If Rajasthan were a fairy tale, Udaipur would be its crown jewel, a poetic mix of lakes, royal palaces, colorful bazaars, and sunsets that stay in your heart long after you leave.
Whether you’re a history lover, hopeless romantic, culture lover, or just want to relax in beauty and peace, you’ll find that Udaipur is a dream come true.
Start Your Day with the Bahubali Hill Sunrise
There is no better way to wake up in Udaipur than watching the sun rise over Badi Lake from the summit of Bahubali Hill.
The views are beautiful and are reached through a short but steep hike that leads to a view that looks like it could be a painting.
Pro tip: Make the hike before 5:30 a.m., and bring a refillable water bottle and good shoes. You will receive a view that is priceless that you can add to your travel memories, along with an Instagram-worthy inferiority!
Glide Across Lake Pichola
Picture this: Sailing across silent waters, surrounded by palaces and ghats, while the golden hour lights up everything. That’s what Lake Pichola is like.
Get on a boat from the City Palace jetty and float peacefully past the Taj Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, and the lovely Gangaur Ghat. The experience is dreamy, cinematic, and one of the best things to do in Udaipur.
Explore the Grandeur of City Palace
Sitting along the eastern banks of Lake Pichola, the City Palace is a massive collection of marble, mirror work, courtyards, and centuries of royal history.
As you make your way through beautifully decorated gates and bright courtyard spaces, you can almost imagine a time of palatial wonder and luxury maharajas.
While you are in the museum, be sure to check out the:
Royal armory
Vintage photographs
Beautiful peacock inlay mosaic at Mor Chowk.
If you are trying to capture the perfect postcard picture, make sure to check out the views from the balconies to see the lake below.
Seek Blessings at Jagdish Temple
Located just a few steps from the City Palace is the intricately carved Jagdish Temple, a 17th-century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The detail on the pillars, the elephants, and the divine vibe make this one of the most spiritually wealthy places in Udaipur.
Catch the Sunset at Fateh Sagar Lake
Need somewhere to enjoy a quiet evening? Fateh Sagar Lake is best for you! You can either ‘paddle’ in a rented paddle boat or grab a cup of kulhad chai and chill on the promenade. There’s nothing like it.
You can see the sun setting over the Aravalli hills, transforming the sky in the most beautiful colours of crimson and gold. The locals say sunsets here are a form of therapy, and they are correct.
Hang Out at Gangaur Ghat
Gangaur Ghat, situated on the shore of Lake Pichola, is a photographer’s dream, as well as an excellent place to sit and ponder how lively the city is.
Sit on the steps and watch the locals feed pigeons, while kids laugh and play, the lake glistening in the sun. It’s also a great spot for those “candid but not candid” travel photos!
Shop Like a Local in Udaipur’s Bazaars
You haven’t truly seen Udaipur until you’ve walked through the vibrant marketplaces. Be sure to visit:
Hathi Pol for great miniature paintings, leather journals
Bada Bazaar for colorful Rajasthani textiles and silver jewelry
Chetak Circle for fun souvenirs and traditional home decor
And of course, feel free to bargain (it’s kind of expected!).
Feel the Rhythm at Dharohar Folk Dance Show
When the sun goes down, the city doesn’t sleep, it dances.
Make sure to go to Bagore Ki Haveli at Gangaur Ghat to attend the Dharohar Folk Dance Show. The evening featured lively costumes, cultural folk music, fire acts, and the Ghoomar dance!
The energetic atmosphere is contagious, and the haveli with its traditional courtyard creates the perfect cultural backdrop.
Tip: Arrive at 6 PM for the best seats!
Visit the Vintage Car Museum
For car enthusiasts, the Vintage & Classic Car Collection is a peek into the former royal garages of Udaipur. From 1930s Rolls-Royces to Cadillacs with the top down, this place shouts elegance and nostalgia.
Wrapping It Up
Udaipur isn’t just a destination, it is an experience that stays with you long after your visit. Every piece starts with peaceful sunrises over Bahubali Hill to colorful evenings filled with folk music and lakeside magic. Every moment feels like a scene out of a story.
Let’s face it, planning every aspect of your trip can detract from the experience. Many people prefer to take a trip to Udaipur through travel communities like Hikerwolf. When you book a trip with a travel community, logistics are already planned out for you.
