Udaipur is a city in Rajasthan, about 415 km south of the state capital Jaipur. It served as the historic capital of the kingdom of Mewar. In 1559, Udai Singh II of the Sisodia clan of Rajputs founded Udaipur, shifting his capital from Chittorgarh. It remained as the capital city till 1818 when Mewar became a British princely state. After India gained independence in 1947, Mewar province became a part of Rajasthan. Also popular as the City of Lakes, as it is surrounded by five major artificial lakes. Udaipur attracts tourists with its rich history, vibrant culture, scenic locations, and stunning Rajput-era palaces.
How to Reach Udaipur from Delhi
By Road
There are various routes one can take –
- You can take NH48, NH58 which passes though Jaipur and Bhilwara, covering a distance of 660 km.
- Another option is to take NH48, passing through Ajmer, Nathdwara. It covers a distance of 670 km. One can visit Ajmer Sharif Dargah & Nathdwara temple en route.
- One can take the route through Alwar, Rajsamand so as to avoid Jaipur traffic. From Delhi, this route is about 650 km to Udaipur.
By Train
There are various train options one can take-
- Mewar Express (12964) is overnight train from Delhi, covering the distance to Udaipur in 13hrs.
- Chetak Express (20473) – Overnight train, departs Delhi at 7:35 PM, reaches Udaipur at 8:20 AM (12 hrs 45 min)
- UDZ Superfast Express (22985) – Runs on select days, takes 11 hrs
By Air
You can also opt to fly to Udaipur. There are direct flights from Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi) to Maharana Pratap Airport (Udaipur) with flight duration of 1 hr 15 min.
City Exploration:
Udaipur City Palace: A Regal Marvel by the Lake
Maharana Udai Singh II built the magnificent City Palace of Udaipur in 1559. Successive rulers of Mewar expanded it over the centuries. It overlooks Lake Pichola and offers a breathtaking views of the city, lakes, and the surrounding Aravalli hills. Key Attractions inside the City Palace include –
- Mor Chowk (Peacock Courtyard) – features intricate peacock mosaics made of glass and mirror.
- Durbar Hall – A grand hall with chandeliers and royal weapons
- Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) – Stunning mirror work all over the walls and ceilings
- Badi Mahal (Garden Palace) – A palace on a hilltop inside the complex, offering stunning views.
Timings to visit: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (daily)
Entry Fee: Indian Adults: ₹400, Children (5-18 years): ₹100. Camera/video camera charges are separate.
One can hire a guide or opt for audio guide (₹200).
Note: Start early as it requires 2-3hrs to enjoy the palace fully.
Jagdish Temple: Timeless Icon of Udaipur’s Spiritual Heritage
Jagdish Temple is a 17th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Jagannath). Built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh I, this temple is an architectural marvel with intricate carvings and a towering shikhar (spire) visible from afar. Two massive stone elephants guard the entrance. A flight of 66 marble steps leads to the main shrine.
Timings: 5:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (daily)
The temple does not allow photography inside the sanctum.
Parking is available nearby, close to the temple. however as the temple is right on the road, it remains quite crowded.
Lake Pichola: A Mesmerizing Boat Ride Through Udaipur’s Heart
Lake Pichola is one of the most picturesque and oldest artificial lakes in Udaipur, built in 1362 AD by Pichhu Banjara during Maharana Lakha’s reign. It offers stunning views of City Palace, Jag Mandir, and Lake Palace (Taj Lake Palace). You can visit Gangaur Ghat & Ambrai Ghat to enjoy sunset and cool breeze.
Day Boat Ride: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Sunset Boat Ride: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (best time for magical sunset views)
Boat Ride Ticket Prices (from City Palace Dock): Regular- ₹500 (Adults), ₹250 (Children), Sunset- ₹800 (Adults), ₹400 (Children)
Jag Mandir
Jag Mandir is a 17th-century palace built on an island in Lake Pichola. Maharana Karan Singh constructed the “Lake Garden Palace” in 1620, and Maharana Jagat Singh I completed it The palace served as a summer retreat for the Mewar royal family.
Gul Mahal – A Mughal-style palace with stunning domes where Shah Jahan once stayed.
Elephant Carvings – A grand entrance with massive stone-carved elephants.
Museum – Displays Mewar history and royal heritage.
Darikhana Restaurant – A fine-dining restaurant inside the palace, offering lake-view dining.
One has to take a boat Ride from City Palace.
Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Boat Ride Cost: ₹500 (Regular Ride), ₹800 (Sunset Ride).
Bagore Ki Haveli: Glimpse into Udaipur’s Royal Past
Bagore Ki Haveli is an 18th-century mansion built by Amar Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar. Located right on the banks of Lake Pichola, next to Gangaur Ghat, this haveli is famous for its intricate mirror work, royal artifacts, and evening cultural dance performances (Dharohar Show).
Museum timing: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM. Entry Fees: ₹100 (Adults), ₹50 (Children). Photography inside the museum requires an extra fee.
Dharohar Dance Show: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (doors open at 6:15 PM). Entry Fees: ₹150 (Indians), ₹300 (Foreigners)
Saheliyon Ki Bari: Udaipur’s Enchanting Garden Retreat
Maharana Sangram Singh II built Saheliyon Ki Bari, meaning “Garden of the Maidens,” in the 18th century for the royal women of Mewar. He designed it as a retreat where the queen and her attendants (saheliyan) could relax away from the hustle of the royal court. The garden features a Lotus Pool, Marble Fountains brought from England, and intricately carved Marble Elephants, enhancing its beauty.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Daily)
Entry Fee: ₹20 (Indians), ₹50 (Foreigners)
Karni Mata Temple, Udaipur
The Karni Mata Temple in Udaipur is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Karni Mata, believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple is located on Machla Magra Hill and offers breathtaking panoramic views of Udaipur, including Lake Pichola, City Palace, and Sajjangarh Fort. It is a great spot for devotees, tourists, and sunset lovers.
One can reach the temple via ropeway (Cable Car), starting from Doodh Talai Lake. It is advised to keep few hours in hand, as sometime there can be a long queue.
Ticket Price: ₹150 per person (Round Trip)
Timings: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
One can also take the stairway (15–20 min climb) from Manikyalal Verma Park near Doodh Talai.
Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace
The Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace is a hilltop palace built in 1884 by Maharana Sajjan Singh. It was originally meant to be an astronomical center but later became a monsoon retreat for the Mewar royal family. Perched on the Bansdara Hills (944m above sea level), it offers stunning panoramic views of Udaipur, Fateh Sagar Lake, and the Aravalli Hills. It is one of the best places in Udaipur to watch the sunset!
Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Daily)
Entry Fee: ₹20 (Indians), ₹80 (Foreigners).
Car Parking Fee: ₹65, Govt. Taxi (Compulsory from base to the palace): ₹90 per person. One can take their 2wheelers up to the top.
Fateh Sagar Lake
Fateh Sagar Lake is a serene artificial lake built in 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh and later expanded by Maharana Fateh Singh (hence the name).
Nehru Park – A beautiful garden with a jet fountain and a small café.
Udaipur Solar Observatory – One of Asia’s best solar research centers (not open to tourists)
Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Boat Ride Charges: Regular Boat Ride – ₹30 per person, Motorboat – ₹100 per person, Speedboat – ₹200 per person.
Bahubali Hills
Bahubali Hills is a hidden gem near Udaipur, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Badi Lake and the surrounding Aravalli Hills. It is a popular trekking and photography spot, especially known for its sunrise and sunset views. It is located about 12 km from Udaipur City.
Entry Fee: Free (no tickets required)
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Kumbhalgarh Fort
Kumbhalgarh Fort, built in the 15th century by Maharana Kumbha, is one of Rajasthan’s most majestic forts and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for its massive 36 km long wall, the second-longest in the world after the Great Wall of China. It is located 85 km from Udaipur. There is a Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its huge Shivlinga.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Daily)
Entry Fee: ₹40 (Indians), ₹600 (Foreigners)
Sound & Light Show: 6:45 PM (₹100 per person)
Ranakpur Jain Temple
The Ranakpur Jain Temple is one of the most magnificent Jain temples in India, dedicated to Tirthankara Adinath. Built in the 15th century during the reign of Maharana Kumbha, this temple is an architectural wonder with intricate marble carvings and 1,444 uniquely designed pillars. the temple has Four-Faced Idol of Adinath, symbolizing the four directions of Jainism. It is situated about 90 km from Udaipur.
Timings: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free for Indian visitors | ₹200 for Foreigners
Camera Charges: ₹100 (Mobile) | ₹300 (DSLR)
Kindly follow dress Code, as shorts & sleeveless outfits not allowed. No leather items allowed (belts, wallets, purses).
