Udaipur - Royal City of Rajasthan

 

The deserts are fascinating from afar, but only true sun and sand lovers want to make it their home and build wonders smack in the middle of the dry arid land mass. It is a major tourist destination as well as a stop on the Golden Triangle Route. The city is known as "Camel Country" because it has some of the best riding camels in the world. It also has one of the world's largest Camels explore and breeding farms. The magnificent forts and palaces carved out of reddish pink sandstone with delicacy bear witness to the region's rich historical and architectural heritage. Udaipur, Rajasthan, is a fascinating place to visit because of its bustling lanes and vibrant bazaars filled with happy people.

Below is a quick glimpse of Udaipur:

Places to See in Udaipur

City Palace Udaipur : The magnificent City Palace of Udaipur, situated on the banks of Lake Pichola, is Rajasthan's largest palace complex. With beautifully crafted balconies, windows, colourful tint glasses, marble and mirror work, and grand spaces, it is a great example of Marwar architecture! The palace also has a museum and a crystal gallery where you can learn about the Maharajas of Udaipur and their lives.

• Timings: 09:30 am to 05:30 pm (All Days)
• Entry Ticket: Rs. 30 for Adults and Rs. 15 for Children

Boating in Lake Pichola: A boat ride on the glistening, picturesque Lake Pichola is a must-do Udaipur activity! The journey will take you past world-renowned Lake Palaces, Jagat Niwas Palace, Gangaur Ghat, and Ambrai Ghat. The sunset boat trip is incredibly relaxing and enthralling.

• Timings: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm
• Entry Ticket: None
• Boat Ride Ticket:
  Rs 400 per person for Adults
  Rs 200 per person for Children

Ambrai Ghat: One of my favourite places to spend a quiet evening in Udaipur is Ambrai Ghat. Many visitors just sit by the pool, admiring the shifting colours of the water as the sun sets. The enchanting City Palace shimmers in the moonlight and can be seen from the Ambrai Ghat.

Candlelight Dinner In Ambrai Restaurent: Ambrai's dinner would be nothing short of a Bollywood-style romantic dinner.With a bottle of red wine, sit at a table facing the illuminated City Palace and the moonlit lake. Isn't that perfect? The food is just as impressive as the view.

Sajjangarh Fort (Monsoon Palace): Sajjangarh fort was meant to be the Marwar kingdom's astronomical centre, but it was turned into a fort after Maharaja Sajjan Singh (who came up with the idea) died! It is surrounded by the Aravalli Hills and offers breathtaking views of the city and lakes of Udaipur.

• Timings: 8:00 am to 06:00 pm (Everyday)
• Entry Ticket: Rs. 10 for Indians, Rs. 80 for foreign nationals.

Vintage car museum: The Udaipur Kings took their automobiles very seriously!One of these cars was used in a Bond film (no joke)! The Maharaja still owns this royal collection of automobiles, which can be seen at the Udaipur Vintage Automobile Museum!

• Timings: 09:00 am to 09:00 pm
• Entry Ticket:
  Rs. 250 per person for Adults
  Rs. 150 per person for Children

Karni Mata temple: Karni Mata temple offers a sunrise and night view of the city that you won't find anywhere else. The temple is also notorious for housing approximately 25,000 black rats. Take the ropeway from Deendayal Upadhyay Marg or walk up the stairs from Dudh Talai to enter the temple (Manikyalal Verma Park).

Folk dance at Bagore ki Haveli: Amarchand Badwa, one of the Mewar dynasty's Thakur, designed this Haveli, which has its own charm. It will transport you to a bygone age. Since the haveli was designed for the King's Thakur, don't equate it to the grand City Palace. It also has a fantastic puppet range! Also, go to Bagore ki Haveli a little before 7 p.m. for a Rajasthani folk dance performance.

• Timings: 10:00 am to 05:30 pm
• Entry Ticket:
  Rs. 50 per person, Night Show Rs 90
  Rs. 100 per person for Foreigner, Night Show Rs 150

Jaisamand Lake: Jaisamand Lake, also known as Dhebar Lake, is one of Udaipur's most beautiful water bodies and one of the world's largest artificial lakes.The lake was created by Maharana Jai Singh's famous Marble Dam, which was built in 1685 and is one of the most popular places to visit in Udaipur.The marble dam, as well as the marble statues and chatris that dot the structure, are quite the draw. Visit the summer palaces constructed across the lake for the queens and take a boat trip on the lake.

You can also spend time looking for panthers, wild boar, and migratory birds at the Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary, which is situated on the lake.

• Timings: All round the day
• Entry Ticket: None
• Boat Ride Ticket: Rs 30 – Rs 80 per person

Rajsamand Lake: This 17th century lake is best known for being the location where Maharanas performed tuladan, or giving away their entire wealth in gold.On the pavilions built on the lake shore, the five toranas, or weighing arches, bear witness to this tradition and are well-visited by visitors.

The allure of boating on this lake, as well as an old Vaishnava temple nearby, draws both devotees and visitors.

• Timings: All round the day
• Entry Ticket: None

Jiyan Sagar: Another famous place to visit in Udaipur is Jiyan Sagar or Badi ka Talab, which is known for its soothing vibes and beautiful chatris on its pavilion, which are built in the artistic Rajasthani style of architecture.The lake was built in the mid-1600s by Maharana Raj Singh to alleviate the devastation caused by a famine in the region, and it was named after his mother Jana Devi.

Visit this page to learn more about the best time to visit Udaipur.

• Timings: 08:00 am to 06:30 pm
• Entry Ticket: None
• Boat Ride Ticket:
  Rs. 30 per head for Regular boat
  Rs. 200 per head for Motorboat
  Rs. 400 per head for Speed Boat

Fateh Sagar Lake: The stunning blue-hued waters of this man-made lake set against the backdrop of green hills has earned Udaipur the moniker "The Second Kashmir." The Fateh Sagar Lake, which is exceptionally clean and expansive, is a great place to visit in Udaipur, primarily for its four islands, which are attractions in and of themselves. The islands, which are only accessible by sea, are home to public parks and a solar observatory worth visiting. The lake in Udaipur, named after Maharana Fateh Singh of Udaipur and Mewar, is an important part of the city's existence, providing not only water but also jobs to a large portion of the population.

• Timings: 8:00 am to 06:00 pm
• Entry Ticket: None
• Boat Ride Ticket:
  Rs 30 per person for Regular Boat Ride
  s 100 – Rs 200 per person for Motorboat Ride
  Rs 200 – Rs 400 per person for Speed Boat Ride

Saheliyon Ki Bari: Maharana Sangram Singh built Saheliyon Ki Bari, or the Garden of the Maidens, in the early 18th century.This magnificent structure was built for the maids who would accompany the Princess of Udaipur to her husband's hearth (part of the dowry given by the Maharana). Pretty people were dancing, singing, and having a good time, and the magnificent marble elephants, fountains, lotus pool, and kiosks attest to the wealth of the time.

• Timings: 9:00 am – 07:00 pm (Everyday)
• Entry Ticket: Rs. 5 per person

Lake Palace: With its charm and scenic location on the 4-kilometer-long man-made Lake Pichola, the famous Lake Palace can take your breath away.The Taj Group now runs the palace, which has breathtaking views of the Aravalli Hills.The heritage walks are to die for! This is without a doubt one of the most romantic locations in the entire state. This magnificent palace was designed by Maharaja Jagat Singh II and will take your breath away with its sculpted marble and mouldings.

You can spend the whole day boating on Lake Pichola, which runs from Rameshwar Ghat to the City Palace.

• Timings: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm (All Days)
• Entry Ticket: None
• Boat Ride Ticket:
  Rs. 400 per head for Adults
  Rs. 200 per head for Children

Jagmandir: This 17th-century palace complex, which is also located on Lake Pichola, is another romantic destination in Udaipur. Jagmandir, also known as Lake Garden Palace, will enchant you with its beauty and tranquilly. Garden Courtyard, Gul Mahal, Darikhana, Bara Patharon ka Mahal, Kunwar Pada ka Mahal, and Zenana Mahal are some of the divisions. This is just another must-see attraction on your boat trip.

• Timings: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm (All Days)
• Entry Ticket: None

Jagdish Temple: Maharana Jagat Singh is responsible for the construction of the Indo-Aryan Jagdish Temple. The temples in Udaipur are located near the City Palace's Badi Pol entrance and need a few steps to reach. The black stone deity of Lord Vishnu, as well as the brass Garuda image facing it, will awe you. Other shrines dedicated to the Sun God, Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Shakti can be found throughout the city.

• Timings: 05:00 am – 02:30 pm and 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm (Everyday)
• Entry Ticket: None

Eklingjee Temple:The Eklingji temple can be found 22 kilometres from Udaipur. Airways, railways, and highways all have easy access. From the city centre, public transportation is readily accessible. You can get to the temple in 35 to 45 minutes if you hire a taxi.

• Timings Mornings from 4:30 a.m. to 7 a.m., then 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and evenings from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Entry Ticket: None

Nathdwara Temple: Shrinathji Temple is located in Udaipur's northeast city, in the Nathdwara district. The temple is located 45.4 kilometers from Udaipur's central city, and it takes about 52 minutes to travel from Udaipur to Nathdwara.

• Timings: 5:00 am – 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm – 8:30 pm
• Entry Ticket: None

Haldighati: The turmeric (haldi) hue of the soil gives the Haldighati pass its name. Near Haldighati, Maharana Pratap of the Rajputs erected a shrine in honour of his beloved steed: Chetak. Haldighati is also proud of its cottage industries, which include rose products and mud paintings, which make for unique souvenirs.

Shopping in Udaipur:

One of the most important places to visit in Udaipur is the shopping streets! Who doesn't adore the vibrant Rajasthani dresses and dupattas? Check out the kurtas and Mojari, gentlemen (traditional Rajasthani footwear for men). Udaipur's popular markets include Hathipole, Bada Bazaar, and Ashwini Market.

When to Go:

For the cold winter season, September to February is the best time to visit Udaipur! From June to August, you will be able to see some spectacular clouds cover the area.

Getting around Udaipur

How to Reach Udaipur

Airports: Udaipur has an airport with direct flights from Delhi, Jaipur, and several other Indian cities. Take the flight if you're short of time (and don't mind spending a lot of money :P). The costs aren't prohibitively expensive.

Rail/Bus: By bus or rail, Udaipur is well connected to Delhi and all of Rajasthan's towns. You may either take a bus or a train operated by the Rajasthan state government. Both options are very comfortable and will take a few hours to complete. If you want to travel by train, book your ticket well in advance; otherwise, getting a confirmed seat would be difficult. Having a bus ticket would not be difficult due to the abundance of state government and private buses.