1. City Palace – Where Royalty Meets Grandeur
A place that speaks opulence and royalty in the most iconic fashion. The City Palace Udaipur is the royal residence of the Maharaja of Mewar which stands on the bank of the Lake Pichola. The palace gives you a tour of its past, while you are touring the vast property. The intricate mirror work, marble balconies, and sprawling courtyards take you back in time and you feel you are sitting with James Todd, watching him write the oriental history for the world. Take your time as you wander through the City Palace Museum, which showcases a collection of royal artefacts, paintings, and armour.
The City Palace complex is famous for its rare and very exclusive Museum, which is known as the City Palace, Museum. The City Palace is around 450 years old, a part of which is still the official residence of the Royal Family of Mewar. The museum and the palace have been open to the public since 1969. Swarms of international and local tourists throng the palace and the museum daily making this a landmark heritage destination in the country.
Why Visit?
The sheer opulence of the palace, its historical significance, and its panoramic views of the city and Lake Pichola make it one of the best places to visit in Udaipur.
The museum tickets are available online and you can book them in advance while planning your trip. It is also physically available at the site
Pro Tip:
Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and capture some beautiful pictures of the palace bathed in soft sunlight.
2. Lake Pichola – A Tranquil Jewel
Udaipur is famous for its lakes, and the famous of them is Lake Pichola which is also the largest artificial water body in the region. This freshwater lake is 800 years old and was built in the year 1362 by a certain tribesman who went by the name of Picchu Banjara. The legend says that Maharana Udai Singh- The Second, loved the lake so much that he decided to shift his capital from Kumbhalgarh Fort to Udaipur in 16th century. Anyone can be mesmerised by the view that this lake offers while you are in its middle, on a boat. You can also visit the island in the middle of the lake and enjoy the beauty of Jag Mandir Palace.
The lake is named after the village of Pichauli, it is one of the jewels that sits right in the centre of the city, surrounded by the royal palace, mansions and various hotels. The boat ride timings are from 10 AM – 5 PM, all days in a week. There is also an exclusive boat service available especially at the time of the sunset. You can enjoy the surreal experience surrounded by one of the largest artificial water lakes of medieval times.
Why Visit?
The boat rides offer a unique perspective of Udaipur’s architectural wonders, making it a must-visit among tourist places in Udaipur.
Pro Tip:
For a more luxurious experience, opt for a boat ride that stops at Jag Mandir Island, a royal palace turned hotel that sits in the middle of the lake.
3. Jag Mandir – The Island Palace
The palace is situated in the centre of Lake Pichola which you can reach only via a boat. The Lake Palace is a beautifully created structure called the Jagmandir Palace- one of the most beautiful and expensive royal palaces-turned-hotel for the elite and wealthy. The surrounding water body serves as a respite from the heat of the summer months; therefore, this palace was made as a summer retreat for the royal family.
Ever heard of an oasis, a heaven that transports you to the other end of the world? This palace on the island floating in the centre of Lake Pichola, is a destination that defines the Rajasthani Royalty like no other. Remember the James Bond movie Octopussy starring Roger Moore as Agent 007? The exotic India with beautiful princesses was showcased through the Jag Mandir Palace and rightly so. It states luxury and opulence fit for a Royal.
If you have the means, book yourself a room in the royal palace to experience the charm of being a Maharaja or Maharani in a grand island palace.
The intricate marble carvings, lush gardens, and stunning views of the lake make this a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon. Stroll around the beautifully manicured courtyards and imagine life as a royal in this floating palace.
Why Visit?
Jag Mandir’s location, history, and royal architecture make it one of the best places to visit in Udaipur.
Pro Tip:
Visit in the late afternoon for a quieter experience and enjoy a cup of tea at the restaurant located on the island.
4. Jagdish Temple – A Spiritual Landmark
Jagdish Temple is a Vishnu temple located in the heart of the city of Udaipur. It is visited by devotees all around the year and is a fabulous example of the architectural genius of medieval times. The temple was commissioned by Maharana Jagat Singh and was built in 1651. This temple has a very spiritual significance as well as a touristy attraction.
This medieval structure is built in a classical Indo-Aryan style with exquisitely carved stone pillars, fine ceilings and paintings brought to life by the local masons of the time. Legend says that a whopping 1.5 million Rupees were spent by Maharana Jagat Singh of the royal house of Mewar to erect this monumental temple building with a 79-feet tall Shikhara of the temple overlooking the entire city. The temple is built keeping in view the Vastu principles required to build a temple.
The sanctum sanctorum houses the idol of lord Vishnu, with four smaller shrines around the main deity. The statue of the lord is carved delicately out of a single black stone, leaving you moonstruck with devotion and respect. The deity who serves as the vehicle of Lord Vishnu is Garuda, whose brass image stands like a guard when you enter the main temple.
Whether you’re religious or not, Jagdish Temple provides a calm, contemplative environment and a deep connection to Udaipur’s rich history and traditions.
Why Visit?
The spiritual ambience, impressive carvings, and religious significance make it one of the most visited tourist places in Udaipur.
Pro Tip:
Don’t miss the early morning or evening Aarti (prayer ceremony) when the temple comes alive with devotion and music.
5. Saheliyon Ki Bari – A Lush Escape
If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling city, Saheliyon Ki Bari or ‘The Courtyard of the Maidens’ is your perfect escape. Built by Maharana Sangram Singh for forty-eight ladies who came with the queen as a wedding gift, this garden is a serene combination of lotus pools, marble pavilions, and lush greenery. The fountains, intricately carved kiosks, and beautiful flower beds make this one of the most beautiful places to visit in Udaipur.
Why Visit?
This well-maintained garden offers a refreshing break and is a great spot for photography, making it a top tourist place in Udaipur. The sprawling garden has a marble throne, a bath area with a fountain in the centre, two thousand fountains and four pools around the garden. It indeed feels like a lush garden of Eden that replicates the beauty of nature.
Pro Tip:
Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to enjoy the cool breeze and lesser crowds. The place is open all seven days a week from 9 AM to 7 PM.
6. Fateh Sagar Lake – A Relaxing Day by the Water
Contrary to the opinion about Rajasthan that it has scarce water, the royals of Udaipur made sure the city had adequate water resources. That is why the place is endearingly known as the ‘City of Lakes’. One of Udaipur’s largest lakes, Fateh Sagar is a great spot to unwind and soak in the city’s natural beauty. This artificial lake, surrounded by the Aravalli hills, is less crowded than Lake Pichola, making it perfect for a relaxing boat ride or a peaceful walk along its shores. The lake also houses Nehru Park, a small island with gardens and a cafe, which you can access by boat.
Why Visit?
The combination of scenic beauty and tranquillity makes it one of the best places to visit in Udaipur.
Pro Tip:
For the best experience, visit during sunset when the water reflects the colours of the sky, creating a mesmerizing view. You don’t have to pay any entry fee to visit the lake. The time to visit this lake is between 8 PM to 6 PM. However, you will be required to buy a ticket for a boat ride.
7. Bagore Ki Haveli – A Peek into Royal Life
If you’re fascinated by royal life, a visit to Bagore Ki Haveli is a must. Located on the waterfront of Lake Pichola, this 18th-century haveli (mansion) has been converted into a museum that showcases royal costumes, traditional Rajasthani crafts, and intricate glass and mirror work.
The haveli has a total of 138 rooms, some of which were part of the original haveli made by Amar Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Mewar in the 18th century around the 1750s to 1770s. After the death of Amar Chand, the haveli came under the control of the royals and a hundred years later in 1878, Maharaja Shakti Singh of Bagore extended the mansion and built the famous triple-arched gateway. The building then became known as Bagore ki Haveli. The building fell out of the control of Mewar state after India’s independence and was acquired by the newly formed Government of India. This haveli was used as a residence of several government employees which brought it to a nearly dilapidated state. In 1986, the government decided to restore it back to its glory using traditional methods of construction, that would have been used to build this structure more than 200 years ago.
One of the highlights of visiting Bagore Ki Haveli is the evening cultural show, which features traditional Rajasthani Darohar dance, music, and puppetry. It’s a fun way to experience the vibrant culture of Rajasthan.
Why Visit?
The haveli offers a unique glimpse into Udaipur’s past and its cultural heritage, making it a must-visit tourist place in Udaipur.
Pro Tip:
Don’t miss the evening cultural show, which starts at 7 pm and is a real treat for art and culture lovers. The Haveli is open to the public from 9 AM to 5 PM all days a week. You will have to buy an entry ticket to visit this medieval mansion.
8. Sajjangarh Palace (Monsoon Palace) – A Palace in the Clouds
Perched on Bansdara Hill overlooking Udaipur and Fateh Sagar Lake, the Sajjangarh Palace, also known as the Monsoon Palace, offers a stunning panoramic view of the city, the lakes, and the surrounding hills. Built as an astronomical centre in 1884 and a summer retreat by Maharana Sajjan Singh, this nineteenth century palace gets its name because it was meant to track the monsoon clouds.
Although the palace itself is somewhat in ruins, the view from the top is breathtaking, especially at sunset. The palace offers a peaceful retreat from the city and a chance to appreciate Udaipur’s natural beauty.
Why Visit?
The mesmerizing sunset view and the palace’s location make it one of the top places to visit in Udaipur.
Pro Tip:
Bring a pair of binoculars for a closer look at the lakes and wildlife from the palace’s vantage point.
9. Shilpgram – Udaipur’s Cultural Hub
For those interested in the arts and crafts of Rajasthan, a visit to Shilpgram is highly recommended. Located 3 km west of Udaipur, this rural arts and crafts village showcases traditional Rajasthani and Indian handicrafts, pottery, and textiles. Inaugurated in 1989 by then-Prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, this village is an authentic representation of rural life in India with thatched huts, a village market place and the art/craft of the region. If you are in the city between 21st December to 30th December, you can visit the world-famous Shilpgram festival, which is held during that time of the year. The annual Shilpgram Festival, held in December, is a colourful celebration of folk art, dance, and music.
Why Visit?
Shilpgram is a perfect spot to experience the local culture and shop for unique souvenirs, making it one of the most engaging tourist places in Udaipur.
Pro Tip:
If you’re in Udaipur in December, don’t miss the Shilpgram Festival for a full immersion in the region’s vibrant arts scene.
10. Ahar Cenotaphs – A Historical Tribute
A short drive from Udaipur, the Ahar Cenotaphs is a hidden gem located in the Ahar village, which is around 3km from Udaipur. These beautiful royal memorials, built for the Mewar rulers, showcase impressive architecture and offer a peaceful escape from the city. There are around 250 cenotaphs in the area which have been built over a period of 350 years. You will find 19 umbrella-like structures over some cenotaphs here, which are known as Chhatri. They are built in memory of those 19 Maharajas of the royal house of Mewar who were cremated here. The group of these 250 cenotaphs are locally called as Mahasati. While it is lesser known than other tourist places in Udaipur, the Ahar Cenotaphs provide a deep connection to the city’s history and royal legacy.
Why Visit?
The peaceful atmosphere and stunning architecture make this a great spot for history lovers, making it one of the best offbeat places to visit in Udaipur.
Pro Tip:
Visit during the morning to enjoy the serene surroundings before the heat sets in.
11. Shri Ekling Ji Temple- The Royal Diety of Mewar
One of the oldest temples in the region, Eklingji is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva- the deity of the royal house of Mewar. The temple was built in the 8th century by the great Bappa Rawal and is located at a place called Kailashpuri, which is around 22 Km from the city of Udaipur. The temple is accessible by road and you can hire a cab or drive to the place.
The temple has seen its share of loot from the invasions from the Delhi Sultanate, which reduced this temple to a pile of rubble with broken idols. Later, Maharana Raimal of Mewar (1473-1509) rebuilt the temple and installed the five-faced lingam. Since then, the temple complex has been rebuilt and extended from time to time by the later kings of the region.
The magnificent rock-cut temple has a circumference of sixty feet and its shikhara stands tall at around 50 feet. The frames of the temple are covered in silver with the idols of two sons of the lord, Ganesha and Kartikeya placed on the doors of the temple. The idol of lord Nandi- the vehicle of lord Shiva is placed right in front of the deity on a high platform. The metal used to carve the statue of Nandi is Asthadhatu or eight metals.
Why Visit-
The temple is the spiritual seat of the Kingdom of Mewar where Shiva as Eklingji is the presiding deity. The Maharanas of Udaipur have traditionally ruled as a representative of Eklingji and only the royals can perform Pooja at the temple. Even the priests perform aartis on behalf of Maharana.
So, Eklingji is also the ruler of Mewar, and therefore it becomes all the more reason to pay a visit to the King of the land.
Pro Tips-
Avoid rush hours by visiting early morning from 4 AM to 7 AM or 10:30 AM to 1:30 AM
Evening timings are 5 PM to 7 PM.
Remember there is going to be a lot of rush on days like Shivratri, Makar Sankranti and major festivals. So plan your visit to the temple accordingly.
Udaipur is a city that promises to sweep you off your feet with its royal charm, scenic beauty, and cultural richness. From the breathtaking City Palace to the tranquil Lake Pichola and the vibrant streets of Shilpgram, there’s something for every kind of traveler. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the “City of Lakes” in all its glory. Whether you're looking for a royal retreat, a peaceful escape by the water, or a deep dive into Rajasthani culture, Udaipur has it all.
With its stunning architecture, rich history, and scenic landscapes, Udaipur remains one of India’s most popular and enchanting travel destinations. Every corner of the city tells a story, and each of the tourist places in Udaipur offers a unique glimpse into the city's royal past and vibrant present.
No matter how many times you visit, Udaipur always offers something new. It’s a place where history comes alive and the present feels like a royal dream. So, whether you’re here for a weekend or an extended vacation, make sure to explore every nook and cranny of this beautiful city because, as they say, “In Udaipur, every step is a story.”
