Udaipur Tour from Jaipur

India's Most Romantic City

Udaipur is consistently voted one of the world's most romantic cities, and it's easy to understand why. Set among the ancient Aravalli hills of southern Rajasthan, the city is built around a series of interconnected lakes — Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Udai Sagar, Rang Sagar, and Swaroop Sagar. Rising from the banks of Lake Pichola, the magnificent City Palace complex reflects in the still waters below, while lake palaces float serenely on the surface of the lake like white marble dreams.

Founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II after the fall of Chittorgarh, Udaipur served as the capital of the Mewar kingdom for over 400 years. The Mewar rulers were famous for their fierce independence — they were the only Rajput clan that never submitted to Mughal rule — and their capital reflects centuries of artistic achievement unconstrained by outside influence.

Top Attractions in Udaipur

City Palace: The largest palace complex in Rajasthan, the City Palace rises dramatically above the eastern shore of Lake Pichola. Built over 400 years by successive Mewar rulers, it is a composite of different architectural styles — each generation adding their own flourishes in marble, granite, and sandstone. The museum within the palace houses an extraordinary collection of royal artifacts, miniature paintings, crystal furniture, and photographs of the royal family. The rooftop views of Lake Pichola and the Jag Mandir island palace are simply breathtaking.

Lake Pichola Boat Ride: No Udaipur visit is complete without a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola. The 1-hour ride takes you past the Jag Mandir island palace, the Lake Palace hotel (immortalized in the James Bond film Octopussy), and the City Palace walls reflected in the golden evening water. This is one of the most magical experiences in all of India.

Jag Mandir: The island palace of Jag Mandir, built in the 17th century, served as a refuge for the Mughal prince Khurram (later Emperor Shah Jahan) during his rebellion against his father. Today it's accessible by boat and houses a beautiful garden, marble pavilions, and a stunning terrace restaurant. The views of the City Palace from here, especially at sunset, are extraordinary.

Saheliyon Ki Bari: The "Garden of the Maidens" was built in the 18th century as a pleasure garden for the royal ladies of the court. This exquisite formal garden features lotus pools, fountains, marble pavilions, and kiosks decorated with delicate stone carvings. A peaceful respite from sightseeing, especially in the morning when the fountains are running.

Jagdish Temple: Built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh, this large Indo-Aryan style temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu stands on a high platform at the northern entrance to the City Palace. Its exterior is covered in intricate carvings of elephants, horsemen, musicians, and celestial nymphs. The brass image of Garuda (Vishnu's vehicle) at the entrance is particularly fine.

Fateh Sagar Lake: The second largest lake in Udaipur, Fateh Sagar is connected to Lake Pichola by a canal. The Nehru Park island in the middle of the lake is accessible by boat and has a garden, restaurant, and children's park. The lake is surrounded by the Aravalli hills, and the promenade along its western shore is perfect for an evening walk or bicycle ride.

Monsoon Palace (Sajjan Garh): Perched on the highest point of the Aravalli hills 5 km west of Udaipur, this 19th-century palace was built to watch monsoon clouds gathering over the Aravalli range. Now a heritage hotel in development, it's primarily visited for its panoramic sunset views over the entire city and its lakes — arguably the most spectacular viewpoint in Udaipur.

Bagore Ki Haveli: This 18th-century palace on the waterfront of Lake Pichola has been converted into a museum featuring royal costumes, traditional Rajasthani décor, and an extraordinary collection of turbans. Every evening, the haveli hosts a celebrated folk dance performance showcasing Rajasthani dance forms, puppet shows, and folk music — highly recommended.

Shilpgram: A rural arts and crafts complex 3 km from Udaipur showcasing the traditional architecture, crafts, and performing arts of the tribal communities of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Goa, and Maharashtra. The annual Shilpgram Utsav (December) is one of the best crafts fairs in India.

Day Trip to Chittorgarh

Located 110 km from Udaipur, Chittorgarh Fort is India's largest fort complex and the site of the most legendary tales of Rajput heroism and sacrifice. Three times in history, the women of Chittorgarh performed mass jauhar (self-immolation) to avoid capture, while the men rode out in saffron robes on suicide charges. The fort is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains the iconic Vijay Stambha (Victory Tower), Rana Kumbha Palace ruins, Padmini Palace, and the Meera Temple. A half-day trip from Udaipur en route back to Jaipur.

Suggested Udaipur Itinerary (2 Nights / 3 Days)

Day 1: Depart Jaipur early. Drive to Udaipur via Chittorgarh (5–6 hours total). Brief stop at Chittorgarh Fort. Check in. Evening boat ride on Lake Pichola and Bagore Ki Haveli folk dance show.

Day 2: City Palace museum (morning). Saheliyon Ki Bari. Jagdish Temple. Fateh Sagar Lake promenade. Sunset at Monsoon Palace.

Day 3: Morning walk in old city. Shilpgram crafts village. Depart for Jaipur. Arrive by evening.