Choose from 9 Fun Things to Do in Udaipur
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Kumbhalgarh Fort
Kumbhalgarh Fort is an enormous citadel situated deep in the desert outside of Udaipur. It was built in the 15th century and took over a decade to complete—unsurprising given that its walls stretch some 22 miles (35.4 kilometers) in total. Second in length only to the Great Wall of China, it is sometimes dubbed the "Great Wall of India."
The Basics
Built under Rana Kumbha, the ruler of Mewar, this gargantuan fortress played an important role in keeping rulers safe during times of conflict and war. Udai Singh II, the 16th-century maharana of Mewar who founded Udaipur, was smuggled here from Chittorgarh as an infant.
Kumbhalgarh Fort makes for a quiet getaway from the city of Udaipur. Most day tours to the fort depart from Udaipur, and many tours combine a stop here with a visit to the nearby Ranakpur Jain Temple.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Kumbhalgarh Fort is a must-visit for history buffs and architecture aficionados.
- Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a hat.
- The fort is not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Kumbhalgarh Fort is located in the Rajasthan desert, about a 2.5-hour drive from Udaipur or four hours from the state's most famous fort, Chittorgarh. It's not well connected by public transportation but is a convenient spot to break the journey if traveling by car between Jodhpur and Udaipur. From the fort, it takes about four hours to reach Jodhpur.
When to Get There
The best time to visit Kumbhalgarh Fort is between November and February, the coldest months in Rajasthan. Temperatures begin to rise in March and continue to do so until they peak in late May and into June. Monsoon rains from late June through September help cool things down a bit.
The Hill Forts of Rajasthan
In 2013, UNESCO declared six of Rajasthan's forts, including Kumbhalgarh, a collective World Heritage Site. The other forts that received the honor were Chittor Fort in Chittorgarh, Ranthambore Fort in Sawai Madhopur (near the Ranthambore National Park tiger reserve), Gagron Fort in Jhalawar, Amer Fort on the outskirts of Jaipur, and Jaisalmer Fort in Jaisalmer.
Address: Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajasthan, India
From $ 12
Sajjangarh Palace (Monsoon Palace)
Sajjangarh Palace (known as the Monsoon Palace) is set on a hilltop with fantastic city views. It was originally built as a getaway during the monsoon season and as an astrological center, but the latter project was never finished. The palace has also been used as a royal hunting lodge, and even appeared in the James Bond film Octopussy.
The Basics
High on a hilltop, about 1,100 feet (335 meters) above Lake Pichola, Sajjangarh Palace offers some of the best views in Udaipur. This nine-story palace is made from white marble, carved with intricate floral designs. Most visits take place during the day, as part of a tour of Udaipur, but the palace is a sight to behold when viewed from a distance at night, when it's illuminated with dozens of floodlights.
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Things to Know Before You Go
- Sajjangarh Palace is a must-visit for architecture lovers and history buffs.
- Wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen.
- This sight is not suitable for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Monsoon Palace is located up a steep, winding road, just outside of Udaipur's main city, and it's only accessible by motor vehicle (auto rickshaws are not allowed). Getting there from city center locations such as the City Palace or railway station takes about a half-hour by car.
When to Get There
Udaipur’s weather is most pleasant between November and February, when the sun is not as bright or strong. The hottest months are May and June, and the monsoon from late June through August can make the city feel gloomy (though heavy rainfall usually isn’t an issue here). The palace is open daily 9am to 6pm.
Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary
The palace is surrounded by the beautifully preserved Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, which wraps around the palace and is hemmed in by the Kishan Pol wall. Ironically, the area was previously a shooting reserve, though today the many creatures here, including jackals, wild boars, reptiles, and even tigers and panthers, are protected.
Address: Udaipur, Rajasthan, India, India
Admission: Varies
From $ 14
Sahelion Ki Bari
Well-kept grounds, beautiful fountains, a small museum and towering marble elephants are just part of what makes Sahelion Ki Bari a destination for travelers visiting Udaipur. Its unique history adds to the wonder of this enchanted city escape, since these quiet lotus pools, open pavilions and lush landscapes were originally created as respite for a group of 48 women who traveled with a princess to the city as a part of her marriage dowry. Today, visitors can wander the grounds where queens once watched dancers perform and explore the famous fountains that shower natural lake water in a landscape that visitors describe as almost rainforest-like. Be sure to pack a camera. Despite some noted maintenance needs, Sahelion Ki Bari remains a picture-perfect destination.
Practical Info
Sahelion Ki Bari is located in the northern part of Udaipur.
Address: Saheli Marg, Infront of Satnam Digital Colour Camera Corner, Saheli Nagar, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India 313001, India
From $ 18
Lake Fateh Sagar
This manmade lake in the city of Udaipur is a destination for both locals and travelers looking to escape the energy of busy city streets. Home to three small islands, including Nehru Park, the picturesque blue waters and majestic green mountains serve as a breathtaking backdrop to this quiet respite. Visitors can navigate the calm lake aboard tiny motorboats, which carry travelers to the each of the small islands. Nehru remains the most popular, thanks to a well-kept garden, boat-shaped restaurant and a slightly lackluster zoo. The Udaipur Solar Observatory, ranked top solar observing site in all of Asia, is located on one of the lake’s other islands and draws tourists eager to check out the sky, the sun and the stars.
Practical Info
Fateh Sagar Lake is located in Rajasthan in the city of Udaipur, just north of Lake Pichola. It is easily accessible via public transportation, including local bus, rickshaw or taxi.
Address: Udaipur, Rajasthan, India, India
From $ 15
Jagdish Temple
Jagdish Temple—in the heart of Udaipur's Old City—is a stone's throw from the City Palace. This 3-story structure dates back to 1651 and its architecture is the main draw. Its intricately sculpted bell roof and columns are stunning but it's also worth sticking around to listen to devotional singing—a regular feature here.
The Basics
Most visitors to Udaipur pay at least a cursory visit to the Jagdish Temple, and it's a major stop on most half- and full-day guided tours of the city. Interesting features include a large brass image of Garuda, the half-man, half-eagle steed of the Hindu Lord Vishnu, and the 100-odd pillars depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. Just outside the temple is a slab of marble believed to have curative properties against aches and pains.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The temple is a must-visit for those interested in architecture, history, or religion.
- Remember to wear clothes covering your knees and shoulders.
- Shoes must be removed before entering the temple.
- Entering the temple requires climbing a steep marble staircase with 32 steps.
How to Get There
Jagdish Temple is located in the heart of the Old City of Udaipur, a 2-minute walk from the ticket counter for the City Palace and on the southern end of Chand Pol Bazaar. It's a quick walk from the banks of Lake Pichola, while getting to the Udaipur City railway station in the heart of the busy city center takes about 10 to 15 minutes by car.
When to Get There
The best time to visit Udaipur is between November and February, when temperatures are at their coolest. Things begin to heat up in March and really peak toward the end of May and into June. Monsoons in late June through September cools things down a bit, despite the fact that Udaipur gets less rainfall than many other parts of Northern India, due to its desert climate.
Who is Jagdish?
As the name suggests, this temple is dedicated to Jagdish, a form of the Hindu deity Vishnu more commonly known as Jagannath. He's often associated with Lord Krishna (also an avatar of Vishnu) and is frequently depicted as a black stone, as is the case at the Udaipur Jagdish Temple.
Address: City Palace Complex, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001, India
From $ 7
Udaipur City Palace
The largest palace in all of Rajasthan, the Udaipur City Palace built by Udaipur founder Maharana Udai Singh II, sits perched on hill overlooking the city and Lake Pichola. Construction began on the intricately worked stone structure in 1559 and continued for over 450 years as successive Maharanas added on to the original. Today, the entire complex comprises 11 total palaces connected by maze-like passageways, all maintaining a surprising uniformity given the huge time span during which they were constructed.
The main part of the palace complex now serves as the City Palace Museum, housing a collection of miniatures, ceramics, paintings, inlay glass, antiques and enamel works. The windows throughout the palace offer spectacular views of Lake Pichola, particularly when the water level is normal.
Plan on arriving at the Udaipur City Palace when it opens in the morning if you want to avoid getting herded through the grounds between busloads of tourists. At sunset, take a boat tour of Lake Pichola for the best views of the palace's facade from afar.
The main part of the palace complex now serves as the City Palace Museum, housing a collection of miniatures, ceramics, paintings, inlay glass, antiques and enamel works. The windows throughout the palace offer spectacular views of Lake Pichola, particularly when the water level is normal.
Plan on arriving at the Udaipur City Palace when it opens in the morning if you want to avoid getting herded through the grounds between busloads of tourists. At sunset, take a boat tour of Lake Pichola for the best views of the palace's facade from afar.
Address: Banks of Lake Pichola, India
From $ 14
Pushkar
Not far from Jaipur, Pushkar is one Rajasthan’s most popular towns. This lakefront holy town is among the most picturesque in an already photo-worthy state, with a peaceful lake surrounded by 52 ghats and beautiful hills and temples in the distance.
The Basics
Pushkar is best known for two things: Brahma Temple, one of the few temples on earth dedicated to the Hindu god of creation, and its annual Camel Fair. The fair attracts an interesting mix of devout Hindus and backpackers, though it’s ideal for anyone with an interest in Indian culture and religion or just those looking to take a day trip from Jaipur.
Private walking tours of Pushkar focus on its spiritual and cultural facets, while sightseeing excursions come with a guide and transportation.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wear sunscreen and comfortable shoes; Pushkar is sunny most of the time and a good part of the town is pedestrian-only.
- Most Pushkar temples are not open to foreigners or non-Hindus.
- Pushkar’s dusty roads and many steps make it difficult to navigate with a wheelchair.
- Beware of “special lassis” in restaurants; they may contain a legal cannabis-based mixture known as bhang, which has psychedelic effects.
- Some priests wait by the lake here and try to get unsuspecting tourists to pay for rituals. If someone clad in white offers you a flower to throw into the lake, you may wish to decline.
How to Get There
Pushkar is a few hours’ drive from Jaipur. The easiest way to get there is by car or as part of an organized tour. Travelers can also take a train from Delhi or Jaipur to nearby Ajmer Junction and then switch to a taxi or bus directly to Pushkar.
When to Get There
Pushkar is a year-round destination. It’s at its busiest during the annual Camel Fair, which takes place over a week during the holy month of Kartik (usually in October or November). During this time, hotel rates spike and desert camps open up around the area to provide additional lodging. April to June can be unbearably hot, with temperatures hovering well over 100°F (38°C), while December–February offers relatively cooler temples and fewer tourists.
Pushkar Camel Fair
Pushkar’s biggest draw is its annual camel fair, the largest in the world. Camel traders come to the town from across Rajasthan to sell their camels (and horses) and camelid accessories. There are also plenty of festivities, from moustache-length competitions to camel beauty contests, along with live music, dance, and amusement park-style attractions.
Address: Pushkar, Rajasthan, India
From $ 21
Bagore Ki Haveli
Bagore Ki Haveli is an 18th-century mansion (or haveli), situated by the water’s edge of Lake Pichola at Gangori Ghat in Udaipur. It was built by Amir Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar and served the royalty of Mewar before being left vacant for 50 years. The building has since been restored to its original architectural style and now features a museum.
This grand haveli features more than 100 rooms situated around pleasant courtyards. Some of the rooms have been set up to evoke the period in which the house was inhabited, including the private quarters of the royal ladies; their dressing rooms, bedrooms, living quarters, worship rooms, and recreation areas. Others serve as galleries, displaying an intriguing collection of photographs, royal costumes, unusual monuments, and even the world’s biggest turban.
Bagore Ki Haveli features intricate carvings and colorful glass and mirror work, with peacocks in the Queen’s Chamber created with small pieces of colored glass to dazzling effect.
Practical Info
Bagore Ki Haveli can be easily reached by bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi from the city. Nightly shows are held in the grounds, including cultural performances such as folk songs, dances, and puppet shows.
Address: Lake Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India 313001, India
Hours: Open daily 10am-5pm
Admission: 30 INR
From $ 7
Lake Pichola
Created in 1362, centuries before Udaipur was established, the freshwater Lake Pichola is surrounded by beautiful old palaces, temples, and homes, many dating back hundreds of years. The whitewashed Lake Palace that is situated on an island in the north part of the lake is now a hotel run by the luxury Taj Group.
The Basics
Lake Pichola sits at the heart of old Udaipur, and is accessible from various points along its shores. There are four islands within the lake, including the island where the Lake Palace is located; Jag Mandir, with a palace of the same name; the tiny Mohan Mandir; and Arsi Vilas. Virtually all city tours pass by the lake, and many feature boat rides or sunset cruises on their itineraries.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Lake Pichola is a must-visit for photographers and history lovers.
- Remember insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Boat rides may not be wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Lake Pichola sits at the heart of Udaipur's old town, and it's impossible to avoid seeing it if you're visiting major attractions such as the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, or Chand Pol Bazaar. Those who can afford it may want to consider spending the night at the Taj Lake Palace Hotel, which is on a small island right in the middle of the lake and is accessible only by boat.
When to Get There
The best time to visit Udaipur is between November and February, when temperatures are lower. However, if you can stand a bit of heat and humidity and want to see Lake Pichola at its fullest, September is the best month to visit, just after the monsoon rains have subsided. The hottest months are May and June, while the monsoon from late June through August can make the city feel gloomy.
James Bond in Udaipur
Lake Pichola is perhaps best known as one of the shooting locations for the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy, which is screened regularly in restaurants across Udaipur to this day. The Lake Palace figures prominently in the film, and it’s here that Octopussy’s lair is purportedly located.
Address: India
From $ 14