Top Five Tourist Places in Udaipur

Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes, is a popular destination in Rajasthan, India. Udaipur is famous for its rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and royal history. The city has many attractions that appeal to tourists of all kinds, from history buffs to nature lovers. Here are the top five tourist places in Udaipur that you should not miss:

1. City Palace

The City Palace is the most iconic landmark of Udaipur and a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience the grandeur and glory of the Mewar dynasty. The palace complex was built over four centuries by various rulers and showcases a fusion of Rajasthani, Mughal, European, and Chinese architecture. The palace has many courtyards, gardens, pavilions, temples, and museums that display exquisite art and artifacts. The palace also offers stunning views of Lake Pichola and the surrounding Aravalli hills.

The City Palace is open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm every day. The entry fee is Rs. 300 for adults and Rs. 100 for children. You can also opt for a guided tour or an audio guide for an additional charge.

2. Lake Pichola

Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful and romantic lakes in India. It was created in the 14th century by a local ruler and later expanded by Maharana Udai Singh II, the founder of Udaipur. The lake is surrounded by palaces, havelis, temples, and ghats that reflect in its shimmering waters. The lake also has four islands, namely Jag Niwas, Jag Mandir, Mohan Mandir, and Arsi Vilas.

The best way to enjoy Lake Pichola is to take a boat ride that takes you around the lake and its islands. You can also witness the spectacular sunset from the lake or enjoy a candlelight dinner at one of the lakeside restaurants. The boat rides are available from 9 am to 6 pm every day. The charges vary depending on the type of boat and the duration of the ride.

3. Sajjangarh Palace

Sajjangarh Palace, also known as Monsoon Palace, is a hilltop palace that was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in the 19th century as an astronomical observatory and a summer retreat. The palace is perched on a hill called Bansdara at an altitude of 944 meters above sea level. The palace offers panoramic views of Udaipur city, Lake Pichola, Lake Fateh Sagar, and the Aravalli range.

The palace is open from 9 am to 6 pm every day. The entry fee is Rs. 10 for Indians and Rs. 80 for foreigners. You can also hire a jeep or an auto-rickshaw to reach the palace from the foot of the hill.

4. Bagore Ki Haveli

Bagore Ki Haveli is a historic mansion that was built by Amir Chand Badwa, the prime minister of Mewar, in the 18th century. The haveli was later occupied by Maharana Shakti Singh of Bagore, who added several rooms and structures to it. The Haveli has more than 100 rooms that display various aspects of Rajasthani culture and art, such as costumes, jewelry, paintings, puppets, musical instruments, and weapons.

The haveli also hosts a cultural show every evening from 7 pm to 8 pm that features folk dances and music of Rajasthan. The show is held in the courtyard of the haveli and is a treat for the eyes and ears.

The Haveli is open from 10 am to 7 pm every day. The entry fee is Rs. 60 for Indians and Rs. 100 for foreigners. The cultural show ticket is Rs. 90 for Indians and Rs. 150 for foreigners.

5. Jagdish Temple

Jagdish Temple is one of the largest and most splendid temples in Udaipur. It was built by Maharana Jagat Singh I in 1651 as a tribute to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. The temple is located in the heart of the city near the City Palace and has three stories of intricate carvings and sculptures. The main shrine has a black stone idol of Lord Vishnu along with other deities such as Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, and Goddess Saraswati.

The temple is open from 4:15 am to 1 pm and from 5:15 pm to 8 pm every day. There is no entry fee, but donations are welcome. You can also attend the daily aarti (prayer) ceremonies that are held at the temple.

Best Time to Visit Udaipur

The best time to visit Udaipur is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The winter season also coincides with many festivals and events that add to the charm and vibrancy of the city. Some of the festivals that you can witness in Udaipur are:

• Diwali: The festival of lights is celebrated in October or November with great pomp and fervor. The city is illuminated with lamps, candles, and fireworks. The City Palace and Lake Pichola are especially dazzling during this time.
• Mewar Festival: The festival marks the arrival of spring in March or April and is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. The festival involves a procession of women carrying images of the goddess to Lake Pichola, where they are immersed in the water. The festival also features cultural programs, folk dances, and music.
• Shilpgram Festival: The festival is held in December or January at Shilpgram, a rural arts and crafts village near Udaipur. The festival showcases the handicrafts, art, and culture of various states of India. You can also buy souvenirs, enjoy folk performances, and taste local delicacies at the festival.

Things to Do in Udaipur

Udaipur has a lot to offer to its visitors, from historical monuments to natural wonders. Here are some of the things that you can do in Udaipur to make your trip memorable:

Take a heritage walk: Udaipur has a rich and diverse heritage that can be explored on foot. You can take a guided heritage walk that covers various attractions such as the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Gangaur Ghat, Bagore Ki Haveli, and Chandpole Bazaar. You can also learn about the history, culture, and legends of the city from your guide.

Enjoy a bicycle tour: If you are an adventure lover, you can enjoy a bicycle tour that takes you through the countryside and villages around Udaipur. You can witness rural life, interact with the locals, visit temples and farms, and enjoy scenic views along the way.

Learn miniature painting: Udaipur is famous for its miniature paintings that depict scenes from mythology, history, and nature. You can learn this art form from a local artist at Pacific Art Studio. You can also buy some paintings as souvenirs or gifts.

Experience authentic cuisine: Udaipur has a variety of cuisines that reflect its royal and diverse culture. You can taste some of the local delicacies such as dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, ker sangria, laal maas, mirchi bada, kachori, jalebi, ghewar, and more. You can also enjoy a thali (platter) at one of the rooftop restaurants that offer stunning views of the city and the lake.

Visit Kumbhalgarh Fort: Kumbhalgarh Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located about 64 km from Udaipur. It is one of the largest and most impressive forts in Rajasthan and has a wall that stretches for 36 km. The fort also has many temples, palaces, gardens, and monuments inside it. You can also enjoy a light and sound show at the fort in the evening.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article on Udaipur. If you are planning to visit this city soon, make sure to include these places and activities in your itinerary. Udaipur will surely enchant you with its beauty and charm.