udaipur travel guide

November 17th, 2017 by Garusha Katoch

A unique old-world charm, pristine lakes and opulent palaces make Udaipur a much favored destination of tourists. Flanked by the eau de Nil Aravalis on all sides, Udaipur’s landscape has a distinct scenic beauty. The ancient havelis and forts; and the timeless streets of Udaipur add an intriguing nostalgia of the bygone era to the city’s ambience.

Best Time to Visit

Udaipur Travel Guide

The most ideal time to visit Udaipur is from September to March. The weather during this period is pleasant with sunny days and balmy evenings. The daytime breeze makes it the perfect time to explore the city’s spectacles. It is also during this period that the famous crafts fair Shilpgram is held in Udaipur.

The monsoon months between June and August are ideal for the budget travelers and nature lovers. The rains and drizzle cast a rich blanket of green over the city and its surroundings, making it a sight to behold.

Weather

Udaipur Travel Guide Boating

Average annual temperature: 18°C-33°C

During the summers, the temperature soars high and ranges between 28°C-38°C. As the winter approaches, the temperatures drop to a low of 11°C-25°C.

Places to Visit

Udaipur has ample monuments, historic buildings, museums and lakes within its confines. There is clearly no place for boredom in your routine while visiting the city.

Palaces

Udaipur Travel Guide

(i) Built by Maharana Uday Singh and his successors, the City Palace in Udaipur is indeed opulence personified.  Made entirely of granite and marble, the palace flaunts intricately carved walls embellished with murals and dainty mirror work. The palace complex houses several buildings, each as architecturally spectacular as the other. A popular Crystal gallery is among these buildings in the palace complex featuring royal artifacts and a large private collection of crystal.

(ii) Perched atop a hill just outside the city territory, the 19th century Sajjangarh Palace is another significant marvel of the ancient times. Overlooking Lake Pichola, the palace offers a panoramic view of the city.

Religious Sites

Udaipur Travel Guide Jagdish Temple

(i) Built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651, the Jagdish Temple in Udaipur is an Indo-Aryan temple and the oldest in the city. The temple’s exterior structure is carefully carved and engraved. Inside the temple complex, a black stone image of Vishnu as Jagannath (Lord of the Universe) and a brass image of Garuda are enshrined.

(ii) Located an hour away from Udaipur is the famous Kesariyaji Jain Temple.  The temple carries great significance to the Jain community. Its brilliant architecture and intricate carvings make it a famous tourist attraction. Outside the temple complex, many vendors set up kiosks to sell hand-made wooden toys that you can buy as a souvenir from your visit.

Museums

(i) A visit to the Vintage and Classic Car Collection Museum in Udaipur is quite a fascinating experience.  The huge car collection of the Maharana gives a peek into the royals and their elite lifestyle. Among the 22 vintage cars, the collection includes a seven-seat 1938 Cadillac complete with a purdah system, the stunning 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom that was used in the Hollywood Bond franchise, and the Cadillac convertible that once whisked Queen Elizabeth II to the airport.

(ii) The Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum is a folk-art museum displaying the rich heritage and culture of Udaipur.  Exhibits of traditional dresses, tribal jewellery, dolls, musical instruments and paintings account for the museum collection. A puppet show is also held regularly in the evenings.

(iii) Featuring centuries old artwork, the Ahar Government Museum is ideal for those who have a keen interest in history and archaeology. The museum houses many copper and pottery artworks and objects dating back to more than 3,300 years. Also displayed are 8th-16th century AD sculptures of Hindu Gods and Jain preachers.

(iv) The 18th century Bagore ki Haveli doubles up as an enchanting palace and a rich museum.  The palace rooms evoke nostalgia of its royal past and house many cultural displays. A gallery inside the palace complex features a collection of ancient photographs of Udaipur and world-famous monuments carved out of polystyrene.

The City Palace Museum and Government Museum in Udaipur also feature a rich collection of Udaipur’s artifacts, sculptures and paintings.

Lakes and Gardens

With its pristine and calm lakes, Udaipur has rightfully earned the moniker of ‘City of Lakes’.

Udaipur Travel Guide Lake Pichola

(i) Lake Pichola in Udaipur is undoubtedly the largest and most picturesque lake in the city. The crystal clear water of the lake mirrors the livid mountains surrounding it, making for a beautiful sight. You can enjoy a boat ride on the lake waters from the Rameshwar Ghat.

(ii) Close to Lake Pichola, the Fateh Sagar lake in Udaipur is another popular lake and is flanked by the Aravali hills. The Nehru Park garden island is situated in the middle of the lake. You can take a boat ride to reach the park or enjoy a camel ride on the eastern bank of the lake.

Where to Eat

The culture and heritage of Udaipur is clearly reflected in its rich cuisine. Vegetarian delicacies enriched with many exotic spices and flavors are the primary dishes of Udaipur. Dal Baati Churma is the most popular dish of Udaipur. From street foods to high end fine dining restaurants, it finds a place in every menu.

Dine at:

  • Charcoal by Carlsson behind Jagdish Temple
  • 1559 A.D. at Fateh Sagar
  • Natraj Dining Hall Restaurant near the Railway Station
  • Millets of Mewar at Hanuman Ghat
  • Ranaji Restaurant at Fateh Sagar
  • Lotus Café near Meera Park

Satisfy your Sweet Tooth at:

  • Espresso Love Café near City Palace
  • Le Cakery at Madhuban
  • Café Grasswood near Gadiya Devra Temple
  • Cafera Bollyfood Cafe and Restaurant at Silawatwari
  • Brewberries- The Coffee Bar at Panchwati

Where to Shop

The markets and shopping streets of Udaipur reflect its intrinsic culture and heritage. Their products are a clear testimony to the brilliant craftsmanship and artistic skills of the locals.

Udaipur Travel Guide

Hathi Pol Bazaar: This market is every art lover’s paradise. From the famous Pichwai and Phad paintings to the traditional Rajasthani artwork and miniature paintings, this market has the most genuine products.

Udaipur Travel Guide Market

Bada Bazaar: This vibrant market is the most popular and largest market of Udaipur. It is famous for camel leather items, jewellery (both silver and camel bone) and Rajasthani fabrics (Batik and Bandhini prints).

Udaipur Travel Guide

Chetak Circle: The market in Chetak Circle are famous for traditional Rajasthani goods and products. Popular items include Rajasthani turbans, wooden toys and puppets, silver jewelry, hand-painted fabrics, precious stones and brassware. A government run emporium in the market sells authentic handicrafts.

Udaipur Travel Guide Shopping

Lake Palace Road Market: Famous for embroidered textiles, handicrafts and wooden statues. Several souvenir shops and stalls also dot the road.

Peek into the Royal and Vibrant Culture of Udaipur

Despite its dominant royal history, over the years Udaipur has managed to strike the perfect balance between traditions and progress. Its rich heritage and cultural wealth are evidenced in the vibrant festivals and fairs held in the city. Folk dance and music, puppet shows and the indigenous cuisine form an integral part of these festivities, thus, carrying forward and maintaining the city’s cultural legacy.

Book Hotels in Udaipur

Come and trace the rich history of Indian royalty in Udaipur.

OYO gives you more reasons to say hello to the world

On the lookout for an escapade from the daily drudgery? What better time than the winters to explore the beautiful parts of the world with your loved ones? You can count on OYO to make your wallet happy in the process too! It is offering up to 50% discounts and up to Rs. 250 Paytm cashback on bookings made from the 15th of November, 2018 to the 10th of January, 2019. So shake that monotony off, bring out you travel essentials, and add to your experiences without surpassing your budget as you let the travel begin with OYO! Be it the mountains or the beaches, forests or the meadows- usher in the New Year with some superb adventure!

P.s. You might like these related resources:

About Garusha Katoch

A journalist by education, a writer by passion and a film buff by night. When I am not offering an insight into the many treasure troves of your favorite travel destinations, I like to get my dose of Truffaut and Resnais. You can catch me in quaint cafes finishing my latest book or transforming every thing that happens in a moment into ink.