Udaipur, Rajasthan

City of lake

Udaipur is a tourist destination and is known for its history, culture, scenic locations and the Rajput-era palaces. It is the historic capital of the kingdom of Mewar in the former Rajputana Agency. It is popularly known as the “City of Lakes” because of its sophisticated lake system. It has seven lakes surrounding the city. Five of the major lakes, namely Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Pichola, Swaroop Sagar Lake, Rangsagar and Doodh Talai Lake. Besides lakes, Udaipur is also known for its historic forts and palaces, museums, galleries, natural locations and gardens, architectural temples, as well as traditional fairs, festivals and structures. The Udaipur economy is primarily driven by tourism, though minerals, marble processing, chemical manufacturing and development, electronic manufacturing and the handicraft industry are also contributors.

City Palace
Built over a period of nearly 400 years, a visit to the Palace is a must if you want to dig deeper into the rich history of Mewar kingdom and all of its rulers. You can enter the complex through Badi Pol, or the Sheetla Mata Gate. The palace towers on the banks of Lake Pichola and thus gives a beautiful view of the lake and the surrounding city.

“A light and sound show is organized at Manek Chowk from 7 pm to 8 pm.”

Timings:- Museum at the city palace opens at 9 am and closes at 5:30 pm.

Entry fees:- There are many combinations in which one can buy tickets. For just entrance to the City Palace premises one has to pay 30 Rupees. For a museum, the charges are INR 300 Rupees.

Fatehsagar Lake
Popularly known as FS among the locals, this lake is the heart and soul of every Udaipurite and indeed the most happening place in Udaipur. After a long day at work, it’s the perfect place to sit back and relax. View of the sunset from here is just mesmerizing.

“Walk around Lake near the Chhatris.
Boating in the evening.
Sitting on the Paal in evening and having Chai in Kulhar along with Pakoras.
Camel ride across the lake.
Taking a boat to reach Nehru Garden for sunset views.
In the months of August/September, a Hariyali Amavasya Mela (once a year) is also organized at this lake.”

Boat ride:- 30 Rupees (Indians), 125 Rupees (Foreign Nationals).
Motorboat:- 200 Rupees (Adult), 100 Rupees (Child)
Speedboat:- 200 Rupees for 30 minutes (8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).

Pichola Lake
Coming to Udaipur and missing the sunset views from a boat ride in this lake will be an absolute blunder! Such breathtaking are the views from this lake. Built-in 1362 AD, Pichola Lake is an artificial lake which houses four islands namely Jag Niwas, Jag Mandir, Mohan Mandir, and Arsi Vilas. Flanked by Aravalli hills, bathing Ghats, and heritage buildings, the lake has every aspect which can delight its visitor. The famous Lake Palace hotel is located in the middle of the lake. At the onset of sunset, it seems the entire place has been painted gold.

Boat charges:- 150 INR (Indian National), 250 INR (Foreign Nationals).

Sajjangarh Palace
Also known as the Monsoon palace, it is situated at the top of a hill and provides a perfect panoramic view of the city. It was built basically to watch the monsoon clouds. The view of the sunset from this palace is stunning. The Palace is illuminated in the evenings, giving a glow of a mixed yellow-white.

“Sunset Gazing at Sajjangarh Palace.”

Timings:- 9:30 am to 7 pm.
Charges:- 100 Rupees.

Sajjangarh Biological Park
On your visit to the Monsoon Palace, you can also visit Sajjangarh Biological Park which is located just beneath the palace.
Spread over an area of 36 hectares, the park is a home to different varieties of animals and birds. Currently, it has animals of 21 species including tigers, lions, alligators, ostriches etc.

Timings:- 10 AM to 5:00 PM.
Charges:- 30 Rupees for entry, 50 Rupees if you want to take Golf Ride.

Ambrai Ghat
Situated on the banks of Lake Pichola, it is one of my favorite places in Udaipur! At night, the view of City Palace and Lake Palace from the Ghat is just stunning. The clicks you take here might turn out to be your next great profile picture/wallpapers due to the perfect background this place offers. Just search Ambrai Ghat in Gmaps to get to the correct location. A journey to Udaipur will be incomplete if you don’t visit this Ghat.

Gangaur Ghat
You must visit the Gangaur Ghat. Observing the flocks of Pigeon on the Ghat is definitely a moment to remember. Views of Lake Palace with Aravalli Hills in the backdrop are stunning from here.

Bagore Ki Haveli
Located on the edge of Lake Pichola, it is a mansion built in the 18th century having over 100 rooms which display the modern art, royal paintings, crafts, and costumes of the Rajasthani culture.
“A cultural folk dance program Dharohar is held every day from 7 pm to 8 pm.”
Charges:- 90 Rupees (Indian National), 150 Rupees ( Foreign national), but it’s absolutely worth it.

Karni Mata Temple
Situated on the Machla Magra hill, Karni Mata Temple is dedicated to the female Hindu sage Karni Mata. From the top one can enjoy a splendid view of the Lake Pichola, Sajjangarh Fort, City Palace and a few parts of the city. There are many white rats in the temple, feeding them is believed to bring good fortune. Again, sunset view from here is outstanding as well and one shouldn’t miss the same. There is a staircase to reach the top and it generally takes 15-20 minutes to reach the spot.
“Form here Night-View of Udaipur city is so amazing.”

Neemach Mata
Located on a hill just near Fatehsagar, the temple and the stone idol are known to have a connection with a Neem tree and hence the name. The view of the whole city from here will make you fall in love with the place. Also, you can see peacocks in the vicinity. One can reach the top either by the stairway (around 400 stairs) or the uphill slope (850meters). It generally takes around 20-25 minutes to reach the top. An evening trek will bless you with some stunning view of the city shining under lights.
“Form here Night-View of Udaipur city is also amazing.”

Bahuballi Hill Badi Lake
Situated around 6-7 kms from Fatehsagar Lake, it is an artificial freshwater lake. It is comparatively less touristy from the other lakes and one can enjoy some peaceful time over here. You can hire a cycle and reach here if you are fit. There is a hill next to this lake, which is locally known as Bahuballi Peak. Views of the sunset from the top of this hill are just fabulous. Do hike the hill if you get time!!

Near By Attractions

• Deendayal Upadhyay Park
• Jaisamand Lake
• Gangaur Ghat
• Vintage & Classic Car Collection Museum
• Moti Magri
• Shilpgram
• Ahar Cenotaphs and Museum
• Daiji footbridge
• Jag Mandir
• Jagdish Temple
• Saheliyon Ki Bari
• Sukhadiya Circle
• Gulab Bagh and Zoo
• Doodh Talai Lake
• Fish Aquarium
• Crystal gallery
• Maharana Pratap Memorial
• Chetak Smarak
• Nehru garden
• Rajiv Gandhi Park
• Rajsamand
• Goverdhan Sagar Lake & Panna Dhai ship
• Haldighati
• Bagheri ka Naka
• Kumbhalgarh Fort
• Tidi Dam
• Chandni Village
• Udai Sagar Lake
• Sas Bahu Temple
• Ekling Ji Temple

Where to eat

• Ambrai (Tasty food & perfect view)
• Udaivilas (Dinner comes with a Show)
• Jaiwana Havali (Rooftop restaurants for great views)
• Pharohar (For see the classical music)
• Lotus Café (Decent Food)
• Sunset View Terrace (For drinks)
• Jagat Niwas (Dinner by the Lake & Dal-Bati)
• Natural View Restaurant (Best view in Lal Ghat)
• Rainbow Restaurant (Multi-Cuisine place & quite tasty)
• Chirag Rooftop Restaurant ( Rooftop View)
• Charcoal by Carlsson (Mix of Western & Indian Food)
• Café Namaste (Good Breakfast)
• Cafe Edelweiss (Good Breakfast)
• Grasswood Cafe (Healthy cafe with vegan options for Western food)
• The sunset terrace (Dinner by the lake)
• The upre (Dinner by the lake)
• Ras-leela (Dinner by the lake)
• 1559 AD Bistro (Dinner by the lake)

What to eat

• Kullad rabdi at Fatehsagar Lake
• Lunch at Vintage & Classic Car Museum
• Drinks by the sunset at Ghats
• Kullad Chai with Pakodas at Fatehsagar Lake
  
  “Don’t leave the town without enjoying the delicious Dal baati”

What to shop

• Leather Diaries and Articles
• Old Paintaings
• Wooden Handicrafts
• Artifacts
• Traditional Jewellery
• Bandhani Fabrics
• Ali Baba Pants
• Rajasthani Textiles
• Pashminas
• Pagdis
• Rajputana Traditional Dresses
• Traditional Accessories

Where to shop

• Badi Pol
• Hathi Pol
• Lake Palace Road
• Local Market
• Nearby Area of Jagdish Temple
• Hathipole
• Bapu Bazaar

Where to stay

• Jagat Niwas (Near Lake Pichola)
• Hotel Leela (Best One)
• Taj Lake Palace (Middle Of The Lake)
• Hibiscus Guesthouse (View Of Lake Pichola)
• Panorama Guesthouse (Mid Range)
• Dream Heaven (Cheaper Range)
• Lalghat Guesthouse (Cheaper Range)
• Hotel Lake Star (Cheaper Range)

Best time to visit

Just try to avoid visiting Udaipur in the summer months of April to June as scorching heat is prevalent in the whole region. The best months to visit Udaipur are from October to December as the monsoon season would have already left the city lush green.

How To Explore Udaipur

For In-Side of Udaipur City:- On foot & Local transportation.
For Out-Side of Udaipur City:- Taxi & Rental Vehical.

How To Reach

Train/Bus
Both of these are easy options to get to Udaipur. You can taken train for here and You can take bus too for here. And in both options there are many options to travel like; Sleeper, Seatting, Volvo, AC etc.

Flight
Flights within Rajasthan are expensive and the major cities are all about 5 hours from each other so it’s best to travel via taxi or public transportation rather than fly once you are within Rajasthan.

Tips and hacks

Tip: You can save a lot of cost on transportation if you go for local transportation instead of private transfer. Also, if you want to explore Udaipur, then you must go for budget hotels and spend some amount on luxurious dinner and drinks at five star properties.
Hacks: If you are a student, keep your ID card handy for discounted entry fees at City palace. Brush up your bargaining skills before encountering autowalas and shop owners.