A Complete Guide for Visiting Udaipur, the City of Lakes in India
Have you ever heard of the city of lakes in India? Formally known as Udaipur, or even the white city, this is one of the most romantic cities in the country, and an amazing place for luxury travelers.
Dotted with gorgeous lakes, stunning palaces, and some incredible hotels, we know you're going to fall in love with the city of lakes in India as much as we did.
This guide is here to help you with all of the details, from the best things to do in Udaipur to all of the logistics for having a seamless and safe stay.
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📍 Where is Udaipur in India?
The city of lakes is located in the southern part of Rajasthan, a popular state in northwestern India for first-time travelers in the country.
It is situated 415 km south of Jaipur, which is the capital of Rajasthan, and it makes a great addition to India's famous Golden Triangle Route.
How Do I Get to Udaipur?
Now that you know where Udaipur is, let's show you the different options for getting to the city of lakes in India!
✈️ What is the Nearest Airport to Udaipur?
The nearest airport to Udaipur is the Maharana Pratap Airport, which is just 22 km east of the city. It is just a domestic. airport though, and only has flights from Bengaluru, Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai.
Flight Tip: Using Skyscanner you can try out the calendar feature to see which are the cheapest dates for flying to Udaipur or a nearby city.
How Do I Get to Udaipur from Delhi?
The easiest way to get to Udaipur from Delhi is to fly. If you want the most budget-friendly option, then we'd recommend the train, and to get a first class ticket.
✈️ Fly from Delhi to Udaipur (1 1/2 hours for $75-$200)
🚆 Take a train from Delhi to Udaipur (13 hours 430-2,675 INR)
🚌 Take a bus from Delhi to Udaipur (13 hours 600-3,800 INR)
How Do I Get from Mumbai to Udaipur?
The easiest way to get to Udaipur from Mumbai is to fly. If you want the most budget-friendly option, then we'd recommend the train, and to get a first class ticket.
✈️ Fly from Mumbai to Udaipur (1 1/2 hours for $75-$200)
🚆 Take a train from Delhi to Udaipur (17 hours 490-3,070 INR)
🚌 Take a bus from Delhi to Udaipur (16 hours 600-4,000 INR)
Other Options for Getting to Udaipur
We traveled to Udaipur from Jodhpur, and traveled from Udaipur to Jaisalmer after, which are two other very popular cities in Rajasthan. Another option is to travel to Udaipur from Jaipur.
Jodhpur and Jaisalmer did not have trains, but they did have very comfortable overnight buses with beds! Honestly, it was clean, comfy, and affordable, and we also had privacy with our curtains, making it a super ideal option for traveling in Rajathan.
From Jaipur you can also get a bus, but the best option is to take the train to Udaipur.
Entry Requirements for Udaipur, India
Before planning your trip to the city of lakes, you'll want to make sure you know what the entry requirements for going to India are.
🛂 Visa Entry Requirements for India
A visa is required to visit India, which you can purchase your visa online for $25.
Citizens of Japan, South Korea, and the UAE are able to get their visa upon arrival, and people from Bhutan and Nepal are visa-exempt.
Can US Citizens Travel to India Without a Visa?
US citizens do need a visa to travel to India, and it can be purchased online for $25.
Most hotels do ask for your visa, so you'll want to have it handy when you are arriving to Udaipur and checking in to your accommodation.
Another thing to note is that you might have to have your marriage certificate on you if you'd like to sleep in the same room at some of the hotels. (Just check on the fine print before booking).
💉 Do You Need to Be Vaccinated to Go to India?
Americans and Europeans do not need to be vaccinated in order to visit India. However, there are other people from other countries that do need vaccines.
Countries Who Need Vaccines for India
People coming from a country where yellow fever is prevalent will have to bring proof of a yellow fever vaccine before arriving to India.
The African countries that need a yellow fever vaccine to visit India are Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Cote d’ Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritiana, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, South Sudan, Togo, and Uganda.
The countries in Central & South America who need a yellow fever vaccine for India are Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad (Trinidad only), Venezuela, Panama, Paraguay, and Peru.
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Local Adjustments for Udaipur, India
If you're traveling to a new country, there are a few things that could be different than where you are coming from (such as a city's language, currency, or tipping culture).
As India is such a massive country, some of these things can often change from state to state!
Here are some of the local adjustments to keep in mind when you travel to the city of lakes in India.
🗣 What Language Do They Speak in Udaipur?
The most common language of Udaipur is Mawari, which is the the biggest region inside Rajasthan when it comes to different languages.
English is also taught in schools, although we found that a lot less people spoke English than what we were originally thinking.
Tip: It definitely helps to have Google Translate ready in case you don't have an Indian friend with you.
💶 What Currency is Used in Udaipur, India?
The currency used in Udaipur is the Indian Rupee (INR). Currently (September 2024) each 1 USD is equal to about 82 INR.
It's important to note that there are a lot of things in Udaipur that can only be paid with cash, including many of the restaurants and accommodation options. Because of this, we highly suggest taking out quite a bit of cash from a local ATM.
🔌 Outlets in Udaipur
India uses the same electrical outlets that Europe has, which are those suitable for plug types C, D, & M. Plug type C is the one that has two round pins, plug type D is the one that has three round pins in a triangular pattern, and plug type M has three round pins we well.
Udaipur, India operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
🚰 What is the Water Quality in Udaipur?
The water is not safe to drink in Udaipur, so you'll have to stick to bottled water while you are there.
We recommend buying large jugs of water from a supermarket, and investing in an reusable water bottle to refill during your travels so you can protect the temperature from the heat there.
💸 Tipping Culture in Jaisalmer, India
The tipping culture in India is typically 10% in restaurants, and sometimes the tip is actually included on the bill. Make sure to look for a service charge added, and if the tip is not included, you can then leave some cash on the table for the server.
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Exploring the City of Lakes: Things to Do in Udaipur
Now that you know almost everything you need to know about getting to the city of lakes, here are the best things to do in Udaipur, India
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🏰 Visit the City Palace
The City Palace is one of the top highlights of Udaipur, and definitey something you'll want to see while exploring the city of lakes.
Dating back 450 years, it is one of the most impressive palaces in Rajasthan, and is characterized by ornate details in its architecture, beautiful balconies, black & white tiled floors.
It is open from 10 am to 3 pm, and is 400 INR/person if you are a foreigner.
🚤 Take a Boat Around Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola is a top highlight of Udaipur, and is where the main attractions of the city of lakes lie.
Dotted with beautiful palaces, temples, and luxury hotels, you won't want to skip out on sailing around Lake Pichola on your trip to Udaipur.
We opted to do this during sunset for a half hour ride, and defiitely felt it was the optimal time to enjoy the city starting to light up with the colors dancing in the sky.
Sailing around Lake Pichola is a must while in Udaipur.
The great thing about the boats at Lake Pichola, is that they run all day! We also love the idea of getting a tour that includes a boat ride, so you don't have to time things out and be running around like we did.
🏰 Check Out Jagmandir Island Palace
India has some pretty spectacular palaces, but not many of them are built on their own island! One of the best things to do in Udaipur is to visit the Jagmandir Island Palace, which can only be reached by boat.
To get tickets, you can simply head to the City Palace right in the heart of the city.
The temple is open from 10 am to 6 pm, and tickets are 30 INR, with boat rides that are 500 INR/person.
👀 Walk Around Ambrai Ghat
The Ghats are what make up the shores of Lake Pichola, and refer to the general areas. If you're looking for some of the best views, hotels, and restaurants, don't miss out on the stunning area of Ambrai Ghat!
🌅 Watch the Sunset at Fathesagar Lake
While Lake Pichola is the center of the hype, it would be a sin to visit the city of lakes and not actually visit more of the lakes!
Next to Lake Pichola, Fathesagar was actually our favorite lake. Walking around the lake makes you actually feel like you've teleported to Europe, and overall has this incredible vibe.
We'd recommend giving yourself a few hours here to explore the area, but don't miss out on the sunset here! You can also enjoy the lake with a motor boat for 118/person or a speed boat for 236/person.
Fathesagar Lake is really beautiful during sunset.
🛕 Explore the Temples
Udaipur is full of temples! There are plenty of beautiful ones to check out, but here are the top ones to add to your list for the city of lakes.
- Jagdish Temple: the biggest temple in the heart of Udaipur
- Jagat Shiromani Temple: located just by Jagdish, this is another popular temple
- Karni Mata Temple: sits at the top of a hill and can be reached by cable car
Holi Festival in Udaipur was held right on the grounds of Jagdish temple.
🛖 Experience the Folk Village of Shilpgram
Located just 3 km outside the city of Udaipur, Shilpgram is one of the coolest and most unique things to do in the city of lakes.
This village is a place where you can learn about the lifestyle of the folk and tribal people of the area, see local arts & crafts, and see traditional Rajasthani dances.
In this half day Shilpgram tour, you can experience Shilpgram with a local guide, learning in depth about the village, as well as have your transportation taken care.
🚠 Ride on the Cable Car
The Mansapurna Karni Mata Ropeway is a scenic cable car ride that connects Sri Karni Mata Temple at Machhala Hilltop with Deendayal Upadhyay Park.
The views are great, and it is a top activity in Udaipur, but make sure to give yourself time for this one!
We actually got there and the line to get one was well over an hour. Being that the sun was setting and we had to get our things to leave the city soon, we had to opt to skip it. It's definitely on the list for next time though!
🏰 Check Out Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace
The Monsoon Palace, also known as the Sajjan Garh Palace, is a residence sitting on a hilltop overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake. Not only is the 19th century palace beautiful to explore, but it also offers incredible panoramic views of the lake below.
We heard it is fantastic to visit at sunset, but because we attempted to go during Holi Festival it was actually closed. We know for next time though, and are including a few tours that you can look into that include Monsoon Palace.
🥾 Hike Bahuballi Hills
If you're looking to get out in nature, then you won't want to miss out on Bahuballi hills! It's a truly stunning area you can enjoy with just a short hike.
The area was so beautiful, giving panoramic views of the water below and hills surrounding it. We even saw people having photoshoots up there!
If you're an early bird, then it's definitely worth heading there for sunrise.
🍛 Take a Street Food Tour
One of the best ways to try Indian food like a local is trying the street food. However, if you don't know where to go, it can truly ruin your trip!
Take a guided foodie tour and you'll have an expert bringing you around the city to the most tasty and hygienic food stalls around Udaipur while learning more about the local cuisine.
Flavors of the City of Lakes: Local Food & Drink in Udaipur
Now that you know all of the fun things to do in Udaipur, you truly won't want to miss out on the food scene! We tested out a lot of fun new foods around the city, and tried some incredible upscale restaurants too.
🍜 What is Famous in Udaipur for Food?
Here are some of the foods we reocmmend trying while in Udaipur:
- Thali: a super affordable tray of food with different small dishes - try the one at Neelam's restaurant! (See the photo below on the top left)
- Kachori: a spicy stuffed pastry that is deep fried
- Lassi: a Punjabi yogurt-based beverage (See the photo below on the bottom left)
- Masala Chai: local spiced tea - our favorite!
- Dal: a creamy stew made from lentils
- Ker Sangari: a dish made with dried ker berries and sangri beans
- Baati: traditional Rajasthani bread
- Samosas: fried street snack typically filled with potatoes or veggies
- Kadhi Pakora: small balls of fried chickpea flower bathed in thick gravy of yogurt, chickpea flour, and spices.
- Laal Maas: a traditional meat curry
- Snacks at Fathesagar Lake: okay, we don't know the name, but if you walk around Fathesagar lake you'll see guys selling a blend of snacks like you can see in the photos below on the top right and bottom right.
🍴 Our Recommended Restaurants in Udaipur
One of the things we loved most about Udaipur is that there is such a great variety. You can have tasty snacks while walking along the lake, or you can find yourself having both international and Indian dishes on a boujee rooftop.
Here are some of the restaurants we loved and recommend in Udaipur:
- Upre: a lavish fine dining establishment with unrivaled views of Lake Pichola
- Jagat Niwas Terrace Palace Restaurant: a stunning restaurant with both Indian and international cuisine that has great views of Lake Pichola - get the garlic naan!
- Neelam's Restaurant: a family run restaurant with multiple floors that has great local food and prices - get the thali!
- Jheel's Ginger Coffee Bar & Bakery: great for those that have a craving for some western food - this cafe also has great views of the lake!
Our favorite restaurant was at the Jagat Niwas Palace.
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How Do People Travel in Udaipur? Getting Around the City of Lakes
Now that you know the best things to do and eat in Udaipur, let's talk about how to get around the city of lakes in India.
🚶🏻♀️ Is Udaipur Walkable?
The city center of Udaipur around Lake Pichola is very walkable! It actually has a small city center, and a pedestrian bridge that crosses to the other side of the lake with a lot of hotels and restaurants.
Although the center itself is small and you can experience many things to do in Udaipur by foot, in order to visit some of the attractions outside of the center, you'll definitely want another form of transportation.
🚌 Transportation in Udaipur
The easiest way to get around the city of lakes is by tuk tuk. You can easily flag one down, or you can order one via Uber.
We'd recommend checking the price on the Uber app, and then using it to negotiate to a lower rate. Remember - always agree on a rate before getting in!
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Where to Stay in Udaipur
The best area to stay in Udaipur is in the city center, along the waters of Lake Pichola.
Udaipur has some stunning hotels, and it's a great place to have a bit of a more relaxing stay in a nicer place.
🏨 Our Top Hotel Recommendations in Udaipur
Here are a few of the top stays in the city of lakes:
Taj Lake Palace
If you're looking for a super unique and glamorous stay, then the Taj Lake Palace is one you really need to add to your bucket list.
Known for hosting an array of celebrities and royalty, the Taj Lake Palace is actually situated right in the middle of Lake Pichola, and can only be reached by boat! It's truly a luxurious stay, and one of the most elegant and exclusive hotels in all of India.
Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel
Another super lux hotel, Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel is perfectly placed right in the heart of Udaipur, along the water, with some of the best views of Lake Pichola.
The intricate decor, rooftop pool, and top-tiep restaurant are just a few of the reasons to stay at the beautiful Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel.
We didn't get a chance to stay here, but had an incredible lunch, and got to explore the impressive property.
Lake Pichola Hotel
Located along the banks of Lake Pichola, Lake Pichola Hotel is another gorgeous property known for its breathtaking architecture, amazing restaurant, and picturesque terraces.
Hotel Hanuman Ghat
Located just next to the pedestrian bridge, Hotel Hanuman Ghat is perfectly situated to be able to enjoy the shores of Lake Pichola, as well as all of the highlights of the city center.
With both shared and private rooms, this hotel is one of the most budget-friendly options, but still has a terrace with great views, and a prime location.
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Is the City of Lakes in India Safe?
Udaipur is a city where we felt significantly more safe than other cities in India. The people were really friendly and respectful, and we had such a nice experience there.
🚶🏻♀️ Is it Safe to Walk Around Udaipur at Night?
We walked around Udaipur at night and felt completely safe. As it is a smaller city and attracts a lot of luxury travelers, we felt that as long as you're in the touristic areas there is nothing to worry about.
Do be aware of your belongings at all times though, and keep your witts about you.
👧🏻 Is Udaipur Safe for Girls at Night?
Overall, as a female I felt pretty safe in Udaipur compared to the chaotic cities of Delhi and Jaipur for example. This is actually one of the only places i walked around alone and felt really comfortable.
Even during Holi festival which is notorious for having grabby males, I found the men were much more respectful.
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Other Things to Know About Udaipur, the City of Lakes
Now you know almost everything you need to know for visiting the city of lakes in India. But don't go anywhere just yet! We have a few other details we'd like to share with you about visiting Udaipur.
☀️ Weather in the City of Lakes
Udaipur experiences 2 major seasons, with mild winters and incredibly hot summers.
Rather than "summer" though, the months of May to September are part of the monsoon season, while the dry season is from October to March.
Winters in Udaipur are sunny and dry.
📆 Which Month is Best to Visit Udaipur?
The months of October to March are the dry months in Udaipur, so therefore these are the ideal months to visit the city of lakes in India.
We visited Udaipur in March, and although it was definitely too hot already, it was incredible because of Holi Festival. While many people flock to Pushkar or Mathura, we found that in Udaipur the people were much more respectful, and we were so happy we chose to visit at this time.
If you don't plan to visit for Holia, we'd recommend visiting Udaipur in November or February for the most ideal weather. While we usually recommend shoulder season for most countries, India is not one of them because of its extreme weather conditions in the off season.
Udaipur is one of the best places to celebrate Holi Festival in India, which is in March.
👗 What to Wear in Udaipur
Surprisingly there really aren't dress codes in most of the main attractions of Udaipur. I stuck to long dresses and skirts with light fabrics. However, if I were to do it again, I'd bring skirts and dresses that do not hit the ground, as the streets of India made my clothes really dirty.
As far as footwear, I'd recommend comfortable shoes that aren't super open. I say this because my feet were in flip flops the entire time, and my feet really have never looked so awful.
We wouldn't recommend super long dresses or flip flops while in Udaipur.
🧳 Packing List for Udaipur
- Comfortable sandals for walking around
- Bag/ Backpack that zips (check out our list of favorite backpacks for travelers!)
- Sunscreen
- Hat to protect yourself from the sun
- Chapstick
- Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
- Camera (we use the Sony A7Riii)
- Telephoto lens for epic pictures on the boat rides (we use the Sony GM F2.8 70-200mm)
- Wide Lens for inside the hotels and temples (we use Sony GM 14mm 1.8)
- Drone for beautful shots of the lake and nearby nature (We use the DJI Mavic Mini 4 Pro)
- Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 X3 because you can use it with an extra long selfie stick to mimic a drone)
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks as they are super long lasting and durable)
- Cash for the tickets and street vendors
- Travel toiletries (our favorites are from Sheer Alternatives because they're all natural and 100ml)
You should bring a drone for cool shots in and around Udaipur!
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🤔 Is Udaipur Worth Visiting?
Udaipur is truly a beautiful city, and especially incredible if you like a bit of luxury. It has a fun mix of cool touristic sites and local shopping along the streets, as well as boujee restaurants and hotels.
Udaipur is a romantic destination that is great for luxury travelers.
⏳ How Many Days are Enough for Udaipur?
Two days is enough to experience the main tourist highlights of Udaipur, but if you'd like a bit more of a relaxing stay, or to enjoy some of the things to do on the outskirts, then you could definitely spend at least 3-4 days in Udaipur.
Udaipur has a lot to explore, and is the perfect weekend getaway.
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So are you ready for your trip to the city of lakes in India? Udaipur is such a unique city, and is one of the most romantic places in the world.
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