Best places to visit in Udaipur with family, the “City of Lakes,” is an ideal destination for a family trip, offering a mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty.
Start with a visit to the City Palace, a magnificent complex showcasing Rajput grandeur with stunning courtyards and museums. Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola, where you can admire the Lake Palace and Jag Mandir, perfect for capturing scenic moments. For breathtaking city views, head to the Monsoon Palace.
Kids and adults alike will enjoy Saheliyon Ki Bari, a beautiful garden with fountains and lotus pools. The Bagore Ki Haveli Museum offers an engaging cultural experience, with evening folk dance performances. Adventure lovers can take a ropeway ride to Karni Mata Temple, while Shilpgram provides a glimpse into Rajasthan’s rural life.
For shopping, visit Hathipole Market for handicrafts and souvenirs. Enjoy a royal dining experience at Ambrai or Jagat Niwas Palace, overlooking the serene lake. Udaipur ensures a memorable family vacation filled with history, nature, and culture!
City Palace
The City Palace in Udaipur is a stunning example of Rajput architecture, overlooking the picturesque Lake Pichola. Built over nearly 400 years by various rulers of the Mewar dynasty, the palace complex is a blend of courtyards, gardens, and opulent rooms adorned with intricate frescoes, stained glass windows, and mirror work.
Key attractions within the palace include the Zenana Mahal (queen’s quarters), the Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), and the Mor Chowk (Peacock Courtyard), each featuring unique architectural styles. The Crystal Gallery houses an exquisite collection of crystal furniture and artifacts, while the Badi Mahal offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding lakes.
The palace’s Jagdish Temple, a short walk away, adds to its charm. With its stunning lakeside location and rich history, City Palace is a must-visit for anyone exploring Udaipur, providing an immersive experience into Rajasthan’s royal past.
Lake Pichola & Boat Ride
Lake Pichola is one of Udaipur’s most iconic attractions, offering serene beauty and picturesque views. The lake was created in the 14th century and has since become a major highlight of the city, surrounded by palaces, temples, and ghats.
A boat ride on Lake Pichola is a must-do activity, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenic surroundings and breathtaking views of the City Palace, Lake Palace, and Jag Mandir. During the ride, you can also catch a glimpse of the Jag Niwas Island (Lake Palace), a luxurious hotel, and the peaceful ambiance of the surrounding hills.
The boat ride can be enjoyed during the day for clear views or in the evening, when the city lights reflect on the lake, creating a magical atmosphere. It’s an unforgettable experience, perfect for capturing stunning photos and enjoying the charm of Udaipur.
Jag Mandir Palace
Jag Mandir is a stunning palace located on an island in Lake Pichola, Udaipur, offering a peaceful and picturesque setting. Built in the 16th century by Maharana Jagat Singh I, this palace was originally a retreat for the royal family and has witnessed several historical events.
The palace is a beautiful blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles, with intricate carvings, marble structures, and lush gardens. Visitors can reach the island via boat rides on Lake Pichola, offering a fantastic view of the palace and surrounding areas.
The Jag Mandir Palace is known for its serene atmosphere and offers magnificent views of the City Palace and the surrounding landscape. The Zenana Mahal and Baradari Pavilion inside the palace are notable for their detailed craftsmanship. It’s an excellent spot to relax, enjoy the scenic beauty, and experience Udaipur’s royal legacy.
Fateh Sagar Lake & Nehru Garden
Fateh Sagar Lake is one of Udaipur’s most serene and picturesque lakes, built by Maharana Jai Singh in the 17th century. The lake offers a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for boat rides, with stunning views of the surrounding hills and palaces. You can take a boat ride to Nehru Garden, an island garden located in the middle of the lake, which is famous for its lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and a peaceful ambiance.
Nehru Garden features a beautiful garden with fountains, a small pond, and pathways, making it an ideal place for a family outing or a romantic walk. The garden is also known for its large, colorful flower beds and the pleasant atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the cool breeze, making it a relaxing escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Both sites are must-visit destinations for anyone looking to enjoy nature and tranquility in Udaipur.
Sajjangarh Palace (Monsoon Palace)
Perched atop the Bansdara Hill, Sajjangarh Palace, also known as the Monsoon Palace, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Udaipur and its surrounding lakes. Built in the 19th century by Maharana Sajjan Singh, the palace was initially designed to watch the monsoon clouds and forecast weather patterns.
The palace’s architecture is a fine blend of Rajput and Mughal styles, featuring arched windows, balconies, and expansive courtyards. The hilltop location provides mesmerizing views of Lake Pichola, Lake Fatehsagar, and the nearby Aravalli Range.
A visit to Sajjangarh Palace is perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape, especially during the evening when the sunset transforms the landscape into a golden spectacle. The surrounding Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary adds to the allure, making it an ideal spot for nature walks.
The Monsoon Palace is an essential part of Udaipur’s royal history and offers a tranquil experience with magnificent views.
Saheliyon Ki Bari
Saheliyon Ki Bari, or the “Garden of the Maidens,” is one of Udaipur’s most serene and beautiful attractions, offering a peaceful retreat with lush greenery. Built by Maharana Sangram Singh in the 18th century for his queen and her 48 maidens, the garden was designed to provide them with a tranquil space to relax and enjoy nature.
The garden features ornamental fountains, lotus pools, marble pavilions, and shady walkways. Its centerpiece is a large fountain, which once operated using a unique hydraulic system. Visitors can explore the Nautical Garden, Rajasthani-style fountains, and beautifully landscaped areas filled with vibrant flowers and plants.
It is an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, offering picturesque views of the surrounding countryside and the Fatehsagar Lake. A visit to Saheliyon Ki Bari provides a glimpse into the opulence of royal life while offering a peaceful escape from the city.
Bagore Ki Haveli Museum & Cultural Show
Located on the banks of Lake Pichola, Bagore Ki Haveli is a 18th-century mansion that has been transformed into a museum showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Udaipur and Rajasthan. The haveli features a collection of artifacts, including traditional costumes, jewelry, musical instruments, and paintings, offering a glimpse into royal life and the region’s history.
The museum’s architecture is equally impressive, with intricately carved wooden doors, colorful glass windows, and beautifully restored rooms that reflect the grandeur of its time.
In the evening, the haveli hosts a vibrant cultural show that includes folk dance performances like Ghoomar, Kalbeliya, and Dandiya, as well as traditional puppet shows and live music. This cultural experience is a great way to immerse yourself in the rich traditions and art forms of Rajasthan. It’s a must-visit for a memorable evening in Udaipur!
Gulab Bagh & Zoo
Gulab Bagh (Rose Garden) is a serene and beautiful garden located in the heart of Udaipur. Spread over several acres, the garden is known for its vast collection of roses, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers. It also features lush green lawns, fountains, and shaded pathways, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city. The garden is ideal for leisurely walks and picnics with family or friends.
The Gulab Bagh Zoo, located within the same premises, houses a variety of animals and birds, including leopards, lions, deer, and different species of birds. It’s a great place for children and animal enthusiasts to explore and learn about wildlife. The zoo is well-maintained, and the combination of beautiful landscapes and animal exhibits makes it a must-visit for a family outing in Udaipur.
Gulab Bagh & Zoo offers a delightful blend of nature, tranquility, and wildlife.
Karni Mata Temple (Ropeway Ride)
The Karni Mata Temple in Udaipur, located on the Machla Hill, is a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to Karni Mata, a revered saint and goddess of the region. The temple offers breathtaking views of the city, Lake Pichola, and the surrounding Aravalli hills.
A highlight of the visit is the ropeway ride, which provides an exciting and scenic journey to the temple. The cable car ride offers panoramic views of Udaipur’s landscape and is a thrilling experience for both adults and children.
Once at the top, visitors can explore the temple’s serene surroundings, admire its architecture, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The temple is known for its spiritual significance and also features small shrines dedicated to local deities.
The Karni Mata Ropeway is a unique way to experience Udaipur’s natural beauty while visiting an important religious site, making it an essential part of any family or spiritual tour.
Shilpgram
Shilpgram is a rural arts and crafts complex located 3 km west of Udaipur, near the Fatehsagar Lake. It offers a fascinating experience for those wanting to explore traditional Rajasthani culture, rural life, and handicrafts. The complex showcases an array of folk arts, craftwork, and performances from different states of India, particularly Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.
Visitors can explore authentic mud huts built in traditional Rajasthani styles, representing the homes of various tribal communities. Shilpgram is also home to numerous craft stalls where local artisans sell their handwoven textiles, pottery, jewelry, paintings, and wooden crafts.
The site hosts cultural events and festivals, such as the Shilpgram Utsav, where folk music, dance, and art exhibitions are held, offering visitors an immersive experience. It’s an excellent place to learn about India’s rural heritage while enjoying the vibrant local arts and crafts.
