We use cookies to improve your website experience and provide more personalized services to you, both on this website and through other media. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Cookie Policy. Please read our Cookie Policy for more information on how we use cookies and how you can disable them.
Follow the slope of the Aravali, to the shimmer of waters that run deep, and you’ll discover the city of romance. A city of palaces and history. Where pretty murals lie at every corner. Where the women whirl in colour and grace and unison. Where colourful handicrafts wait for your discovery and delight. Where mirror-like lakes reflect the beauty of the land back to itself.
A proud king walked here, lived here and loved here. This is the city of Udaipur – beloved, bright and beautiful.
| Udaipur Tourism: A Quick View of the City | |
| State | Rajasthan |
| Official Language | Marwari, Hindi |
| Dial Code | 294 |
| Population | 4.51 lakhs |
| Currency | Indian Rupee (INR) |
| Time Zone | UTC+05:30 (IST) |
| Area | 37 square kilometers |
What would it be like to walk in a king’s shoes? At Udaipur, you’ll find out. The city has an abundance of palaces to explore. Want to dive into Udaipur’s history? Then why not visit the City Palace, built by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559. Mahals, courtyards, corridors, terraces, hanging gardens, domes, arches, Medieval, European and Chinese influences in the interiors all this opulence and breath-taking beauty is enclosed in the cream walls of the palace. During the monsoons, retreat, like the kings of yore, to the Monsoon palace. Located at the peak of the Bansdara Mountain, this palace was built to view the clouds and the movement of the stars. However, it was completed after Udai Singh passed away. Today, it is a splendid showcase of Rajput architecture. Shimmering waters surround the Jag Mandir Palace, built on an estuary in Pichola Lake. Make sure you visit the courtyard with its stunning black and white tiles, and enjoy the pink, orange and golden streaks of the sunset mirrored on the lake’s surface. And there’s more. Marvel at the intricate, jade-coloured designs on Bada Mahal. Enjoy the Dharohar Dance Show at Bagore Ki Haveli. Gape at the stern Kumbhalgarh Fort, just 84 kilometres away from the city.
Is it any wonder that Udaipur was lovingly christened as the land of lakes? These shimmering pools ripple in gentle waves around the city, adding serenity and beauty to their surroundings. At the heart of the city is Pichola Lake – the oldest and largest in Udaipur. Three emerald like islands rest on the silken waters of Fateh Sagar Lake – one boasts of a lush green park; one features a small zoo and the third charts the progress of the stars thanks to the Udaipur Solar Observatory built there. Thirteen kilometres from the city centre is the shimmering green Udaisagar Lake, built by Udai Singh in the 16th century. The second largest artificial lake in India – Jaisamad Lake – adds its charm and prestige to Udaipur. Here you’ll find a Shiva temple and the Jaisamund Wildlife Sanctuary. Other lakes include Rajsamand Lake, Badi Lake and Swaroop Sagar Lake.
The city of lakes has a lot to offer shoppers – bold handicrafts, intricate jewellery and authentic leather items. Let Hathipole market bedazzle you with the gleam of silver jewellery, bold bandhani fabrics and brass and marble souvenirs. At Bada Bazaar, you’ll be lured in by the sparkle of precious stones, burnished copperware and antique items. Hear the tinkle of delicate glass bangles at Lakhara Chowk. Slide your feet into the warm leather embrace of traditional Rajasthani footwear at Mochiwada. Pick up gorgeous Rajasthani miniature paintings at Bhatiyani Chohatta. Explore the twisted mazes of these bazaars, bursting with all the richness this city has to offer.
Mewari cuisine is flavourful and fresh, and their egg and non-vegetarian curries are legendary here. Dig into the traditional Laal Maas at Ambrai restaurant. This is a curry of tender mutton cooked in a red chilli and herb paste. Dig into a medley of toor, moong, urad and moth daal known as Dal baati and let it warm you in Udaipur’s winter. Feast on snacks like Kachori, Chaat, Anda Bhurji, Jalebi and more as you walk around the city. Soak in the spicy, tangy flavours of Gatte ki Sabzi – spiced gram flour pieces soaked in a tangy curd-based gravy.
Udaipur bursts into song, dance and colour so often, it should be known as the city of celebration. In March, you can join the grand Mewar Festival – honouring Lord Shiva and Parvati. For women, the Teej festival invites you to settle on one of the many swings tied to the trees in the city. In the month of August, the Hariyali Amawas Mela begins. Enjoy 2 days of games, giant wheel rides, street food, traditional music and dance.
Udaipur can be found at the base of the Aravalli hills - in the Southernmost part of Rajasthan. The city’s exceptional beauty is surrounded by the protective slopes of these hills. The Aravalli hills act as a barrier from the golden ripples of the mighty Thar desert. Southwest of Udaipur, lies the famous Rajasthani city of Jaipur. Udaipur also shares its borders with the neighbouring state of Gujarat.
Click here to view Udaipur on Google Map
Udaipur, like many cities in India, experiences the three dominant seasons of the year – summer, monsoon and winter. However, the city is an incredible canvas for the rains of the monsoon. The lakes lovingly receive the rain and swell to the brim. This is the time to dig out that camera or take a boat ride to experience the city in all its beauty. Temperatures vary between 25 to 35 degrees Celsius and the showers are moderate.
Winter strokes Udaipur with a gentle hand. Sun warmed days give way to chilly nights. Snuggle under a blanket, take a lazy stroll around the city, or go sightseeing - you can’t go wrong in this weather. Temperatures slide between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius, so make sure you carry a shawl or sweater, if required.
Udaipur’s weather is pleasant in general. However, summer challenges this belief. The weather moves from cold and grey to sunny and scorching – often skyrocketing to a scorching 40 degrees Celsius. Heat waves roll from the desert and the rays of the sun beat down on the city during the day. Nights do bring relief but proceed with caution if you plan to explore the city in this season.
By Road: Udaipur is well connected to many cities in the country. You can catch a bus from Delhi, Jaipur, Indore and Kota. The well-maintained NH8 connects Udaipur to Delhi and Mumbai, which are largely equidistant from the city. You can choose between AC and Non-AC Buses or even a private taxi.
By Rail: Udaipur station welcomes a variety of trains that roll on her tracks. You can take the Mewar Express, Annanya Express, Chetak Express or the Udaipur Express to reach the city. Outside the station, you’ll find a wealth of taxis and autorickshaws to take you to your hotel.
By Air: The Maharana Pratap Airport at Udaipur connects the city to the rest of the country. Carriers like Air India, Jet Airways and SpiceJet all offer daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai and other major cities. The airport is located around 20 kilometres from the city centre, so you’ll easily find taxis and other modes of transport to take you to your final destination.
Udaipur takes its name from its founder – Maharana Udai Singh II. In 1559, the city was established as the capital of the Mewar kingdom. The story goes, that the king was looking to move his capital to a secure location, away from the flood prone region of Ayad. So, he chose the east of the Pichola Lake to set up his capital. While hunting in the foothills of the Aravallis, he met a hermit, who after blessing him, advised him to build his palace at that very spot. Udai Singh promptly built his palace there. When the Mughal Emperor Akbar was attacking forts like Chittor, Udai Singh built a 6-kilometre-long city wall to protect the city against external threats. The seven gates of the wall – Surajpole, Ambapole, Chandpole, Udaipole, Hathipole, Brampole enclosed the area that is, today, known as the old city or walled city.
In 1818, Udaipur became a princely state of British India. Today, Maharana Mahendra Singh Mewar acts as the 76th custodian of the Mewar Dynasty.
null
