoons (July to September) offer very little rainfall. The scanty amount of rains in Udaipur makes the place very humid. However, during monsoon, the lush green environs of the place become very attractive. Even the lakes are filled with rain water. Winter months are comparatively cooler than summer months which make it perfect for holidaying and all types of tourist activities of all ages. Plan your travel or book packages for Udaipur during these months. March offers comfortably hot weather and is ideal for sightseeing and adventures. Summer months are very hot and it's better to avoid visiting during these months. September to November has pleasing climate making it really a good time for sighting and other tourist activities.

Tourist information Udaipur Tourist Office

Getting there

By car Udaipur is easily accessible via major roads from every major destination in India including Chittorgarh (117 km), Ahmedabad (257 km), Jodhpur (260 km), Ajmer (307 km), Sawai Madhopur/Ranthambore (638 km), Jaipur (421 km), Bikaner (488 km), Agra (638 km), Delhi (676 km), Mumbai (725 km), and Khajuraho (776 km).

By plane 1 Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR IATA Dabok Airport) (25 km northeast of the city centre). There are daily flights from Delhi and Mumbai on Air India, SpiceJet, and indiGo. (updated Nov 2019) Taxis between the airport and the city cost ₹650 from the prepaid taxi booth in the airport. Many hotels offer a prearranged pickup for ₹600-800. There are no public buses between the airport and the city.

By train Udaipur has direct train connections to many major cities in India including Chittorgarh (6-7 per day, 2 hours. ₹140), Ahmedabad (daily, 10 hours, ₹200), Ajmer (4 per day, 5 hours. ₹135-680), Sawai Madhopur (daily, 7 hours, ₹270-1,625), Jaipur (3 per day, 7 hours, ₹170-855), Agra (daily, 13 hours, ₹360-2,355), Delhi (2 per day, 12 hours. ₹390-1,440), Mumbai (every other day, 17 hours, ₹475-1,785), and Khajuraho (daily, 21 hours, ₹485-3,245).

By bus Udaipur is connected by an efficient bus service to most cities in Rajasthan, which sometimes be much faster than the train. Buses operate between Udaipur and Mount Abu (5 hours, ₹100), Agra (6 hours, ₹120), Ahmedabad (6 hours, ₹200), Jodhpur (8 hours, ₹125), Ranakpur (3 hours, ₹85), Ajmer (8 hours, ₹150), Jaipur (9 hours, ₹200), Bikaner, Delhi (14 hours, ₹420), and Mumbai (16 hours, sleeper ₹600 or seat ₹400). RSRTC runs Volvo & other Multiple axle bus services which can be booked through its RSRTC Bus Ticket Booking mobile app.

Getting around

While most of the city can be covered on foot and the narrow alleyways in the old city make any other form of transportation a hassle, a taxi or autorickshaw/tuk-tuk is necessary to reach the Monsoon Palace or the wilderness park. A tuk-tuk will usually cost around ₹50, and should never cost more than ₹100 within the city. App-based cab hailing services like Uber and Ola are becoming increasingly popular since they generally cost lower than the tuk-tuk and require no fare-haggling Also there are many local taxi providers.

See

1 Udaipur City Palace, Old City, ☏ +91 294 241 9021. 9:30AM-5:30PM. A complex of small and big palaces, museums and gardens encompassing a rich blend of Rajasthani, Mughal, Medieval, European and Chinese architecture established in 1559 by Maharana Udai Mirza Singh. One of the most beautiful palatial structures in Rajasthan. It was built by Maharana Uday Singh II, and rises 30 m above Lake Pichola and extends up to 244 m. The palace complex has been built entirely in granite and marble. The interior with its balconies, towers and cupolas exhibits delicate mirror work, marble work, murals, wall paintings, silver work, inlay work and colored glass mosaics. The complex provides a fine view of the lake and the city from its upper terraces. If you don't want to go into the museum and are content to wander the grounds, try the south entrance gate and pay the greatly reduced grounds fee. This is also the gate to go to for boat rides leaving from the palace. Museum ₹300; grounds ₹30. (updated May 2019) Amar Vilas. The uppermost court inside the complex, which is a raised garden. It provides entry to the Badi Mahal. It is a pleasure pavilion built in Mughal style. It has cusped arcades enclosing a square marble tub. 'Amar Vilas' is the highest point of the City palace and has wonderful hanging gardens with fountains, towers and terraces. Badi Mahal (Garden Palace). Badi Mahal is the exotic central garden palace that is situated on a 27-m-high (89-ft) natural rock formation vis-a-vis the rest of the palace. The rooms on the ground floor appear to be at the level of the fourth floor in view of the height difference to its surrounding buildings. Durbar Hall. Built in 1909 within the Fatepraksh Palace (now a heritage hotel), the hall was used by the royal ladies to observe the court proceedings. This hall has a luxuriant interior with some unusually large chandeliers. Weapons of the maharanas and also some of their unique portraits are also depicted here. Fatehprakash Palace. Now run as luxury hotel and inaccessible to public viewing has a crystal gallery that consists of crystal chairs, dressing tables, sofas, tables, chairs and beds, crockery, table fountains which were never used. There is also a unique jewel-studded carpet here. 2 Jagdish Temple. Located 150 m north of the palace in Indo-Aryan architectural style, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple walls and the shikara or tower are decorated with carvings of Vishnu, scenes from Lord Krishna’s life and figurines of nymphs or apsaras. The street square, where the temple is located, is also

Do

Cultural shows Dharohar Dance Show @ Bagore-ki-Haveli, near Gangaur Ghat, ☏ +91 94141-55904, [email protected]. A 60-minute Rajastani dance and marionette puppet show. Includes live music with local instruments, local folk dancing, and a lady balancing up to 9 stacked pots on her head. A must-see! Admission: ₹100; camera fee: ₹100. Puppet Show @ Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, Saheli Marg, Madhuban (in the north of the city, 300 m north of Chetak Circle). Daily 60-minute puppet show at 6PM. Great for children. ₹50. Shilpgram. Shilpgram is a rural arts and crafts complex. The fair is organised every year from 21st December to 31st December and hosts plays and dance performances every evening for those 10 days. ₹50. (updated Jan 2020)

Outdoor activities and sports Art of Bicycle Trips. Organized bicycle tours in and around Udaipur. The tours combine cycling with Indian art, culture and heritage. ₹2,000. Udaipur Ropeway, Deen Dayal Park (on the top of hill near Lake Pichola, near Karni Mata Temple), ☏ +91 294 650 8755, [email protected]. 9AM-9PM. Spend the evening overlooking the city lights from a high altitude. There is a restaurant on top of the hill with a nice view. Adult ₹78; child ₹39. Bindaas, ☏ +91 9928058896, [email protected]. Bindaas is a group of cyclists that motivates people to cycle and to make their environment greener. These cyclists gather every Sunday at Fathesagar Pal at 6AM and cycle together as a group to make people aware about the health and environmental benefits of cycling. It also provides people an opportunity to meet like-minded people. Becoming a member of the group is free of cost. (updated Jan 2020)

Horseback riding Situated in the middle of the Aravalli Hills, Udaipur offers a fantastic landscape and unrivaled views. Various operators offer horse rides here:

Princess Trails. Run by an Indo-German couple. They have around 15 very well kept Marwari horses and always some foals and young ones on their farm, approximately 8 km outside Udaipur. They organize trail rides for individual riders and small groups of 2 hours, 4 hours and full day through the tribal villages of the Aravalli foothills and also arrange overnight accommodation in comfortable Swiss tents (with attached bathroom, AC and private terrace) on their farm. Horseback lessons and nature hikes are also arranged and non-riding companions can spend a relaxing morning/afternoon in the garden of their farm with a beautiful Hollywood swing. They offer free pick up from the hotels in town and have a collection of imported riding hel

Buy

Udaipur is particularly famous for its miniature paintings inspired by style of Rajputs and Mughals. You are unlikely to find these items elsewhere in India. These cost as little as ₹100 and make a beautiful gift or keepsake. Items such as handicrafts, pottery, jewelry, wooden toys, antique items and paintings are easily available in the tourist area. Other popular purchases include toys, bewitching puppets, wall hangings, pen stands, cloth lanterns, handmade papers, painted wooden boxes and greeting cards, pottery in both metal and adobe, pots, plates, vessels and containers, brassware, and terracotta sculptures. Udaipur also has typical bazaars including Hathi Pol, Bada Bazaar, Chetak Circle, Bada Bazaar and Palace Road.

Markets Vegetable Market (Take a tuk-tuk). A traditional market where mostly women vendors sell fresh produce. A fantastically colourful spot for endless eyecatching photographs and people watching. The spice market is also nearby.

Stores Bombino Arts, 9 Alok School Road, Sector 11 (opposite Agrawal Dharamshala). Famous for handmade granite etching portraits and artwork. You can see the artist working in the store. Boutique Namaste India, 67 Ghadiya Devra (near Hotel Gangaur Palace), ☏ +91 294 2421940. High quality custom-made suits and clothing. City Palace Museum Shop, City Palace. A good place to purchase miniature paintings but prices are higher than other shops. Gothwal Art, 20 Gangour Gatt (in the centre of the tourist area), ☏ +91 9680280701. This simple little art store is run by a lovely artist couple and is your best option for Udaipur-style miniature artwork. The owners are honest people and there is no hassle/pressure, unlike in most other stores. They will also custom frame paintings at a minimal cost, making for classy gifts and souvenirs. ₹100+. Indune Lifestyle, 178 Moti Magri (near UIT Circle), ☏ +91 294 2412022. Sells a wide range of handcrafted gifts, accessories, home décor, artifacts and furniture. Fair trade. Lord & Tailor. Has a large selection of pashmina wool and cashmere wood scarfs and shawls. Prices are higher than you will find elsewhere, but the quality is really good. You can bargain for a better price that what is quoted. Pashmina scarfs: ₹4,000. Mangalam: The Women Shopee, Sukhadia Circle (Opposite Panchratna complex), ☏ +91 2942560259. The shop is best for textiles, sarees, handicrafts, dhurries, and similar products. Pushpa Furniture, NH-8 Bhuwana (before Sukher Bypass), ☏ +91 93525 21265. A store that offers a wide variety of products like wooden furniture, antique reproduction

Eat

Udaipur is famous for its spicy snacks such as mirchi bada and kachori. Other common local cuisines include Dal Baati Churma (Lentils and rice), Pyaz Kachori (onion/flour balls), and Gatte Ki Sabzi (gram flour dumplings with curry). These are common on the menu of just about every restaurant and should definitely be eaten! Cooking classes are also commonly offered in Udaipur. There are a couple Thali restaurants where you can get unlimited servings of a selection of Rajasthani and Gujarati dishes (rotis, savoury bites, daals, vegetables, rice, sweets and more). There are also American fast food restaurants such as McDonald's and Subway in the Celebration Mall (see listing above). Outside of the old town, you can find street stalls selling cheap chaat (Indian fast food). There are many rooftop restaurants with romantic views of Lake Pichola. However, in all cases, you will usually have to walk up several flights of stairs to get to them.

1559 AD, SH 50, Ambamata, ☏ +91 294 243 3559. Popular with tour groups, this restaurant has a rooftop area with very romantic views of the lake. Elevator. Ambrai @ Amet Haveli Hotel, Outside Chandpole, ☏ +91 294 2431085, [email protected]. lake-side level of Lake Pichola, with a view of the City Palace and the nightly fireworks show. Very romantic. Reservations are mandatory. Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisines. mains: ₹250-400. Aravalli @ Trident Hotel, Haridasjiki Magri, Mullah Talai (Near Lake Pichola), ☏ +91 294 243 2200. 6AM-11PM. Superb in every way. You can choose between à-la-carte or the marvelous buffet which is one of the best in Udaipur. A visual delight and a gourmet's paradise. The restaurant is attractive, luxurious, relaxed and has a traditional touch. ₹500+. Bawarchi Restaurant, 6 Delhi Gate (east of Gangaur Ghat). Good food and fast service but it is popular with locals and thus can be very crowded. Thali: ₹140. Cafe Edelweiss, 71 Gangaur Ghat (near the lake; follow the signs), ☏ +91 294-2425440. A German bakery that has amazing pies, cinnamon rolls, coffees, and sandwiches. Cinnamon roll/pie slice: ₹50-120; sandwiches: ₹150-250. Charcoal @ Pratap Bhawan Hotel, [email protected]. This outdoor rooftop restaurant has a tandoor and a barbecue. Serves Kingfisher Strong beer. Great barbequed dishes. Cool Cafe Restaurant, 28 Panduwadi, 1st floor, Gadiya Devra, Jagdish Temple Road (opposite Hotel Gangaur Palace, Gangaur Ghat), ☏ +91 7665 044332. Really great prices on both food and alcohol. There is a large TV for watching movies and water pipes are also available for use

Drink & nightlife

Cafe Coffee Day, The Celebration Mall, ☏ +91 294-3251162. 10AM - 11PM. Cafe Coffee Day is famous coffee shop in Udaipur. The chain serves a wide varieties of coffees with Pizza & Sandwiches. All major credit cards are accepted. Fatehprakash Palace Hotel, City Palace (on Lake Pichola), ☏ +91 294 528008. 7:30AM - 10:30PM. The open air Sunset Terrace at the Fateh Prakash Palace hotel becomes the heart of the City Palace Complex. People flock there to have a drink, and watch Lake Pichola. Garden Hotel Udaipur, Gulab Bagh Rd. Guests choosing to stay at the Garden Hotel Udaipur will be able to dine at the onsite restaurant. They will also be able to have a drink at the garden bar. Govinda's Cafeteria, 169 city palace Rd (jagdish chowk). 9AM-9PM. Serves real Lavazza espresso. They have a nice real espresso machine and serve a huge variety of excellent Italian coffee. Shakes and frappes also available. Espresso ₹50, caffe latte ₹65, cappuccino ₹60. Spoil yourself with an amazingly yummy brownie shake (made with a whole piece of brownie, chocolate ice-cream and milk, tastes to die for) for ₹120. With A/C. RTDC Hotel Kajri, Shastri Circle, ☏ +91 141-5040211. 10AM - 11PM. Let your spirits soar high at the well stocked bar of Hotel Kajri in Udaipur. The bar features an eclectic selection of both Indian and Rajasthani liquor and wine. Soul Meet Cafe, next to Dyaji Bridge (walking bridge) (big green building—you can't miss it), ☏ +91 982 804 8586. A perfect place to take in outstanding scenery of the Old Town and the Lake, whilst relaxing with a 'special' lasi and a sheesha. Tehkhana (Restaurant & Bar), Hitawala complex,Saheli marg (Saheliyo ki bari), ☏ +91 2421317. noon. The Tehkhana Restaurant is a pleasant and elegant contemporary restaurant ideally located near the Sukhadia Circle. With hazelnut coloured walls and vivid paintings this is an ideal place to hang out Choices of Indian, Chinese, Continental, South Indian & Italian cuisines is available to satisfy the taste buds.

Sleep

Udaipur has a wide range of accommodation options.

Budget Anjani Hotel, 77 Gangour Ghat Marg, [email protected]. A former palace. Rooms have balconies with lake views. Rooftop restaurant. ₹1,530-2,210. Gangaur Palace / Ashoka Haveli, 339 Gangaur Ghat Marg, ☏ +91-0294-2422303, [email protected]. A charming haveli centered around a courtyard. Rooftop restaurant. ₹800-1,800 depending on the room, breakfast: ₹170. 1 Hotel Royal Dezire, 35, Nr. R.M.V.Circle, Inside Surjapole, ☏ +91-9784470239, [email protected]. From ₹ 800. (updated Jan 2019) Krishna Ranch, Near Badi village (7 km northwest of the city centre). A large ranch with horses in a rural setting. Cottages are spacious and are decorated with regional handicrafts. Great if you want to go bird watching, horse riding, hiking, biking, or exploring the local villages. Transport from Udaipur can be arranged. Some food served is grown on-site. Single: ₹2,000, Double: ₹2,500, breakfast included. Mewar Inn, 42 Residency Road (opposite G.B.H. American Hospital, 3 km northeast of the City Palace), ☏ +91 294 2411590, [email protected]. 20 rooms. Away from the noisy tourist/old town area but easily accessible via tuk-tuk or 10 minutes by foot from Delhi Pol. Price changed in early 2015. Hard to beat the price. The hotel also has a rooftop restaurant. Single economy ₹92 Double economy ₹172 more options until ₹292. (updated May 2015) 2 Mewargarh Palace, 733, Near Bade Purohit Ji Ki Haveli, Imlighat (near Chandpole Gate, just north of the Jagdish Temple), ☏ +91 98879 47988. Check-out: 10AM. 5-room homestay accommodation. Rooftop restaurant. Hidden in an alley next to a mosque. ₹650. Padmini Palace, 27 Gulab Bagh Road (directly east of the City Palace), ☏ +91 294 2414191, fax: +91 294 2419663, [email protected]. 20-room hotel across the street from a garden. From ₹1,200. Pleasure Guest House, 12, Surya Marg, Kotda House, Jagdish Road (in front of Jagdish Temple), ☏ +91 98286 26621, [email protected]. A very friendly homestay run by Jitu aka G2, who makes you feel at home. Rooms have balconies. Great views of the palace. Kitchen is available for use. ₹350. Poonam Haveli, 39 Lal Ghat Road (on the lake), ☏ +91 294 241 0303. Rooftop restaurant. Great views. ₹2,000. Rajkamal International, 123 Bye Pass Road (9 km northeast of the City Palace, close to Celebration Mall), ☏ +91 294 244 0770, [email protected]. 24 rooms. ₹800-1,800, depending on the room. Zostel Udaipur, 25-26 Nav Ghat (near the city palace), ☏ +91 77288 97595. A great place to meet young trav

Go next

Day trips Udaipur offers great excursions to its outskirts. Hire a cab or explore by yourself to some of the great escapades on the city outskirts.

Eklingji Temple - 22 km north of Udaipur is one of the most famous temples of Rajasthan. The magnificent architecture of Eklingnath Temple is simply remarkable. Haldighati - An important historical site in the context of Rajasthan 40 km from the city of Udaipur. The term Haldighati has been derived from the yellow colored soil of the place that gives a sense of turmeric (in Hindi) Jagat Temple - At the village called Jagat, 58 km in the south-east of Udaipur. Built in 961 AD, the Jagat Temple is renowned for its intricate carvings in the exteriors. Kankroli - A small town 65 km from the city of Udaipur mainly known for its temple, which is sited on the banks of renowned Rajsamand Lake. Nagada - Beside Bagela Lake 23 km in the north-west of Udaipur on the way to Nathdwara. Nagda comprises many small and big temples, but the main attraction is gained by its 'Sas-Bahu' temple.

Further destinations Ajmer - An ancient town 288 km from Udaipur is famous among the spiritual and religious sects for the shrine of Khwaja Ajmer Sheriff and the only Brahma temples by the banks of Lake Pushkar. Bhilwara - The administrative city of Mewar region 168 km from Udaipur. The city contains some of the exquisite neolithic temples that adorn the Nagar style of architecture. Bundi - An ancient town 275 km from Udaipur inhabited by local tribesmen famous for its historical fortresses and kunds (holy wells). Chittorgarh - About 140 km from Udaipur, Chittorgarh was the capital of Mewar from 734 AD to 1559. Chittorgarh Fort is a massive fort situated on a hilltop near Chittorgarh town in Rajasthan state in India. Jodhpur - A popular gateway to the Thar Desert located 269km from Udaipur with the massive Mehrangarh Fort and access to Osiyan desert (no direct train from Udaipur). Kumbhalgarh - A 15th-century fortress, built by Rana Kumbha of Mewar, with 36 km of walls. Over 360 temples are within the fort. It also has a wildlife sanctuary. Located in Rajsamand District, 64 km from Udaipur. The vista from the top of the palace typically extends tens of kilometers into the Aravalli hills. Mount Abu - A popular tourist hill station 185 km from Udaipur. highest peak on the mountain is Guru Shikhar, at 1722 m above sea level. Mount Abu is home to a number of Jain temples especially the Dilwara Temples. Nathdwara - Shri Nathdwara (a pathway to Lord Shri Krishna) lies 48 km from Udaipur and literally means the gateway to the Lord. Devotees