The ‘city of lakes’ Udaipur is a paradise for those who love forts, lakes, palaces, historical grandeur, colourful handicrafts and romantic evenings. Knows for its Rajputana-era architecture and stunning sunsets, the city is known as one of the most romantic places in the subcontinent, also a city where the elite have their ‘destination weddings’.
Unfortunately a couple of historic palaces such as Lake Palace and Fateh Prakash Palace are not open to public viewing as they have been converted into ‘5-star luxury hotels’. On the bright side, you can book a stay in these heritage hotels and feel like a royal. A day in Udaipur will transport you back to a glorious chapter in Indian history. Find below the best places to see in Udaipur for a day.
Places To Visit In Udaipur For A Day: Palaces
1. Udaipur City Palace
The palace that took 400 years to construct, a foremost architectural achievement made in granite marble with Rajputana, Mughal and European styles, full of balconies, cupolas, courtyards, murals, and wall paintings, silver work and mirror work.
The highlights of the palace are Badi Mahal Great Palace, Amar Vilas, Suraj Gokhda, Dilkhush Mahal, Mor Chowk and Sheesh Mahal. A part of the palace is converted into a museum. Take an audio tour to best understand the history of the palace. You will have to spend at least two hours to finish the tour.
- Where: City Palace Complex
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2. Monsoon Palace
Also known as Sajjangarh Palace, this gigantic palace has the most amazing sunset view in Udaipur. It is a hilltop residence that overlooks the Fateh Sagar Lake. The white marble palace was built to track the monsoon clouds, has high turrets and sprawling centre court and intricate floral designs.
Visit this palace to catch a glimpse of the sun setting over the city of Udaipur and take excellent photos of the panorama.
- Where: Kodiyat
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3. Jag Mandir Palace
This gargantuan 3-storeyed marble palace is a treat for the eyes. You can reach here through a boat ride as it is on a little island on the lake.
The impressive sites are Gul Mahal, the garden courtyard and palace of stones. Visit for the enjoyable boat ride.
- Where: Lake Pichola
- Where to Stay : Hotels near Jag Mandir Udaipur
Also Read : 13 Spectacular Places to Visit in Udaipur at Night
4. Bagore Ki Haveli
This grand old palace has 138 rooms, a number of courtyards and balconies where intricate glass and mirror work is on display along with costumes, Mewar paintings and modern art.
Interesting items to view are artefacts from Rajputana culture such as jewellery boxes, hand fans, hukkas, etc. The local artists put up a folk dance performance in the evening which is not to be missed.
- Where: Near Pichola Lake
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Also check the Hotels near Luv Kush Indoor Stadium Udaipur
Places To Visit In Udaipur For A Day: Lakes
5. Lake Pichola
A stunning artificial freshwater lake that was built in the 14th century, Lake Pichola has several islands inbuilt and is home to many palaces and residences. Jag Mandir is a famous temple located on the lake.
During evenings, the lights reflect on the waters from surrounding structures making it the most romantic spot you’d ever have seen. A boat ride on the lake during sunset is a must for an out-of-the-world experience and great photo ops.
- Where: Lake Pichola Road
Suggested to Read : 10 Reasons To Visit Lake Pichola in Udaipur
6. Fateh Sagar Lake
Another freshwater lake north of Pichola Lake, Fateh Sagar Lake is home to Nehru Park and Udaipur Solar Observatory.
The lake looks splendid with azure waters during sunsets and sunrise. Visit for a morning walk or a pleasant evening boat ride.
- Where: Rani Road
Also check the Hotels near Sukhadia Circle Udaipur
Places To Visit In Udaipur For A Day: Specialty Museums
1. Vintage Cars Museum
A dollop of antique, heritage cars! Visit the Vintage Collection of Cars Museum in Udaipur to be stunned by Cadillacs, Chevrolets, Rolls Royce, Mercedes and convertibles from the bygone era.
These cars were previously owned by Maharajas. There are 20 vintage cars on display, visit if you are a vintage car enthusiast, or are with kids. Otherwise, you can skip it.
- Where: Sajjan Niwas Garden
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2. Shilpgram
Highly recommended to experience the highly immersive Rajasthani culture. The rural arts and crafts complex is a living testimony to the lifestyles of tribals and natives of the western zone, displayed in form of huts and displays.
Clothes, pottery, handmade items, jewellery – shops here display and sell every kind of fantastic native art by tribals of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Konkan. You’d be swept off your feet by the ambience.
- Where: Rani Road
Also check the Hotels near Ambrai Ghat Udaipur
3. Crystal Gallery
The best crystal of Mewar and places around the world on display. Visit the Crystal Gallery if you like objects made of crystal. The displays include chandeliers, beds, tables, sofas, chairs, artefacts, all together forming the largest private collection of crystal in the world.
Check out the flora danica collection, fountains, dressing tables and mirror table tops, some of their finest pieces.
- Where: Fateh Sagar Palace
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Places To Visit In Udaipur For A Day: Parks
1. Saheliyon Ki Badi
A popular park in Udaipur with many fountains, lotus pond, marble elephants, landscaped gardens, beautiful flowers and a small museum, Saheliyon Ki Badi is ‘Garden of Maids’.
The centre has black marble kiosks that are its main attraction, along with displays of royal household objects, the garden was once a recreation park for Maharana Sangram Singh’s queen and her lady friends.
- Where: Fateh Sagar Lake
Also check the Hotels near District And Sessions Court Udaipur
2. Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary
A green haven for animal lovers. The Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephant, white tiger, lion, porcupine, zebra, rhino, and a number of reptiles.
The park stretch is long so ride along in a battery-operated car and enjoy the views.
Avoid in summers as it gets too hot. Visit the Tiger Lake in the sanctuary if time permits.
- Where: Near Sajjangarh Palace
Places To Visit In Udaipur For A Day: Temples
1. Eklingji Temple
This manifestation of Shiva is a revered Mewar idol and a famous pilgrimage place in Rajasthan. There are 108 shrines and Nandi and Shiva deities. The temple carvings are ancient and aesthetic.
The carved pillars and pyramid shaped roofs are wonderful to look at. Each the famous mirchi wadas and kachoris sold outside the temple.
Where: Siyol
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2. Saas Bahu Temple
An epic 10th century temple, the Sahasra Bahu Temple is dedicated to Vishnu. Unlike popular belief, the name actually means one with thousand arms. But the story says that the temples were built for mom-in-law and daughter-in-law.
The temple has stellar architecture with carefully carved pillars and walls on geometrically shaped framework. The temple is on the list of heritage sites by Archeological Survey of India, must visit for history lovers.
- Where: Nagda Village
3. Jagdish Temple
A huge temple which has been a place of worship since 17th century, Jagdish Temple is simply splendid. It is built in the Maha Maru architectural style with ornate carvings, carved ceilings, and steep steps.
There is an interesting statue of Garuda at the entrance. The very large temple has three storeys. Must visit for religion and architecture.
- Where: Akruti Complex
Also check the Hotels near Chetak Circle Udaipur
Places To Visit In Udaipur For A Day: Landmarks
1. Gangaur Ghat
A famous ghat on Lake Pichola, Gangaur Ghat is a local landmark where many religious festivals are celebrated. Walk around to experience the local buzz and take good pictures of the busy area of this old part of Udaipur.
The ghat is famous due to Gangaur Festival where locals dress up in honour of Shiva procession and during Navratri.
- Where: Lake Pichola
Also check the Hotels in Chandpole Udaipur
2. Maharana Pratap Memorial
A bronze statue that commemorates a great warrior, the memorial must be visited for a good photo op. On a small hilltop, the statue shows the gallant king on his legendary horse Chetak.
There is a small museum which narrates his history and a garden nearby, all interesting tourist spots for history buffs.
- Where: Moti Magri
The city of lakes will enchant you with its splendor and culture. Plan your trip to Udaipur at the earliest to immerse in a magical land where time stands still. Drop questions and comments below.
Book pleasant stays with hotels in udaipur.