Discover Udaipur, the picturesque “City of Lakes,” nestled in the scenic Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan. Prepare to be captivated as you explore a tapestry of airy palaces, serene lakes, and stunning gardens. Marvel at the magnificent Lake Palace, take a leisurely stroll through Jag Mandir, and indulge in a boat ride on the shimmering waters of Lake Pichola.
Lose yourself in the charm of the old city’s narrow streets, visit the Saheliyon-ki-Bari gardens, and witness a breathtaking sunset from the Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace. Udaipur’s timeless beauty and regal splendor await, offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of Rajasthan.
Best Time to Visit Udaipur
Udaipur in winter (October to March)
In the winter, immersing yourself in Udaipur’s rich culture offers numerous possibilities. Udaipur experiences a mild and temperate climate during winter, making it ideal for outdoor activities and tourism.
- Festivals and Events: Winter in Udaipur is filled with vibrant festivals and cultural events. The famous Mewar Festival, held in March or April, showcases traditional music, dance performances, and a colorful procession, adding to the city’s cultural charm.
- Outdoor Activities: Winter weather allows for enjoyable outdoor activities in Udaipur. You can take boat trips on the scenic Lake Pichola, go on bike or camel safaris to explore the countryside, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenades.
- Wildlife Viewing: Winter is an excellent time for wildlife enthusiasts because it is the breeding season for many animals. Nearby wildlife sanctuaries like Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary offer opportunities to observe a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Udaipur is beautiful year-round, yet some times are better than others. Here are some reasons to avoid visiting Udaipur during summer:
Udaipur in Summer (April to June)
Udaipur endures blistering summer temperatures. Extreme heat can make outdoor activities unpleasant and stressful. Summer months are marked by dry and dusty weather, which can affect visibility and cause discomfort, especially for those with respiratory disorders.
- Limited Outdoor Activities: During the day, the hot temperature limits outdoor activities and sightseeing opportunities. Exploring attractions in the hot sun can be difficult.
Udaipur in Monsoon (July to September)
Udaipur receives significant rainfall during the monsoon season. Heavy downpours can disrupt outdoor plans, hinder sightseeing, and create slippery and muddy conditions.
- Restricted Lake Activities: Water activities such as boat excursions on Lake Pichola may be limited or unavailable due to monsoon rains, reducing the whole experience.
- Humidity and Mosquitoes: The monsoon season brings high humidity levels and increases mosquito activity, which can be annoying and interfere with outdoor activities.
What to Pack for Udaipur Trip?
Preparing sensibly for a trip to Udaipur is essential to enjoy your time there without hassle.
Clothes & other accessories
- Lightweight clothing: Udaipur is hot most of the year, so bring clothes that can be easily layered and ventilated. Choose soft, breathable textiles like cotton or linen to beat the heat and humidity of the city.
- Scarf: A lightweight scarf or shawl might be helpful for sun protection or covering your shoulders when visiting temples and other sites.
- Modest attire: Although modern and progressive, visitors visiting Udaipur would do well to pack respectfully for the city’s cultural diversity by avoiding overly revealing apparel. This is especially crucial when traveling to remote or sacred locations.
- Comfortable walking shoes: You can walk to many places of interest in Udaipur, such as palaces, markets, and parks. Bring sneakers or shoes for walking so you can get around the city quickly. You can also do a bit of hiking around in these shoes.
- Sandals or flip-flops: Pack a pair of sandals or flip-flops in addition to your walking shoes for more relaxed trips, such as visits to the lake or evening strolls. In the hot weather, these will keep your feet cool and comfy.
Travel Essentials
- Sun protection: Since Udaipur is located in a sunny region, be sure to bring along sun protection gear, including high SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
- Power adapter and portable charger: Remember to have a suitable power adaptor if your electronics require charging while in Udaipur. You can keep your devices powered up and ready to go at all times with the help of a handy portable charger.
- Medications and first aid kit: Pack all the necessary prescription drugs. Bandages, painkillers, antibacterial ointment, and any other prescribed or over-the-counter medications you may require should all be included in your basic first-aid box.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Use a refillable water bottle to keep yourself hydrated. You can save money and avoid plastic waste by refilling it at your hotel or other reputable filtered water locations.
Things to Do in Udaipur
There are several activities to immerse yourself in the charm of Udaipur. Here are a few things you can do in Udaipur:
1. Take a Boat Ride on Lake Pichola
Take a boat ride on Lake Pichola to experience its tranquility. Sail by the magnificent Lake Palace and Jag Mandir Island while taking panoramic views of the surrounding hills and palaces. Sunset boat trips are adorable, providing a gorgeous setting as the sun spreads its golden rays over the lake.
2. Wander Through the Old City and Markets
Experience the colorful atmosphere of Udaipur’s old city. Stroll through its narrow streets, lined with colorful stores selling traditional handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry. The busy markets of Bada Bazaar and Hathi Pol are ideal for shopping and learning about the local culture.
3. Watch a Cultural Performance
Spend an evening listening to and dancing to authentic Rajasthani music and dance. Udaipur is home to several theaters and concert halls where visitors may see the splendor of classical dances like Kathak, folk dances like Ghoomar, and musical performances that honor Rajasthan’s illustrious past.
Things to Eat in Udaipur
Udaipur is heaven for foodies. Here are some of the best things to eat in Rajasthan:
- Rajasthani thali: A Rajasthani Thali is an elegant meal highlighting various Rajasthani delicacies. Dal, Bati, churma, gatte ki sabzi, ker sangri (a classic Rajasthani vegetable dish), and various breads and desserts are common Thali meals. It’s an excellent opportunity to try multiple flavors in one tasty meal.
- Malai ghewar: Malai ghewar, a traditional delicacy in Udaipur, can satisfy your sweet craving. It is a spherical, honeycomb-like confection created from a flour and yogurt batter that is deep-fried and drenched in sugar syrup. It has a thick and creamy texture with a tinge of sweetness because it is topped with creamy malai (clotted cream), almonds, and saffron.
- Kachori: Enjoy the popular Udaipur-style Kachori, a deep-fried pastry with a spicy blend of lentils, spices, and herbs. These tasty and crunchy snacks are ideal for a quick snack or breakfast. To add flavor, combine with a sour tamarind chutney or a spicy green chutney.
- Laal maas: Laal maas, a spicy and aromatic meat curry made with mutton or lamb, can tantalize your taste buds. The brilliant red color comes from fiery red chilli peppers, and the meal is customarily served with a blend of rich spices and yogurt. For a savory experience, pair it with traditional Indian bread or rice.
Places to Visit in Udaipur
1. City Palace
Explore the majestic City Palace, a huge edifice on Lake Pichola’s eastern shore. Admire the magnificent architecture, beautiful carvings, and spacious courtyards. Visit the complex’s several palaces and museums to learn about Udaipur’s royal history and enjoy panoramic views of the lake and surrounding locations.
2. Lake Pichola
Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Pichola, one of Udaipur’s most famous lakes. Admire the Lake Palace and Jag Mandir Island, two of the many stunning palaces in the area. Enjoy the peacefulness of the lake and take some beautiful pictures of the city of Udaipur as you cruise about on a boat.
3. Jag Mandir
Visit Jag Mandir, a magical island castle in the centre of Lake Pichola. Explore the magnificent architecture, beautiful gardens, and lovely courtyards. The island palace provides a tranquil and scenic respite from the bustling city and is a great area to rest and observe Udaipur’s magnificence.
4. Saheliyon-ki-Bari
Visit the peaceful Saheliyon-ki-Bari, a beautiful garden with fountains, kiosks, marble elephants, and verdant landscaping. The garden’s lotus lakes, marble pavilions, and gorgeous flowers were designed with Udaipur’s royal ladies in mind. It’s the best spot for a relaxing stroll and some much-needed downtime.
5. Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace
This palace in Rajasthan, sitting atop a hill, was designed to serve as an observatory and provides breathtaking views of Udaipur and Fateh Sagar Lake. The palace’s picturesque attractiveness stems partly from the fact that it displays Rajasthani architecture and is set within a protected wildlife area.
Udaipur is a mesmerizing destination, known for its tranquil lakes and majestic palaces. From the ethereal Lake Palace to the enchanting Saheliyon-ki-Bari gardens, Udaipur exudes regal splendor. If you plan your trip to Udaipur, avail amazing offers on your travel tickets on Paytm.
