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Udaipur

Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

Udaipur: Where Romance Blooms Amidst the Shimmering Lakes of Rajasthan Step into a fairytale in Udaipur, the "Venice of the East," nestled amidst the Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan. This city, a vision in white, captivates …

#City#Tourism#Historical#Palaces#Lakes

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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Udaipur.

Top Hotels in Udaipur

Top Flights to Udaipur

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Udaipur.

Tours

City Palace Visit

Explore the magnificent City Palace complex, showcasing a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.

Jagdish Temple Exploration

Visit the historic Jagdish Temple, a major architectural landmark in Udaipur.

Saheliyon Ki Bari Stroll

Wander through the lush gardens of Saheliyon Ki Bari, designed for the royal ladies.

Shopping

Shilpgram Arts and Crafts

Discover traditional Rajasthani arts and crafts at Shilpgram village.

Bada Bazaar Shopping

Immerse yourself in the bustling local market of Bada Bazaar, offering a variety of goods.

Outdoor

Lake Pichola Boat Ride

Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Pichola while admiring the beautiful views of the city.

Fateh Sagar Lake Cycling

Experience a refreshing cycling tour around Fateh Sagar Lake.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Udaipur.

Currency

₹ | INR | Indian Rupee

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Udaipur, Rajasthan, India is around 0.5 million.

Languages

Hindi, Mewari

Average weather

Udaipur

Jan

24°8°

Feb

27°11°

Mar

32°16°

Apr

37°21°

May

40°26°

Jun

38°27°

Jul

33°25°

Aug

31°24°

Sep

32°23°

Oct

34°19°

Nov

30°13°

Dec

26°9°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Udaipur.

What people love

Udaipur, located in the state of Rajasthan, India, is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful lakes, palaces, and rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Udaipur:

Lake Pichola: Udaipur is famous for its picturesque Lake Pichola, where you can enjoy a boat ride and admire the stunning views of the surrounding palaces and hills. The lake also has two islands - Jag Niwas (now the famous Lake Palace hotel) and Jag Mandir, which are worth exploring.
City Palace: The City Palace of Udaipur is a magnificent complex of palaces, courtyards, and gardens overlooking Lake Pichola. Visitors can explore the various museums, galleries, and architectural wonders within the palace complex.
Jag Mandir: This beautiful palace on an island in Lake Pichola offers a tranquil retreat for visitors. You can visit Jag Mandir to enjoy the scenic views, relax in the gardens, and explore the historical structures.
Historic Architecture: Udaipur is home to several stunning examples of Rajasthani architecture, including the intricate carvings of the Jagdish Temple, the beautiful Saheliyon-ki-Bari garden, and the vintage car collection at the Garden Hotel.
Cultural Experiences: Udaipur offers a chance to immerse yourself in Rajasthan's vibrant culture through traditional music and dance performances, local markets selling handicrafts and artifacts, and authentic Rajasthani cuisine.
Luxury Accommodation: Udaipur boasts a range of luxury hotels and resorts, including heritage properties like the Taj Lake Palace and the Oberoi Udaivilas, offering a luxurious stay with impeccable service and stunning views.
Shopping: Udaipur is a great place to shop for traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and other souvenirs. The city's markets are filled with colorful items that reflect the region's rich artistic heritage.

Overall, Udaipur is a charming destination that offers a mix of history, culture, natural beauty, and luxury experiences, making it a must-visit for travelers looking to explore the royal heritage of Rajasthan.

What to know

There are several potential cons to traveling to Udaipur, located in the state of Rajasthan, India. Some of these include:

Extreme weather: Udaipur can experience very hot temperatures during the summer months, with temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. This can make sightseeing and outdoor activities uncomfortable for some travelers.
Crowds: Udaipur is a popular tourist destination, particularly during the peak season from October to March. This means that popular attractions such as the City Palace and Lake Pichola can get very crowded, leading to long lines and difficulty finding accommodation.
Pollution: Like many Indian cities, Udaipur can suffer from air pollution, especially during the winter months. This can affect air quality and visibility, which may be a concern for travelers with respiratory issues.
Hygiene and sanitation: Some travelers may find the hygiene standards in Udaipur to be lower than what they are accustomed to. It is advisable to drink bottled water and exercise caution when eating street food to avoid getting sick.
Cultural differences: Udaipur is a conservative city with strong traditional values. Travelers should be respectful of local customs and dress modestly to avoid causing offense.

It's important to note that these cons are not universal and may vary depending on individual preferences and experiences. It's always a good idea to research and plan ahead to mitigate any potential challenges during your trip to Udaipur.

Udaipur, located in the state of Rajasthan, India, is a city with a rich and vibrant history. Often referred to as the "City of Lakes," Udaipur is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, magnificent palaces, and cultural heritage. Here's a detailed history of Udaipur:

Foundation and Early History

Founding: Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II of the Sisodia clan of Rajputs. The city was established as the new capital of the Mewar Kingdom, which had been centered in Chittorgarh before its capture by the Mughal emperor Akbar.
Legend: According to legend, Maharana Udai Singh II was guided by a hermit he encountered while hunting in the Aravalli Hills. The hermit advised him to establish the city on the banks of Lake Pichola, which was considered an auspicious site.

Mughal Era and Beyond

Mughal Relations: The Sisodia rulers of Mewar had a contentious relationship with the Mughals. Maharana Pratap, the son of Udai Singh II, is one of the most celebrated figures in Udaipur's history for his resistance against Mughal expansion, particularly at the Battle of Haldighati in 1576, where he fought against the forces of Emperor Akbar.
Subsequent Rulers: After Maharana Pratap, his successors continued to rule the region, navigating complex relationships with the Mughals and later the Marathas and British.

British Raj and Independence

British Influence: During the British Raj, Udaipur, like many princely states, entered into a subsidiary alliance with the British authorities. The rulers retained autonomy in internal matters while ceding control over external affairs.
Post-Independence: After India gained independence in 1947, Udaipur was integrated into the Indian Union and became part of the state of Rajasthan.

Significant Historical Figures

Maharana Udai Singh II: Founder of Udaipur and responsible for establishing the city as the capital of Mewar.
Maharana Pratap: Celebrated for his valor and resistance against the Mughal Empire, symbolizing Rajput pride and honor.

Important Landmarks

City Palace: A stunning architectural marvel on the banks of Lake Pichola, the City Palace complex is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture and houses a museum.
Lake Palace: Situated on the island of Jag Niwas in Lake Pichola, this opulent palace has now been converted into a luxury hotel.
Jag Mandir: Another beautiful island palace on Lake Pichola, known for its intricate carvings and history as a refuge for Mughal prince Shah Jahan during a revolt against his father, Emperor Jahangir.
Saheliyon-ki-Bari: A historic garden built by Maharana Sangram Singh for the royal ladies, featuring fountains, kiosks, marble elephants, and a delightful lotus pool.
Jagdish Temple: A large Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings.

Cultural Significance

Cultural Hub: Udaipur is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional Rajasthani music, dance, and crafts. The city hosts various cultural festivals and fairs, such as the Mewar Festival, which celebrates the arrival of spring.
Art and Craft: Udaipur is famous for its miniature paintings, a tradition that dates back several centuries and is characterized by detailed and intricate artwork.

Udaipur's history, filled with tales of valor, architectural splendor, and cultural richness, continues to attract visitors from around the world, making it a vibrant and enduring symbol of Rajasthan's heritage.