Last Updated : Oct 10, 2025  |   Author : Tanya Parsad   |   View Count : 735   |   Read Time : 7 min

A Luxurious Trip to Udaipur: Where Every Corner Feels Like a Fairytale

When I first started planning my trip to Udaipur, I thought the hype was quite exaggerated. Everyone on the internet kept calling it the "Venice of the East" and the "City of Lakes," and I figured it was just clever marketing. But then I actually arrived, and within the first hour, I got it. I really underestimated the romantic atmosphere this city has built over the years. However it was, this city has a way of making you slow down and actually pay attention to where you are. If I were to explore the city for the first time all over again, here’s how I’d do it on a luxury trip to Udaipur:
 

What makes Udaipur perfect for a luxury trip
Udaipur lives up to its reputation as the "City of Lakes" with an atmosphere that makes you slow down. A trip to Udaipur gives you incredible experiences from exploring the majestic City Palace to taking a quiet boat cruise on Lake Pichola at golden hour. What sets it apart for luxury travelers is the accommodation—you can actually stay at the Taj Lake Palace on an island reached only by boat, or the sprawling Oberoi Udaivilas with semi-private pools overlooking the lake

Table of Contents

1. Why is Udaipur One of the World's Most Romantic Places to Visit?
2. How to Explore the City of Lakes?: Must-Visits for Your Trip to Udaipur
3. Which are the Best Places to Stay like Royalty in Udaipur?
    

Why is Udaipur One of the World's Most Romantic Places to Visit?
 

I'm not really the kind of person who throws around words like "romantic" casually. But Udaipur has earned that reputation in my eyes, fair and square. Romance here isn't just about couples holding hands at sunset (though there's plenty of that), it’s more about the atmosphere. The lakes reflect the palaces in a way that makes everything look softer, dreamier. And in the old city, you'll stumble upon rather hidden courtyards and tiny temples when you least expect it.

The pace of life here is a considerable factor too. Unlike some other Indian cities that never seem to sleep, Udaipur has these quiet moments– early mornings by the lake, late afternoons in palace gardens. The city gives you space to breathe, which is rare and valuable when you're traveling for leisure. 

And yes, if you're traveling with someone special, this place will give you those moments you'll talk about for years. But even if you're traveling solo or with friends, it will be wonderful being here too.
 

Plan your romantic Udaipur escape
 

How to Explore the City of Lakes?: Must-Visits for Your Trip to Udaipur?
 

Let me walk you through what an actual day in Udaipur feels like. Because honestly, reading a list of monuments is one thing, but understanding how they fit into your experience is completely different.

City Palace

I started my day at the City Palace, and it was definitely the right call. I recommend you to get there when it opens, trust me on this. The palace complex is huge– we're talking about centuries of construction after all. Each maharaja added their own section. What struck me most wasn't just the obvious stuff like the intricate mirror work or the stunning courtyards (though those are incredible). It was the small details. The way light filters through the jharokhas (overhanging balconies), the peacock mosaics hidden in corners, the views of Lake Pichola that appear suddenly as you turn a corridor.
 

I spent about three hours here, and I could've easily spent more. The museum areas are well-maintained, which isn't always a given at historical sites. Having a private expert guide made this experience infinitely better, mine pointed out details and shared stories about the royal family that I would've completely missed otherwise.

Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh)

The Monsoon Palace sits on a small hill overlooking the entire city; it's best visited in the late afternoon. I had my private chauffeur-driven car go up there around 4 PM, which gave me enough time to explore before sunset.

The palace itself is relatively simple compared to the City Palace, it was built as a summer retreat and an astronomical center. So it's more about the location than elaborate decorations that makes it special. Standing up there, with the wind picking up and the whole white city of lakes spread below you, feels nothing less than surreal.

The sunset from here is as good as everyone says. Maybe better. My expert guide knew exactly when to leave so we could get back before dark without rushing, which is the kind of timing you appreciate when you're not dealing with the logistics yourself.

Lake Pichola Sunset Cruise

This was probably my favorite experience in Udaipur, and I debated whether to do it on my first or last evening. I'm glad I waited until I'd explored the city a bit, because recognizing the palaces and havelis from the water definitely added to the experience.

The boat I was on was a traditional vessel, nothing too fancy. We departed around 5:30 PM, and the cruise took us past the City Palace, around Jag Mandir island, and quite close to the Taj Lake Palace.

What I loved most was how quiet it got once we moved away from the ghats (banks), just the sound of water lapping against the boat and the occasional bird call. The boatman didn't feel the need to fill every silence with commentary, which I appreciated.

You'll see other cruises out there, especially when sunset approaches. But it doesn't feel crowded, the lake is big enough for everyone to get their moment. And when you arrange this through a bespoke travel itinerary, they can often schedule private boats at times when you won’t be fighting for space or views.
 

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Bagore Ki Haveli

I almost skipped Bagore Ki Haveli, thinking it was just another old mansion– that would've been a great mistake!

Sitting right on the waterfront at Gangaur Ghat, the haveli has been converted into a museum with royal artifacts, showcasing different aspects of traditional Rajasthani culture. The costume section alone is worth the visit. They have these elaborate royal outfits displayed in rooms that recreate how they would've been used.

But the real reason to go is the evening cultural show, called the Dharohar Folk Dance. I'm usually skeptical of these tourist-focused performances, but this one was genuinely a great watch. The energy in that courtyard is infectious. The show starts at 7 PM and runs for about an hour. Having 24/7 white-glove concierge support meant I could have tickets sorted in advance without standing in line, which on a hot day is worth its weight in gold!

Saheliyon Ki Bari

Saheliyon Ki Bari translates to "Garden of the Maidens," and it's a peaceful garden originally designed for the queen and her maidens. I went there on a morning when I needed a break from palace-hopping, and it has these beautiful fountains, lotus pools, and marble pavilions. Not huge, but it's meticulously maintained. What I found interesting was the engineering– the fountains here work without pumps, using water pressure from the lakes. Pretty clever for something built in the 1700s!
 

Which are the Best Places to Stay like Royalty in Udaipur?
 

Where you stay in Udaipur matters more than in some other cities. The right hotel becomes part of the experience.

1. Taj Lake Palace

Staying at the Taj Lake Palace is overwhelming in the best possible way. The entire hotel sits on an island in Lake Pichola, you can reach it only by boat. That's your commute every time you leave or return!

I stayed here for two nights, and it felt like a whole different era. The rooms are all elegant without being over-the-top, with lake views that'll make you want to skip sightseeing and just sit on your balcony (I’m guilty!). The staff-to-guest ratio is incredibly high, so service always feels personal rather than scripted.

Dinner at their Jharokha restaurant ranks among my top dining experiences anywhere. So if you're going to splurge somewhere in India, this is the place.

2. Oberoi Udaivilas

If the Taj Lake Palace is about historic grandeur, the Oberoi Udaivilas is about contemporary luxury with traditional aesthetics. This property is huge, sprawling across 50 acres with its own private boat jetty!

The design mimics a traditional palace, complete with courtyards, fountains, and domes– but everything is modern underneath. My room had a semi-private pool, and I could literally swim while looking out at Lake Pichola.

What impresses our guests the most here is the attention to detail. Fresh flowers everywhere, staff who remember names after one interaction, and a spa that actually helps work out the knots from your journey before Udaipur. The breakfast spread overlooking the lake too is reason enough to stay here.

The property is located a bit outside the main city area, but that's actually a plus. You get the serenity and space, and with a private professional chauffeur-driven car arranged through your premier travel agency, getting to the city attractions takes maybe ~15 minutes.

3. Raffles Udaipur

Raffles is the newest addition to the city’s luxury hotel scene, and it brings a slightly different atmosphere. It's still opulent, but with a more modern, art-forward approach.

The hotel sits on a private island on Udai Sagar Lake, about half an hour from the city center– the distance is intentional. Raffles is no less than a destination in itself, with extensive grounds, a spa, multiple restaurants, and activities like private boat rides and nature walks.

I spent one evening here for dinner, and the setting was stunning. If you're the type of traveler who wants luxury but gets a bit tired of heavy historical theming, this might be your spot.
 

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FAQs
 

1. How many days do I need for Udaipur?
Three to four days is the sweet spot. This gives you enough time to cover the major sights without rushing, plus a day to just relax and soak in the atmosphere. If you're short on time, you can do the highlights in two days, but you'll miss the leisurely pace that makes Udaipur special.

2. What's the best time to visit Udaipur?
October through March is ideal. The weather's pleasant, with daytime temperatures in the 70s-80s Fahrenheit. Avoid May through August when it's brutally hot. Monsoon season (July-September) can be beautiful with the lakes full, but some outdoor activities might be limited.

3. Do I need a premier luxury travel agency for touring Udaipur?
Having a chauffeur who knows the city meant I could relax between sights instead of negotiating with auto-rickshaw drivers or checking Google Maps every five minutes. The 24/7 concierge support meant that when I wanted to extend my stay at one place or try a restaurant someone recommended, it just happened.