If you’re planning on visiting Udaipur but don’t know how to make the most of your time there, check out our guide to exploring the best of the city in 48 hours, plus a few additional tours you can take if you want to extend your stay in the City of Lakes! By Anushka Goel
Udaipur is a wonderful destination for solo travellers as well as those planning a vacation with friends and family. Having been featured in several movies, including Dhadak, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Guide and the James Bond thriller, Octopussy, the place is a must-visit for history and architecture geeks.
So, if you’re planning a short vacation to the City of lakes, our Udaipur guide will give you the best things to do in just 48 hours. And if you can extend your trip by a couple of days, there are some beautiful spots a short drive away that should definitely make it to your bucket list!
Udaipur Travel Guide: Your 48-hour itinerary
Day 1
If you’ve landed the previous night or early in the morning, start your day exploring the old city.
City Palace, Udaipur
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Built by Maharana Udai Singh II and updated and expanded by the Maharanas since then, the City Palace is divided into three parts – the residential areas where the current king lives, a museum that tourists can access, and a luxury hotel for guests to stay at and host destination weddings. The museum highlights the history of the past rulers and offers scenic views of the city.
You’ll need about two-and-a-half to three hours to fully roam about the palace. Be sure to hire a guide who will explain the history and the nuances of each section of the palace — be it the colourful glass tiles or the imported marble and the many jharokhas.
Boating at Lake Pichola
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The City Palace is situated on the banks of Lake Pichola, and a boat ride here is a must to tour the palaces and forts. In the middle of the lake is the Taj Lake Palace Hotel, which was earlier the Jag Mandir Palace and served as a summer resort for the royal family.
The boat ride is about half an hour, and the boatman will point out all the various tourist spots and places with important history to you as you ride past. The boat ride is also a great way to beat the heat, as the shaded ferry, along with the cool breeze, will provide you with a sense of calm.
Watch the sunset at Karni Mata Temple
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One of the best spots to view the sunset, the Karni Mata Temple can be accessed via a ropeway, which also makes for a great experience to have in the city. The ropeway is cost-effective and takes one up the hill where the temple is located. The large viewing gallery offers beautiful views of the lake below, on which, when the sun’s rays fall, make for the most spectacular sunset views!
Visit the Jagdish Temple
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The Jagdish Temple, a short walk away from Gangaur Ghat, is a beautiful structure that boasts of ancient architecture. It brings about a feeling of peace and calm to the visitors, and witnessing the arti here is an experience worth having!
Spend the evening at Bagore Ki Haveli
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From Jagdish Temple, walk to Bagore Ki Haveli, which is right next to Gangaur Ghat. The quaint place transforms into a spot for a cultural show in the evening, while during the day, it’s a beautiful museum that one must visit. After the tiring activities of the day, head to the haveli to enjoy the folk dance show that is put up here by Dharohar Folk Dance, but make sure to buy your tickets in advance online or from the haveli! The show features traditional dances and performances from across Rajasthan – from Ghoomar to Kalbelia and Katputli to more.
Day 2
After the activities of the old city, Day 2 may seem slightly underwhelming, but the beauty of Udaipur will still end up casting its charm over your heart. Explore the best of the city on Day 2 with this guide.
Start the day with a visit to Fateh Sagar Lake
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Go for a boat ride at the Fateh Sagar Lake, before the sun shines too bright, and take a tour of the views it has to offer. The artificial lake is named after Maharana Fateh Singh of Udaipur and Mewar and houses three small islands within it – one of them being a popular tourist attraction that you can visit, the Nehru Park.
Visit Saheliyon Ki Bari
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Your next stop on your Udaipur journey should be the Saheliyon Ki Bari, a fountain park built by the Maharaja for his queen back in the day. The park was used by her to be away from the public eye and spend time with her 48 maidens, enjoying little pleasures such as song and dance. Some guides there also say that the Bari was built by the kind for his young daughter.
The place takes about an hour to see completely, and the different fountains have beautiful, distinct features, such as the sound of the rain, and more. These are surrounded by beautiful gardens which have seasonal flowers and make for some really pretty pictures.
Explore the Vintage And Classic Car Museum
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This one is a must for all car lovers! Udaipur houses a vintage car museum, where enthusiasts can see some of the most amazing vehicles used by the rulers of the Mewar dynasty. The museum was inaugurated in 2000, and the cars here, some even 70 years old, are in working condition!
Soak in the city views at the Maharana Pratap Memorial
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Situated atop the Pearl Hill (Moti Margi), the Maharana Pratap memorial looks over the Fateh Sagar Lake. Dedicated to Maharana Pratap, the famed warrior, and his beloved horse Chetak, the place is also great to visit for photographers. Those who love city views will definitely want to bring their cameras here!
Visit the Sajjangarh Fort for the sunset views
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Overlooking the Fateh Sagar Lake, Sajjangarh Fort, named after Maharana Sajjan Singh is a monsoon palace built on a hilltop. The fort is small and has only recently been opened to the public. It offers breathtaking views of Udaipur city and makes for a great sunset spot (unless the day is cloudy).
However, take note that only cars and heavier vehicles can ply on the roads that take one to the palace, so be sure to book a taxi or drive your own vehicle, to be able to access the Fort.
Spend some time at the Ghats
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Once you’re back from Sajjangarh Fort, indulge in a wholesome dinner with a lake view at the numerous restaurants that line Lake Pichola. After your meal, spend time sitting at the ghats, watching the twinkling lights reflect on the ripples on the water.
Must-visit places near Udaipur that can be done in a day
Kumbhalgarh Fort
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About 84 kilometres from Udaipur lies the Kumbhalgarh Fort. The place features the world’s second-longest manmade wall that stretches over kilometres and has been tough to demolish by enemies. The Fort, built by Rana Kumbha, is said to divide the regions of Marwar and Mewar in Rajasthan.
The fort takes about three hours to tour fully, and it is advisable to hire a guide to see it in its full expanse, as they will be able to explain the history and features of the various corners and structures in the fort. What’s also advisable is wearing comfortable shoes and carrying snacks and water, as touring the fort can get tiresome and there are no shacks to purchase food and water except one at the base of, near the entrance.
In this same trip, one can also combine visits to Haldighati, where Maharana Pratap and Man Singh I of Amber is said to have been fought. Another place one can (and should) visit is the Ranakpur temple, a Jain temple nearby. The marble structures of the temple are completely symmetrical and the intricate carvings are a marvel to look at. What’s more, the place will provide a sense of peace to the most restless of minds, and you’ll return calmer, mindful and relaxed.
Chittorgarh
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Another one-day trip one can take from Udaipur is to Chittorgarh, which houses the Chittorgarh Fort. The place gained popularity in pop culture due to the Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor-starrer Padmaavat. The fort, which was the home of king Ratan Singh, was attacked by Alauddin Khilji who won control over it after a long battle that lasted months. The fort was attacked twice after – once by Bahadur Shah of Gujarat and the other time by Akbar’s forces.
The fort takes about two hours to see completely and offers beautiful views of the city. It is located about 110 kilometres from Udaipur and makes for a great one-day trip.
