Ah Udaipur! The grand White City of Rajasthan – the city of lakes – the Venice of the East – there’s something very special about this place. Udaipur is a pleasant surprise in arid Rajasthan as this green city of seven lakes lies within a circle of hills. The sightseeing places in Udaipur takes you back to the time of Maharajas with its royal wonders. However, despite its basically historical character, it has a romantic and the perfect setting for a memorable honeymoon.
Here are some must see places and activities while in Udaipur:
Top Sightseeing Places in Udaipur and Things to Do
A city that looks like a painting brought to life, is truly the jewel of Rajasthan. Here are some must see places and activities while in Udaipur:
1. City Palace – The pride of Udaipur. This huge 450 year old palace is built on top of a hill and offers a panoramic view of the city and Lake Pichola from the top. Its stunning interiors are richly decorated with traditional mosaic art, mirror work and artefacts, which tell the stories of the various kings who resided here over hundreds of years.
2. Lake Pichola – This beautiful, sparkling lake is surrounded by the green Aravalli hills and is the crown jewel of Udaipur. A boat ride in the evening with the cool breeze blowing over the water and the sun setting, is the perfect way to enjoy the serenity and romance of the moment. Many places of tourist interest are located around this lake and you get to savour the views of the City Palace, Jag Mandir and Lake Palace while enjoying your boat ride.
3. Jagmandir Island Palace – This is a place straight out of a fairy tale. As you glide across the peaceful Lake Pichola on a boat, this gorgeous beauty suddenly catches your sight. The setting is like something out of a dream. The reflection of this dreamy, peaceful palace with its intricately carved walls is a delight to behold. The palace has been turned into an opulent hotel now and you can enjoy delicious cuisine in the restaurant while taking in the beauty of the lake around.4. Bagore ki Haveli – This 18th-century erstwhile royal residence lies on the banks of Lake Pichola. It has now been converted into a museum and showcases royal Rajasthani artifacts, jewellery and costumes. The evenings here are popular as they are highlighted by delightful folk dance and puppet shows.
5. Lake Palace – Built inside Lake Pichola, this magnificent palace, an erstwhile royal summer residence, is now a luxury hotel of the Taj Group and one of the best in the world. It is one of the major attractions in Udaipur that can be reached only by a boat ride and provides an extraordinary experience of living royalty to the guests.
6. Horse riding at Aravalli hills – Enjoy the thrill of riding a pure breed Marwari horse, through the narrow hilly trails and panoramic views of the terrain, encountering the colourful local life and villages on the way. The horses are fully trained and are suitable even for beginners.
7. Saheliyon ki Bari – This is a charming garden situated in the heart of the city. It was built for the purpose of relaxation and rejuvenation of the queens. The rich green foliage, sound sensitive fountains, lotus ponds and marble sculptures and pavilions make for a refreshing treat for the visitors. This garden is a picture perfect spot for visitors.
8. Sajjangarh Palace – Also known as the Monsoon Palace, this beautiful palace is situated on a hilltop near the Fatehsagar Lake and offers breathtaking view of Udaipur city. It was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh to enjoy the cool breeze of the monsoon season, along with the mesmerizing panoramic views. You can take a vehicle or even trek to the palace.
9. Shilpgram – A visit to this living mirror of the traditional art and craft of Rajasthan is nothing short of a treasure trove for the curious visitors. Artisans from Rajasthan display their various handicrafts in real style huts. You can also see artisans making pottery, weaving clothes and making interesting pieces of handicrafts. Visitors can also buy these products from Shilpgram.
10. Vintage Car Museum -This centrally located museum offers a peak into the vintage car collection of the erstwhile royals of the Mewar dynasty who ruled Udaipur. Set up in the year 2000, this museum is owned by Rana Arvind Singh and has on display an array of 22 fascinating vintage beauties like Rolls Royce, Cadillacs, Fords, Vauxhalls, Mercedes and many more. This is an unmissable treat when exploring Udaipur best places to see, to have a glimpse of the aplomb of the Maharajas.
11. Dining at Sheesh Mahal – Enjoy a perfect dinner in royal style at the Sheesh Mahal restaurant in Hotel Leela Palace on the banks of Lake Pichola. It is one of the best places to visit in Udaipur at night where you can savour the authentic Rajasthani cuisine with spectacular night views of the sparkling City Palace and the magnificent Lake palace.
Udaipur best tourist places for the Shopaholics!
You cannot think of visiting Udaipur best tourist places and not buying anything traditional that this interesting city has to offer. Udaipur has several local bazaars that catch the fancy of the tourists.
The Hathi Pol Bazaar near the City Palace is all about artistic paintings depicting stories from the Hindu epics, wooden handicrafts that remind you of a bygone royal era and the rustic Pichwai Art, which gently takes your imagination to a village scene.
The Bada Bazaar is lively and fascinating, teeming with colourful traditional clothes both for men and women, embroidered mojris and handcrafted ethnic jewellery. Here you can buy bandhani sarees, colourful turbans, silver jewellery, camel leather bags and a lot more. At the nearby Mochiwada Bazaar, you can get customised leather shoes, prepared instantly on order.
Another captivating small market is the one at Chetak Circle where you can shop souvenirs for your friends. The market is teeming with puppets, brassware and home décor items.
The Jagdish Chowk bazaar near the Jagdish Temple us all about spiritual symbols and marble idols. The whole market has a serene environment and to top it all, it has a number of rooftop cafes from where you can enjoy a view of Lake Pichola.
