Overview
Nestled in the Aravallis, Udaipur is one of the most beautiful travel destinations in Rajasthan. It is also known as “The City of Lakes” because of the abundance of water bodies in the region. The royal palaces, lavish havelis, colorful bazaars, and delicious regional food make the city stand out. You can visit the City Palace, take a boat ride, or sit in a rooftop café and enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets on Lake Pichola. It’s one of India’s most luxurious places to visit, making it perfect for a royal-style vacation, a destination wedding, or a peaceful getaway.
History Of The City
Built around Lake Pichola and surrounded by the Aravallis, Udaipur showcases the proud history of the Rajput warriors, as it remained undefeated for a long time. It served as the capital of the Mewar kingdom after Maharana Uday Singh II shifted the capital from Chittorgarh mainly because of the strategic advantage against the Mughals. It served as the capital city until 1818, after which it became a British princely state during the British Era and later on became part of Rajasthan after India gained independence in 1947.
Places To Visit
1. City Palace
The City Palace is a large and beautiful palace that boasts museums, balconies, and courtyards. It has excellent views of Lake Pichola and shows how the Mewar kings lived.
2. Lake Pichola
One of Udaipur's most beautiful and romantic places is Lake Pichola. You'll always remember taking a boat ride here, especially at sunset. It's quiet and beautiful.
3. Jag Mandir
A stunning palace on an island in the middle of Lake Pichola. It's peaceful, regal, and a wonderful place to escape the city for a while. Also a wonderful place to take pictures!
4. Lake Fateh Sagar
People in the area like to walk and ride boats here at night. The view, the stalls, and the breeze all make it a wonderful place to be in the city.
5. Saheliyon Ki Bari
This royal garden was made by the queen's friends. There are plants, fountains, and marble elephants in it. A wonderful place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
6. The Jagdish Temple
A tall and lovely Hindu temple with many detailed carvings. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has a lot of positive energy. A wonderful place to find peace and faith.
7. Palace of the Monsoon
You can see Udaipur and the lakes nearby very well from this palace on a hill. The sunset is best seen at night.
8. The Bagore Ki Haveli
A newly renovated haveli by the lake with traditional rooms and other things. Don't miss the folk dance and puppet show at night. It's full of local color.
9. Shilpgram
Shilpgram is a village of arts and crafts that reflects the lifestyle of Rajasthan and its neighboring states. You can buy handmade things, eat local food, and sometimes even listen to folk music and dance.
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The best thing about Udaipur as a place to visit is that it really does have something for everyone. Udaipur welcomes everyone, whether you’re a couple on a romantic getaway, a family with kids and grandparents, a group of friends looking for adventure, or a single traveler looking for peace. It’s also a great place for people who love royal history, stunning architecture, interesting cultures, and tasty local food. Udaipur is a place where everyone can feel at home, whether they are looking at peaceful lakes or watching lively folk performances.
Food to Try in Udaipur
You should definitely try some of the city’s excellent traditional Rajasthani food and street snacks:
Dal, Baati & Churma
You have to eat Dal Baati Churma! Baati are balls of wheat that are baked and served with spicy dal and sweet churma. It tastes excellent and is a full meal.
Gatte
Gatte is a spicy curry with dumplings made from chickpea flour. It tastes best when served with rice or roti.
Laal Maas
Laal Maas is a spicy red mutton curry that uses spices from Rajasthan.
Kachori
A popular choice for vegetarians. Kachoris are the best street food in Udaipur. Both dal kachori and pyaaz (onion) are good. The outside is crunchy, and the inside is hot.
Mirchi Bada
Mirchi Bada is a dish made with big green chilies that are stuffed and fried in hot oil. Crunchy, hot, and perfect with tea.
Ker Sangri
Ker Sangri is a traditional vegetable dish from the desert that is tangy, spicy, and full of local flavor.
Mawa Kachori
Mawa Kachori is a sweet kachori that has mawa and dried fruits inside and is dipped in sugar syrup.
Ghevar
Ghevar is a sweet that looks like a honeycomb and is soaked in syrup. People often put cream or dried fruit on top of it.
Rabdi
Rabdi is a sweet, creamy dessert made by slowly cooking milk. It is cold and very filling.
Street Chaats
Don’t miss the stalls by Fateh Sagar Lake where you can get pani puri, sev puri, and other snacks.
How to Get There:
- By Air: Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR) is about 25 km from the city center. There are regular flights between Udaipur and Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad. There are taxis and prepaid cabs right outside the terminal.
- By Train: The Old City is close to Udaipur City Railway Station (UDZ). Every day, trains from Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad come here. You can get to your hotel by hiring an auto-rickshaw or taxi from the station.
- By Road: National highways connect Udaipur to Jaipur (about 393 km), Jodhpur (about 260 km), and Ahmedabad (about 260 km). You can drive your car or take a state-run or private bus. Both types of buses run during the day and at night.
Know Before You Go
- Bring cash with you when you shop and eat at small places because many street vendors don’t take cards or UPI.
- When you go to temples or historical sites, dress modestly. Bringing a scarf or stole can be useful for dressing modestly.
- Book boat rides early, especially on weekends and holidays, when they get busy in the afternoon.
- You will be doing a lot of walking in the palace complexes and old city areas, so wear shoes that are comfortable.
- In the winter, nights can be cold, so bring a jacket or shawl.
- Obey the rules of the area and ask before taking pictures of people or places of worship.
- Don’t use plastic bottles; Udaipur encourages eco-friendly tourism, so bring a bottle that can be refilled.
- Eat at well-reviewed restaurants or hotel restaurants to make sure the food is clean.
FAQs
What makes Udaipur so special?
Udaipur’s beautiful Aravalli Hills, which hide its centuries-old Rajput history, as well as its sparkling lakes, grand palaces, and colorful markets.
What is the best way to get to Udaipur?
You can take a direct flight from Delhi or any other major city in India to Udaipur or a train there. If you want to travel by road, you can book an intercity cab or take a bus to Udaipur city.
What kinds of food should I eat in Udaipur?
The spicy Laal Maas, the tangy Gatte ki Sabzi, the crunchy kachoris, the mirchi bada, and the sweet mawa kachori are all things you should try.
What do I need to know before I go?
Bring cash for stalls, dress modestly at temples, book boat rides ahead of time, wear shoes that are comfortable, and bring a light jacket and a bottle that you can refill.
What do I need to take with me to Udaipur?
You should pack clothes that are light and breathable, a scarf or stole, walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera or phone, a power bank, medicine, toiletries, and a valid ID.