Udaipur — the "City of Lakes" and the old capital of the kingdom of Mewar — is widely called the most romantic city in India. Built around a string of shimmering man-made lakes and ringed by the Aravalli hills, it pairs grand Rajput palaces with whitewashed lanes, ghats and gardens that glow at sunset.
Here are the 12 best places to visit in Udaipur, with what to expect at each. Planning tip: the ideal window is September to March — see our best time to visit Udaipur guide, and our list of things to do in Udaipur for experiences beyond the sights.
The 12 best places to visit in Udaipur
City Palace
Rajasthan's largest palace complex, rising in a wall of balconies and cupolas above Lake Pichola. Built over nearly 400 years by the Mewar rulers, it houses courtyards, mirror-work rooms, a museum and stunning lake views — allow two to three hours.
Lake Pichola
The shimmering heart of Udaipur, dotted with island palaces and lined with ghats. A boat ride here, especially at sunset, is the city's signature experience and the best way to see the City Palace and Jag Mandir from the water.
Jag Mandir
An exquisite island palace on Lake Pichola, built of marble and yellow sandstone with a row of carved elephants at its edge. Reached by boat, it has gardens, a café and some of the loveliest lake views in the city.
Jagdish Temple
A soaring 17th-century Indo-Aryan temple in the old city, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Its richly carved spire, brass Garuda image and lively aarti make it the most important temple in Udaipur and a short walk from City Palace.
Saheliyon ki Bari
The "Garden of the Maidens," a serene 18th-century pleasure garden of lotus pools, marble elephants, fountains and a kiosk of black marble. Built for the queen's attendants, it is shady, peaceful and ideal in the afternoon.
Fateh Sagar Lake
A breezy artificial lake north of Pichola, with three islands including Nehru Park. Lined with a lakeside promenade and cafés, it is a favourite spot for an evening drive, a paddle-boat ride and golden-hour photos.
Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh)
A hilltop palace on Bansdara peak inside a wildlife sanctuary, built to watch the monsoon clouds. The drive up rewards you with a sweeping panorama of Udaipur's lakes and the surrounding Aravallis — best at sunset.
Bagore ki Haveli
An 18th-century mansion on Gangaur Ghat, now a museum of Mewar life with period rooms, costumes and one of the world's largest turbans. Each evening it hosts the popular Dharohar folk dance and puppet show.
Vintage Car Museum
The royal collection of classic cars, from Rolls-Royces and a Cadillac convertible to the Mewar State Motor Garage's solar-roofed phaeton. A fun, photogenic stop for anyone who loves vintage automobiles.
Ambrai Ghat
A lakeside ghat on the far bank of Pichola, offering the classic postcard view of the City Palace and Lake Palace lit up across the water. It is the best free sunset spot in town and is magical after dark.
Shilpgram
A rural arts-and-crafts village complex on the city's edge, showcasing traditional huts, crafts, music and dance from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Goa and Maharashtra. Liveliest during the Shilpgram fair in December.
Gulab Bagh
Udaipur's largest public garden, a leafy rose garden laid out by Maharana Sajjan Singh, with a library, a small zoo and a toy train. A relaxed green space and a pleasant morning stroll near the old city.
How to plan your Udaipur trip
Base yourself near Lake Pichola — around Gangaur Ghat, Lal Ghat or Ambrai — to be walking distance from City Palace, Jagdish Temple and the boat jetty. Most of the old-city sights cluster together and are easy to explore on foot.
Two to three days is enough for the highlights plus a lake cruise and a sunset or two. Udaipur is about 660 km from Delhi and 250 km from Jaipur, with its own airport (Maharana Pratap, 22 km out) connected to all major Indian cities. Pair your sightseeing with a stay at one of the best resorts in Udaipur for the full City-of-Lakes experience.
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