Of all the cities in Rajasthan — and Rajasthan has no shortage of extraordinary cities — Udaipur consistently stops people in their tracks.
Jaipur has grander forts. Jodhpur has a more dramatic skyline. Jaisalmer has the desert. But Udaipur has the lakes. And the lakes change everything. The City Palace reflected in Lake Pichola at sunset. The white marble Taj Lake Palace appearing to float in the middle of the water. The rooftop restaurants and ancient havelis climbing the hillside behind the ghats. The Aravalli hills forming a ring around the whole scene, softening the light.
Udaipur is called the City of Lakes — and also the Venice of the East, the City of Sunrise, and the most romantic city in India. Every one of these names makes sense once you arrive.
It is also the most visited city in Rajasthan by international tourists — which means knowing what to prioritise, what to skip, and what the insider details are makes a meaningful difference to your experience. This guide gives you 15 specific things to do in Udaipur, ranked and timed, with accurate 2026 entry fees and tips that most visitors only discover after they’ve already left.
How long should you spend in Udaipur? Two days covers the essentials. Three days is the sweet spot. If you’re here on a broader Rajasthan tour, plan for at least two full days — Udaipur rewards those who slow down.
What Are the Most Important Things to Do in Udaipur?
The 15 experiences below are organised thematically — palaces and architecture, the lakes, cultural experiences, and day trips — so you can plan your days logically rather than jumping across the city without a thread.
Which Udaipur Palaces and Monuments Are Worth Your Time?
1. Explore the City Palace — Rajasthan’s largest palace complex
The City Palace is the undisputed centrepiece of Udaipur and one of the finest palace complexes in all of India. Built over nearly 400 years by successive Mewar dynasty rulers starting in 1559, it is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan — a rambling, layered ensemble of courtyards, terraces, hanging gardens, towers, and ornately decorated rooms that reflects both Rajput and Mughal architectural influences.
The palace museum contains extraordinary collections: miniature paintings of the Mewar school, a gallery of royal costumes and turbans, preserved ceremonial rooms, and the stunning Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) whose walls and ceilings are entirely covered in intricate mirror mosaics. The views from the upper terraces over Lake Pichola — the Taj Lake Palace floating on the water, Jag Mandir in the distance, the Aravalli hills beyond — are among the finest views in Rajasthan.
Entry fee: ₹300–500 for Indian adults; ₹600–800 for foreign tourists (additional charges for camera use and specific museum sections including the Crystal Gallery). Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily. Insider tip: Arrive at opening time (9:30 AM) for the best light on the lake and before the day-trip crowds. Budget a minimum of 2–3 hours here — most visitors underestimate the size of the complex.
2. Visit Bagore Ki Haveli and watch the Dharohar Dance Show
Bagore Ki Haveli is an 18th-century mansion sitting directly on Gangaur Ghat on the banks of Lake Pichola — one of the best-located heritage buildings in Udaipur. Built by Amir Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar, the haveli has over 100 rooms filled with antique furniture, royal costumes, glasswork, and what is reputedly the world’s largest turban (over 30 metres of cloth).
The real draw, however, is the Dharohar Dance Show held every evening in the haveli’s courtyard — a 50-minute performance of traditional Rajasthani folk dances including the Ghoomar (the royal women’s dance of Rajasthan), the fire dance, and the puppet show. This is the most accessible and authentic cultural performance available to tourists in Udaipur. The lakeside setting, with the water visible beyond the courtyard arches, makes it visually spectacular.
Dharohar Show entry: ₹150–250 per person. Show timings: 7:00 PM daily (confirm on the day as timings shift seasonally). Insider tip: Arrive 20 minutes before the show starts to get a front-row seat in the courtyard.
3. Climb to Sajjangarh — the Monsoon Palace — for the best sunset in Udaipur
Sajjangarh Palace — known as the Monsoon Palace — sits on a hilltop 944 metres above sea level, 5 kilometres from the city centre. Built in 1884 by Maharana Sajjan Singh originally to observe monsoon clouds, it now offers the most spectacular panoramic view in Udaipur: the entire city, all five lakes, and the surrounding Aravalli hills spread out below you in every direction.
The palace itself is a crumbling, atmospheric structure — less polished than the City Palace, more evocative. The reason to come is the view, particularly in the final hour before sunset when the lakes turn gold and the whole city glows.
Entry fee: ₹100–200 per person plus vehicle entry fees. Timings: Open until sunset. Insider tip: Take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to the top rather than walking — the road is steep and the distance is significant. Go on a clear day for the best visibility across the lakes. Carry water and sunglasses — it can be very windy at the summit.
4. Spend an hour at Jagdish Temple
Jagdish Temple, built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh I, is the largest and most important temple in Udaipur — a towering Indo-Aryan shikhara temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, set at the top of a broad flight of steps just north of the City Palace entrance. The black stone idol of Vishnu in the main shrine is said to have been carved from a single piece of stone, and the temple’s exterior is covered in fine carvings of elephants, horsemen, musicians, and celestial nymphs.
Entry is free. The temple is open from early morning until late evening and is active with worship throughout the day. Insider tip: The steps leading up to the temple entrance are lined with flower sellers and small stalls selling offerings — the colours and the atmosphere make this one of the most photogenic approaches to any temple in Rajasthan. Visit in the morning when the light falls on the carved facade.
How Do You Make the Most of Udaipur’s Lakes?
5. Take a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola is the soul of Udaipur — an artificial freshwater lake created in 1362 AD, surrounded by ghats, temples, and the majestic City Palace on its eastern shore. The Taj Lake Palace (an 18th-century marble palace that appears to float on the water) occupies one of its islands, and Jag Mandir Palace occupies another.
The highlight is a tranquil boat ride on the lake, especially during sunset when the sky turns golden. The view of the Taj Lake Palace and Jag Mandir from the water is the definition of romantic. Aim for the 4:00–5:00 PM boat to catch the sunset light on the palaces.
Boat ride cost: ₹400–800 per person depending on the boat and time of day. Sunset rides are slightly higher. Timings: Boats run from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Insider tip: Watch cultural shows at the ghats between rides — the Mewar Light and Sound Show is held in the evenings with views across the lake.
6. Visit Jag Mandir Island Palace
Jag Mandir is a 17th-century palace built on an island in the southern part of Lake Pichola, accessible only by boat. It is one of Udaipur’s most exquisite buildings — a series of marble pavilions, gardens, and a domed hall decorated with coloured stone inlay. The palace is believed to have provided refuge to the Mughal Prince Khurram (later Emperor Shah Jahan) during his revolt against his father, and is sometimes cited as an inspiration for the Taj Mahal.
The island has a restaurant and café where you can spend an hour over lunch with extraordinary lake views. The boat journey out to the island is part of the pleasure.
Access: Via boat from the City Palace boat jetty. Boats run regularly throughout the day. Entry: Included in some boat ride packages; confirm with the boat operator.
7. Walk along Fateh Sagar Lake at dawn or dusk
Fateh Sagar Lake is the second major lake of Udaipur, north of Lake Pichola and connected to it by a narrow channel. It is less visited than Pichola but offers a more local, less touristy atmosphere — a popular morning walk destination for Udaipur residents, lined with gardens and food stalls along its eastern embankment.
The Nehru Island in the middle of the lake has a public park and a solar observatory. Motorboat rides are available. The light on the water at dawn and dusk is beautiful. Entry: Free to walk the lakeside. Small charge for Nehru Island access.
8. Walk Gangaur Ghat and the old city lanes at golden hour
Gangaur Ghat is the most scenic ghat on Lake Pichola — a broad flight of stone steps descending to the water, framed by ornate arched pavilions and the bulk of Bagore Ki Haveli rising behind it. It is the best place to simply sit with Udaipur — watching the light change on the water, the boats moving between the palace islands, and the life of the old city carrying on behind you.
The lanes of the old city that climb the hill behind the ghat — narrow, cream-coloured, draped with bougainvillaea — are among the most atmospheric walking streets in Rajasthan. Follow your instincts and get slightly lost. There is no bad direction. Best time: One hour before sunset. Cost: Free.
What Cultural Experiences Should You Have in Udaipur?
9. See the world’s largest turban at Bagore Ki Haveli Museum
Already mentioned for its Dharohar Dance Show, Bagore Ki Haveli’s museum section is worth a visit independently. The collection includes era-specific royal costumes, the famous world’s largest turban (over 30 metres of cloth wound around a display frame), antique furniture, glass work, and a collection of vintage photographs documenting Mewar royal life. The museum is renowned for showcasing the grandeur of Rajasthan’s regal heritage, with intricate frescoes and a classic collection of artefacts.
10. Visit Saheliyon Ki Bari — the Garden of the Maidens
Saheliyon Ki Bari (Garden of the Maidens) is one of Udaipur’s most charming and undervisited attractions — a royal garden built by Maharana Sangram Singh II in the 18th century as a pleasure garden for the royal women of the court. Famous for its marble pavilions, life-size elephant statues, lotus pools, and magnificent fountains powered by the water system from Fateh Sagar Lake.
The garden is extraordinarily serene — shaded pathways, the sound of water, and a quality of light that makes it a relief after the bustle of the City Palace and the ghats. Entry fee: ₹5–20 for Indians; ₹50–100 for foreign tourists. Timings: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Insider tip: Visit in the late afternoon when the garden is quietest and the fountains are running.
11. Watch a puppet show and learn about the Rajasthani puppet tradition
Rajasthani puppetry — Kathputli — is one of the state’s oldest art forms, and Udaipur’s Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum is the best place in the city to see it. The museum is renowned for its efforts to preserve the 2,000-year-old art of puppetry, featuring a performance centre for regular puppet shows and training courses for both children and adults. The shows are brief, colourful, and genuinely entertaining — particularly good for families.
12. Take a cooking class and learn to make dal baati churma
Udaipur has a small but growing number of excellent cooking classes where you can learn to make Rajasthan’s most iconic dishes — dal baati churma (lentils, baked wheat balls, and sweetened flour), gatte ki sabzi (chickpea flour dumplings in yoghurt gravy), and ker sangri (the Rajasthani desert bean preparation). Classes typically run 2–3 hours, include the meal you prepare, and cost ₹800–1,500 per person. Ask your hotel for recommendations — the best classes are small and run from home kitchens.
What Are the Best Day Trips from Udaipur?
13. Take a half-day trip to Kumbhalgarh Fort
Kumbhalgarh Fort, 84 kilometres north of Udaipur, is one of the greatest forts in India and one of the most undervisited major heritage sites in Rajasthan. Built by Maharana Kumbha in the 15th century, it sits at 1,100 metres above sea level in the Aravalli hills and is enclosed by a wall that stretches 36 kilometres — second only to the Great Wall of China in length. The views from the upper ramparts across the hills are extraordinary.
The drive from Udaipur through the Aravalli hills to Kumbhalgarh is itself scenic and takes approximately 2 hours each way. Entry fee: ₹600 for foreign tourists. Insider tip: Combine with a visit to Ranakpur Jain Temples (45 minutes beyond Kumbhalgarh) — one of the finest examples of Jain temple architecture in India, with 1,444 individually carved marble pillars, no two alike.
14. Visit Chittorgarh — Rajasthan’s largest fort
Chittorgarh Fort, 112 kilometres east of Udaipur, is the largest fort in India by area — a plateau fortress of extraordinary scale containing palaces, temples, towers, and the famous Rani Padmini Palace associated with the legend of the Rajput queen’s jauhar (self-immolation) during the 1303 siege by Alauddin Khilji. The Vijay Stambha (Tower of Victory) — a 37-metre victory tower covered in carvings — is one of the finest pieces of medieval Indian architecture in existence.
Allow a full day for Chittorgarh. The drive from Udaipur takes approximately 2 hours each way. Entry fee: ₹600 for foreign tourists. Insider tip: Hire a local guide at the fort entrance — the history of Chittorgarh is complex, dramatic, and largely unknown to international visitors without interpretation.
15. Spend an evening at a rooftop restaurant overlooking Lake Pichola
This is less an activity than a state of being — and it is one of the defining pleasures of Udaipur. The old city’s rooftop restaurants look directly over Lake Pichola, with the City Palace on one side, the Lake Palace floating in the middle distance, and the Aravalli hills forming the backdrop. As the sun drops, the whole scene turns gold, then amber, then deep blue.
Rooftop dining is most atmospheric between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Well-regarded spots include Ambrai Restaurant on Chandpole ghat (ground level, spectacular lake and City Palace view), the rooftops along Lal Ghat, and the hotel rooftops in the Gangaur Ghat area. Most serve a mix of Rajasthani and continental food. Budget ₹600–1,500 per person for a full dinner with drinks (note: alcohol is available in Udaipur unlike some other Rajasthan cities).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top things to do in Udaipur in 2 days?
In two days in Udaipur, the essential experiences are: City Palace (morning, 2–3 hours), a Lake Pichola sunset boat ride (4:00–5:00 PM), the Dharohar Dance Show at Bagore Ki Haveli (evening), Jagdish Temple (morning), Saheliyon Ki Bari garden, Gangaur Ghat walk at golden hour, and a rooftop dinner overlooking the lake. If you have a morning free, Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace for the panoramic view is worth the taxi ride. Two days is enough to feel Udaipur properly — three days allows for a day trip to Kumbhalgarh or Chittorgarh.
How much does it cost to visit City Palace Udaipur in 2026?
The City Palace entry fee in 2026 is approximately ₹300–500 for Indian adults and ₹600–800 for foreign tourists, with additional charges for camera use and specific museum sections including the Crystal Gallery. The palace is open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily. Always arrive at opening time to avoid crowds and catch the best morning light on Lake Pichola from the palace terraces.
What is the best time of day to visit Udaipur’s lakes?
The best time for Lake Pichola is the late afternoon boat ride — aim for 4:00–5:00 PM to catch the sunset light on the Taj Lake Palace and Jag Mandir Island. The lake is extraordinarily beautiful in this light. For Fateh Sagar Lake, dawn is ideal — the water is still and the light is soft, and you’ll share it with local morning walkers rather than tourist crowds. The Gangaur Ghat walk is best done in the hour before sunset, when the old city behind it glows amber.
Is the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur worth visiting?
The Taj Lake Palace is one of the most iconic hotels in the world — an 18th-century marble palace built on a four-acre island in Lake Pichola that appears to float on the water. Non-guests can visit for lunch or dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, which requires a reservation and a minimum spend. If your budget allows, even a single meal at the Taj Lake Palace is a genuinely extraordinary experience — arriving by boat, dining in a 250-year-old marble pavilion on the lake. It is also the hotel most associated with the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy, filmed partly in Udaipur.
What should you not miss in Udaipur?
The three non-negotiables in Udaipur are: the sunset Lake Pichola boat ride (the most purely beautiful experience the city offers), the City Palace museum (the finest palace interior in Rajasthan), and the Dharohar Dance Show at Bagore Ki Haveli (the most accessible authentic cultural performance in the city). Beyond these three, Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace for the panoramic view, Saheliyon Ki Bari garden, and a rooftop dinner over the lake round out a complete Udaipur experience.
See Udaipur in Full on Our Royal Rajasthan Tour
Udaipur is one of the highlights of The Explora Tours’ Royal Rajasthan With Taj Mahal Tour itinerary — a 10-day journey through the finest cities in Rajasthan that gives you two full days in Udaipur, timed for the best light on the lakes and the palaces.
Your Udaipur days include a guided City Palace visit timed for the morning light, a private sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, the Dharohar Dance Show at Bagore Ki Haveli, and a rooftop dinner with views over the water. A specialist local guide accompanies you throughout — someone who knows the stories behind the mirror work, the royal legends behind the cenotaphs, and the best rooftop in the old city for chai at sunrise.
Prices start from $3,995 per person for 10 days, inclusive of hand-picked heritage accommodation, private transfers, expert guides, and most meals.
Request a free quote for the Royal Rajasthan With Taj tour →