Things to Do in Udaipur

Often called the most romantic city in India, Udaipur rewards travellers who slow down — and there are more things to do in Udaipur than a single day allows. Wrapped around a chain of man-made lakes and crowned by a sprawling palace, this Rajasthani city trades the desert intensity of Jaipur and Jodhpur for water, marble, and soft evening light. If you're coming from the US, UK, or Europe, it's the place on a Rajasthan trip where you finally exhale.

Quick answer: The top things to do in Udaipur are touring the City Palace, taking a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, visiting Jagdish Temple and the Monsoon Palace, and dining on a rooftop overlooking the water. Two days is enough to enjoy the highlights; three lets you truly relax.

Explore the City Palace

Udaipur's City Palace is the largest royal complex in Rajasthan, built up over nearly 400 years by successive rulers of Mewar. From the ramparts you get the postcard view: white palaces floating on the lake below.

• Allow 2–3 hours for the palace and its museum of miniatures, armoury, and mirrored halls.
• Go early to beat both heat and coach groups.
• The Crystal Gallery and courtyard peacock mosaics are worth the extra ticket.

For how Udaipur compares with Rajasthan's other headline city, our Udaipur vs Jaipur guide breaks down which suits your trip.

Take a Sunset Boat Ride on Lake Pichola

This is the experience everyone remembers. A late-afternoon boat glides past the Lake Palace (now a hotel) and stops at Jag Mandir island, and the light on the water at golden hour is genuinely magical.

• Boats leave from Rameshwar Ghat inside the City Palace complex.
• The sunset slot sells out — book earlier in the day.
• Bring a light layer; the breeze off the water is cool even in warm months.

Wander the Old City and Ghats

Udaipur is made for aimless walking. The lanes around Lake Pichola are lined with havelis, miniature-painting workshops, and rooftop cafés.

• Jagdish Temple — a soaring 17th-century Vishnu temple in the heart of the old city.
• Bagore Ki Haveli — a restored lakeside mansion with a nightly Rajasthani folk dance and puppet show.
• Gangaur and Ambrai Ghats — the best free sunset spots, looking back at the palace.
• Hathi Pol bazaar — for miniature paintings and Rajasthani textiles; our rajasthan textiles & block printing guide explains what to look for.

Day Trips and Viewpoints

If you have a third day, Udaipur's surroundings are lovely:

• Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh) — a hilltop fort with a sweeping sunset panorama over the lakes and Aravalli hills.
• Saheliyon Ki Bari — the "garden of the maidens," with fountains and lotus pools.
• Eklingji and Nagda temples — an easy half-day of ancient stone architecture.
• Kumbhalgarh Fort — further out, with the second-longest continuous wall in the world, often paired with the exquisite Jain temples at Ranakpur.

A slower evening option worth planning for is the nightly folk performance at Bagore Ki Haveli, where Rajasthani dancers balance towering stacks of pots on their heads — a genuinely joyful hour and a lovely way to end a day by the lake.

How Long to Spend in Udaipur

Udaipur rewards a slightly slower pace than Rajasthan's busier cities. Here's a realistic plan:

| Time available | What to see | |---|---| | 1 day | City Palace + sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola | | 2 days | Add the old city, ghats, Jagdish Temple, rooftop dining | | 3 days | Add Monsoon Palace, gardens, and a nearby fort or temple |

Where Udaipur Fits in a Rajasthan Trip

Most travellers reach Udaipur after the Golden Triangle or as part of a wider Rajasthan loop that also takes in things to do in Jodhpur and things to do in Jaipur. Because it's calmer and prettier, it works beautifully as the final, restful stop.

This is exactly why we build Udaipur's lakeside calm into our routes as a reward after the busier cities. Our [Royal Rajasthan: Golden Triangle, 18–25 August 2026](/destinations/beyond-taj-aug-2026) takes the pressure off planning — hosted personally by Anna, capped at 12 travellers, and priced at $950 in USD for international guests, so you get the palace views and boat rides without wrangling tickets and drivers yourself.

For timing, our best time to visit Rajasthan and Golden Triangle with Udaipur guides help you slot the city into the right season and route. Couples in particular should see our India for couples romantic guide.

Practical Notes

• Getting there: Udaipur has its own airport (UDR) with flights from Delhi and Mumbai, plus overnight trains from Jaipur.
• Getting around: the old city is walkable; use auto-rickshaws or pre-booked cars for the outer sights.
• What to wear: modest, breathable clothing for temples — see what to wear in India.
• Best light: photographers should shoot the ghats at sunrise and Monsoon Palace at sunset.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need in Udaipur?

Two days covers the essentials — the City Palace, a Lake Pichola boat ride, the old city, and a rooftop dinner. A third day lets you add the Monsoon Palace, gardens, and a nearby fort or temple without feeling rushed.

Is a Lake Pichola boat ride worth it?

Yes — it's the single most memorable thing to do in Udaipur. The sunset slot, gliding past the Lake Palace to Jag Mandir island, is the view the city is famous for. Book earlier in the day, as it fills up.

Is Udaipur worth visiting after the Golden Triangle?

Very much so. After the intensity of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, Udaipur's lakes and slower pace make it an ideal, restful finish to a North India trip. It's why many itineraries save it for last.

What is the best time to visit Udaipur?

October to March offers the most comfortable weather, with warm days and cool evenings. Summer (April–June) is hot but quieter, while the monsoon fills the lakes and turns the surrounding hills green.

Ready to See Udaipur Without the Planning?

If lake palaces, boat rides, and rooftop dinners belong on your India trip, our [Royal Rajasthan: Golden Triangle, 18–25 August 2026](/destinations/beyond-taj-aug-2026) weaves the region's finest cities into one small-group journey — hosted by Anna, priced in USD for international travellers. See other dates and routes on our destinations page.