Udaipur Tourism

It served as the capital of the Mewar kingdom in former Rajputana regime. The Guhils ruled Mewar and it was during the reign of the Guhils that the capital of Mewar was transferred to Udaipur from Chittorgarh.

The city of Udaipur was founded by Maharana Udai Singh and it was only after India’s independence that Mewar was brought into Rajasthan as its important part. 

There can be absolutely no doubt in the fact that the main reason behind the popularity of Udaipur is its possession of scenic locations, history and culture, but apart from this Udaipur is also famous for the beautiful monuments of the royal era.

There are many palaces located in Udaipur and at present most of them have been transformed into heritage hotels. Udaipur is also known as the Venice of the East and even Lake City. Lake Palace which is a hotel at Lake Pichola along with Swaroop Sagar, Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar are the most popular and beautiful lakes in the city of Udaipur.

Tourism in Udaipur

The Jag Niwas or Lake Palace that is located amidst Lake Pichola stands as the finest illustration of cultural and architectural marvel. The City Palace that is huge and grand standing on the shores of Lake Pichola accompanied by the Monsoon Palace on the hilltop is yet another piece of architecture that adds to the beauty of the magnificent city of Udaipur. 

Udaipur also serves as the focal point of crafts, performing arts and miniature paintings. Shilpgram festival that is arranged in Udaipur is considered to be great crowd-puller especially during the New Year.

There are a number of tourist attractions available in Udaipur and they do a commendable job in gratifying the thirst of the Udaipur tourists. The city of Udaipur is imperial and it boasts of massive forts, picaresque lakes, art museums, beautiful palaces, well-laid gardens, colorful festivals and fairs and architectural temples. This mesmerized with the great scenic beauty of the various tourists attractions in Udaipur.

The city also comprises of beautiful palaces that are very good at depicting the luxury lifestyles of the Mewar rulers. The Udaipur temples are also very famous and they are basically known for the impressive structures and the striking architecture that they possess.

The huge forts located in Udaipur speak of the glorious past of the city and they possess a very strong foundation. Apart from all the tourist attractions that are found in Udaipur, there is one thing that cannot be ignored about the city and it is the city's possession of the best solar observatory across the world. 

This solar observatory is also a major tourist attraction in Udaipur. This observatory is located on an islet in Lake Fateh Sagar and it is among those few observatories that are sites on an islet. The observatory is found to be designed on the model of Solar Observatory at Big Bear Lake in Southern California.

Tours and Travels in Udaipur

Udaipur serves as a lovely city for the tourists because of its azure lakes that are found to be hemmed by the Aravali Range. Udaipur brings forth the vision of a city drenched in beauty and romance consisting of an assimilation of sounds, sights and experiences which serve as a great inspiration for the thoughts of painters, writers and poets. The lively work spaces of Udaipur catch the attention of tourists from all over the world. 

Udaipur also serves as a famous marriage destination. There are many celebrities who always choose Udaipur for holding parties and marriage ceremonies. Udaipur also serves as the best tourist destination for domestic and international visitors because of its easy access from major cities of India like Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur and Ahmedabad.

Tourist Attractions in Udaipur

Experiencing the beauty of Udaipur is about appreciating its natural beauty and reliving royalty. Also, people should not miss on eating some of the most relished delicacies of Mewar, however, let’s have a look at some of the must visit places in Udaipur.

City Palace

The City Palace belongs to the royal family of Mewar and it has contributed towards setting the standard for heritage tourism in Udaipur. This destination is al encompassing as it incorporates two pslace hotels and even a museum. The City Palace is a true gem because of its setting and also because of its collection of old cars. It is also the  largest complex of palaces in Rajasthan.

Bagore ki Haveli

Bagore ki Haveli is greatly admired for it's architectural splendor. It was built by Mewar’s Prime Minister in the 18th century and it sits on the shore of Lake Pichola on the Gangaur Ghat. The haveli was transformed into a great museum after long restoration work that was carried out for five years.

With a tour of Haveli, one can imagine the luxurious lifestyle of the rulers of Mewar. Its consists round about more than 100 rooms, terraces and courtyards that comprise fine work of mirror and beautiful frescoes. 

The attire of royal kings, royal paintings, traditional Rajasthani art and crafts, items of the royal family are displayed in the Haveli. The haveli also consists of puppet gallery and even the collection of turbans. It is open from 10 am to 7 pm daily.

Fateh Sagar Lake and Lake Pichola

Fateh Sagar Lake and Lake Pichola are the most famous man-made lakes in Udaipur. Boat rides are very popular at Lake Pichola because they render a complete view of the city of Udaipur especially of City Palace and also a perfect medium to have a look at the various palaces located within the City Place complex. These boats depart from Rameshwar Ghat, located within the City Palace complex.

Ambrai Ghat

There are numerous vantage points present in Udaipur for photography but the best one is at the Ambrai Ghat and it serves to be even more beautiful during sunset. Ambrai Ghat lies against the City Palace and the Lake Place Hotel and therefore people can have an amazing view of both the palaces. In order to get to Ambrai Ghat, one has to head towards Hanuman Ghat and then continue walking on the road that is parallel to Lake Pichola.

Monsoon Palace

Monsoon Place is located on a hilltop and it is clearly visible from Udaipur. As the name of the palace suggests, this palace was the monsoon destination of the royal family of Mewar. Since it was undertaken by the government agencies, a lot of restoration work has been carried out and there have been several issues of improper maintenance. Nonetheless, the palace still serves as a very popular spot for enjoying sunset view of Udaipur.

Jagdish Temple

The Jagdish Temple is a Hindu Temple in imposing white color and intricate carvings and architecture. It is located at Lal Ghat which is very close to the main entrance of City Palace. Maharana Jagat Singh built this temple in the year 1961 in devotion of Lord Jagannath. An idol of Lord Jagannath in black stone is found in the temple and there is a special Aarti (worship ceremony) held at the temple every sunset and sunrise.

Udaipur Ropeway

Another very popular spot among visitors from all around the world. This rope-way consists of cable cars in red color that carry tourists up the hill from a park called Deen Dayal Park at the Doodh Talai to the Temple of Karni Mata. The rope-way is a five minutes trip and it takes the tourist to a viewing platform at Mata Karni Temple which is known to offer some amazing view of the city.

Shilpgram

Shilpgram means craftsmen’s village and it is basically a rural crafts and art complex that is located at a distance of 3 kilometers from the city of Udaipur. Shilpgram was established by the Government of Rajasthan in the year 1886 and it mainly showcases the traditions and the rural lives from Rajasthan Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat. 

The complex consists of huts that specify all the states and the architectural features of every state. Artisans at this complex sell their handicrafts and they even perform various kinds of folk dances. 

Jag Mandir

Jag Mandir is a place that is located on an islet in Lake Pichola and this palace is famous for the garden courtyard that it possesses. Jag Mandir was the place that was used as a shelter by Shahjahan while the ruler was revolting his father.

Sagasji Mandir

Sagasji Mandir is located very close to Gulab Bagh and the main deity at this temple is Sagasji Bawji. Many people visit this temple to worship Sagasji Bawji with faith and devotion.

Other Major Tourist Destinations in Udaipur

• Crystal Gallery
• Sajjangarh
• Sahelion ki Bari
• Sri Eklingji
• Kumbhalgarh Fort
• Jain Temple – Ranakpur
• Rajputana Football Club
• Jaisamand Lake
• Sas-Bahu Temple
• Srinathji Temple
• Fateh Prakash Palace
• Vintage Collection of Classic Cars Museum
• Ahar Cenotaphs
• City Palace Government Museum
• Bharitya Lok Kala Mandal
• Chetak Smarak
• Duddhtalaii and Musical Garden
• Maharana Pratap Memorial
• Prajapati Musical Instruments
• Udai Sagar
• Udaipur Solar Observatory
• The Leela Palace Udaipur
• Jaiwana Haveli
• Ramada Udaipur Resort & Spa
• Gulab Bagh and Zoo
• Bohara Ganesh Ji
• Nehru Garden
• Neemach Mata Temple
• Sukhadia Circle
• ZRTI - Zonal Railway Training Institute
• Rajiv Gandhi Park
• Udaipur Bathing Ghat

Accessibility from other Cities

Udaipur is very easily accessible from the most important cities of India including Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Ahmedabad. Since Udaipur is very easily accessible, traveling to this city in not a big deal. Udaipur is very well connected by air, road and rail. 

Udaipur railways are excellent at providing the very best services to passengers and for the people who like to travel by air, there is the Udaipur airport located at Dabok which offers quality services assimilated with a lot of comfort.

Udaipur by Air

Maharana Pratap Airport located at Dabok is the main airport that can be used for getting to the city of Udaipur. This airport lies at a distance of 22 kilometers from main Udaipur. The airport is also called Dabok Udaipur Airport however the formal name for this airport is Maharana Pratap Airport. The regular flights operate to and from Udaipur daily. 

The Government of Rajasthan has equipped the airport with all the basic amenities like handicraft emporium, counter for prepaid taxi, information center for the tourists, counter for tea and coffee and national and international dialing systems.

Udaipur by Rail

The distance between Udaipur railway station and the main city is quite comfortable and the railway station is very well connected with the other cities of Rajasthan and even India. frequent trains are available at the station running to and from Udaipur and connecting various cities. Palace on Wheels is a very beautiful and wonderful train that can be used for traveling to this amazing city.

Udaipur by Road

The network of roads in Udaipur is also very strong and well connected to important cities. The roads also render relaxed journey to the visitors. The roads in Udaipur can be used for economical and easy travel to Udaipur. The AC coaches are provided by Rajasthan Roadways for the comfort of the passengers. People can also use the taxis and cars on hire in order to get to Udaipur by means of road.

Udaipur City Travel Options

There are a lot of means of transport available in Udaipur and this is the reason why it is very easy to move around the city. Yellow and black taxis are not available in Udaipur as found in most of the metropolitan cities. People who want to have a tour of the entire city can always hire cabs and taxis that are available in large varieties ranging from average cabs to luxurious ones. 

Luxurious cabs and taxis cost higher that the ones that provide average comfort. Tongas, three-wheelers and auto rickshaws are the means of transport that are basically used by the localites of Udaipur to move through the city. 

Tonga is the cheapest mode of transport and this is the reason why it is largely used by the people. people who do not have an interest in tongas, can always go for the auto rickshaws that are easily available. Unmetered taxis can also be opted but bargaining is considered to be equally important in this respect also.

Another option that can be used for moving around Udaipur is a three-wheeler that charges a very nominal fare for getting to predefined destinations. 

Bus service is also very good in Udaipur that comprises of city buses and the charges are also quite reasonable. The buses do not have a fix schedule but they operate regularly. Bicycle ride can also be opted for making the trip of Udaipur even more interesting and enjoyable. 

Bicycles are available on hire throughout the city. So all together it can be said that people should never worry about transportation options in Udaipur because Udaipur comprises of various modes of transport that can be used for a relaxing journey.

Recreation in Udaipur

Udaipur possess royal charm and it also possess a splendid style in recreation and entertainment. Since Udaipur is a royal city that had been under the command of the royal family of Mewar, the method of recreation and leisure practiced in this city are imperial. 

Udaipur entertainment is not about parties and discos that are found in metropolitan cities. The people of Udaipur possess their own ways of unwinding and enjoying. People often try to seek pleasure in enjoying dummy shows, listening to folk music, traditional dances and camel safaris. 

Recreation in Udaipur is basically aimed towards watching puppet shows that form the basic culture of Rajasthan. The puppet shows that are arranged in Udaipur are very captivating and they are generally arranged by hotels. 

Other option that can be used to watch a puppet show is visiting the Bharitya Lok Kala Museum where excusive shows of puppets are organised during the evenings. These puppet shows are very good at depicting the traditional art and the culture of Rajasthan.

Another entertainment option in Udaipur is camel safari that offers a memorable experience. This is an unusual ride enjoyed by the tourists who visit Udaipur. The ride is basically sitting on the camel back and roaming about in Rajasthan deserts. Camel safari tends to be very adventurous and it takes a whole day’s time. 

This safari is generally arranged by the hotels but there is a specific payment that is required to be made. Shopping is also a major attraction in the city and there are a lot of market in Udaipur that can be used for shopping. Picture Palace at Surajpol and Ashoka Theatre are the options that can be used for watching a movie.

Nightlife in Udaipur is not very active because of its tradition and its culture but there are some bars and pubs available that indulge in the supply of liquor. Life is Udaipur is always enjoyable though the people out there are not very modern and trendy. culture and tradition is an important factor that people always remain aware of and this is the reason why Udaipur does not possess a very active nightlife. 

Undoubtedly, Udaipur serves as a dream destination for romantic holiday. It is only because of this reason that this city is thronged by tourist all round the year. It is a very beautiful city and at the same time it can also be said that there are lot of reasons that can be cited in proving the fact that Udaipur is a place worth visiting.