Romantic lake city of white palaces, havelis and hills, with easy day trips to forts and ancient Jain temples in the Aravallis.
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Every traveller is different. Browse by style, then let the planner mix them into a day-by-day plan.
The famous must-sees
Grand palace complex on Lake Pichola with courtyards, mirrored rooms and city views.
culture · about 2.5 hrs · best in the morningGlide past ghats, palaces and temples at golden hour on the city's centrepiece lake.
scenic · about 1 hr · best in the eveningElaborately carved Indo-Aryan temple at the foot of the City Palace, with daily worship.
spiritual · about 1 hr · best in the morningFountain garden built for royal ladies, with lotus pools and marble elephants.
relax · about 1.5 hrs · best in the morningHilltop palace with sunset views of the lakes and wildlife sanctuary around it.
scenic · about 2 hrs · best in the eveningLakeside promenade with snack stalls, boats and an island garden, popular with local families.
relax · about 2 hrs · best in the eveningOld royal haveli with rooms of costume and puppets, and a nightly Rajasthani folk dance.
culture · about 1.5 hrs · best in the eveningQuieter, still easy to reach
Huge fort ringed by a long wall across the hills, an easy day trip with sunset-lit stone.
culture · about 4 hrs · best in the morningMarble temple with 1,444 intricately carved pillars, in a forested valley.
spiritual · about 2 hrs · best in the afternoonOpen-air crafts village with huts from different Indian states and folk performances.
culture · about 2 hrs · best in the afternoonPink-hued pass famous for the sixteenth-century battle of Maharana Pratap, with a small museum.
culture · about 2 hrs · best in the morningCluster of old temples north of the city, with detailed carving and a quiet lakeside setting.
spiritual · about 2.5 hrs · best in the morningFood, markets, crafts and people
Street of paintings, puppets, spices and textiles where locals haggle for everyday goods.
shopping · about 2 hrs · best in the eveningLearn the painting style of the Mewar courts with fine brushes and mineral colours.
culture · about 2 hrs · best in the morningHome-style meal with dal baati churma, gatte and kadhi, served by local families.
food · about 1.5 hrs · best in the eveningJoin residents on the steps at dusk, with temple bells and boats against palace walls.
culture · about 1.5 hrs · best in the eveningTraditional kathputli puppetry and folk dance in a small museum theatre.
culture · about 1 hr · best in the eveningSpots most visitors miss
Royal memorials of white marble and sandstone, little visited though only minutes from town.
culture · about 1 hr · best in the morningA quiet lake in the hills outside Udaipur, ideal for birds and still-water sunsets.
nature · about 2 hrs · best in the eveningSmall village with wetlands that fill with flamingos and waterfowl in winter; guides available locally.
wildlife · about 3 hrs · best in the morningTwo tenth-century temples with carved sculptures beside a quiet village lake.
culture · about 1 hr · best in the morningEntry fees and times are approximate, per adult, and change often — we confirm everything before you book. Last reviewed November 2026.
Rich Mewari dishes served in royal-style thalis.
Crisp fried snacks eaten hot from street counters.
Spiced tea and cooling almond-saffron drink served in old-city lanes.
Fine, detailed paintings in Mewar style, created with natural pigments.
Colourful kathputli puppets and bandhani fabrics from Hathipole.
Handmade accessories in lanes beside City Palace.
Glide on Lake Pichola as palaces glow gold at dusk.
From the stalls locals queue at to the tables critics travel for — chosen for flavour, character and a warm welcome.
Try Pyaaz kachori (veg); mirchi vada (veg); jalebi (veg)
Standing counter; eat early when the kachoris are freshly fried. Don't mix it up with the similarly named Jayesh Misthan Bhandar near Chetak Circle.
₹60–120Map
Try Poha (veg); lassi (veg); dry fruit and namkeen shops
Shopping streets; snack stalls sit between textile shops.
₹50–120Map
Try Roasted corn (veg); coconut water (veg); bhel and chaat (veg)
Sunset is crowded but lively; take a short boat ride after.
₹60–150Map
Try Dabeli (veg); pav bhaji (veg); chaat (veg)
Families gather here in the evening; easy for kids.
₹100–200Map
Trail stops, hours and prices are approximate and stalls move — check locally. Pronunciations are simplified guides. Last reviewed 9 November 2026.
Street food, markets and humble legends
A no-frills, always-busy dining hall where servers keep refilling your thali until you stop them.
Order Unlimited thali (dal baati churma, gatte, ker sangri)
A casual bakery-café with lakeside seating, a handy pause in the old city.
Order Coffee; milkshakes; bakes
Acclaimed cafés and celebrated mid-range tables
Organic, gluten-free and millet-based cooking with plenty of vegan dishes — a lighter option.
Order Millet thali; millet pizzas; vegan options
Water-level tables facing the City Palace and Lake Palace make this the classic sunset dinner; you pay for the view — reserve ahead.
Order Laal maas; Mughlai starters; Rajasthani curries
A candlelit rooftop with City Palace views, popular with couples.
Order Rajasthani thali; international dishes
A quieter lakeside alternative to Ambrai, praised for authentic Rajasthani cooking.
Order Rajasthani specialities at golden hour
Award-winning tables, tasting menus and grand hotel dining
Royal Rajasthani dining inside the floating marble palace. Usually reserved for in-house guests — check before promising it.
Order Dal baati churma; ker sangri; laal maas; ghewar
The Lake Palace's rooftop restaurant, with sunset views across the water to the City Palace; access policy for non-residents varies.
Order Chef's dinner menu at sunset
Restaurants change hours, menus and prices often; awards are as published at the time of checking. Approximate — verify before you go. Last reviewed 9 November 2026. All our food picks
Local tip: Watch sunset from a rooftop near Lake Pichola; ask your hotel to book the boat ride for a quieter slot.
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