Beautiful and exquisite, Udaipur is known by many names, including "the City of Lakes". Without a doubt quite possibly of India's most heartfelt city, it settles between the polished waters of its popular lakes and the old Aravelli Slopes. Despite the fact that it is quite possibly of Rajasthan's biggest city, present day Udaipur figures out how to hold a beguiling humble community vibe. At the core of the city lies the tranquil Lake Pichola, with the Old City spread along its east bank.

Worked along a progression of delicate slopes, restricted winding roads, brimming with unexpected exciting bends in the road, give way to breathtaking marble castles, hibiscus-loaded gardens, shining wellsprings and structures. This fantastic objective has enlivened numerous a craftsman and artistic devotee.Best Places to visit in Udaipur

A few years back, when I first visited Udaipur city, I was mesmerised by the royal touch and the charismatic beauty of the City of Lakes. The grand Udaipur forts and palaces, marvellous City Palace, enchanting lake Pichola, adventurous lake Badi and pretty cafes are a few places to visit in Udaipur.

Udaipur had reserved a sweet spot in my heart, and hence, I visited here again. It was such an enthralling feeling of meeting an old lover! Though this time, I felt that Udaipur is losing its old charm due to over-tourism. There is still a fine taste of royalty and a lot to explore in this city of love and lakes.

So based on my personal experience, here is my list for places to visit in Udaipur. Have also covered other important points like – how to reach Udaipur, places to stay in Udaipur, restaurants and cafes in Udaipur, places to shop in Udaipur.

Excited?? Let’s get started!

1. The Royal City Palace of Udaipur

Gorgeous City Palace of Udaipur is located at the bank of Lake Pichola and is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. It is a perfect example of Marwar architecture with some beautifully designed balconies, windows, colourful tint glasses, marble and mirror work and the grand rooms! The palace also has a museum and a crystal Gallery which will take you through the life of Maharajas in Udaipur

City Palace Udaipur timing and entry fees -

2. Lake Pichola boat ride during sunset –

A boat ride in shimmering, picturesque Lake Pichola is a Udaipur experience you should not miss! The ride will take you through world famous Lake Palaces, Jagat Niwas Palace, Gangaur Ghat and Ambrai Ghat. The boat ride experience during sunset is so soothing and mesmerising.

Lake Pichola Boating price and directions -

3. Spend an evening at Ambrai Ghat in Udaipur

Ambrai Ghat in Udaipur is one of my favourite places to spend a peaceful evening. You will find many travelers just sitting beside the lake and admiring the lake changing its colours as the sun goes down. From the Ambrai Ghat, you can also see the enchanting City Palace shimmering in the moonlight. For directions to Ambrai Ghat see here.

4. Experience the candlelight dinner at Ambrai Restaurant in Udaipur

Dinner at Ambrai will be no less than a Bollywood style romantic dinner. A table facing lit City Palace and the lake sparkling with moonlight with a glass of red wine. Sounds Perfect, right? The food is also as good as the view. 

Good to know – Book the place 2 days in ADVANCE. During peak season and weekends, Ambrai is full and getting a table at the perfect spot won’t be easy.

Ambrai Restaurant directions and budget -

5. Enjoy sunset at Sajjangarh Fort (Monsoon Palace)

Sajjangarh fort was supposed to be the astronomical centre for Marwar kingdom, but after the death of Maharaja Sajjan Singh (who originated this idea), it was converted into a fort! It is surrounded by Aravalli Hills, has some breath-taking view of Udaipur city and lakes. During sunset, the Aravalli hills get covered with the orange sky (look at the view)

Sajjangarh palace directions

and entry charges -

6. Visit King’s vintage & classic car museum

Udaipur Kings took their cars quite seriously! One of these cars was used in Bond movies (Not kidding)! This royal collection of cars is still owned by Maharaja and can be seen at Vintage car museum in Udaipur!

Vintage car museum directions and entry fees -

8. Take an early morning walk around Gangaur Ghat in Udaipur

To feel the true vibes of a city, early morning walks are the best. You will see empty roads, vendors setting up their carts, people heading to temple for morning prayers. Sounds so different than busy noon markets, right? At early morning, you will see hundreds of pigeons being fed by locals at Gangaur Ghat. Sit beside the lake and soaking in all the morning energy. I personally enjoy these moments of solitude and silence.

9. Enjoy the folk dance at Bagore ki Haveli

This Haveli was built by Amarchand Badwa, one of the Prime Ministers of Mewar dynasty and has its own charm. It will take you back to the old era. Don’t compare it with the grand City Palace since the haveli was built for the Prime Minister of the King. It has an amazing collection of puppets too! Also, for Rajasthani folk dance show, head to Bagore ki Haveli a little before 7 PM in the evening.

Bagore ki Haveli – timing, directions and entry charges

10. Trek to Badi Lake

The famous trekking point in Udaipur, discovered lately by a wandering soul (God Bless him/ her)! Badi Lake is 10 km away from Fatehsagar Lake and is not as crowded as other lakes. The uphill silence, panoramic view of the lake from the top (Bahubali peak) and mesmerising sunset, is WORTH IT!!! Don’t worry, its not a tough trek. A water bottle, normal shoes and some munchies should do good. 

11. Take an art class from Madan, perfect for art lovers! –

If you enjoy colours and love art and painting like me, you will surely enjoy taking an art class in Udaipur, especially learning from Madan. He is super sweet and a good teacher! The picture you see is what I made in 2 hours of class with him. I think it did come out well! What do you think?

There are many more places to explore in Udaipur like Neemach Mata temple for a night city view, Jagdish temple aarti (a local tradition experience). If you have extra days, consider adding these places to your list!

Restaurants Cafes and romantic dinner in Udaipur

I don’t need to talk much about the goodness of rich Rajasthani food. Go to any part of Rajasthan and you will find mouth-watering Rajasthani flavours. Udaipur being the romantic city, has some of the prettiest cafes and places for candlelight dinners! Obviously, my favourite kachories and Chai too! So here are my places to visit in Udaipur for food –

Thali from Natraj Dining Hall –

Rajasthani Thalis are like food heaven!

Natraj ki Thali is local’s favorite lunch delight.

Its pocket friendly too- INR 250 for one Thali!

Upré by 1559 AD –

A ROOFTOP restaurant to have candlelight dinner (with your better half)! J Don't think much, go for it and cheers to the red wine! These fancy places are always expensive guys! At Upré, you may need INR 1,500 to 2,000 for two people.

‘Royal’ Thali from Traditional Khana –

Royal Thali here is massive! Two rounds of thali serving, first snacks and then the main meal! Well, who will not want to sign up for this? This place is slightly on a higher side, INR 650 for one Thali (WORTH IT for the hungry tummy!).

Coffee at Shiv Sagar, Fatehsagar Lake – This is the place local Udaipurian swear by for best hot and cold coffee (Indian style J)! They say Udaipur is incomplete without Fateh Sagar lake! I am sure you will love to see such a highly rated local spot.

Jheel’s Ginger Coffee Bar (Jheel Café) –

Sitting at the corner of the picturesque lake, sipping the perfect cuppa-coffee, chitchatting with friends or reading your favourite book (Sounds Surreal, right?), Jheel café is THE PLACE! Go here for the Jheeli-vibes and morning coffee! Its extremely close to the Gangaur Ghat (look for signboards) and will not make a big hole in the pocket, INR 600-700 for two people!

Kachori, Poha and Chai opposite Jagdish temple -

I left this one for last! MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE PLACE in Udaipur! You have to have to try these Kachories and Poha and Chai! Promise that this small corner place will become your absolute favourite too! This is the first shop in the lane right opposite Jagdish temple. Price? ONLY INR 50! So enjoy the Garma garm (hot) kachoris!