A smaller, slower Rajasthan city
Udaipur is built around a chain of artificial lakes ringed by palaces, ghats, and whitewashed havelis, and it's noticeably calmer and more walkable than Jaipur or Jodhpur. Most of what makes the city memorable is visible from the water or from a rooftop, so pacing your visit around the lake rather than a checklist of monuments tends to work best. This guide covers how to do that.
Getting around
- The old city around Lake Pichola is compact and walkable, with most major sights within a short distance of each other
- Autorickshaws and app-based cabs are easy to find for trips outside the old city
- Boat rides on Lake Pichola are a common way to see the City Palace and Jag Mandir from the water
- Narrow lanes in the old city can be hard for cars to navigate: walking is often faster than driving short distances
- Most sights in the old city cluster within walking distance of Lake Pichola, making a car largely unnecessary once you're there
Top sights & experiences
- City Palace, a large complex of courtyards and museums overlooking Lake Pichola
- A sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, with views of the Lake Palace and the surrounding hills
- Jagdish Temple, a carved Indo-Aryan temple a short walk from the City Palace
- Saheliyon ki Bari, a garden built around fountains and lotus pools
- Rooftop restaurants and cafes around the old city for lake and palace views at sunset
Practical tips
- The Lake Palace itself is a hotel and not generally open to non-guests except by boat-view or restaurant reservation
- Dress modestly for the City Palace and Jagdish Temple
- Lake water levels vary seasonally and can affect which boat routes run
- Carry cash for smaller shops and boat operators; cards and UPI work at most hotels and larger restaurants
- Winter (Oct–Mar) is the most comfortable season for walking the old city and sitting out on rooftop terraces
Boat ride routes and availability depend on lake water levels: confirm current options locally before planning your evening around one.