The City Palace Museum, known locally as the City Palace, is a must-visit when in Udaipur. With its magnificent architecture and rich history, the palace offers a deep insight into the royal heritage of the Mewar dynasty. Spread across a vast area, the palace complex consists of several smaller palaces, museums, and gardens, showcasing a wide array of artefacts, antiques, and artworks that date back to the period of the Rajputs. Visitors can marvel at the intricate mirror work, original paintings, murals, and antique furniture, which provide a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the past rulers. The grandeur of the City Palace paired with the breathtaking view of Lake Pichola makes the visit a truly enchanting experience. Don't miss the Mewar Light and Sound Show in the evening, which brings the legend of Udaipur to life.
Lake Pichola is arguably the soul of Udaipur, and a boat ride on its placid waters is a romantic and serene activity. The lake, created in the 14th century, provides not only essential resources for the city but also a tranquil setting for a leisurely boat ride. From the boat, tourists can marvel at the cityscape, with the Aravalli Hills in the backdrop, and witness iconic structures like the City Palace, Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, and Mohan Mandir. The boat ride typically includes a stop at Jag Mandir, a beautiful island with a palace, where visitors can explore lush gardens and stunning architectural designs. This activity is especially magical during sunset when the golden hues of the setting sun reflect off the city's historic buildings and the tranquil waters of the lake.
Saheliyon Ki Bari, also called the Garden of the Maids of Honour, is a picturesque garden located in Udaipur. It was originally built by Maharana Sangram Singh in the 18th century for the royal ladies and their friends. The garden is adorned with beautiful fountains, kiosks, marble elephants, and a delightful lotus pool. As you stroll through the lush green lawns, you'll find yourself surrounded by an array of colorful flowers and well-maintained foliage that provide a peaceful respite from the bustling city. The fountains, which are fed by the waters of Lake Fateh Sagar, are a technological marvel for their time, as they function solely on water pressure and not on any pumps. The garden is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with several species often spotted amongst the trees.
Bagore Ki Haveli is a historic building situated by the Gangaur Ghat on the waterfront of Lake Pichola. It has been restored and turned into a museum showcasing the royal artifacts and culture of Rajasthan. In the evening, the Haveli comes alive with the Dharohar dance show. The performance includes various traditional Rajasthani folk dances and music. Visitors can enjoy watching the vibrant Ghoomar dance, puppet shows, and other regional performances. The setting of the Haveli adds a nostalgic ambience, as the backdrop includes the beautifully lit Haveli and the serene lake. This activity offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture and arts. Make sure to arrive early to grab a good seat as it tends to get crowded.
Fateh Sagar Lake is another jewel of Udaipur, named after Maharana Fateh Singh. The lake is surrounded by hills and woodlands, providing a panoramic view of natural beauty. A drive around the circumference of the lake is a delightful experience, with several spots to stop and enjoy the view or to indulge in a snack from the local eateries. Boating at the lake is also a popular activity; pedal boats and motorboats are available for hire. The lake houses three islands, one of which includes the Nehru Park, a popular destination for both tourists and locals. You can relax in the serene surroundings, take leisurely walks in the park or pay a visit to the Udaipur Solar Observatory, which is situated on one of the islands.
The Monsoon Palace, also known as Sajjangarh Palace, stands atop a hill and offers panoramic views of Udaipur and the surrounding lakes and countryside. Built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in the late 19th century, the palace was originally intended to observe the monsoon clouds, hence, its name. The palace is now a favored spot to view a spectacular sunset, with the sun dipping behind the Aravalli Hills and casting golden light across the city and its lakes. Visitors can learn about the history of the palace and the royal dynasty as they explore the architecture and the exhibition hall displaying pictures of the royal family and Sajjangarh wildlife sanctuary.
Car enthusiasts and history buffs alike will enjoy a visit to the Vintage Car Museum, which showcases some of the most exquisite collections of royal antique cars. The museum has a variety of classic vehicles that were once owned by the Mewar royal family. Each vehicle has been carefully restored to its former glory and is in perfect working condition. Some of the highlights include the 1924 Rolls Royce, the Cadillac convertible that whisked Queen Elizabeth II to the airport in 1961, and the 1939 Opel models. The museum also features a Shell petrol pump that is still in operational condition. This visit offers an insight into not only the luxury but also the incredible engineering of the yesteryears.
Shilpgram is a rural arts and crafts complex situated 3km west of Udaipur. It is spread out over 70 acres of natural surroundings at the foot of the Aravalli Hills. A visit to Shilpgram is like stepping into a vibrant cultural fair, which provides a platform for rural and tribal artists from all over Rajasthan and nearby states to showcase their talents. You can observe traditional dance and music performances, explore handicraft stalls, and witness live demonstrations of artisans at work creating pottery, weaving, embroidering, and more. The complex also houses a museum that displays a diverse collection of rural dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, musical instruments, and paintings. The annual Shilpgram Festival held in late December is an extravaganza not to be missed.
The Jagdish Temple, located in the heart of Udaipur, is an example of Indo-Aryan architecture and is Udaipur's largest temple. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singh in the 17th century and continues to be an important worship site for the locals. Visitors can admire the detailed carvings on the pillars, ceilings, and walls which depict scenes from Lord Vishnu's life, as well as motifs of dancers, elephants, horsemen, and musicians. The main shrine houses a black stone image of Lord Vishnu as Jagannath, Lord of the Universe. In the evening, the temple conducts an Aarti ceremony which tourists can attend to experience the spiritual ambiance and the devoutness of the local people.
While not within Udaipur city itself, Kumbhalgarh Fort is a significant attraction that many choose to visit on a day trip from Udaipur. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts the second-longest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China. Built in the 15th century by Maharana Kumbha, the fort is perched at 1,914 meters above sea level and provides stunning views of the surrounding Aravalli Hills. Visitors can explore numerous palaces, temples, and gardens within the fort's complex. Its strategic position atop the hills also meant that it was never conquered. Kumbhalgarh also becomes a venue for the vibrant annual festival that features a range of cultural performances.
Hill Stations (1)
Beaches (2)
Religious Places (123)
Historical Places (122)
Museums (30)
Wildlife Sanctuaries (10)
National Parks (4)
Forts (10)
Villages (2)
Zoos (3)
Mountains (1)
Island (2)
Gardens (12)
Dams (7)
Lakes (10)
