Udaipur is one of those cities where the surroundings are almost as interesting as the attractions themselves. You can be standing inside a centuries-old palace in the morning, walking through a busy old-city lane a little later, and then watching the Aravalli hills reflect across a lake by evening.
Known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur was founded in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the new capital of Mewar. Its location among the Aravalli hills, along with its lakes, palaces, temples, and old neighbourhoods, gives the city a character that is quite different from the desert landscapes associated with many other parts of Rajasthan.
If you are looking for the best places to visit in Udaipur, there is plenty to choose from. Some attractions are famous for their history and architecture, while others are simply worth visiting for the views and atmosphere. If you are looking for the best places to visit in Udaipur, this guide covers the city’s major attractions along with a few quieter spots worth exploring.
The places to visit in Udaipur range from grand palaces and historic temples to peaceful lakes and gardens. Here are some of the places that can give you a good feel for Udaipur without making your trip all about ticking attractions off a list.
1. City Palace
If you are visiting Udaipur for the first time, City Palace is one place that deserves proper time rather than a quick stop for photographs.
The palace complex stands above Lake Pichola and is made up of courtyards, terraces, balconies, corridors, pavilions, and several interconnected palace structures. What makes it particularly interesting is that the complex developed over different periods under the rulers of Mewar rather than being built as one single structure.
Inside, you will find museum collections and architectural details that tell you much more about the history of the Mewar region. The Mor Chowk, with its detailed peacock mosaics, is one of the better-known parts of the complex, while the Chini Chitrashala is known for its decorative ceramic work.
And then there are the views. From different parts of the palace, you can look across Lake Pichola toward the surrounding hills and historic buildings.
Why visit: History, architecture, museum collections, and some of the best views over Lake Pichola. Among the many places to visit in Udaipur, City Palace is one of the most impressive attractions for first-time visitors.
2. Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola is probably the first place that comes to mind when people picture Udaipur.
The freshwater lake is surrounded by the old city, hills, palaces, and ghats. The islands of Jagniwas and Jagmandir are located within the lake, while City Palace stretches along its eastern side.
One of the most popular ways to experience the lake is by boat, particularly around sunset. From the water, the relationship between the lake, City Palace, and the surrounding architecture becomes much easier to appreciate.
But you do not necessarily need to take a boat ride to enjoy Lake Pichola. Walking around the nearby ghats or finding a good viewpoint can be just as enjoyable if you want to keep things simple. Lake Pichola is one of the most scenic places to visit in Udaipur, especially if you want to experience the city’s lakeside setting.
Why visit: Lake views, sunset, photography, boat rides, and the classic Udaipur atmosphere.
3. Jagdish Temple
Located close to City Palace, Jagdish Temple is one of the easiest historical attractions to add to a visit to the old city.
The temple was built in 1651 during the reign of Maharana Jagat Singh I and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Its three-storey structure is known for carved pillars, detailed ceilings, and other architectural elements associated with the Indo-Aryan style.
The temple itself is worth seeing, but the surrounding streets are also part of the experience. Once you leave the main palace area, Udaipur starts to feel less like a collection of monuments and more like a living city, with shops, cafés, houses, and narrow lanes around you. Jagdish Temple is one of the historic places to visit in Udaipur and can easily be included while exploring the old city.
Why visit: Historic architecture, religious significance, and its location in the heart of old Udaipur.
4. Fateh Sagar Lake
Fateh Sagar Lake has a different feel from Lake Pichola. It is surrounded by hills and wooded areas, making it a nice place to experience the more open and scenic side of Udaipur.
The artificial lake lies north of Lake Pichola and contains three small islands. The largest is Nehru Island, while another is home to a public park and the third contains the Udaipur Solar Observatory. The islands can be accessed by motorboat.
Even if you do not take a boat ride, spending some time around the lake is worthwhile. The combination of water, hills, and greenery makes it particularly pleasant when the weather is comfortable.
It is also a good place to visit if you want a break from palaces and museums. For travellers who enjoy peaceful lake views, Fateh Sagar Lake is among the popular places to visit in Udaipur.
Why visit: Hillside views, lake scenery, greenery, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
5. Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace
Sajjangarh, better known as the Monsoon Palace, sits on top of the Bansdara hills just outside Udaipur.
The 19th-century palace was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh. It was originally planned as an astronomical centre, but that plan was not completed following his early death. It later became associated with the monsoon season and served as a hunting lodge.
Today, one of the biggest reasons people visit is the location. From the hilltop, you get a much wider view of Udaipur and the surrounding landscape than you do from the city itself.
This is especially appealing around the later part of the day when the landscape starts changing with the light. The Monsoon Palace is one of the most distinctive places to visit in Udaipur for panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
Why visit: Hilltop views, sunset, photography, and a different perspective of Udaipur.
6. Saheliyon Ki Bari
After grand palaces and busy streets, Saheliyon Ki Bari offers something much quieter.
The name translates roughly to the Garden of the Maidens, and the garden was built during the reign of Maharana Sangram Singh II. It contains fountains, marble features, kiosks, greenery, and a lotus pool.
The attraction does not require the same amount of time as City Palace, which makes it a useful addition to a Udaipur sightseeing plan.
It is also a nice place for travellers who enjoy gardens and architecture but want a slower experience after visiting some of the city’s busier attractions. Saheliyon Ki Bari is another interesting addition to your list of places to visit in Udaipur, especially if you enjoy gardens and historic architecture.
Why visit: Gardens, fountains, marble work, greenery, and a quieter atmosphere.
7. Bagore Ki Haveli
Bagore Ki Haveli sits near Gangaur Ghat on the waterfront of Lake Pichola.
The 18th-century haveli was built by Amar Chand Badwa, who served as Prime Minister of Mewar. The building contains more than a hundred rooms displaying costumes, artwork, and other objects, while its interiors feature traditional glass and mirror work.
Its location is another reason to include it. You can combine a visit with time around Gangaur Ghat and the nearby old-city streets instead of treating it as an isolated attraction.
Bagore Ki Haveli is also associated with the Dharohar cultural show, which showcases traditional Rajasthani music, dance, and performances. Rajasthan Tourism lists the show as one of the experiences available at the haveli. If you are exploring Udaipur’s heritage, Bagore Ki Haveli is another of the places to visit in Udaipur worth considering.
Why visit: Haveli architecture, local culture, traditional interiors, and its lakeside location.
8. Jag Mandir
Jag Mandir is an island palace located on Lake Pichola.
Construction began around 1620 and was completed around 1652. The palace was used by the royal family as a summer retreat and for hosting events.
The palace is particularly interesting because its history is connected with Prince Khurram, who later became Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Rajasthan Tourism notes that he was given shelter here during his rebellion against his father, Jahangir.
Today, the island setting is a major part of its appeal. Seeing the palace from the water gives you a different perspective from visiting the mainland attractions. A visit to Jag Mandir adds a different experience to the list of places to visit in Udaipur, with its island setting on Lake Pichola.
Why visit: Island palace, history, architecture, and Lake Pichola views.
9. Doodh Talai
Doodh Talai is a smaller lake area located close to Lake Pichola and surrounded by small hills.
It is particularly known for its gardens and viewpoints. The Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park and Manikya Lal Verma Garden are located around the Doodh Talai area.
Because it is close to Lake Pichola, it can be an easy place to include if you are already exploring the southern side of the old city.
The appeal here is less about seeing a major monument and more about getting another perspective of Udaipur’s lakes and hills. Doodh Talai is one of the quieter places to visit in Udaipur when you want to enjoy views of the lakes and surrounding hills.
Why visit: Scenic viewpoints, gardens, and views around Lake Pichola.
10. Shilpgram
If you want to see something beyond palaces and lakes, Shilpgram is worth considering.
Located around 7 kilometres west of Udaipur near Fateh Sagar Lake, Shilpgram is a rural arts and crafts complex spread across about 70 acres. Rajasthan Tourism describes it as a living museum representing the lifestyles and traditions of folk and tribal communities from western India.
The experience here is quite different from visiting City Palace. Instead of royal architecture, the focus is on traditional crafts, rural life, and cultural expression.
It can be particularly interesting for travelers who want to understand more of Rajasthan’s artistic traditions rather than only visiting its famous monuments. For travellers interested in local crafts and culture, Shilpgram is one of the cultural places to visit in Udaipur.
Why visit: Folk culture, traditional crafts, rural architecture, and a different side of Rajasthan.
Other Places to Explore in and Around Udaipur
The attractions above are not the only options.
If you have more time, Udaipur also has places such as Ahar Museum, Moti Magri, Gulab Bagh, Udai Sagar Lake, and Jaisamand Lake. Rajasthan Tourism includes these among Udaipur’s attractions and surrounding destinations.
Ahar Museum, for example, is close to a group of historic cenotaphs and has archaeological collections including pottery and sculptures.
Jaisamand Lake is farther from the main city and therefore makes more sense when you have extra time rather than trying to squeeze it into a short sightseeing plan.
This is why it helps to decide what kind of Udaipur experience you want before choosing every attraction. You may prefer history and architecture, lakes and viewpoints, or local art and culture.
Things to Do in Udaipur
Although the focus of this guide is on places to visit, a few experiences naturally fit into your sightseeing. Exploring the places to visit in Udaipur is only one part of the experience; spending time around the lakes, markets, and local areas adds another side to the trip.
Take a Boat Ride on Lake Pichola
A boat ride is one of the most recognizable Udaipur experiences. Around sunset, you get views of Lake Pichola, City Palace, Jag Mandir, and the surrounding hills from the water.
Explore the Old City
Don’t limit your Udaipur experience to monuments. Walk through the older neighbourhoods, browse local shops, and take time to notice the architecture around the streets.
Visit a Local Market
Udaipur’s markets are known for handicrafts, textiles, artwork, decorative items, and traditional products. Rajasthan Tourism also highlights the city’s shopping scene and traditional crafts.
Watch a Cultural Performance
If you are interested in Rajasthan’s performing arts, a traditional cultural show at Bagore Ki Haveli can add something different to a sightseeing-focused trip.
Best Time to Visit Udaipur
The cooler months are generally more comfortable for exploring Udaipur because many attractions involve walking and outdoor sightseeing.
October to March is a popular period for visiting, especially for travelers who want to spend considerable time outdoors.
Summer afternoons can be hot, so sightseeing may feel more comfortable if you plan outdoor attractions around the cooler parts of the day.
The monsoon season can give the city a greener appearance and can make the lakes and surrounding hills particularly scenic. However, weather conditions can affect outdoor plans, so checking the forecast before your visit is sensible.
Rather than choosing a season only because it is considered the “best,” think about what matters most to you—comfortable sightseeing, fewer crowds, greener surroundings, or a particular travel experience. The right season can make exploring the places to visit in Udaipur much more comfortable, particularly when you plan to spend several hours outdoors.
Where to Stay in Udaipur
The best area to stay depends on what you want from the trip.
Old City: Convenient for City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Bagore Ki Haveli, markets, restaurants, and several Lake Pichola attractions.
Around Lake Pichola: A good option if lake views and the historic side of the city are important to you.
Other parts of the city: These can offer a quieter stay, but you may spend more time travelling to the main attractions.
For a short visit, choosing a convenient location can make a noticeable difference. You will spend less time travelling between attractions and more time actually exploring Udaipur.
What to Eat in Udaipur
Food is another easy way to experience Rajasthan beyond its monuments.
Try dal baati churma if you want a traditional Rajasthani meal. You can also look for local kachori, Rajasthani thali, and regional sweets.
The old city has plenty of restaurants and cafés, so you can easily combine meals with sightseeing rather than travelling across town just to find a particular restaurant.
If you have dietary preferences, check the ingredients and preparation style before ordering.
Practical Tips for Exploring Udaipur
Udaipur is not a destination where you need to plan every minute, but a few things are worth keeping in mind. Since many of the popular places to visit in Udaipur are spread across different parts of the city, planning your visits by area can save time.
Wear comfortable footwear. Palace complexes, old-city lanes, gardens, and markets involve walking.
Keep some flexibility in your plans. A lake view or interesting market can easily deserve more time than you expected.
Check attraction timings before visiting. Opening hours, ticket prices, shows, and visitor arrangements can change.
Group nearby attractions together. This will save unnecessary travel time, particularly around the old city and Lake Pichola.
Carry sun protection and water. This is especially important during warmer months.
Don’t judge the city only by its famous monuments. Some of Udaipur’s character comes from its streets, ghats, markets, and everyday surroundings.
If this is one of your first trips, you can also check out our guide on 10 Tips for First-Time Travelers for some useful travel advice.
For current tourism information and destination updates, check the official Rajasthan Tourism website.
FAQ’S About Places to Visit in Udaipur
Two days can cover many of Udaipur’s major attractions, while three days gives you more flexibility to explore additional places without rushing.
- What are the most popular places to visit in Udaipur?
City Palace, Lake Pichola, Jagdish Temple, Fateh Sagar Lake, Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Bagore Ki Haveli, and Jag Mandir are among the city’s well-known attractions.
2. Is Lake Pichola worth visiting?
Yes. Lake Pichola is one of the defining features of Udaipur, and you can experience it from the lakeside or by taking a boat ride. Sunset is a popular time for a boat ride because of the views of City Palace and the surrounding area.
3. Is Monsoon Palace inside Udaipur city?
Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace is just outside the main city area, on the Bansdara hills. It is particularly known for its elevated position and panoramic views.
4. Which place is best for Udaipur views?
Lake Pichola provides classic city-and-palace views, while Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace offers a much broader elevated view of Udaipur and the surrounding landscape.
5. Is Udaipur only about palaces and lakes?
Not at all. Along with palaces and lakes, Udaipur has temples, havelis, museums, gardens, markets, traditional arts, and cultural performances. Places such as Bagore Ki Haveli and Shilpgram offer a different perspective on the city’s culture.
Conclusion
Udaipur is more than a collection of beautiful palaces photographed beside a lake. Its appeal comes from the way history, architecture, water, hills, markets, and everyday city life come together.
The places to visit in Udaipur range from the grand City Palace and historic Jagdish Temple to the quieter gardens of Saheliyon Ki Bari, the open views around Fateh Sagar Lake, and the hilltop setting of Monsoon Palace.
You don’t necessarily need to rush through every attraction to enjoy the city. Pick the places that match your interests, leave some room to explore the old streets, and give yourself time to simply enjoy the lakes and surrounding landscape.
That balance is what makes Udaipur worth visiting—not just for the famous photographs, but for the experience of being in a city where the scenery and history are part of everyday life. From historic palaces and temples to lakes and gardens, the places to visit in Udaipur offer a good mix of history, architecture, and scenic views.