Things to Do in Udaipur Your trip to Rajasthan is on no occasion complete without indulging in some of the thrilling things to do in Udaipur which is also known as the city of lakes. Udaipur is widely famous for its pristine lakes and beautiful palaces that preserve the glorious past and offer the visitors with a wonderful activity to go deep and explore the royalty of the bygone era.
You might be thinking about what to in Udaipur, then the reply to such notion would be taking a sunset boat cruise at Lake Pichola to sight brilliant panoramic views, indulging in nature photography at Saheliyon ki Bari which is adorned with some of the best natural elements and exploring the classic of Bagore Ki Haveli to witness the architectural marvel and honor the sheer work of artisans.
You can also seek blessings at Karni Mata Temple, ride the ropeway at the city of lakes, go shopping traditional items at the Hathi Pol Bazar to collect souvenirs and witness the classical beauties at the vintage car museum.
You can take part in loads of fun filled and adventure activities in Udaipur to satisfy the adrenaline rush in your veins. Some of the common things to do that tourists prefer in the course of their stay are taking the ropeway ride, wandering into the wild at Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, horse riding at the Aravali Mountains, and enjoying Aravali Nature Trekking.
City Palace
Located on the banks of Lake Pichola within the old city, the City Palace is an architectural marvel. Inspired by a distinctive blend of medieval, European and Chinese architecture, it is encompassed by stunning courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, towers, domes, arches and hanging gardens.
Built on granite and marble, the City Palace brings together eleven palaces from different rulers throughout history, extended and unified by various maharanas, into a unique artistic space that outlines the journey of the royal family throughout the years. From the crystal and porcelain statues of the Ruby Palace to the lavish decor of the Pearl Palace to the murals and wall paintings of the Palace of Joy — to walk through the City Palace is a spectacle in itself.
Lake Pichola
Reflecting the Aravalli Hills, Lake Pichola is one of the oldest and largest artificial lakes in Udaipur. Built by the gypsy Pichhu Banjara in 1300, the lake was created by diverting water from the Kotra River with a dam originally used to help water grains. It would be years later that Maharana Udai Singh, captivated by the lake’s beauty, would build the city of Udaipur around it.
Upon arriving, you’ll find four islands sitting on the great body of water, each carrying its own charm. Each island has different royal mansions, palaces, sanctuaries and monuments that add to the history of Udaipur.
Lake Palace
Built with the intent to face the east and welcome dawn, the Lake Palace was created as a summer home for the royal family. Sitting calmly on the surface of Lake Pichola with regal courtyards, terraces, fountains and gardens, the Lake Palace was made for romance and celebration.
Through its doors, you’ll find a lily pond that covers most of the courtyard. Black and white marble line the courtyard walls and precious stones are etched into its interior. The Lake Palace now serves as a hotel, offering a taste of the luxury and royal treatment of the kingdom past. The rooms are lavish and grand, decorated with paintings, stone work and carved artifacts that will take you back to the palace’s royal days.
Jag Mandir — Lake Garden Palace
Looking out in the middle of Lake Pichola is the Lake Garden Palace, famously known as Jag Mandir. The three-storied marble and yellow sandstone palace blends together Mughal and Rajputana architecture and served as a summer resort for parties hosted by the royal family.
Welcoming its guests are four stone carved elephants that guard the entrance with cusped arches, the Aravalli Hills as its backdrop. Passing the jetty entry, you’ll enter the courtyard and lake garden filled with jasmine, frangipani trees, palm trees, verbena and moss rose with a marble fountain as its center. The palace flaunts octagonal towers topped with cupola with a maze of reception halls, rooms and courts inside showcasing the greatest architecture of the Mewar kingdom.
Bagore Ki Haveli
Situated on the edge of Lake Pichola in Gangaur Ghat, this 18th-century mansion houses 138 rooms surrounded by courtyards, corridors, balconies and terraces that give a peek into the Mewari-style architecture of that time.
The Bagore Ki Haveli mansion is residence to a gallery featuring a collection of photos from the Udaipur period and monuments reflecting the Mewar empire. With rooms displaying craftsmanship superior for its time and symbols of the Rajput clan, the Bagore Ki Haveli gives you a deep look into the lifestyle of the royal family.
Monsoon Palace
Perched on a hill is the Monsoon Palace, also known as Sajjan Garh Palace, offering a panoramic view of Udaipur. Originally built to be a nine-storey astronomical observatory to record monsoons and track the weather, it later became a hunting lodge and place to stay for the royal family.
Designed within the style of Rajput architecture, the palace welcomes those who enter its doors of marble, towers and pillars with motifs of leaves and flowers. From the Monsoon Palace, you can watch the changing colors and hues of the many palaces in the city and valleys, with Lake Pichola as the stunning backdrop.
Monsoon Palace
Perched on a hill is the Monsoon Palace, also known as Sajjan Garh Palace, offering a panoramic view of Udaipur. Originally built to be a nine-storey astronomical observatory to record monsoons and track the weather, it later became a hunting lodge and place to stay for the royal family.
Designed within the style of Rajput architecture, the palace welcomes those who enter its doors of marble, towers and pillars with motifs of leaves and flowers. From the Monsoon Palace, you can watch the changing colors and hues of the many palaces in the city and valleys, with Lake Pichola as the stunning backdrop.
Saheliyon Ki Bari — Garden of Companions
As you walk on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake, Saheliyon Ki Bari (also known as the Garden of Companions) is perched on the edge of the lush green hills. Built in the 18th-century for the Queen and her royal ladies, the garden boasts its beauty with its pristine green lawns, marble arts and rain fountains. The rain fountains were meant to create the illusion of rain dancing in rhythm with dancing maids.
Take a stroll down the winding paths and encounter beautiful lotus-pad filled pools, flowerbeds, elephant-shaped fountains and bountiful bougainvillea flowers that fill the heart of the garden.
Shilpgram
On the west of Fateh Sagar Lake in the dusty countryside, you’ll find Shilpgram, a crafts village with 26 traditional houses of the Rajasthan, Gujarat, Goa and Maharashtra eras. Shilpgram is a village filled with traditional interiors and craft exhibits, representing the architecture and heritage of the past.
The village also has an open-air amphitheater and holds annual theatre festivals, folk performances and artisan showcases that demonstrate the culture of the region. Be sure to check out the schedule in advance of your visit to find out if you can take in a show.