Top Places To Visit in Udaipur

Explore the charm of Udaipur’s crown jewels as we take you on a virtual tour of the Udaipur city’s main tourist attractions. From the magnificent Udaipur City Palace overlooking Lake Pichola to the calm serenity of Fateh Sagar Lake, this guide reveals the gems that make Udaipur a tourist’s delight.

Read our post on the Udaipur Trip itinerary for a detailed plan for the Udaipur journey.

Udaipur Tourist Attractions: Udaipur City Palace

Udaipur City Palace is an impressive structure gracing the shores of Pichola Lake. Constructed in 1553, this majestic palace blends medieval, European, and Chinese architectural styles, boasting spectacular domes, arches, and turrets. You can step into the palace interiors, where the opulence unfolds with excellent granite and marble adorned lavishly. Delicate mirrorwork, colored glass, captivating murals, silver decorations, and intricate wall paintings adorn every corner. Immerse yourself in the splendor of the Badi Mahal’s garden, showcasing Mewar period artworks. Discover the allure of Mor Chowk, Kanch Ki Burj in Mardana Mahal, and the bustling Chowmukha in Zenana Mahal, all of which stand out as captivating highlights within the Udaipur City Palace Museum. This regal masterpiece invites you to journey through time and architectural brilliance.

For a detailed guide, check out our post on Udaipur City Palace.

Udaipur Tourist Attractions: Pichola Lake

Pichola Lake stands out as one of the most picturesque artificial lakes in Udaipur. The name “Pichola” finds its roots in the word “backyard,” named after the nearby village ‘Picholi’. Pichola Lake attracts tourists because of its tranquil ambiance and is located in the center of Udaipur. The Udaipur City Palace graces its eastern bank, enhancing the scenic beauty.

The Pichola Lake encompasses notable islands like Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas, and its shores host various ghats, including the prominent Gangaur Ghat, Bansi Ghat, and Rameshwara Ghat. Boat trips are available from the City Palace and the Municipal boat ride facility, providing a captivating journey across its pristine waters. The lake’s surroundings offer a magnificent landscape, adorned with palaces, hotels, temples, bathing ghats, and houses set against the majestic backdrop of the Aravalli hills.

Jag Mandir

Nestled on the serene waters of Pichola Lake, Jag Mandir beckons us into a realm of imperial splendor. It is also known as ‘The Lake Garden Palace’. The island unfolds with a Pavilion at the entrance, Gul Mahal, Jag Mandir, Darikhana (a charming restaurant), Bara Patharon Ka Mahal, Zenana Mahal, a museum, and enchanting courtyards.

A captivating feature is the life-size mural of four elephants flanking each side of the Pavilion. Constructed with marble and yellow sandstone, Jag Mandir Palace stands as a three-storied architectural marvel, housing a small museum. While not all sections of the island are open to visitors, you can explore Jag Mandir indulging in the serene beauty of well-maintained courtyards. The panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes from the island are truly the highlights of this destination.

Entry to the Jag Mandir Palace is free but the only way to reach is through the boat ride from City Palace. The boat ride from Udaipur City Palace includes a halt at Jag Mandir. The entire island is maintained well. Moreover, the friendly staff at Jag Mandir Palace ensure your comfort and are eager to assist you in capturing memorable moments, offering to take photos if you like.

Udaipur Tourist Attractions: Jagdish Temple

The Jagdish Temple formerly known as Jagannath Rai is a Hindu temple in Udaipur’s core, just outside the City Palace. Built in 1651 at a cost exceeding 1.5 million rupees, it stands as a testament to Maharana Jagat Singh’s grand vision. The temple has become a defining religious landmark in Udaipur. Demonstrating Maru-Gurjara architecture, a facet of Indo-Aryan design, the temple boasts exquisite pyramidal carvings that envelop its structure. Soaring to a height of 79 feet and spanning three stories, it is the largest temple in Udaipur. It features superbly carved pillars, expansive halls, and walls adorned with intricate paintings that harmonize with the sculpted ceilings. The entrance welcomes visitors with two colossal elephant statues. At its peak, the temple delicately showcases depictions of horses, elephants, dancers, and various other figures, adding to its allure.

A bronze image of Garuda, Lord Vishnu’s vehicle, proudly stands before the main shrine. Within the sanctum, a splendid deity of Lord Jagannath, a manifestation of God Vishnu intricately carved from a single black stone, captivates with its four arms adorned with flowers and finery. Ganesha, Surya, Shakti, and Shiva temples create a circle around the main shrine, which houses Vishnu.

The temple is on a high stage and accessible via 32 marble stairs. You must leave your footwear outside the temple sanctum, either at the bottom or immediately after the entrance door. The temple complex provides drinking water facilities. During our visit, we witnessed a bhajan celebration featuring the Radha Krishna idol, which we found takes place every Saturday throughout the month of Savan. On such special occasions, the temple extends its opening hours until nearly midnight. On regular days, visitors are welcome from 4 am to 1 pm and from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Udaipur Tourist Attractions: Bagore Ki Haveli

Bagore Ki Haveli, nestled on the banks of Pichola Lake in Udaipur, is a cultural gem resonating with the grandeur of Mewar. Built by Mewar Prime Minister Amar Chand Badwa in the 18th century, the haveli, now restored by the Western Zone Cultural Center, boasts over 100 rooms adorned with intricate mirrors and glasswork. A stroll through its inner sanctums unveils the private quarters of queens, featuring opulent chambers and recreation spaces. The Haveli’s museum showcases Mewar-era paintings, murals, and diverse exhibits, while the three charming chowks narrate tales of royal life.

The star attraction, the Darohar Dance Show, is a vibrant spectacle on the first floor, presenting traditional Rajasthani folk dances, puppet shows, and cultural performances every evening. Bagore Ki Haveli is one of the best places to experience Mewar’s rich cultural heritage and immerse in the tapestry of Rajasthan’s royal legacy.

Check our post on Bagore Ki Haveli for an approximate Darohar Dance show program.

Udaipur Tourist Attractions: Sajjangarh Fort

Sajjangarh Fort is a spectacular palace built in 1884 on the Bansdara peak of the Aravalli hills. It was the majestic abode of Maharana Sajjan Singh. Commanding breathtaking views, it oversees Fateh Sagar Lake, City Palace, the Aravalli mountain ranges, and Chittorgarh. Yet, a tinge of melancholy lingers as the palace remains incomplete, a poignant reminder of Maharana Sajjan Singh’s untimely demise. His subsequent successor King Maharana Fateh Singh came here to watch the monsoon clouds, and the royal family repurposed it as a hunting lodge. The Monsoon Palace got its name from the Royal family’s use of the Sajjangarh Palace to study monsoon clouds.

Crafted from white marble, the fort boasts a foundation adorned with intricate floral motifs, while lime mortar coats its walls. Lofty turrets, adorned with domes, fountains, and jharokhas, encircle the palace, providing a regal ambiance.

The fort offers the best view of the sunset in the city. At sunset, the palace glows a golden orange, and the view of the illuminated city at night is breathtaking. Even in the morning, it offers a stunning perspective of the city.

General Information of Sajjangarh Fort

• The Sajjangarh Fort is open from 9 am to 5 pm every day of the week.
• The admission fee to the palace is 110 rupees for Indians and 300 rupees for visitors.
• If you do not have your vehicle, you must purchase a ticket for a jeep ride from the palace’s entrance, which is around 5 kilometers away. The admission cost for a private vehicle is 300 rupees, while the fee for a jeep is 300 rupees per person.

Udaipur Tourist Attractions: Manshapurna Karni Mata Temple

Manshapurna Karni Mata temple is a Hindu temple on the Machla Magra hills near Doodh Talai Lake. It houses the stone idol of Karni Mata. Maharana Karan Singh built this temple between 1620 and 1628. Karni Mata is the reincarnation of Goddess Durga. Further on, at the Cannon point of the fort wall, there is a shrine to Pahad Wale Baba. There is a belief that visiting the temple twice a day, in the morning and evening, brings good fortune since Karni Mata herself will grant your wishes. Feeding rats at the temple is also considered beneficial as the goddess admires and rewards you.

You must remove your slippers before entering the Karni Mata temple. There is a bucket of water outside in front of the Shiva idol where you can do Abisheka for the idol. Further inside, there is a white marble idol of Karni Mata. The inner sanctum features a stunning mirrorwork pattern, as seen in many North Indian temples. Drinking water is available at the temple complex. A viewpoint near the temple provides a panoramic view of Udaipur, including Doodh Talai Lake, Pichola Lake, City Palace, Fateh Sagar Lake, Sajjangarh Fort, and the Aravalli mountain range.

Karni Mata Temple Ropeway

• The temple is open from 4.30 am to 7 am, 10.30 am to 1.30 pm, and 5 to 7.30 pm.
• The temple is accessible by foot or by ropeway. A ropeway, commonly referred to as a cable car, is a fixed grip mono cable 387 meters long.
• A ropeway ride costs 110 rupees per person for a shared journey. The ropeway has three cabins that can accommodate six people. A private cabin is also available.
• The wait time can range from 30 minutes to an hour or more depending on the day and attendance. You can pass the time by visiting the wax museum or the aquarium, both of which require a separate admission ticket.
• The cable car ride lasts around 3 minutes and offers views of Udaipur city. Following that, you must proceed through the steps after reaching the stop point to reach the temple.
• On the way back to the ropeway, there is a restaurant where you must register your token number for the ride. If you like, you can eat, drink, or snack there.

Udaipur Tourist Attractions: Gulab Bagh

Gulab Bagh, sprawling over 100 acres is Udaipur’s largest garden. Maharana Fateh Singh established Gulab Bagh in 1887. It is also known as Sajjan Niwas Garden. Gulab Bagh earned its name due to the abundance of rose flowers gracing its expanse. However, during our visit, we noticed a small area dedicated to rose plants, without blossoms. Alongside the winding paths, a lush tree canopy provides shade.

Noteworthy is the children’s park within the garden, offering a delightful space for the young ones. A distinctive feature of Gulab Bagh is the toy train ride that takes visitors on a tour around the park. The station, named Luv Kush Railway Station, warmly welcomes both children and adults for the ride. It is open daily from 7 am to 6 pm. The garden also has a spacious parking lot.

Udaipur Tourist Attractions: Saheliyon Ki Bari

Saheliyon Ki Bari, a popular garden in Udaipur. Commissioned by Maharana Sangram Singh, it served as a retreat for the recreation of the royal ladies and is famously known as the Courtyard of Maidens. Personally designed and gifted by the King to his queen, the garden boasts numerous fountains that resonate with the soothing sound of rain, a particular delight for the queen. Conceived to accommodate the queen and her 48 maids during their leisure, the garden provided a serene setting for strolls and moments of respite. The queen and her ladies, as well as female acquaintances, would gather here for a stroll and to spend their time in leisure.

The landscape is beautiful, with massive trees, lush green foliage, and flower beds. The garden boasts magnificent fountains, their waters gracefully flowing from the trunks of marble elephant structures and converging into a serene lotus pool. Each elephant delicately tilts inward, creating a mesmerizing spectacle as water cascades into the pond’s center. There are fountains at the entryway and along the flower garden side, as well as marble pavilions and statues. Select spots within the garden are meticulously arranged, offering a picturesque backdrop for photography enthusiasts. It is one of the best spots for photography. It is open from 9 am to 7 pm, with an entry price of only 10 rupees for Indians.

Udaipur Tourist Attractions: Fateh Sagar Lake

Fateh Sagar Lake, a marvel crafted by Maharaja Fateh Singh, is strategically located north of Lake Pichola, just across Moti Magri Hill from the iconic Pratap Memorial. According to history, the lake was initially swamped by a flood in 1888, prompting Maharaja Fateh Singh to build the Connaught Bund dam along the lake’s eastern border. This dam not only prevented future disasters but also emerged as a source of drinking water for the locals. So, the lake was named Fateh Sagar Lake in honor of the king’s kindness.

The lake has no entry fee and is open from 8 am to 6 pm. Boating is the best way to explore the lake quickly. While on the boat journey, you can take in the scenery of the surrounding hills, lakes, and forts. Numerous boating stations dot the lake, allowing you to tailor your journey based on preferences, pricing, and availability. The lake also houses the Udaipur Solar Observatory, established in 1975.

Udaipur Tourist Attractions: Badi Lake

Badi Lake in Udaipur is a man-made freshwater lake. To reduce the terrible effects of famine, Maharana Raj Singh created the lake in the town of Badi, about 12 kilometers outside of the city. This expansive man-made freshwater lake spans 155 square kilometers, featuring a 180-meter-long embankment that played a crucial role in supplying water to Udaipur during droughts. The lake is one of the city’s main attractions, with its stunning never-ending stretch of water and backdrop of Bahubali hills in the Aravalli mountain range.

Commercial activities such as boating are prohibited to maintain the pristine condition of Badi Lake. Because the lake’s path is through a forest range, coming to the lake at night is not advisable as wild animals may cross paths, which is dangerous. The best way to go to the lake is to hire a two-wheeler, vehicle, or cab.

How To Reach Udaipur

To summarize, Udaipur is Rajasthan’s crown gem, with a rich tapestry of heritage and beautiful attractions. Plan your trip to Udaipur to experience a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.