Snapshot: Udaipur

September 14, 2020

A journey to enchanting Udaipur conjures up images of ancient Hindi Maharanas, architectural delights and glassy lakes as far as the eye can see

Fairy-tale Udaipur in Rajasthan, lovingly known as the ‘City of Lakes’, is like a scene out of a Disney movie. The town in northern India is framed by the mystical Aravalli Range of mountains and set around several beautiful lakes, the most popular of which are Pichola Lake, Fateh Sagar Lake, and Swaroop Sagar Lake.

City Palace on Lake Pichola overlooking the Aravali Mountains in Udaipur.
City Palace on Lake Pichola overlooking the Aravali Mountains in Udaipur.

Grand heritage forts and palaces are dotted throughout the picturesque town and offer a glimpse into a bygone era. The most intriguing and magnificent is City Palace, the largest palace in Rajasthan with a 244 metre-long facade which sits sprawling on a hill by the banks of Pichola Lake.

The best way to experience the illustriousness of the Palace is to walk among its walls. The sandstone exterior of the palace is just as impressive as the interiors: marble arches loom large, fascinating peacock mosaics are strewn across the interior walls, and arenas where elephant fights were once staged nod to the history of the complex which was built back in 1559. There are 11 smaller palaces in the City Palace complex to explore, so be sure to take your time when visiting.

Stunning courtyards inside the City Palace of Udaipur.
Stunning courtyards inside the City Palace of Udaipur.

Udaipur, given it’s a city set around water, is certainly worth viewing from atop Lake Pichola. There are several boat trips available for hire which will spin you across the lake at a leisurely pace as you take in the glorious view of the City Palace. Some even come complete with music, cocktails and dinner. The best time to take a trip is at sunset so you can see pretty-as-a-picture Udaipur lit up at dusk.

Tourist on a boat trip across Lake Pichola overlooking the City Palace.
Tourist on a boat trip across Lake Pichola overlooking the City Palace.

Dining options in the city are endless, from open-air venues and 17th-century temples with ornate terraces to atmospheric cafes teeming with colour and romantic, fine-dining restaurants. Neel Kamal inside the Taj Lake Palace hotel evokes a setting not dissimilar to a grand Indian ball with its baroque rugs, ceiling murals and intricate archways. The cuisine here showcases the best of regional Rajasthani and North West Indian flavours and you can dine with a view of the lake.

A rooftop restaurant with a view in Udaipur, India.
A rooftop restaurant with a view in Udaipur, India.

In and around Udaipur are several quaint villages and one of the best ways to explore them is via a sunrise cycling tour. Your guide will whisk you through beautiful rural countryside and give you the chance to ride right around Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Badi Lakes.

You can get a glimpse into how life unfolds in vibrant and tiny hamlets that dot the outskirts of town, watching as the local women don colourful clothing and go about their chores. If you’re up for more action than a cycling tour you can take a guided trek in the hills surrounding Udaipur where you can visit local farming villages and come across age-old Indigenous tribes.

Two women walking on the streets of Pushkar.
Two women walking on the streets of Pushkar.

No matter how you spend your days in Udaipur, one thing’s for sure: its magic will leave a lasting impression on your heart and soul that will stay with you for years to come.

Back to India Tours
Related tours
Limited Time Only

18 Day Classical Rajasthan Premium Small Group Tour

Travel from: May 2025
Travel until: Nov 2025
Typically
$6,630
Return Flights Included
From
$4,999
 AUD
pp twin share

14 Day Backwaters & Temples of Southern India Premium Small Group Tour

Travel from: Dec 2024
Travel until: Dec 2025
Typically
$5,643
From
$3,599
 AUD
pp twin share

10 Day Luxury India With Taj Hotels Small Group Tour

Travel from: Jun 2025
Travel until: Nov 2025
From
$5,099
 AUD
pp twin share

11 Day India's Golden Triangle & Udaipur Premium Small Group Tour

Travel from: May 2025
Travel until: Nov 2025
Typically
$5,540
From
$3,695
 AUD
pp twin share

12 Day India's Golden Triangle & Varanasi Premium Small Group Tour

Travel from: May 2025
Travel until: Nov 2025
Typically
$5,976
From
$4,295
 AUD
pp twin share

17 Day India's North & South Premium Small Group Tour

Travel from: Jun 2025
Travel until: Nov 2025
Typically
$8,687
From
$4,895
 AUD
pp twin share

14 Day India's Golden Triangle With Udaipur & Varanasi Premium Small Group Tour

Travel from: May 2025
Travel until: Nov 2025
Typically
$5,760
From
$4,695
 AUD
pp twin share

25 Day Inspiring India & Sri Lanka Premium Small Group Tour

Travel from: May 2025
Travel until: Nov 2025
Typically
$14,704
From
$8,495
 AUD
pp twin share
Flights Included

14 Day Private Highlights Of India And Nepal

Travel from: Feb 2025
Travel until: Dec 2025
Return Flights Included
From
$6,349
 AUD
pp twin share

10 Day Indian Opulence - A Platinum Small Group Tour

Travel from: Aug 2025
Travel until: Dec 2025
From
$8,149
 AUD
pp twin share

28 Day Inspiring India, Sri Lanka & The Maldives Premium Small Group Tour

Travel from: May 2025
Travel until: Nov 2025
From
$9,499
 AUD
pp twin share

10 Day India's Golden Triangle Premium Small Group Tour

Travel from: Jan 2025
Travel until: Dec 2025
Typically
$4,586
From
$2,745
 AUD
pp twin share
Loading...
Processing