Udaipur Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Udaipur’s charm lies in its lakes, palaces and hilltop views, with Mewar’s great forts within reach.

• City Palace — A sprawling palace complex on the shore of Lake Pichola, with courtyards, balconies and museums.
• Lake Pichola boat ride — Cruise past ghats and palaces, with views of the Lake Palace and Jag Mandir island.
• Jagdish Temple — A richly carved 17th-century Hindu temple in the heart of the old city.
• Saheliyon ki Bari — Elegant gardens with fountains, lotus pools and marble pavilions.
• Bagore ki Haveli — A historic mansion by Gangaur Ghat, known for its evening folk dance performances.
• Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace) — A hilltop palace offering sweeping sunset views over the lakes and hills.
• Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur — Day-trip to the UNESCO-listed fort with its immense walls and the marble Jain temple of Ranakpur.

Udaipur has a milder climate than Rajasthan’s desert cities, but summers from about April to June are still very hot. The monsoon, from July to September, brings rain that refills the lakes and greens the surrounding hills. Winters are sunny and pleasant, with cool nights.

September to March is the best time to visit, when the lakes are full and the weather is comfortable for walking and boating. The Gangaur festival in spring and Diwali in autumn are colourful times to visit, and the monsoon itself can be atmospheric for travellers who enjoy misty hills and fewer crowds.

Maharana Pratap Airport is at Dabok, east of the city, and the drive to the old city around Lake Pichola usually takes around half an hour or more depending on traffic. It handles domestic flights to major Indian cities.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available at the terminal, and many hotels offer transfers. The old city’s lanes are narrow, so cars may not reach every guesthouse door; auto-rickshaws are handy for short trips within town.

Udaipur offers lakeside heritage hotels, palace stays and simple guesthouses with rooftop views.

• Old city near Lal Ghat — Walking distance to the City Palace and Jagdish Temple; ideal for first-time visitors.
• Hanuman Ghat and Ambrai — Across the water, with classic views of the City Palace and a slightly quieter feel.
• Fateh Sagar Lake area — More residential and relaxed, with hotels near the lakeside promenade.
• Outskirts and hillside resorts — Spacious properties for travellers seeking luxury and calm.

• Money: Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted; keep cash for rickshaws, boat tickets and small shops.
• Getting around: The old city is best explored on foot; use auto-rickshaws or ride-hailing apps for longer trips.
• Etiquette: Dress modestly at temples and ghats, and remove shoes where required.
• Sunsets: Rooftop cafés and hilltop viewpoints get busy at sunset, so arrive a little early.
• Health: Drink bottled or filtered water and carry sun protection, especially on day trips to forts.