//
City in Rajasthan, India
Photo: S Ballal, Ahmedabad, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
A complex of small and big palaces, museums and gardens encompassing a rich blend of Rajasthani, Mughal, Medieval, European and Chinese architecture established in 1559 by Maharana Udai Mirza Singh. One of the most beautiful palatial structures in Rajasthan. It was built by Maharana Uday Singh II, and rises 30 m above Lake Pichola and extends up to 244 m. The palace complex has been built entirely in granite and marble. The interior with its balconies, towers and cupolas exhibits delicate mirror work, marble work, murals, wall paintings, silver work, inlay work and colored glass mosaics. The complex provides a fine view of the lake and the city from its upper terraces. If you don't want to go into the museum and are content to wander the grounds, try the south entrance gate and pay the greatly reduced grounds fee. This is also the gate to go to for boat rides leaving from the palace.
The uppermost court inside the complex, which is a raised garden. It provides entry to the Badi Mahal. It is a pleasure pavilion built in Mughal style. It has cusped arcades enclosing a square marble tub. 'Amar Vilas' is the highest point of the City palace and has wonderful hanging gardens with fountains, towers and terraces.
Garden Palace
Badi Mahal is the exotic central garden palace that is situated on a 27-m-high (89-ft) natural rock formation vis-a-vis the rest of the palace. The rooms on the ground floor appear to be at the level of the fourth floor in view of the height difference to its surrounding buildings.
Built in 1909 within the Fatepraksh Palace (now a heritage hotel), the hall was used by the royal ladies to observe the court proceedings. This hall has a luxuriant interior with some unusually large chandeliers. Weapons of the maharanas and also some of their unique portraits are also depicted here.
Now run as luxury hotel and inaccessible to public viewing has a crystal gallery that consists of crystal chairs, dressing tables, sofas, tables, chairs and beds, crockery, table fountains which were never used. There is also a unique jewel-studded carpet here.
Located 150 m north of the palace in Indo-Aryan architectural style, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple walls and the shikara or tower are decorated with carvings of Vishnu, scenes from Lord Krishna’s life and figurines of nymphs or apsaras. The street square, where the temple is located, is also known as Jagdish Chowk from where several roads radiate in different directions.
Another chamber in Fatehprakash Palace with rich collection of miniature paintings that portray royal processions, festivals and games of the Maharanas. However, there is tragic story linked to this wing of the City Palace. In the 19th century, a royal princess was unable to choose from two suitors seeking her hand in marriage, one from the royal family of Jaipur and another from Jodhpur, and hence in a state of dilemma, she poisoned herself to death.
Approach from the Manak Chowk, the palace has a raised alcove inlaid completely in mirror glass. One of the prominent emblems of Sun is depicted on the façade of the Manak Chowk, which can also be seen from the outermost court.
Peacock Square
A pillared hall with glass and mirror mosaic decorations is integral to the inner courts of the palace. The elaborate design of this chamber consists of three peacocks (representing the three seasons of summer, winter and monsoon) modeled in high relief and faced with coloured glass mosaic, built into successive niches in the wall area or jharoka. These were built during Maharana Sajjan Singh’s reign, 200 years after the palace was established. The peacocks have been crafted with 5000 pieces of glass, which shine in green, gold and blue colours. In an adjoining chamber, called the Kanch-ki-Burj, mosaic of mirrors adorn the walls. The Badi Charur Chowk within this chowk is a smaller court for private use. Its screen wall has painted and inlaid compositions depicting European men and Indian women.
The palace that used to contain royal treasure. There are temples of Lord Krishna, Meerabai and Shiva, located here.
The palace of mirrors and glasses was built in 1716. A shrine of Dhuni Mata is also located in the complex. This location is considered as the oldest part of the Palace, where a sage spent his entire life meditating.
Women's Palace
Proceeding further from the Mor Chowk, in the Zenana Mahal or women’s quarters (now converted into museum) is exquisitely designed alcoves, balconies, coloured windows, tiled walls and floors are seen.
An artificial lake constructed by Maharana in north of Lake Pichola in 1678 and to the north-west of Udaipur. Within the confines of the Fateh Sagar Lake, there are three small islands.; the largest of these is called the Nehru Park, the second island houses a public park with an impressive water-jet fountain and the third island is the address for the Udaipur Solar Observatory. Every year a festival called the Hariyali Amavasya Mela (Green New Moon Fair) is organized at the lake precincts, in the month of August/September.
An artificial fresh water lake, created in 1362 AD, named after the submerged Picholi village. The lake’s surroundings and the several islands within the lake have been developed over the centuries, with palaces, marble temples, family mansions, and bathing ghats. The famous Lake Palace (now converted into a heritage hotel) is in the middle of the lake. Two islands, Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir are located within Pichola Lake. Local buses, Tongas, auto-rickshaws and taxis provide the needed transport.
A rock and fountain garden and the sunset point from which you can enjoy the sunset view in Lake Pichhola and a panoramic view of the old city. Also one can enjoy the Aerial tramway (rope way) which connects one of the Doodh Talai gardens to Karni Mata temple.
Udairpur Zoo
A rose garden laid out by Maharaja Sajjan Singh is near the palace on the east side of Lake Pichhola. A library in the garden has a collection of ancient handwritten manuscripts and books. Within the garden, there is a zoo with tigers, leopards, chinkara gazelle, birds, and many wild animals. Children can enjoy the mini train, the track of which covers the main part of the garden and the zoo. All major wild animals are shifted to Sajjangarh Biological Park.
This is a park in the middle of Fateh Sager Lake. This park covers about 41 acres (170,000 m²), with flower gardens and a lily pond. It was inaugurated on the birth anniversary of the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. The garden overlooks the ancient Moti Mahal of Maharana Pratap and gives a view of the Aravalli hills on three sides.
Built by Maharana Bhopal Singh. Saheliyon ki Bari means Garden of the Maids. This garden area lies in northern part of the city and has fountains and kiosks, a lotus pool and marble elephants. Each water channel has its distinct sound and the mingling of these sounds complement the ambience of the place. There is also a small museum here. Sahelion Ki Bari' was laid for a group of 48 young women attendants who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as part of her dowry.
An old building built right on the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangori Ghat. Amir Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar, built it in the 18th century and it is now a museum. The palace has over a hundred rooms, with displays of costumes and modern art. The building has a large and exquisite collection of Mewar painting and glassworks.
The Ahar Cenotaphs are a group of royal cenotaphs in Ahar, about 2 km east of Udaipur. The site contains more than 250 cenotaphs of the maharajas of Mewar that were built over approximately 350 years. There are 19 chhatris that commemorate the 19 maharajas who were cremated here.
A very good place to spend your evening. This place has a small zoo, magic show, puppet show, nat ka tamasha, dance shows and to top it all a nice Rajasthani dinner - unlimited of course. The ticket is about ₹250 per person. The shows start in the evening around 5-6PM.
A large roundabout in the city's northern suburb of Panchwati, on the road to Ranakpur and Mt. Abu. The centrepiece of the Circle is a large, three-tiered fountain just over 21 m high, with scalloped dishes surmounted by a wheat-ear motif, representing prosperity. Illuminated at night, it is now a well-known landmark.
Located on an island in the Fateh Sagar Lake, the observatory is claimed to be one of the Asia's largest. The observatory was built in the year 1976 by Dr. Arvind Bhatanagar following the model of the Solar Observatory at Big Bear lake in Southern California. Please note it is not open to the general public. You have to take permission to enter the observatory.
A 60-minute Rajastani dance and marionette puppet show. Includes live music with local instruments, local folk dancing, and a lady balancing up to 9 stacked pots on her head. A must-see!
Daily 60-minute puppet show at 6PM. Great for children.
Shilpgram is a rural arts and crafts complex. The fair is organised every year from 21st December to 31st December and hosts plays and dance performances every evening for those 10 days.
Organized bicycle tours in and around Udaipur. The tours combine cycling with Indian art, culture and heritage.
Spend the evening overlooking the city lights from a high altitude. There is a restaurant on top of the hill with a nice view.
Bindaas is a group of cyclists that motivates people to cycle and to make their environment greener. These cyclists gather every Sunday at Fathesagar Pal at 6AM and cycle together as a group to make people aware about the health and environmental benefits of cycling. It also provides people an opportunity to meet like-minded people. Becoming a member of the group is free of cost.
Run by an Indo-German couple. They have around 15 very well kept Marwari horses and always some foals and young ones on their farm, approximately 8 km outside Udaipur. They organize trail rides for individual riders and small groups of 2 hours, 4 hours and full day through the tribal villages of the Aravalli foothills and also arrange overnight accommodation in comfortable Swiss tents (with attached bathroom, AC and private terrace) on their farm. Horseback lessons and nature hikes are also arranged and non-riding companions can spend a relaxing morning/afternoon in the garden of their farm with a beautiful Hollywood swing. They offer free pick up from the hotels in town and have a collection of imported riding helmets and half-chaps which they lend out to their riders. A large emphasis is put on the safety of riders and horses! Riders and guests fed up by the noise and pollution of Indian cities can stay overnight in comfortable Swiss tents on the farm and enjoy the quiet and peaceful rural life. Longer horseback safaris with overnight stays in a Safari Camp are also arranged. Also offers jeep safaris.
350 ownerless animals are given love and nursed back to health by volunteers. Run by an American family who will welcome you any time between 9AM and 5PM. Did you ever scratch a donkey under his chin? Have you ever bottle fed a baby goat? Ever helped a dog who lost her leg learn to walk again? Here's your chance.
Popular with tour groups, this restaurant has a rooftop area with very romantic views of the lake. Elevator.
lake-side level of Lake Pichola, with a view of the City Palace and the nightly fireworks show. Very romantic. Reservations are mandatory. Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisines.
Superb in every way. You can choose between à-la-carte or the marvelous buffet which is one of the best in Udaipur. A visual delight and a gourmet's paradise. The restaurant is attractive, luxurious, relaxed and has a traditional touch.
Good food and fast service but it is popular with locals and thus can be very crowded.
A German bakery that has amazing pies, cinnamon rolls, coffees, and sandwiches.
This outdoor rooftop restaurant has a tandoor and a barbecue. Serves Kingfisher Strong beer. Great barbequed dishes.
Really great prices on both food and alcohol. There is a large TV for watching movies and water pipes are also available for use.
Rooftop restaurant near the city palace and Jagdish Mandir. Serves Indian food and Italian food
Serves traditional Indian, Mughlai, Rajasthani, Chinese, Continental, and Sizzlers.
Another outdoor rooftop restaurant with a great view. Excellent dal baht. It is a bit of a climb to the roof.
Covered dining room and rooftop restaurant with beautiful and romantic lake views.
Very good food in a clean and modern setting. Indian vegetarian food is served by roving waiters and includes naan/paratha, rice, dal curry, paneer, other curries, and yogurt.
Traditionally-dressed waiters serve superb food from a varied menu. A great place for that special occasion.
A garden style restaurant at the edge of Lake Fateh Sagar. Indoor AC seating also available. The best lal maas ever! Excellent service, exceptional food.
Great view. Try the fried shrimp if it is available!
Set over several floors of a pleasant building with cascading bougainvilleas and a towering banana tree in its blue-walled courtyard. Besides some standard Indian fare, you can order toned-down, simplified versions of traditional cuisine, such as spinach mutton served with boiled potatoes, grilled fish with mash, and even an unusual vegetarian kela curry or banana curry.
One of the most romantic dining spots in Udaipur with a nice view of oasis in the city. Seating is on the lawn or under candle-lit canopies with exquisite traditional Rajasthani thalis. Beautiful garden.
It is a sister concern of Natraj Lodge. Unlimited thali ₹220, including unlimited sweets (that's the only difference from Natraj Lodge). Food is more delicious than Natraj Lodge but more spicy as well.
₹250. Unlimited Dal Bati and Churma. Delicious, worth going at least once.
Vantage Restaurant offers two dining areas; the upper deck has a panoramic view of the beautiful city, from Lake Pichola and the City Palace on one side, to Sajjangarh on the other.
Cafe Coffee Day is famous coffee shop in Udaipur. The chain serves a wide varieties of coffees with Pizza & Sandwiches. All major credit cards are accepted.
The open air Sunset Terrace at the Fateh Prakash Palace hotel becomes the heart of the City Palace Complex. People flock there to have a drink, and watch Lake Pichola.
Guests choosing to stay at the Garden Hotel Udaipur will be able to dine at the onsite restaurant. They will also be able to have a drink at the garden bar.
Serves real Lavazza espresso. They have a nice real espresso machine and serve a huge variety of excellent Italian coffee. Shakes and frappes also available. Espresso ₹50, caffe latte ₹65, cappuccino ₹60. Spoil yourself with an amazingly yummy brownie shake (made with a whole piece of brownie, chocolate ice-cream and milk, tastes to die for) for ₹120. With A/C.
Let your spirits soar high at the well stocked bar of Hotel Kajri in Udaipur. The bar features an eclectic selection of both Indian and Rajasthani liquor and wine.
A perfect place to take in outstanding scenery of the Old Town and the Lake, whilst relaxing with a 'special' lasi and a sheesha.
Restaurant & Bar
The Tehkhana Restaurant is a pleasant and elegant contemporary restaurant ideally located near the Sukhadia Circle. With hazelnut coloured walls and vivid paintings this is an ideal place to hang out Choices of Indian, Chinese, Continental, South Indian & Italian cuisines is available to satisfy the taste buds.
A former palace. Rooms have balconies with lake views. Rooftop restaurant.
A charming haveli centered around a courtyard. Rooftop restaurant.
A large ranch with horses in a rural setting. Cottages are spacious and are decorated with regional handicrafts. Great if you want to go bird watching, horse riding, hiking, biking, or exploring the local villages. Transport from Udaipur can be arranged. Some food served is grown on-site.
20 rooms. Away from the noisy tourist/old town area but easily accessible via tuk-tuk or 10 minutes by foot from Delhi Pol. Price changed in early 2015. Hard to beat the price. The hotel also has a rooftop restaurant.
5-room homestay accommodation. Rooftop restaurant. Hidden in an alley next to a mosque.
20-room hotel across the street from a garden.
A very friendly homestay run by Jitu aka G2, who makes you feel at home. Rooms have balconies. Great views of the palace. Kitchen is available for use.
Rooftop restaurant. Great views.
24 rooms.
A great place to meet young travelers. Rooftop café. Free walking tours. Some rooms have a lake view. On a narrow road.
Luxury Resort around Udaipur
Hidden among the lush undulating hills of Aravalli, The Hunting Lodge, one of the best resorts around Udaipur, sits among thriving green fields as far as the eye can see. The architecture and aesthetics complement the beauty of natural surroundings. Under the luxury umbrella of Zennia Hotels, The Hunting Lodge is positioned at key locations around the mountain and act as gateway to Udaipur. Within easy reach of the airport and the scenic wonders of Udaipur city, the resort is perfect for those seeking spiritual and recreational delights. There are few resorts that revere nature's gifts like we do, and absolute discretion for our guests is the pattern of our hospitality craft.
Spacious rooms with nice views.
26 rooms with nice views.
Run by the founder of the DAAN foundation (an organization that works to improve education for village children in Rajasthan). Owner will sometimes show you around. Many volunteers stay here.
Clean hotel.
Comfortable rural retreat with nice panoramic views. Restaurant on site. Good for relaxing and quiet atmosphere.
Features large rooms with Rajasthani decorations, heritage accommodation and dining facility. You can enjoy excellent views of Lake Pichola & the City Palace from this hotel.
A restored 17th-century haveli. Some rooms have lake views, but are much more expensive. Central courtyard. A narrow archway connects the haveli to the old city.
Formerly the private residence of the Thakur of Jaiwana. 24 rooms, some with lake views. Excellent rooftop restaurant.
Well-maintained heritage hotel.
14-room hotel in a renovated 300-year old building that belongs to the King of Madri.
26 guest room haveli with courtyard and swimming pool. Views of the Sajan Niwas Gardens as well as the city palace. Massage therapy tent.
12-room hotel in the style of a traditional Rajasthani haveli. Features views of Lake Pichola, the Old City, Lake Palace, Jagmandir Island Palace and the rugged Aravalli range.
Peaceful environment. Plenty of activities such as swimming in the pool, trekking, going on a village safari, bird watching, mountain walking, having a massage or just sitting and relaxing with your favorite book with the soothing sounds of nature in the garden.
Newly-built haveli constructed in the traditional style. Rooftop restaurant. Lake views.
51-room heritage hotel.
Heritage hotel with budget-friendly accommodation, views of the Aravali mountain ranges, the lake, and the old city.
The resort is in Sukher, in the Aravali range with all modern facilities to make your stay comfortable.
Opened as a Sheraton on 1st Aug 2010.
The hotel is spread over 250 acres and set amidst the serene wooded landscape of the Aravalis.
A traditional market where mostly women vendors sell fresh produce. A fantastically colourful spot for endless eyecatching photographs and people watching. The spice market is also nearby.
Famous for handmade granite etching portraits and artwork. You can see the artist working in the store.
High quality custom-made suits and clothing.
A good place to purchase miniature paintings but prices are higher than other shops.
This simple little art store is run by a lovely artist couple and is your best option for Udaipur-style miniature artwork. The owners are honest people and there is no hassle/pressure, unlike in most other stores. They will also custom frame paintings at a minimal cost, making for classy gifts and souvenirs.
Sells a wide range of handcrafted gifts, accessories, home décor, artifacts and furniture.
Has a large selection of pashmina wool and cashmere wood scarfs and shawls. Prices are higher than you will find elsewhere, but the quality is really good. You can bargain for a better price that what is quoted.
The shop is best for textiles, sarees, handicrafts, dhurries, and similar products.
A store that offers a wide variety of products like wooden furniture, antique reproduction, marble handicrafts, silver furniture, meenakari enameled handicraft furniture, inlay product & furniture, marble & stone inlay products, Rajasthan furniture, white metal furniture, glass inlay work and semi-precious stone work.
The government-operated fixed-price emporium is a good place to gauge handicraft prices.
Offers a range of art pieces including marble art, ethnic furniture and gifts and souvenirs.
Browse for hand-stitched garments, homewares, and linens. A purchase here means contributing to the income over 1,000 rural and tribal women who are involved in this enterprise. The aesthetic is very western, so you can feel comfortable wearing the items at home.
Offers traditional and antique jewelry with a gem testing lab for the convenience of customers. Gemologist available at all times.
Leather items such as belts, wallets, handbags, laptop bags and accessories, jackets, and luggage.
An exclusive boutique for block print clothes and other crafts.
Stores include Adidas, Nike, Woodland, Metro, Levis, Wrangler, Flying Machine, United Colors of Benetton, Arrow, Van Husen, Allen Solly, Raymond's, Blackberry, Offbeat, Peter England, W, Mom&me, Gini & Jony, Crossword, Archie's. Others: McDonald's, Subway, Cafe Coffee Day, Jashn-Food Court, PVR Cinemas, 5D Cinema, and Hungama Game Planet.
Mix of national and local retailers: Woodland, United Colors of Benetton, Metro, Nike, Levis, Puma, Wrangler, Just I, Mufti, Lotto, Lee & Cat. Others: KFC, Pizza Hut, Moti Mahal Restaurant, INOX Cinemas, Viking Game Zone, and 7D Masti.
Stores include Zari, Westside, Fab India, United Colors of Benetton, Dollar Store, Lilliput, OMG-Food Court, OMG Game Zone.
The latest addition among the malls in the city. With a seemingly modern infrastructure and more upmarket appeal, this mall is an emerging shopping center for the local citizens and tourists visiting the city. Prominent international brand stores are opening up within the mall. It also features stores selling Indian traditional wear, gift shops and a plush food court. Arvana also offers fine dining experience at its rooftop restaurant August Grill: Sky Lounge, which boasts of a strategic view of the city landscape. Arvana has also implemented socially conscious initiatives including opening of Sheros which is a hangout cafe managed by acid attack victims.
By plane
Taxis between the airport and the city cost ₹650 from the prepaid taxi booth in the airport. Many hotels offer a prearranged pickup for ₹600-800.
By train
Udaipur has direct train connections to many major cities in India including Chittorgarh (6-7 per day, 2 hours. ₹140), Ahmedabad (daily, 10 hours, ₹200), Ajmer (4 per day, 5 hours.
By bus
Udaipur is connected by an efficient bus service to most cities in Rajasthan, which sometimes be much faster than the train.
While most of the city can be covered on foot and the narrow alleyways in the old city make any other form of transportation a hassle, a taxi or autorickshaw/tuk-tuk is necessary to reach the Monsoon Palace or the…
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Udaipur · Regional · UDR
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Udaipur and India.
Travel tipsExplore the rainy seasons in Asia month by month. Compare Southwest and Northeast monsoons, typhoon belts, dry island escapes, and travel dates.
8 min read
Travel tipsSpot and avoid common tourist scams in India, including fake train ticket offices, closed hotel lies, rigged auto-rickshaws, and temple donation tricks.
8 min read
Travel tipsFull 2026 list of visa-free and visa-on-arrival countries for Indian passport holders. Check entry requirements, stay limits, and transit visa rules.
7 min read
InspirationThe premier first-time India travel guide covering Delhi monuments, the Taj Mahal in Agra, Jaipur royal forts, sacred Varanasi, and Kerala backwaters.
6 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.