- Best time
- September to March
- Ideal trip
- 3 days / 2 nights
- Fly or arrive at
- Udaipur airport (UDR)
Udaipur is Rajasthan at its most romantic: white palaces on blue lakes, ghats where women wash bright saris, and rooftop restaurants where the City Palace lights up across the water at dusk. It is smaller and slower than Jaipur, and that is exactly why couples and families who have done the busier cities often call it their favourite.
The lake city, day and night
The City Palace is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, built over centuries by the Mewar rulers. Its courtyards, mirror rooms and balconies look straight down onto Lake Pichola. From the jetty below, an evening boat ride passes the Taj Lake Palace and stops at Jag Mandir, another island palace with gardens.
In the old town, Jagdish temple's carved walls are a short walk from Gangaur ghat. Bagore ki Haveli, by the water, runs a Rajasthani folk dance show every evening, with puppets and the remarkable bhavai pot dance. For sunset, drive up to Sajjangarh, the Monsoon Palace on a hilltop, or sit at Ambrai ghat facing the palace as the lights come on.
Two of Rajasthan's finest day trips start here. Kumbhalgarh fort has a wall that runs for some 36 kilometres over the hills, and Ranakpur's Jain temple is carved from white marble with more than a thousand pillars, no two alike.
Who Udaipur suits best
Couples, honeymooners and families who prefer beauty and calm to a packed itinerary. It is also a favourite for anniversaries, proposals and small celebrations by the lake.
Where to stay in Udaipur
Lal Ghat and Gangaur Ghat have small havelis with rooftop restaurants facing the palace, ideal for couples on a budget. Along Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar there are larger heritage hotels and luxury resorts, some reached only by boat. Families often prefer resorts on the city's edge with gardens and pools, and drive in for sightseeing.
What to eat
Udaipur's rooftop dining is the main attraction: book a table facing the City Palace for sunset. Try dal baati churma, laal maas for meat eaters, and the Mewari kadhi. Street food around Jagdish chowk includes kachori and mirchi vada. Sweet shops sell malpua and mawa kachori, and the lakeside cafes do good coffee for slow mornings.
Best time to visit Udaipur
September to March is the best season, with lakes usually full after the monsoon and mild days. December and January are cool and busy with weddings and holiday crowds. April to June is hot. July and August bring rain, which fills the lakes and turns the hills around the city green.
Sample itinerary (3 days / 2 nights)
Day 1
Palace and lake
City Palace, Jagdish temple, sunset boat to Jag Mandir.
Day 2
Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur
Full-day trip to the great wall and the marble temple.
Day 3
Gardens and departure
Saheliyon ki Bari, Sajjangarh, then the airport.
Good to know before you go
- Ask for a lake-view room; in Udaipur the view is half the stay.
- Book the evening Pichola boat ride for the slot just before sunset.
- Udaipur pairs well with Jodhpur, about five hours away via Ranakpur.
Udaipur trip questions
Is Udaipur a good honeymoon destination?
It is one of India's most popular: heritage hotels, candle-lit rooftop dinners and lake views from almost everywhere.
Can we stay at the Taj Lake Palace?
Yes, subject to availability; it books out early in winter. We also suggest heritage havelis on the lake at a range of budgets.
How many days do we need in Udaipur?
Two nights cover the city; three let you add Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur without rushing. Add Mount Abu or Jodhpur for a longer trip.
