Last Updated : Oct 30, 2025 | Author : Tanya Parsad | View Count : 1968 | Read Time : 8 min

Udaipur Travel Guide: Exploring Rajasthan's City of Lakes

Udaipur has earned its reputation as one of India's most beautiful cities, and once you see Lake Pichola with palaces reflected in the water, you'll understand why. This city in southern Rajasthan draws travelers looking for romance, royal heritage, and that picture-perfect combination of lakes, palaces, and mountains that makes Rajasthan so compelling.

This isn't a place to rush through. The magic happens when you slow down, take those boat rides at sunset, have dinner on rooftop terraces overlooking the lake, and let the city's beauty sink in

Why is Udaipur called India's most romantic city?
Udaipur travel's romantic reputation comes from its stunning Lake Pichola setting with palaces reflected in the water, including the floating Taj Lake Palace that looks like a fairytale. The Aravalli hills create gorgeous sunset backdrops, while countless rooftop restaurants offer intimate lake views for dinner. The water gives Udaipur a softer quality compared to other desert cities in Rajasthan.

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Why Is Udaipur Called India's Most Romantic City?

The romantic reputation isn't just marketing hype. Udaipur genuinely creates this atmosphere that makes everything feel more beautiful and intimate.

The setting is a huge part of it. Lake Pichola sits in the heart of the city with palaces rising from its waters and shores. The City Palace complex dominates one side of the lake. The Lake Palace (now a luxury hotel) floats in the middle looking like something from a fairytale. The Aravalli hills create a backdrop that's particularly stunning at sunset when the light turns everything golden.

Water changes everything about how a city feels. While other Rajasthani cities have the dramatic desert beauty, Udaipur has this softer quality created by the lakes. The reflections, the boat rides, the way evening light plays on the water, it all contributes to the romantic atmosphere.

The tourism industry has leaned into this reputation. You'll find rooftop restaurants with lake views at every turn, boat rides timed for sunset, and accommodations designed to maximize the romantic atmosphere. It could feel manufactured, but somehow it works because the natural beauty backs it up.

Udaipur became even more famous after the James Bond film Octopussy was shot here in 1983. There's actually a restaurant called Octopussy that plays the film on loop. The international attention helped establish Udaipur's romantic credentials globally.

For couples, Udaipur delivers what people hope India will be: beautiful, exotic, romantic, with incredible photo opportunities and experiences you can't get anywhere else. That's why it consistently tops lists of romantic destinations in India.

Plan Your India Vacation

Which Royal Sites Should Top Your Udaipur Travel Itinerary?

A solid Udaipur itinerary needs at least three full days to cover the main attractions without rushing. Here's what you shouldn't miss.

City Palace is the obvious starting point. This massive complex took over 400 years to build, with different rulers adding their own sections. The result is this incredible blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture spread across multiple buildings, courtyards, and terraces.

The palace museum lets you walk through royal apartments, see the weapons collection, admire the miniature paintings Udaipur is famous for, and understand how the maharanas (as Udaipur's rulers were called) lived. The Mor Chowk (Peacock Courtyard) has these beautiful mosaics that are worth the entrance fee alone.

Plan at least 2-3 hours here. A knowledgeable guide really enhances the experience because the history and architectural details benefit from explanation. Most luxury hotels can arrange excellent guides who make the complex's centuries of history digestible and interesting.

Jagdish Temple, just outside City Palace's main entrance, is a large Hindu temple with intricate stone carving. Even if temples aren't usually your thing, the craftsmanship here is impressive. The detailed work on the pillars and walls shows the level of artistry that went into religious buildings.

Saheliyon ki Bari (Garden of the Maidens) was built for the queen and her ladies-in-waiting. The garden has fountains, marble pavilions, and this peaceful quality that makes it a nice break from the busier palace areas. It's not a must-see if time is limited, but it's pleasant and shows another side of royal life.

Fateh Sagar Lake is the other major lake in Udaipur, north of Lake Pichola. It's less built up around the shores, giving it a more open, spacious feeling. There's a park on an island in the middle that you can reach by boat. The lake is popular with locals for evening walks and picnics.

Bagore ki Haveli is a restored haveli (traditional mansion) on Lake Pichola's shore that now houses a museum and hosts evening cultural performances. The Dharohar dance show features Rajasthani folk dances and music. It's touristy but well done and gives you exposure to traditional arts in an accessible format.

Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh Palace) sits on a hill overlooking the city and lakes. The palace itself is fairly simple, but the sunset views from here are spectacular. You can see the whole city, both lakes, and the surrounding Aravalli hills. The drive up takes about 30 minutes from the city center with a private chauffeur-driven car.

For Udaipur sightseeing, having your own car with a driver makes everything easier. The attractions are spread out enough that walking between them isn't practical, but close enough that you're not spending hours in transit. A good driver knows the best times to visit different sites and can suggest lunch spots or shopping areas that fit your schedule.

TL;DR: City Palace took over 400 years to build and deserves 2-3 hours to explore. Don't miss Jagdish Temple's intricate carvings and Monsoon Palace for sunset views over the city and both lakes.

What's It Like to Stay on a Floating Marble Palace?

The Taj Lake Palace is probably Udaipur's most famous hotel, and staying there is genuinely one of those bucket list experiences that lives up to the hype.

The palace sits in the middle of Lake Pichola on a four-acre island. You reach it by boat from the City Palace jetty. The white marble structure seems to float on the blue water, and approaching by boat creates this sense of anticipation and arrival that regular hotels can't match.

Built in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II as a summer palace, it remained royal property until 1963 when it became a hotel. The Taj group has maintained the palace's royal character while adding modern luxury and service. Every room faces the lake, so you wake up to water views. Many have balconies or terraces where you can sit and watch the sunset. The lily pond courtyard is particularly beautiful. The restaurants serve excellent food, and having dinner by candlelight on the terrace with the City Palace lit up across the water is as romantic as travel experiences get.

What makes staying at Lake Palace special beyond just luxury is the sense of seclusion. You're separated from the city by water. The boat access means it feels genuinely private and exclusive. You can spend an entire day on the property without feeling confined because every view is beautiful.

If Lake Palace is beyond budget or fully booked (it fills up quickly), several other excellent hotel Udaipur Udaipur Rajasthan options provide luxury and lake views. The Oberoi Udaivilas is my top alternative recommendation. The property sits on the lake's banks with incredible architecture that references traditional Rajasthani design. Every room has lake views, many have private pools or gardens, and the service matches international luxury standards. The domes, courtyards, and water features throughout the property create an atmosphere that rivals Lake Palace.

Taj Aravali Resort & Spa sits outside the city center in the Aravalli hills. If you prefer mountain views over lake views and want more space and privacy, this property delivers. The wildlife sanctuary location means you might see wildlife, and the resort has comprehensive facilities including a good spa.

Plan Your Royal Palaces Tour

Rooftop Restaurants or Boat Rides: Which Offers the Best Evening Views?

This is a tough call because both offer incredible perspectives on the city, just in different ways.

Udaipur's rooftop restaurants have become famous for good reason. The city's topography and building height restrictions mean that even modest rooftop terraces offer stunning lake views. The old city is full of these places, particularly around the area near City Palace.

Ambrai Restaurant sits right on the lake's edge (technically not a rooftop but similar views) with direct views of City Palace and Lake Palace. Having dinner here as the palaces light up after sunset is magical. The food is good, though you're primarily paying for the setting. The Rajasthani thali gives you a comprehensive introduction to local cuisine.

Upre by 1559 AD and several other rooftop spots along the lake offer similar experiences with slight variations in view angle and food quality. Some are attached to hotels, others are independent restaurants. Walking through the old city lanes, you'll see signs pointing up narrow staircases to rooftop terraces. Part of the fun is exploring and finding your favorite spot.

What rooftop dining offers is this relaxed, stationary experience where you can settle in for a couple hours, order multiple courses, and just absorb the views and atmosphere. The lights reflecting on the water, the palace illuminations, the general ambiance of evening in Udaipur, it all comes together beautifully from these vantage points.

Boat rides on Lake Pichola provide a different perspective. You're on the water, moving, seeing the city from angles you can't get from land. The standard sunset boat ride lasts about an hour, departing from the City Palace jetty. The boats circle the lake, passing close to Lake Palace, Jag Mandir (another island palace), and providing views of City Palace from the water.

Which Nearby Cities Make Perfect Excursions from Udaipur?

Udaipur sits in southern Rajasthan close enough to several other significant destinations that day trips or overnight excursions make sense if you have extra time.

Ranakpur is about 90 minutes from Udaipur by private car. The Ranakpur Jain Temple here is one of India's most important Jain temples and architecturally stunning. The marble temple has 1,444 individually carved pillars, no two identical. The craftsmanship is extraordinary, and the peaceful setting in the Aravalli hills makes it a nice break from cities.

A half-day excursion works well, leaving morning to reach there when light is best for photography, spending a couple hours at the temple, then returning to Udaipur for late lunch.

Kumbhalgarh Fort sits about two hours from Udaipur in the Aravalli hills. This massive fort has walls that stretch over 36 kilometers, making it the second longest continuous wall after the Great Wall of China. The fort complex includes palaces, temples, and spectacular views over the surrounding hills.

Kumbhalgarh deserves at least half a day to explore properly. The fort is extensive, and the hilltop location means you're doing some walking and climbing. The sunset views from here are incredible.

Chittorgarh is about two hours from Udaipur and has one of Rajasthan's most significant forts. The history here is dramatic, with stories of sacrifice and valor that define Rajput identity. The fort complex is huge, covering 700 acres on a hill, with multiple palaces, temples, and towers.

Chittorgarh works better as an overnight trip given the travel time and the amount there is to see. The fort deserves 3-4 hours minimum, and pushing that into a day trip from Udaipur means a lot of time in the car.

Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station, sits about three hours from Udaipur. The cooler mountain climate, Nakki Lake, and Dilwara Jain Temples make it a popular getaway. Mount Abu has a different vibe from desert Rajasthan, with green hills and a more relaxed, touristy atmosphere.

If you have 4-5 days for your tour plan for Udaipur, adding an overnight to Ranakpur or Kumbhalgarh lets you experience rural Rajasthan and break up your time between city and countryside. Several luxury properties in these areas offer heritage accommodation in converted forts and palaces.

For travelers with limited time, I'd suggest focusing on Udaipur itself for 3-4 days rather than rushing day trips. The city and surrounding attractions in Udaipur India deserve attention!

TL;DR: Ranakpur's stunning Jain Temple is 90 minutes away with 1,444 uniquely carved pillars. Kumbhalgarh Fort (two hours north) has the world's second longest continuous wall with incredible hilltop views.

Talk to Our Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many days do I need for a complete Udaipur itinerary?
Three to four days is perfect for experiencing Udaipur properly. Day one for City Palace and surrounding areas. Day two for other city sights and a sunset boat ride. Day three for a day trip to Ranakpur or just relaxing and enjoying your hotel. This gives you time to see everything without rushing and still have evening time for rooftop dinners and boat rides.

2. Is staying at Lake Palace worth the high cost?
If you can afford it comfortably, yes. It's genuinely one of those unique experiences that you can't replicate elsewhere. The floating palace, the boat access, the exclusivity, the views, it all creates something special. That said, properties like Oberoi Udaivilas provide comparable luxury and lake views at slightly lower rates if budget is a concern.

3. Can I visit Udaipur as a day trip from Jaipur?
Technically yes, but it's not recommended. The drive is about six hours each way, which means 12 hours in the car for just a few hours in Udaipur. You'd see very little and miss what makes the city special. Udaipur deserves at least two nights, ideally three or four, to experience it properly.

4. What's the best way to get around Udaipur for sightseeing?
A private chauffeur-driven car arranged through your hotel or travel agency works best. The attractions are spread out enough that walking isn't practical, but close enough that you're not spending hours driving. Tuk-tuks work for short trips, but for a full day of sightseeing, a private car provides comfort, air conditioning, and a driver who knows the city and can suggest good stops.