Ultimate 3-Day Udaipur Itinerary: Best Things to Do in the City of Lakes

Thinking about escaping to Udaipur? Trust me, you’re going to love it! In this post, I’ll cover everything you need to know, where to stay, the best street food to try, and how to get around. Quick heads-up: Udaipur is super popular, especially for weekend trips from nearby states, so it’s almost always buzzing with life.

When I first visited, I was honestly surprised by just how much there is to do in and around the city. If you’ve got the time, 4-5 days would be ideal to soak it all in. But hey, I get it, sometimes time isn’t on our side. Don’t worry, though! Three days are more than enough to experience Udaipur’s charm, history, and yes, its incredible lakes. Ready to plan your perfect Udaipur trip? Let’s dive in!

Best Things To Do in Udaipur

The City Palace

If there’s one place that truly captures the essence of Udaipur, it’s the City Palace. My top tip? Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. The palace is a blend of royal elegance, history, and fascinating stories. It houses a museum with treasures like the clothes, weapons, and armor of the legendary Rajput king Maharana Pratapand even those of his famous horse, Chetak!

The palace is still the residence of the royal family and is enormous, so set aside about 40 minutes for a guided tour. Trust me, a guide is worth it, they’ll give you a deeper understanding of the palace’s history. Plus, during my visit in November 2024, I found guides fluent in English, Hindi, Rajasthani, Spanish, and even French! Just let your guide know if you’d like extra time to revisit areas of the palace before you exit.

On the premises, you’ll find shops selling handicrafts, miniature paintings, and traditional clothing. Some guides may encourage you to visit a miniature painting workshop outside the palace, but it’s your call; just clarify if you’d prefer to spend more time inside.

Pro Tip: Always ask your guide to show their official government ID. Avoid hiring unlicensed guides, especially those loitering outside the palace offering lower prices.

Saheliyon Ki Bari

This place completely surprised me! At first, when I saw it on Google Maps, I thought it was just another park. But Saheliyon Ki Bari, or the “Garden of Maidens,” turned out to be so much more. This beautiful garden was created as a peaceful retreat for the queens and their attendants, allowing them to roam freely without the worry of being seen by men, in line with the Rajput tradition of Parda Pratha (veil practice), where women would cover their faces or stay secluded from men outside their family to maintain modesty and social decorum.

The garden is a masterpiece of thoughtful design. Back in the day, even without electricity, it boasted intricate water fountains powered by gravity, thanks to its proximity to the lake. One of the most unique features is the way it was adapted to different seasons. There’s even a splash pool with fountains that mimic rain, perfect for cooling off in the summer heat. For winter, a part of the garden was designed to receive more sunlight, providing warmth for the royal ladies. There’s also a section dedicated to one princess who loved the monsoon season. To make her feel like it was raining year-round, the king created a tropical environment complete with fountains that mimicked the sound of rainfall.

Pro Tip: To get the most out of your visit, make sure to hire a guide. One of the coolest parts of the garden is a spot where the fountains react to your claps but you’ll need a guide to show you exactly how it works. Stick around till the end of this post for the details of the guide we used during our visit!Moti Magri

Moti Magri holds a special place in Udaipur’s history. After Chittorgarh fell to Mughal Emperor Akbar, Maharana Udai Singh was searching for a strategic location to establish a new capital for the Mewar kingdom. He chose Udaipur, surrounded by the Aravalli hills and abundant water sources like Lake Pichola, ensuring the safety and prosperity of his kingdom. And so, the city of Udaipur was founded in 1559.

The first residence of Maharana Udai Singh is located on Moti Magri Hill, in a building called Moti Mahal. However, the ruins of this structure don’t give much of an impression of a “mahal” (palace), in fact, it’s often easy to overlook. Unfortunately, this historic site isn’t well-maintained, so it’s not heavily promoted or visited.

Once you reach the Maharana Pratap Smarak, walk toward the Moti Magri viewpoint. From here, you can catch a glimpse of the Moti Mahal ruins, along with an incredible sweeping view of the city that’s hard to beat.

Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace

Perched on the hills overlooking Udaipur, the Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace is a beautiful white marble palace offering breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding countryside. While the history of the palace isn’t as widely known, the grandeur of the architecture and the stunning views from the top are more than enough to make up for it. Originally built by Maharana Sajjan Singh to observe the monsoon clouds, the palace is now a popular tourist spot.

The drive up to the palace can be a bit tricky due to the winding roads, but once you reach the top, the view is absolutely worth it. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for gorgeous scenery, the Sajjangarh Palace won’t disappoint!

City of Lakes

Udaipur, also known as the “City of Lakes,” is home to six stunning lakes that give the city its magical charm. The most famous is Lake Pichola, with landmarks like the Lake Palace and Jag Mandir. Fateh Sagar Lake is a popular spot for boating, with the peaceful Nehru Park located on one of its islands. Udai Sagar Lake, built by Maharana Udai Singh, is another picturesque spot. Jaisamand Lake (one of Asia’s largest artificial lakes) is a bit farther out but worth mentioning for its impressive size and beauty. There’s also the peaceful Badi Lake (also known as Tiger Lake), which offers a serene retreat. And don’t miss Doodh Talai Lake, a small but scenic lake near Lake Pichola.

During our trip, we stayed near Fateh Sagar Lake and we highly recommend it! There’s a walkway by the lake with no vehicles allowed, so you can stroll around freely. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset, offering some of the best views in the city.

Shop for Unique Handicrafts, Textiles, and Souvenirs

Udaipur is a haven for shoppers, offering everything from traditional handicrafts to vibrant textiles. If you’re looking to shop for unique items, Hathi Pol Bazaar is the perfect place to start. Famous for its Rajasthani handicrafts, you’ll find miniature paintings, textiles, and silver jewelry. A short walk away, Bada Bazaar offers an array of colorful fabrics, traditional clothing like kurtas and sarees, and affordable souvenirs. If you’re in the mood for something more luxurious, head to Lake Palace Road, where upscale shops offer handcrafted goods, textiles, and Rajasthani arts. These markets provide a perfect mix of local culture and craftsmanship, making them a must-visit when in Udaipur!

Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh Fort is about a 2-hour drive from Udaipur, and trust me, it’s worth every minute! If you’re a history buff, you’re going to fall in love with this place. The fort covers 240 hectares and is over 1000 years old. It’s also the birthplace of Maharana Udai Singh II, the founder of Udaipur.

If you’re a fan of Bollywood, you might recognise this fort from the movie Padmavat. Padmini Mahal and the Johar Kund are located here, where Rani Padmini led a Johar (self-immolation) with over 16,000 women to protect their honour during Alauddin Khilji’s siege in 1303.

This fort is massive, so make sure to set aside enough time to explore it properly. The history and beauty of the ruins will truly leave you in awe.

Pro Tip: Be careful with guides in this area, they can be quite pushy. We even had a couple chase our car to ask for their services! Stick to licensed guides available at the fort premises. They are knowledgeable and will really enhance your experience.

Kumbhalgarh Fort

Kumbhalgarh Fort is located about 2.5 hours from Udaipur. After the Great Wall of China, it’s the longest wall in the world. The fort is massive, and its strategic location on a hill will leave you in awe. Be prepared for a bit of a climb about a 1 km uphill walk to explore all the areas around the fort. They also offer a wildlife sanctuary tour, which is worth checking out if you’re interested.

That being said, I wouldn’t recommend making Kumbhalgarh a day trip due to the long drive, it can be a bit tiring. Also, this area has developed a bit of a resort culture, so you’ll find plenty of resorts with hefty price tags. If you’re not on a strict budget, staying in one of these resorts is a great way to experience the beauty of the place in a more relaxed manner.

Rajasthani Food Tour

If you’ve watched our vlogs, you know how much we love food. While some of these dishes might not be the healthiest, they are bursting with flavours and are a must-try when you’re in this part of India.

• Dal Baati: A classic Rajasthani dish consisting of hard wheat bread (baati) served with a rich, spicy dal (lentil curry), a comforting and filling combo.
• Ghatta: A traditional Rajasthani dish made of gram flour dumplings cooked in a spicy, tangy gravy. It’s a savoury and flavourful dish you’ll want to try.
• Dal and Onion Kachori: Deep-fried pastries filled with spiced dal and onions, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, offering a great balance of flavour.
• Ker Sangri: A regional delicacy made with wild desert berries (Ker) and beans (Sangri), cooked in traditional spices for a tangy, earthy flavour that’s unique to Rajasthan.
• Rabadi Ghevar: A sweet, crispy disc-shaped dessert made of flour, soaked in sugar syrup, and topped with a creamy rabadi (sweetened condensed milk), a delightful treat for your sweet tooth.

Best Transportation Options: How to Get Around the City Efficiently

If you’re driving yourself to Udaipur, it makes getting around so much easier since most locations are accessible by car. We drove in our own car, and it was a pretty smooth experience. Another option is to hire a taxi for 3 days, which works well for convenience. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly way to explore Udaipur, renting a 2-wheeler is your best bet. Just keep in mind that some roads, like the one leading to Sajjangarh Palace, can be a bit winding and busy.

For day trips to Chittorgarh or Kumbhalgarh, you’ll need to book a taxi as these sites are a bit far from the city.

Best Accommodation Options in Udaipur for All Budgets

Udaipur has something for every budget, with accommodation options ranging from as low as USD 20/INR 2500 a night to luxury stays going well over USD 400/INR 40,000. As I mentioned earlier, we stayed near Fateh Sagar Lake, and it was amazing! Whether you’re on a budget or looking for something more luxurious, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your needs.

Budget-Friendly:

• Lake Pichola Hotel: Situated near Lake Pichola, this hotel provides cozy rooms and a rooftop restaurant with stunning lake views. It’s a short walk from the City Palace and Jag Mandir.
• Zostel Udaipur: Located near Lake Pichola, Zostel offers comfortable dorms and private rooms. Guests commend its excellent service and beautiful surroundings. 
• The Hosteller Udaipur: Located near Lake Pichola, this hostel offers comfortable accommodations with traditional Rajasthani decor. Guests appreciate its proximity to the city centre and the serene lake views. 

Mid-Range:

• Trident Udaipur: Overlooking the serene Lake Pichola, Trident offers spacious rooms, a spa, and multiple dining options. Guests commend its excellent service and beautiful surroundings.
• Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Spa, Udaipur: Located on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake, this resort features luxurious rooms, a spa, and a variety of dining options. It’s known for its modern amenities and scenic views.

Luxury:

• The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur: This opulent hotel offers lavish rooms, a spa, and multiple dining venues. Guests rave about its exceptional service and stunning architecture.
• The Leela Palace Udaipur: Situated on the banks of Lake Pichola, The Leela Palace provides luxurious accommodations, a spa, and fine dining. It’s celebrated for its regal ambience and impeccable hospitality.

Please note that hotel ratings and reviews can change over time. It’s advisable to check the latest reviews and availability before making a reservation.

Pro Tip: Be cautious when booking accommodations through third-party websites like Booking.com or others in India. While these platforms are popular, there have been instances of scams where listings appear legitimate but don’t actually exist or are misrepresented. Always double-check the location on Google Maps to verify the place is real and accurately depicted. This will help you avoid any unpleasant surprises and ensure a smooth stay.

FAQs: Everything You Want to Know

1. How many days are enough to explore Udaipur?
2 to 3 days are ideal to explore Udaipur’s main attractions, including its palaces, lakes, markets, and nearby forts. If you have more time, you can take day trips to places like Kumbhalgarh.

2. What to buy in Udaipur?
Udaipur is famous for handicrafts, miniature paintings, traditional textiles, and jewellery. Don’t miss out on vibrant block-printed fabrics, pottery, and silver jewellery.

3. What are the famous foods in Udaipur?
Udaipur is known for dishes like Dal Baati Churma, Ghatte ki Sabzi, Ker Sangri, and traditional sweets like Ghevar and Rabdi.

4. Is it safe to travel to Udaipur?
Yes, Udaipur is considered safe for tourists. However, it’s advisable to avoid roaming around after dark, especially if you’re travelling alone. Always stay cautious in less crowded areas.

5. What is the best time to visit Udaipur?
The best time to visit Udaipur is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.

6. How can I get around Udaipur?
You can explore Udaipur by taxi, tuk-tuk, or rental bike. Walking around the city centre is also a great option.

Our Essential Travel Gear

CamelBak eddy+ Water Filter Water Bottle by LifeStraw Integrated 2-Stage Filter Straw 
This one purchase has truly transformed our travels. After visiting 19+ countries, we never had to worry about staying hydrated because this stainless steel water bottle has our back. It’s leak-proof, so you can toss it in your bag without a second thought!

Travel Insurance
Make sure to research a solid travel insurance policy before jetting off to any country. We’ve been with SafetyWing since the beginning of our journey, and they’ve provided top-notch customer service. Based on our experience, we can confidently recommend them!

eSIM 
This has been a game-changer for us! When we started our 625-day adventure, I was initially overwhelmed by the pricing and limited data options. But switching to eSIM while in Istanbul has been a lifesaver! It offers instant connectivity as soon as you land in a new country. Roaming and local SIMs can be tricky, but eSIMs are seamless and super easy to install before you even arrive. We’ve tried both Eskimo and Airalo and recommend them! If you purchase through our link, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you, and we’d really appreciate the support!

Carry-On luggage 
Seriously, this bag feels bottomless! It fits so much stuff, and I’m amazed every time I pack. We initially bought one for Sagar for our Japan trip last November, and after seeing how much he loved the design and pocket accessibility, I just had to get one too! If you’re after a stylish, long-lasting bag, this is it. It’s a bit pricey, but after using it daily for the past seven months, it’s been worth every penny.

Wise Card
What did we do before this card? It’s been a blessing! Transferring money is super easy with minimal fees, and the user-friendliness is next level. Highly recommend it!

Guides We Recommend

• Udaipur: Punyaveer – +91 80940 37271
• Chittorgarh Fort: Anita – +91 70142 23851
• Kumbhalgarh Fort: Mubarak – +91 9950085184

All of these are licensed guides who adhere to government-regulated fees. While tipping is optional, it is always appreciated for exceptional service.

Pro Tip: Always verify the guide’s government ID before hiring to ensure a legitimate and knowledgeable experience.

We’d love to hear from you!

Have you visited Udaipur? What were your favourite spots or hidden gems? Or do you have any tips for making the most of a trip to this beautiful city? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts, we’d love to hear your experiences!

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