Udaipur packs more architectural and cultural attractions into its compact old city than most Indian destinations manage across an entire region. Built around a chain of artificial lakes in the 16th century, the city’s palaces, temples, gardens, and lakeside viewpoints reward travellers who slow down and explore beyond the obvious checklist. Most attractions cluster within 2-3km of the City Palace complex, making Udaipur unusually walkable for a Rajasthan city. Plan on 2-3 full days to cover the highlights at a comfortable pace. Check the Udaipur weather by month guide for more details. Check the Udaipur travel tips guide for more details.
Things to Do in Udaipur: Palaces and Forts
City Palace Complex
The largest palace complex in Rajasthan, Udaipur’s City Palace was built over nearly 400 years starting in 1559 under Maharana Udai Singh II. It’s not a single building but a series of 11 palaces, courtyards, galleries, and gardens built by successive rulers, each adding their own architectural flourishes. Entry costs Rs 300 for Indian citizens and Rs 700 for foreign nationals (as of 2025). The ticket includes access to the main museum galleries, courtyards like Mor Chowk with its intricate peacock mosaics, and the armory collection. Give yourself 2-3 hours minimum. The palace opens at 9:30am and closes at 5:30pm. Arrive at opening time to beat the midday crowds and heat. Photography is allowed in most areas but a separate camera ticket (Rs 200) is required for DSLRs. The views of Lake Pichola and the Lake Palace Hotel from the palace terraces are the most photographed angle in Udaipur. The complex also houses the Crystal Gallery (separate ticket, Rs 550) displaying the royal collection of F and C Osler crystal ordered from England in 1877. Check the Udaipur events and festivals guide for more details. Check the where to stay in Udaipur guide for more details.
Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh Fort)
Perched on a hilltop 335 metres above the city, the Monsoon Palace was built in 1884 by Maharana Sajjan Singh as an astronomical observation post and monsoon retreat. The palace itself is modest compared to the City Palace, but the 360-degree panoramic views over Udaipur’s lakes, the Aravalli hills, and the desert beyond are unmatched. Entry costs Rs 100 for Indians and Rs 300 for foreigners. The gate opens from 8am to 6pm. Sunset is the most popular time to visit: the white marble of the palace catches golden light and the lakes below reflect the sky. The winding 5km road up takes 20 minutes by auto-rickshaw (Rs 400-500 round trip including waiting time) or taxi. There’s also a hiking trail from the base, roughly 45 minutes uphill on a rocky path.
Things to Do in Udaipur: Lakes and Boat Rides
Lake Pichola Boat Ride
The boat ride on Lake Pichola, departing from the City Palace’s Bansi Ghat, takes you past the ghats, havelis, and the two island palaces: Jag Mandir and the Taj Lake Palace (viewed from outside only). The standard daytime ride costs Rs 400 for Indians and Rs 700 for foreigners and lasts about 45 minutes. The sunset cruise (Rs 700/1,000) departs around 5:30pm in winter and 6pm in summer and is worth the premium for the golden-hour light on the City Palace. Boats run daily but are suspended during heavy monsoon rain. Book at the City Palace ticket counter; during peak season (December-January), afternoon slots often sell out by 2pm, so book in the morning. For a cheaper alternative, the municipal boat jetty near Lal Ghat offers 30-minute rides for Rs 100-150, but doesn’t enter the palace area. Check the best time to visit Udaipur guide for more details.
Fateh Sagar Lake
Built in 1678 and expanded in 1889, Fateh Sagar Lake sits north of the old city and is Udaipur’s largest lake. The three islands in the lake house Nehru Park (a small garden, reached by boat), a solar observatory, and a public park. The 4km road encircling the lake is popular for evening walks and drives, with views of the Aravalli hills. Speedboat rides from the Fateh Sagar Pal (main jetty) cost Rs 100-200 per person. The lake is less touristy than Pichola and draws more local families. Sunset views from the eastern shore are excellent, with the hills silhouetted behind the water. Check the Udaipur neighborhoods guide for more details.
Things to Do in Udaipur: Temples and Spiritual Sites
Jagdish Temple
Built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh, this large Hindu temple sits at the northern end of the City Palace complex, just 150 metres from the palace entrance. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple features a black stone idol and intricate carvings on its three-storey shikhara (spire). Entry is free. The temple is actively used for worship, so remove your shoes at the entrance and dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered). The best time to visit is during the morning aarti (prayer ceremony) around 7am or the evening aarti at 6:30pm, when the temple fills with chanting and bells. The stone elephant at the entrance and the detailed carvings of dancers, musicians, and mythological scenes on the exterior walls are among the finest examples of Mewar temple architecture.
Karni Mata Temple (Ropeway)
The Karni Mata Temple sits on Machla Magra hill south of the old city and is reached by a ropeway (cable car) that departs from near Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park. The ropeway costs Rs 97 for a return ticket and operates from 9am to 9pm. The 3-minute ride offers aerial views of the City Palace, Lake Pichola, and Fateh Sagar Lake. At the top, the small temple is dedicated to Karni Mata (a different deity from the rat temple in Deshnoke) and offers the best elevated city view without the long drive to the Monsoon Palace. The hilltop is windy, especially in winter evenings. Walking up the hill is discouraged: signs warn of panthers and cobras on the trail.
Things to Do in Udaipur: Museums and Culture
Bagore ki Haveli
This 18th-century haveli on the Gangaur Ghat waterfront has been restored into a museum showcasing Mewar aristocratic life. The 138 rooms display turbans, weapons, jewellery, musical instruments, and the world’s largest turban. Entry costs Rs 60 for Indians and Rs 100 for foreigners, with an additional Rs 150 camera fee. The highlight is the Dharohar folk dance show held every evening at 7pm in the haveli’s courtyard (entry Rs 150). The one-hour performance features Rajasthani folk dances including the Chari dance (balancing pots of fire on the head), puppet shows, and live traditional music. Seats fill up 30 minutes before showtime during peak season, so arrive early. The haveli also offers a superb view of Lake Pichola from its upper terraces.
Vintage and Classic Car Museum
Housed in the former Mewar State Motor Garage near the City Palace, this museum displays 20+ vintage cars from the royal household, including a 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II, a 1939 Cadillac, and the Mercedes-Benz 500K that belonged to Maharana Bhagwat Singh. Entry costs Rs 250. The museum is compact (30-45 minutes to see everything) and air-conditioned, making it a good midday activity during summer. The cars are beautifully maintained and the museum also has a small cafe and gift shop.
Things to Do in Udaipur: Gardens and Day Trips
Saheliyon ki Bari (Garden of the Maidens)
Built in the early 18th century by Maharana Sangram Singh II for the royal ladies and their 48 maids, this walled garden on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake features marble pavilions, lotus pools, and elephant-shaped fountains fed by the lake’s water pressure (no pumps required). Entry is Rs 20 for Indians and Rs 50 for foreigners. The garden is small (20-30 minutes to explore) and best visited in the morning before the tour buses arrive. The fountains are most active during and after the monsoon (July-October); during dry months they may be reduced to a trickle.
Shilpgram Crafts Village
Located 7km west of the city centre near Lake Fateh Sagar, Shilpgram is a living museum of rural Rajasthani arts and crafts. Spread over 70 acres, the complex features traditional huts from different regions of western India and working artisan demonstrations of pottery, weaving, block printing, and embroidery. Entry costs Rs 30. The annual Shilpgram Utsav in late December is a major crafts fair drawing artisans from across India, with cultural performances, food stalls, and direct-to-artisan purchases. An auto-rickshaw from the old city costs Rs 200-250 one way.
Ranakpur Jain Temple (Day Trip)
The Ranakpur Jain Temple, 90km northwest of Udaipur (about 2 hours by car), is one of the most spectacular Jain temples in India. Built in the 15th century from white marble, the temple contains 1,444 intricately carved pillars, no two alike. Entry is free but you must be dressed modestly (no shorts, no leather items). The temple is open from 12pm to 5pm for visitors (mornings are reserved for worship). A private taxi for the day trip costs Rs 2,500-3,500 round trip including the drive back to Udaipur. Combine it with a stop at Kumbhalgarh Fort (another 50km further) for a full-day excursion covering two UNESCO-recognized sites.
