Things to Do in Udaipur is well-known as the ‘City of Lakes’ for its heritage, culture, spectacular locations and Rajput-era palaces that draw numerous tourists from all over the world. In Udaipur, there are numerous attractions, such as aerial tours, trekking, horse riding, a sanctuary for wildlife, and the solar observatory of Udaipur. Don’t miss out on any traditional dances and local shopping. Embark on a journey to explore the deep-rooted symbolic past of the city during your stay with us at one of the best resorts in Udaipur, with a visit to the following attractions and things to do in Udaipur:
Boat Ride on Lake Pichola
A boat trip on Lake Pichola seems to be a tad bit touristic at first glance. Nevertheless, it gives an entirely different view of the city. The centre in which the city was founded is Lake Pichola. Buy tickets from the complex of the City Palace and walk through the lawns to get on the bus.
The boat trip provides you a view of the town on either side of the bay, A fairly similar view of the Palace Hotel at Taj Lake. You get a chance to jump off at Jag Mandir Island, too (one of the two inhabited islands in Lake Pichola). To complete your experience of Lake Pichola, stop for refreshments or a meal at Jag Mandir Island Things to Do in Udaipur.
City Palace
Located inside the old city on the banks of Lake Pichola, the City Palace is an architectural wonder. The beautiful courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, walls, domes, arches and hanging gardens are influenced by a distinctive mix of medieval, European and Chinese architecture.
Constructed from granite and marble, The City Palace brings together eleven palaces, expanded and united by different maharanas, from different rulers throughout history, into a unique artistic space that outlines the royal family’s journey throughout the years. From the Ruby Palace crystal and porcelain sculptures to the luxurious furniture of the Pearl Palace to the Joy Palace murals and wall paintings — Rolling through the Palace of the City is a sight in itself.
Jag Mandir — Lake Garden Palace
The Lake Garden Palace, famously known as Jag Mandir, looks out at the center of Lake Pichola. The three-storey palace of marble and yellow sandstone combines Mughal and Rajputana architecture and acted as a summer resort for the royal family’s parties.
Four stone carved elephants that guard the entrance with cusped arches welcome their guests, the Aravalli Hills as its backdrop. You will enter the courtyard and lake garden filled with jasmine, frangipani trees, palm trees, verbena and moss rose with a marble fountain as its core, after passing the jetty entrance. The palace flaunts octagonal towers topped with a cupola with a labyrinth of reception halls, rooms and courts displaying the kingdom of Mewar’s greatest architecture Things to Do in Udaipur.
Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola is one of Udaipur’s oldest and largest artificial lakes, mirroring the Aravalli Hills. Founded in 1300 by the gypsy Pichhu Banjara, the lake was built with a dam originally used to support water grains by diverting water from the Kotra River. It would be years later that, captivated by the beauty of the lake, Maharana Udai Singh would create the city of Udaipur around it.
When you arrive, you will find four islands floating on a large body of water, each of which bears its own charm. There are numerous royal mansions, palaces, sanctuaries and monuments on each island that add to Udaipur’s history.
Lake Palace
The Lake Palace, designed with the intention of facing the east and welcoming dawn, was established as a royal family summer home. The Lake Palace was made for romance and celebration, sitting peacefully on the surface of Lake Pichola with regal courtyards, terraces, fountains and gardens.
You will discover a lily pond through its doors that occupies much of the courtyard. The courtyard walls and precious stones are carved into its interior in black and white marble. The Lake Palace now serves as a hotel, offering a glimpse of the history of the kingdom of luxury and royal care. The rooms are sumptuous and grand, adorned with paintings, works of stone and carved items that will take you back to the royal days of the palace.
Bagore Ki Haveli
Located on the edge of Gangaur Ghat’s Lake Pichola, this 18th-century mansion houses 138 rooms surrounded by courtyards, halls, balconies and terraces that offer a glimpse into the architecture of that period in the Mewari style.
The Bagore Ki Haveli mansion is home to a gallery with a collection of Udaipur images period and monuments reflecting the Mewar empire. The Bagore Ki Haveli gives you a deep insight into the royal family’s lifestyle, with rooms showing superior craftsmanship for its time and symbols of the Rajput clan.
Monsoon Palace
The Monsoon Palace, also referred to as Sajjan Garh Palace, is perched on a hill, offering a panoramic view of Udaipur. Originally constructed as a nine-storey astronomical observatory for tracking monsoons and monitoring the weather, it later became a hunting lodge for the royal family and a place to stay.
Built in the Rajput architectural style, The palace welcomes those who enter its marble gate, towers and columns with motifs of flowers and leaves. You can experience the shifting colors and hues of the many palaces in the city and valleys from the Monsoon Palace, with Lake Pichola as the breathtaking backdrop.
Fateh Sagar Lake
Fateh Sagar Lake, encircled on each side by mountains, is an artificial lake built in the 1680s that offers some of the most scenic views in all of Udaipur. Fateh Sagar Lake, situated north of Lake Pichola, lies just before the Moti Magri Hill entry.
You get spectacular views of the Aravalli Hills from the pear-shaped bay Life and the three tiny islands floating on the lake. Nehru Park, a popular picnic spot for travellers, with gardens, a boat-shaped restaurant and a small zoo, is home to the largest island. A sprawling park with a water-jet fountain hosts the second (unnamed) island, while the last island is home to the Udaipur Solar Observatory, Asia’s best solar observation venue.
Saheliyon Ki Bari — Garden of Companions
Saheliyon Ki Bari (also known as the Garden of Companions) perches on the edge of the lush green hills as you walk on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake. Created for the Queen and her royal ladies in the 18th century, the garden boasts its elegance with its pristine green lawns, marble art, and rain fountains. The rain fountains were intended to create the illusion of rain dancing with dancing maids in rhythm Things to Do in Udaipur.
Take a walk down the winding paths and explore beautiful pools filled with lotus pads, flowerbeds, elephant-shaped fountains and beautiful bougainvillea flowers that fill the garden’s center.