The Best Things To Do in Udaipur | The City of Lakes
Udaipur exceeded all my expectations and left me utterly enchanted. It effortlessly struck the perfect balance between the vibrant chaos of India and the tranquil calm I sought. Every corner of this city seemed to offer a blend of rich culture and modern convenience, seamlessly weaving together history and art into the fabric of daily life.
Wandering through Udaipur's labyrinthine streets, I found joy in the simplest of pleasures – sipping on a steaming cup of chai while absorbing the sights and sounds of the bustling city. Yet, moments of serenity were just a stone's throw away. Sitting by the serene Gangaur Ghat, I witnessed the devout locals engage in their morning prayers, a ritual that felt like a timeless connection to the city's spiritual essence.
Udaipur's moniker as the "City of Lakes" or the "Venice of the East" couldn't be more apt. Encircled by the majestic Aravalli hills, the city is cradled in natural beauty that transcends description. The shimmering lakes, like mirrors reflecting the sky, add an ethereal charm to Udaipur's landscape. It's a place where one can witness the spectacle of a breathtaking sunset, embark on a rejuvenating hike amidst nature's splendor, or simply unwind by the tranquil waters, lost in contemplation.
In Udaipur, every moment felt like a painting come to life, with its stunning palaces, vibrant markets, and bustling streets serving as the backdrop. It's a city that beckons you to explore, to immerse yourself in its myriad colors and textures, and to discover the magic that lies around every corner.
In essence, Udaipur isn't just a destination; it's an experience – one that lingers in your memory long after you've bid it farewell. It's a testament to the timeless allure of India, where ancient traditions coexist harmoniously with the pulse of modern life. For me, Udaipur will forever remain a place of wonder and beauty, a jewel in the crown of Rajasthan that continues to inspire and captivate all who venture within its embrace.
Udaipur's strategic location is the perfect stop along the Golden Triangle circuit, (check out my 2 week itinerary here) and is just a few hours' drive from both Jaipur (check out my Jaipur essentials here) and Jodhpur. This proximity allows travelers to experience the rich heritage and architectural marvels of Rajasthan with ease. Whether transitioning from the bustling urban landscape of Jaipur or the regal splendor of Jodhpur, Udaipur offers a captivating contrast with its serene lakes and palatial grandeur. Its accessibility makes it an essential stop for those exploring the iconic destinations of Delhi (read about my 24 hours in Delhi here) , Jaipur, and Agra (read about my 24 hours in Agra here), completing a journey through the vibrant tapestry of India's cultural and historical wonders.
Udaipur Essentials
Looking to get the quick basics of what to do and where to go while in Udaipur? Look no further. If you are looking for a quick cheat sheet for all your India Essentials (think currency, how to get money, customs, ect) check out my Introduction to India blog.
Where to Eat
Mavi Coffee | The perfect place to start your day, this little cafe has amazing drinks and even better avocado toast. I was really excited to find kombucha here too!
Upre | A beautiful rooftop restaurant with excellent food - I dinner here at night looking over the lake was an excellent way to end the day. Make sure to make reservations!
Yummy Yoga | I had a delicious lunch here. You’ll have to climb quite a few flights to get to the rooftop, but the view and food are worth it!
The Little Price | A perfect lake-side lunch spot. I got the thali and it was super affordable and incredibly delicious.
Where to Stay
Lake Pichola | A beautiful lake-side hotel with excellent views. The rooms were simple - you pay for the views and the service.
The Oberoi | The best of the best - if you want to stay in pure luxury, this is it.
Udai Kothi | Next time I visit Udaipur, this is where I will be saying. I walked by this place everyday and wish I had booked a room here.
Jagat Niwas | A heritage hotel located on the banks of Lake Pichola - this is a popular choice with tourist!
What to Do
Dharohar Dance Show | Dharohar Dance Show celebrates the cultural legacy of Rajasthan, showcases the vibrant traditions and rich heritage of Rajasthan, particularly Udaipur. It typically features various traditional dance forms, colorful costumes, and lively music, offering spectators a captivating glimpse into the cultural essence of the region. The show is an hour long and is outdoors in the Bagore Ki Haveli museum courtyard. Tickets go on sale an hour before the show (around 5:30pm). It was honestly pretty confusing, so I’d recommend checking the ticket sale times during the day and putting a reminder on your phone to return when sales start.
City Palace | A symbol of Udaipur's regal heritage, the City Palace offers a glimpse into Rajasthan's royal past through its stunning architecture and rich history, making it a must-visit for cultural enthusiasts. This place was absolutely beautiful and I could have spent hours wandering around. While I didn’t get a tour guide, at time’s I really wish I did - this place was huge and had so much history to it. Entrance was 400 INR (~$4.80 USD).
Indigo Art School |Udaipur is well-known for its miniature paintings, where artists use small lines to create intricate designs. Try this art form first- hand in an art class with the artist’s at Indigo Art School. The guys here have somehow made this beginner friendly - I tried it myself and was pleasantly surprised by how well my painting of an elephant turned out (I’m even getting it framed!) . Class was 600 INR (~$7.20 USD) per hour - expect to spend about 3 hours painting!
Shashi Cooking School | If you want to support a truly talented and amazing woman, you must take this class. Shashi was widowed at 32 and started teaching cooking classes to foreigners to make ends meet. She taught herself English, Spanish, French, Italian and German (and probably more!) all through teaching. We made SO much incredible food and everything was delicious. The regular menu is 1500 INR or ~ $18 USD.
Jagdish Temple | A masterpiece of Hindu architecture, Jagdish Temple enchants visitors with its intricate carvings, towering spires, and spiritual ambiance, inviting all to experience the serenity and devotion of one of Udaipur's most revered sacred sites. I recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid all the tourist. Entry is free.
Bahubali Hills | Escape the hustle and bustle of the city - situated about 30 minutes away from Udaipur you’ll find Bahubali Hills. The “hike” is about 25 minutes to the top where breathtaking panoramic views of Udaipur's picturesque landscape await, providing a serene retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. They will charge you a small entrance fee (about 10 INR or ~ $0.12 USD) to climb the mountain.
Bharti Massage | One of the most incredible massages of my life. The signature massage isn’t for the faint of heart. It starts with a body analysis where Ansh (the owner) pushes on different parts of your hand to diagnosis your body ailments and then the full body massage begins. If you are use to an American massage, you may be a little shocked with how much of the body they touch, but I assure you they are incredibly respectful and I walked away feeling the best I had felt in years.
The view at Upre is unbeatable - make sure to book your reservation for dinner to have one of these awesome sit-down tables!
3 Perfect Day Itinerary in Udaipur
Day 1 | Wisdom Walk with Dr. Nishtha , Art Class at Indigo Art School, Sunset at Gangaur Ghat, Dharohar Dance Show at Bagore Ki Haveli
Day 2 | Jagdish Temple, City Palace, Bada Bazaar, Bharti Massage, Lake Pichola Sunset Tour
Day 3 | Yoga Class, Hike Bahubali Hills, Shashi Cooking Class
Traveling to India as a Solo Female Travel
When I decided to travel to India solo, safety was a big worry for me. My family, friends, and community couldn't quite wrap their heads around why I'd go alone. But despite the nerves, I was determined to have a great trip while staying safe. So, I took some steps to ease my worries, help me feel more secure and allow me to relax and enjoy my adventure without constantly worrying.
I hired a private driver. I used Discover India by Car and I couldn’t recommend them enough.
I booked trusted AirBnb tours. Scams are REAL in India and I didn’t want to be subject to a guide that was trying to get more money from me, or take me to places that I didn’t want to go to.
I stayed in well-known and well reviewed hotels. I stayed at Lake Pichola and it was very good. I had my eye on Udai Kothi or Jagat Niwas for my next trip.
I purchased a personal safety alarm. While I didn’t ever need it, it definitely gave me comfort when I was walking solo.
I traveled with a doorstop alarm. Since I was sleeping alone in hotel rooms, it was a comfort to know that if someone was trying to enter my room, I would know immediately!
I traveled with travel insurance. This gave me comfort to know that if I got sick, I would be able to see a doctor and not face a huge financial burden. (Speaking of getting sick, check out my guide to avoiding delhi belly here)
My Travel Essentials
Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card - This credit card is essential for all my travels! I have no foreign transaction fees and it works everywhere I go. If you sign up with my link, you’ll get
Sofi Banking - If you havent jumped on the HYSA train yet, what are you waiting for? This is by far my favorite place to keep my money - interest rates are amazing and they are super friendly to use!
SafetyWing Travel Insurance - I don’t travel without it. SafetyWing has affordable plans and it is really easy to make a claim with them.
*Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links on my site!
