Best Places to Visit in Ooty
Oct 29, 2024
Looking to explore Udaipur? Known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur is an enchanting destination full of historical grandeur, architectural wonders, and serene landscapes. From royal palaces to tranquil lakes, here are the top 15 places to visit in Udaipur, with detailed information on timings, entry fees, and key attractions.
Perched on the eastern bank of Lake Pichola, the Udaipur City Palace is a sprawling complex that boasts a blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. Built over several centuries, this palace offers stunning views of the lake and the city. Visitors can explore grand courtyards, beautifully decorated rooms, and various museums.
Top Attractions:
Timings: 09:30 am – 05:30 pm
Entry Fee: Rs. 30 for Adults, Rs. 15 for Children
Set in the middle of Lake Pichola, this elegant palace, now a luxury hotel, is one of Udaipur’s iconic landmarks. Built entirely of white marble, it served as a summer retreat for the royal family. Visitors can take a boat ride around the lake to enjoy views of the palace or stay at the hotel for an unforgettable royal experience.
Top Attractions:
Timings: 09:00 am – 06:00 pm (Boat rides)
Entry Fee: No entry fee; boat ride is Rs. 400 for Adults, Rs. 200 for Children
This serene palace located on an island in Lake Pichola served as a refuge for Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The island offers tranquil gardens and peaceful views of the surrounding lake. It is accessible by boat, and you can enjoy a meal at the garden restaurant with panoramic views.
Top Attractions:
Timings: 10:00 am – 06:00 pm
Entry Fee: None; boat ride fee Rs. 400 for Adults, Rs. 200 for Children
A fine example of Indo-Aryan architecture, this large Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh, it is known for its intricate carvings, tall shikhara (spire), and beautiful sculptures. Climb the steps to witness the magnificent idol of Lord Vishnu and partake in the temple rituals.
Top Attractions:
Timings: 05:00 am – 02:30 pm, 04:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Entry Fee: None
This lush garden was designed by Maharana Sangram Singh II for the queen and her attendants, who were part of her dowry. The garden features lotus pools, fountains, kiosks, and marble pavilions. The serene environment makes it a favorite spot for relaxation and leisurely walks.
Top Attractions:
Timings: 09:00 am – 07:00 pm
Entry Fee: Rs. 5 per person
Perched atop a hill, Sajjangarh Palace, also known as the Monsoon Palace, offers panoramic views of Udaipur, its lakes, and the surrounding Aravalli ranges. Built as an astronomical center and for tracking the monsoon clouds, it is now a popular spot for stunning sunset views.
Top Attractions:
Timings: 08:00 am – 06:00 pm
Entry Fee: Rs. 10 for Indians, Rs. 80 for Foreign Nationals
Camera Fee: Rs. 20 per person
Fateh Sagar Lake is a picturesque artificial lake surrounded by hills and forests. It is a popular spot for boating and features three islands, one of which houses Nehru Park. The tranquil atmosphere and crystal-clear waters make it a favorite place for picnics and boat rides.
Top Attractions:
Timings: 08:00 am – 06:00 pm
Boat Ride Fee: Rs. 30 – Rs. 400 depending on the type of boat
A symbol of Udaipur’s beauty, Lake Pichola is surrounded by grand palaces, temples, and ghats. Taking a boat ride on this lake is one of the most popular activities in Udaipur. The lake is home to Jag Mandir and the Lake Palace and offers spectacular views, especially during sunset.
Top Attractions:
Timings: 09:00 am – 06:00 pm
Boat Ride Fee: Rs. 400 for Adults, Rs. 200 for Children
Built by Maharana Udai Singh in 1565, Udaisagar Lake is a lesser-known yet peaceful spot for relaxing and enjoying nature. The lake offers a serene environment for picnics, and its calm waters reflect the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
Top Attractions:
Timings: Open all day
Entry Fee: None
Known as one of the largest artificial lakes in the world, Jaisamand Lake covers an area of 87 square kilometers. Surrounding the lake are palaces, temples, and a wildlife sanctuary. The marble dam on the lake and the island palaces are top attractions.
Top Attractions:
Timings: Open all day
Entry Fee: None
Boat Ride Fee: Rs. 30 – Rs. 80 per person
Famous for its stunning marble terraces and ghats, Rajsamand Lake is steeped in history. The lake was where Maharana Raj Singh built marble pavilions and performed Tuladan (weighing oneself in gold). The steps leading to the lake and its peaceful environment attract history buffs and tourists alike.
Top Attractions:
Timings: Open all day
Entry Fee: None
Built by Maharana Raj Singh in the 17th century, this artificial lake was created to counteract the effects of a devastating famine. Today, it is a calm and quiet place, perfect for picnics, boating, and photography, especially with the scenic backdrop of the Aravalli hills.
Top Attractions:
Timings: 08:00 am – 06:30 pm
Boat Ride Fee: Rs. 30 – Rs. 400 depending on the type of boat
Doodh Talai is a small lake near Lake Pichola that offers a picturesque setting with adjoining gardens. A key attraction is the musical fountain, which is a delight to watch in the evenings. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and cityscape from the nearby Karni Mata Temple.
Top Attractions:
Timings: 08:00 am – 10:00 pm
Entry Fee: Rs. 10 per person
This hilltop memorial is dedicated to Udaipur’s legendary warrior king, Maharana Pratap, and his loyal horse Chetak. The memorial features a life-sized bronze statue of the king and his horse. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Fateh Sagar Lake from the memorial.
Top Attractions:
Timings: 09:00 am – 06:00 pm
Entry Fee: Rs. 20 for Adults, Rs. 10 for Children
A must-visit for automobile enthusiasts, the Vintage Car Museum showcases a stunning collection of cars once owned by the Maharanas of Udaipur. The collection includes rare Rolls-Royces, Cadillacs, and other vintage models, as well as antique buggies and carriages.
Top Attractions:
Timings: 09:00 am – 09:00 pm
Entry Fee: Rs. 250 for Adults, Rs. 150 for Children
This guide will help you dive into Udaipur’s vibrant history and culture. Whether you’re exploring royal palaces, taking serene boat rides, or enjoying stunning sunsets over the lakes, these top 15 places offer something for every traveler.
Q: What are the best places for shopping in Udaipur?
A: Udaipur offers vibrant shopping experiences where you can find Rajasthani handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, and souvenirs. Popular shopping spots include Bapu Bazaar, Bada Bazaar, Hathipole Market, Chetak Circle, City Palace Street, Jagdish Temple Street, and Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower). These markets are perfect for purchasing traditional items such as bandhani fabric, silver jewelry, miniature paintings, wooden toys, and Mewar-style artifacts.
Q: When is the best time to visit Udaipur?
A: The ideal time to visit Udaipur is during the winter months from October to March. During this period, the weather is pleasant with sunny days and cool evenings, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summers (April to June) can be extremely hot, while the monsoon season (July to September) brings humidity and occasional rain, although it adds a fresh green charm to the city.
Q: Can you recommend some great places to eat in Udaipur?
A: Udaipur is home to a diverse culinary scene with a mix of traditional Rajasthani and international cuisines. Some of the best restaurants include:
Q: How is the nightlife in Udaipur?
A: While Udaipur is more of a serene, heritage-rich city, it also offers lively nightlife for those who enjoy socializing. Some popular pubs, bars, and lounges where you can enjoy a relaxed evening include:
Q: Where can I enjoy the best sunset views in Udaipur?
A: Udaipur is known for its breathtaking sunsets. Sajjangarh Fort (Monsoon Palace) offers panoramic views of the city and its lakes, making it one of the best places to watch the sunset. Other top spots for a beautiful sunset include Jagmandir Palace, Sunset Terrace at City Palace Complex, Lake Pichola, and Gangaur Ghat, where the golden hues of the setting sun reflect off the water and the surrounding architecture.
Q: Can you suggest good picnic spots in Udaipur?
A: Udaipur has several scenic picnic spots where families and friends can relax and enjoy nature. Some great places for picnics are:
Q: What are the top things to do in Udaipur?
A: There is no shortage of exciting activities in Udaipur. Some of the best things to do include:
Q: How can I reach Udaipur?
A: Udaipur is well-connected by air, rail, and road:
