Udaipur was once named by a colonel of the British Raj as ‘the most romantic spot on the continent of India’. Skyscanner is ready with the list of top places to visit in Udaipur!
1. City Palace
The sprawling City Palace was built by the kings of the Mewar dynasty over a staggering 400 years! Built atop a ridge facing the Lake Pichola, the architecture is infused with Rajput and Mughal styles. Granite and marble were used in the construction, and the interiors are laced with exquisite inlays of mirrors, colored glass, paintings and murals. Enter the palace complex from the Badi Pol in the north or through Chander Chowk in the south.
Best time to visit: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Reasonable time to be spent: 120 to 180 minutesTips: Catch ‘The Mewar Sound and Light Show’ at the Manek Chowk from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
2. Monsoon Palace or Sajjan Garh
This 19th century palace on a hilltop has seen better days. Still, if you dig sunset views over cityscapes, plan a trip. It is arguably the best place to view a sunset in Udaipur.
Best time to visit: At sunsetReasonable time to be spent: 90 to 120 minutesTips: The Sajjan Garh wildlife sanctuary located at the foot of the hill is a biological park. An electric golf cart ride is available, and you can spot bears, chitals, sambars, jackals, crocodiles amongst other animals.
3. Lake Pichola and its Ghats
Pichola is the most famous among the many lakes developed in and around Udaipur city.The lake has four islands, including the Jag Niwas on which the iconic Lake Palace was built. If visiting Udaipur during the Mewar & Gangaur festivals in spring, witness the festivities at the eponymous Gangaur Ghat. Married women carry idols of Goddess Gauri in a colourful procession to the Ghat, and submerge the idols in Lake Pichola.
Best time to visit: At sunsetTips: Boat rides are available from Rameshwar Ghat (every hour) and Lal Ghat. You can make a pit stop at the Jagmandir Island, the palace at the island was built by Maharana Karan Singh II in 1620.
4. Saheliyon-ki-Bari
This picturesque patchwork of gardens was designed by Maharana Sangram Singh for his bride queen and the 48 maids who accompanied her. The beautiful pavilions, fountains, pools and marble elephants add to the royal charm.Timings: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.Reasonable time to be spent: 45 to 60 minutes
5. Bagore Ki Haveli Museum
Bagore ki Haveli – a well restored mansion near the Gangaur Ghat – is a must among places to see in Udaipur. A few of the 130 odd rooms have been recreated to give a glimpse of the life in the 18th-century era.
Best time to visit: At 7 p.m. every evening, Rajasthani artists put up a cultural performance with puppet shows, folk dances, magic show et al. Reach the venue well before 7 p.m. to ensure a seat.Reasonable time to be spent: 120 minutesTips: Do not forget to check out the 30-inch high pagdi or turban at the museum, it stakes a claim to being the world’s largest.
By KaranKapoor1314 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
6. Maharana Pratap Samarak
An ode to the famous Rajput king – Maharana Pratap, the 18th- century memorial is located on top of Moti Magri or the Pearl Hill that overlooks the Fateh Sagar lake. The life size bronze statue of the warrior king on his horse – the Chetak – is impressive.
Best time to visit: 9.00 a.m – 5.30 p.m.Reasonable time to be spent: 120 minutesTips: Check out the historical paintings on display at the Hall of Heroes museum nearby.
7. Places to eat in Udaipur
Recommended restaurants in Udaipur include Ambrai and Upre (both offer panoramic views of Lake Pichola). Parkview Restaurant at Bapu Bazar Rd is a favorite among locals and offers Indian, Chinese and Continental meals. If you dig organic, try Millets of Mewar at Hanuman Ghat where meals are prepared using local and gluten-free ingredients.
For exploring the city on a cycle, try the Lakecity Loop – Countryside Bike Tour.
Plan to spend three to four days in Udaipur. The best season to visit Udaipur is winter. The Udaipur Airport, also known as Maharana Pratap airport or Dabok airport, is located at a distance of 22 km east of Udaipur. It is well-connected to all the major cities of the country including Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jodhpur and several other cities across the country.
