Top 10 Famous Tourist Places in Udaipur, popularly known as the City of Lakes, is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Rajasthan. Surrounded by the Aravalli Hills, the city is famous for its royal palaces, serene lakes, temples, and rich cultural heritage. The City Palace is the most iconic attraction, showcasing grand architecture and offering stunning views of Lake Pichola. Lake Pichola itself is a major highlight, where boat rides provide picturesque views of the city and its palaces. The elegant Lake Palace, located in the middle of the lake, adds to Udaipur’s charm.
Another popular spot is Jag Mandir, an island palace known for its peaceful surroundings. Fateh Sagar Lake is loved by tourists for its scenic beauty and relaxing atmosphere. Saheliyon Ki Bari, a beautiful garden built for royal ladies, attracts visitors with its fountains and marble pavilions. Jagdish Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is an important religious site. Bagore Ki Haveli offers a glimpse into Rajasthani culture through folk dance performances. The Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace provides breathtaking sunset views. Together, these attractions make Udaipur a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Top 10 Famous Tourist Places in Udaipur
Udaipur, often called the “City of Lakes”, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rajasthan, India. Known for its royal heritage, scenic lakes, grand palaces, and rich culture, Udaipur attracts visitors from all over the world. Below are the Top 10 Famous Tourist Places in Udaipur, each offering a unique experience.
City Palace, Udaipur
The magnificent City Palace stands as Udaipur’s most iconic landmark. Built over a period of nearly 400 years, this architectural marvel stretches along the eastern shore of Lake Pichola, presenting a fascinating blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles.
A visit to City Palace reveals the opulent lifestyle of Mewar’s royal family. The complex houses several palaces built by different rulers, all connected through a series of courtyards, corridors, and gardens. The intricate architecture of City Palace blends Rajasthani and Mughal influences, featuring delicate mirror-work, marble balconies, and painted glass windows.
Inside, you’ll find the City Palace Museum, which displays royal artifacts, paintings, and decorative furniture. Don’t miss the Peacock Courtyard (Mor Chowk) with its stunning glass mosaics and the panoramic views of Lake Pichola from the palace balconies.
Visiting Information:
- Hours: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily
- Entry Fee: ₹30 for Indians, ₹300 for foreigners
- Camera Fee: ₹200 for still cameras
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid crowds and capture the best photographs
Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola forms the picturesque centerpiece of Udaipur, reflecting the city’s palaces and surrounding hills in its calm waters. This artificial lake, dating back to 1362, was expanded by Maharana Udai Singh II when he founded the city.
Boating on Lake Pichola provides stunning views of the City Palace, Jag Mandir, and the Aravalli Hills. The lake is particularly magical during sunset when the golden light bathes the surrounding architecture. A boat ride on Lake Pichola is considered one of the most romantic experiences in Udaipur.
The historical places to visit in Udaipur offer a glimpse into the royal heritage of Rajasthan, and Lake Pichola serves as the perfect vantage point to appreciate many of these landmarks. The lake is surrounded by bathing ghats, temples, and havelis that add to its charm.
Visiting Information:
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
- Boat Ride Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Regular Boat Ride: ₹400 (adult), ₹200 (child)
- Sunset Boat Ride: ₹700 (adult), ₹400 (child)
- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for the sunset boat ride
Jag Mandir Palace
Jag Mandir is an exquisite palace built on an island in Lake Pichola. Often referred to as the “Lake Garden Palace,” it was constructed by Maharana Karan Singh in the early 17th century and later completed by Maharana Jagat Singh I.
The palace is famous for its beautiful gardens, marble chambers, and the remarkable elephant sculptures that seem to guard the entrance. Historically, Jag Mandir served as a refuge for Prince Khurram (later Emperor Shah Jahan) when he rebelled against his father. Some historians believe that the palace’s design influenced Shah Jahan’s concept for the Taj Mahal.
Today, Jag Mandir houses a restaurant where visitors can enjoy a meal with spectacular views of the City Palace and Lake Pichola. The peaceful atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to relax after exploring the busier attractions in Udaipur.
Visiting Information:
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
- Entry: Accessible via boat ride from Bansi Ghat near City Palace
- Best Time to Visit: Afternoon, when the lighting is ideal for photography
Fateh Sagar
Fateh Sagar Lake offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city center. This artificial lake, constructed north of Lake Pichola by Maharana Fateh Singh in the 1680s, is surrounded by hills and gardens, creating a picturesque setting.
Boating on Fateh Sagar Lake provides stunning views of the surrounding Aravalli Hills. The lake contains three small islands, the most notable being Nehru Park, which houses a boat-shaped restaurant and a small zoo. Another island features a public park with water-jet fountains.
Sunset at Fateh Sagar Lake creates a magical atmosphere that captivates visitors. The Fateh Sagar Pal, a promenade along the eastern shore, is perfect for evening walks and offers numerous food stalls serving local snacks and beverages.
Visiting Information:
- Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
- Boat Ride: ₹300 per person
- Best Time to Visit: Evening for sunset views and pleasant weather
Saheliyon ki Bari
Saheliyon-ki-Bari is a historic garden built by Maharana Sangram Singh II in the early 18th century. The name translates to “Garden of the Maidens,” as it was designed as a leisure spot for royal ladies and their female companions.
This elegant garden features lotus pools, marble pavilions, and beautiful fountains. The most striking elements are the four marble elephants that spout water into a lotus pool. The fountains were designed to operate using only water pressure, without any pumps – a remarkable feat of engineering for that time.
The lush greenery and peaceful atmosphere of Saheliyon-ki-Bari provide a refreshing contrast to Udaipur’s grand palaces. It’s an ideal place to take a leisurely stroll and appreciate the artistic sensibilities of Rajasthan’s royal past.
Visiting Information:
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily
- Entry Fee: ₹10 for Indians, ₹50 for foreigners
- Best Time to Visit: Morning hours when the garden is less crowded
Jagdish Temple
The Jagdish Temple is a large Hindu temple located in the heart of Udaipur’s old city, just a short walk from the City Palace. Built by Maharana Jagat Singh I in 1651, it’s dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Laxmi Narayan) and stands as a remarkable example of Indo-Aryan architecture.
The temple’s exterior is adorned with intricate carvings depicting dancers, musicians, and mythological scenes. The main shrine houses a black stone image of Lord Vishnu as Jagannath, the lord of the universe. The temple’s pyramidal spire rises 79 feet above the street, making it a prominent landmark in Udaipur’s skyline.
Regular worship ceremonies (aartis) at the Jagdish Temple offer visitors a glimpse into living Hindu traditions. The temple remains an active place of worship, and the sound of bells, chants, and devotional songs creates a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
Visiting Information:
- Hours: 5:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Entry: Free (donations appreciated)
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or during evening aarti (around 7:00 PM)
Sajjangarh Palace (Monsoon Palace)
The Monsoon Palace, also known as Sajjangarh Palace, sits majestically atop a hill overlooking Udaipur. Built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1884, it was originally intended to track monsoon clouds, hence its name.
From its hilltop location at 944 meters above sea level, the palace offers panoramic views of Udaipur’s lakes, palaces, and the surrounding countryside. The Monsoon Palace has gained additional fame after being featured in the James Bond film “Octopussy.”
The palace itself is relatively simple compared to Udaipur’s other royal buildings, but its location makes it a spectacular sunset viewing point. The changing colors of the sky reflected in Udaipur’s lakes create a mesmerizing spectacle that photographers will love.
Visiting Information:
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
- Entry Fee: ₹10 for Indians, ₹80 for foreigners (plus ₹25 for vehicle entry)
- Best Time to Visit: 1-2 hours before sunset
Bagore Ki Haveli –
Bagore Ki Haveli is a historic mansion located at Gangaur Ghat on the edge of Lake Pichola. Built in the 18th century by Amir Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar, it was later occupied by Maharana Shakti Singh of Bagore.
After years of neglect, the haveli was restored and converted into a museum that showcases the culture and lifestyle of Rajasthan’s royal era. The museum displays costumes, modern art, traditional Rajasthani household items, and the world’s largest turban.
One of the main attractions at Bagore Ki Haveli is the evening cultural show “Dharohar,” which features traditional Rajasthani folk dances, music, and puppet shows. This performance offers visitors an authentic taste of Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage.
Visiting Information:
- Museum Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
- Cultural Show: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM daily
- Entry Fee: ₹30 for Indians, ₹100 for foreigners
- Cultural Show Ticket: ₹150 per person
- Best Time to Visit: Evening, to combine museum visit with the cultural show
Eklingji Temple: Spiritual Sanctuary
Eklingji Temple is an ancient temple complex located about 22 kilometers north of Udaipur. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it was originally built in 734 AD by Bappa Rawal and later reconstructed by Maharana Raimal in the 15th century.
The main temple houses a four-faced black marble image of Lord Shiva (Eklingji), representing the four forms of the deity. The complex comprises 108 temples built from marble and sandstone, enclosed by high walls. The architecture features intricate carvings, graceful pillars, and pyramidal roofs.
For centuries, the rulers of Mewar considered themselves to be regents (Diwans) of Eklingji, acknowledging the deity as the true ruler of the kingdom. This spiritual connection makes Eklingji not just a religious site but also a place of historical and cultural significance.
Visiting Information:
Best Time to Visit: Morning or evening during aarti ceremonies
Hours: 4:30 AM to 7:00 PM (closed from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM)
Entry: Free (photography prohibited inside)
Shilpgram: Rural Arts and Crafts Village
Shilpgram is a rural arts and crafts complex located about 3 kilometers west of Udaipur. Established in 1989, this living ethnographic museum showcases the lifestyle, art, and crafts of rural and tribal communities from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa.
The complex features traditional mud huts and cottages from different regions, decorated with traditional art forms like mirror work, mud art, and rangoli. Artisans demonstrate various crafts, including pottery, weaving, and metal work, offering visitors insights into traditional production methods.
Several nearby places to visit in Udaipur can be reached within a 30-minute drive from the city center, and Shilpgram is one of the most culturally enriching. The annual Shilpgram Festival, held in December, attracts artists and performers from across India and is a celebration of folk culture.
Visiting Information:
- Hours: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
- Entry Fee: ₹30 for Indians, ₹50 for foreigners
- Best Time to Visit: December during the Shilpgram Festival, or any regular day in the afternoon
