Udaipur – Tour the city of Royals

Udaipur is the lake city in Rajasthan, The Venice of India, The romantic city, The city of Royals.  It’s everything: VIBRANT, cultural, but most importantly, it’s the most relaxed place in India and is still quite touristy. Here is an outlook to the grand city of Udaipur penned down in few words.

Places to visit in Udaipur

Being in Udaipur itself is a blissful feeling. Anywhere you look is a sight to behold. Just mere walking around old city can make you fall in love. But if you are particular in knowing places to visit. Here are best options to plan,

1. Pichola Lake

This is not just another lake of Udaipur. It’s a heartbeat. One will fall in love with this lake the moment one sees it. This huge lake comprises many islands, including the one, which has the lake palace. A boat ride through the lake that takes you through some of the most popular monuments of Udaipur is a must here. A walk around the lake and lanes or the ghats and markets can make your trip complete with satisfaction. I bet you will claim this lake as the best in Udaipur if not India. I don’t have more words to describe lake Pichola, you have to see it and find for yourself. 

Opening hours : All day and night

2. City Palace

Udaipur city palace is the Raj Mahal of Udaipur, located on the banks of lake Pichola. This is one of the most popular tourist places in Udaipur. The architecture of the palace is splendid and is a testimony to the royal kingdoms of Rajput dynasty. Known for its rich history, the beauty of the palace is a benchmark for many structures even to this day. When you visit city palace do hire a guide, you feel and understand the whole palace hereafter.

Opening hours: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm

3. Jag Mandir

Have you heard of the destination weddinds of Udaipur?. Yes it happens here. Jag Mandir palace is built on an island in Lake Pichola and is known for its beautiful interiors and grand style of architecture. The intricate sculptures on the marbles are key attractions of this place apart from the majestic view of the lake from the palace. When in Udaipur do not miss this attraction.

Opening hours: 9.00 am to 7.00 pm

4. Sajjangadh

This is also known as the Monsoon palace. This royal architecture is a hilltop palatial residence. It was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh of Mewar Dynasty. The fort was built, basically, to watch the monsoon clouds floating by. It guarantees panoramic views of the surrounding country side and sunsets at distance. A 30 min walk uphill can take you here, you may also go by share taxis which are easily available at the main date below the hill.

5. Ahar Cenotaphs

It was used as a major burial ground for the royal family. The memorial site also has an archaeological museum, which has a fascinating collection of rare monuments dating 10th century. As a tourist place, it draws crowds for its historic significance and the evergreen charms for ruins.

Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

6. Fateh Sagar Lake

Ahh! Here comes my favourate. Fateh Sagar Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Rajasthan. It is a good place to spend the evening, as the view of the city gets better while the sun sets at the horizon. If you’re on a short visit, add this among the places to visit in Udaipur in one day. If your trip is longer visit this place every evening like I do. Walk on the promenade, eat nice street food and drink hot firni  milk for sure.

Opening hours: 9:30 am to 7:00 pm

7. Kumbhalgarh Fort

This might sound far but it isn’t. Drive about 64 km from the city of Udaipur, and reach Fort  Kumbhalgarh. This is an architectural wonder in Udaipur, and surely among most extravagant palaces and forts of Rajasthan. The main fort is 1900 metres above the sea level. A drive to the fort itself is quite enjoyable and the panoramic view from the fort is a sight to behold.

Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

8. Saheliyon-Ki-Bari

It is known for its pleasant lotus pool, marble elephants, excellent architecture, fountains and beautiful gardens. located by the Fateh Sagar lake, this garden is also famous for its lush green lawns and marble art amidst the dry state of Rajasthan. Built by Sangram Singh of Mewar, Saheliyon-Ki-Bari is a large, beautiful garden located in the north of Udaipur.

Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

9. Bagore Ki Haveli

Bagore ki haveli is home to one of the most popular galleries exhibiting Rajputana heritage and history. The haveli is known for its antique monuments and is especially famous for the exhibit of world’s largest turban. Incase you are done with bagore ki haveli, still wait for the clock to hit 7.30pm and see the extraordinary cultural show. You cant miss it on your visit.

Opening hours: 9:30 am to 7:00 pm. Cultural Show starts at 7.30

10. Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum

The Bhartiya Lok Kala Museum displays the rich folk arts of Rajasthan including turbans, dolls, masks, paintings. If you’re interested in arts and would love to know about the heritage of Udaipur, this museum is a must for you. There are regular puppet shows and cultural performances by local as well as guest artists.

Opening hours: 10: 30 am to 7:00 pm.

11. Shilpgram

Shilpgram, this sprawling village of 70 acres is responsible for sustaining the heritage and arts of the rural areas and provides support to the artists and craftsman. Visit this village to witness the rich traditional art forms, various crafts and wonderful paintings. It is just 3 Kms away from Udaipur.

Opening hours: 11:00 am to 7:00 pm

12. Lake Palace

Lake Palace was formerly known as Jag Niwas and is among the top tourist attractions in Udaipur. The Taj Group took over the palace and has restored and maintained the heritage of this most sought after resorts. Definitely, one of the most popular palaces to visit in Udaipur, the Lake Palace resides by the famous lake Pichola. Lake palace is one of the most royal and romantic hotels in the world.

 Opening hours : 10 am to 6 pm

What Not to Miss when in Udaipur & Some tips

1.    Hire a guide in City Palace, Not the Audio tour.

2.    Take a shared taxi to Sajjangadh. It may look easy but is quite a walk upslope

3.    The hot firni milk at fatehsage is amazing. Don’t miss it please. 

4.    For cultural show at Bagore ki haveli, reach atleast 15 min before time to get the best seat.

5.    Staying at old city is a great experience. Try to book a hotel that overlooks lake pichola.

6.    Wine shop gets shut early. You can ask any Autorickshaw incase you need it after hours. They are happy to serve you.

7.    When walking in the small lanes, be careful of two-wheelers coming from anyside. You may get hurt.

8.    Eat Poha and jalebi at a small restaurant opposite Jagdish mandir. You will feel blessed.

9.    While waiting for the show to begin at bagore ki haveli, do try some authentic coffee in the lane opposite.

10. Drinking in public is not allowed, don’t miss the charm of drinking wiskey in a kullad secretly at fatehsagar lake. Thank me later.

11. Wear modestly when in and around Udaipur, people are very particular about this.

Some Facts about Udaipur

·      Maharaja Udai Singh of Sisodia dynasty founded the Udaipur city. The capital of the kingdom was shifted from the Chittorgarh to Udaipur.

·      Udaipur is popularly known as the 'City of Lakes'. The city has an interconnected lake system which helps in the regeneration of ground water and regulates the climatic conditions.

·      Lake Palace or Jag Nivas in the Lake Pichola is now a heritage hotel run by Taj group. It is voted as the most romantic hotel in the world and in India.

·      Kumbhalgarh Fort built by Rana Kumbha has the longest wall which is second only to the 'Great Wall of China'.

·      Jaisamand Lake or Dhebar Lake is considered as the second largest artificial lake in Asia.

·      The City Palace of Udaipur is a huge complex of palaces. It was started in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II. Many other palaces were built by several kings inside the City Palace area for the next 400 years.

·      Rajasthan is one of the prominent Zinc and Copper mining destinations. It is said Udaipur was a major mining site from the medieval times.

·      Sahastra-Bahu Temples are now famously known as 'Sas-Bahu' temples. Historical records say, that Sahastra Bahu means 'Vishnu with 1000 arms' but the local stories suggest a different tale. Sas-Bahu means 'mother-in-law' and 'daughter-in-law', meaning one side was built according to mother-in-law and the other side according to daughter-in-law.

How to Reach Udaipur

By air: 
Udaipur Airport also known as Maharana Pratap Airport. Air India, Jet Airways and SpiceJet operate regular flights from NewDelhi, Mumbai and Jaipur. The airport is about 20 km away from the city centre and several autos and taxis are available from outside the airport that travellers can hire to reach their destination. 

By road: 

Udaipur is linked with various cities via an extensive network of bus services. There are regular buses available from Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Indore and Kota linking Udaipur with these cities. Mumbai and Delhi are approximately 750 km away from Udaipur and it’s takes around 11 to 12 hours drive to reach here. 

By train: 

Udaipur Railway Station connects the city with major Indian destinations such as Delhi, Kolkata, Jaipur and Mumbai, among others. Trains such as Mewar Express, Annanya Express, Gwalior-Udaipur Express and Chetak Express run on a daily basis connecting the city with Ahmadabad, Sealdah and Ajmer.

A unique old-world charm, pristine lakes and opulent palaces make Udaipur a much favored destination of tourists. The ancient havelis and forts; and the timeless streets of Udaipur add an intriguing nostalgia of the bygone era to the city’s ambience. So guys head soon –

‘Kesariya Balam, Padharo mara des’