Lakes shimmer like silk. Palaces whisper royal stories of the past. Heritage hotels exude the warmth of world-class hospitality. Streets pulse with welcoming locals and eager wanderers. And bazaars overflow with colours, crafts, and traditions.
Welcome to Udaipur, the “City of Lakes”!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most iconic places to explore in Udaipur. Let the journey begin!
1.City Palace (majesty in marble!):
Vivek
If you Google “places to explore in Udaipur” the iconic City Palace of Udaipur would appear first and foremost!
Why is that, you ask?
Built in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II, this royal treasure overlooks the shimmering Lake Pichola. From its terraces, bask in the panoramic vistas of the lake and the Aravallis.
It is a breathtaking sight that feels like the heavens painted it for royals!
Every corner of this palace, from its glittering marble corridors to its majestic courtyards, murmurs stories of royalty and splendour.
If there’s one place that MUST be on your Rajasthan tour itinerary from Udaipur, this iconic gem will transport you straight into a royal fairytale.
Fun Fact: Did you know City Palace is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, with over 11 palaces inside?
2.Lake Pichola (royal mirror!):
Prakhar Singh
One of the best places to explore in Udaipur is Lake Pichola.
The shimmering lake, crafted in 1362, is the soul of the city. Surrounded by renowned landmarks like City Palace, Lake Palace, and Jag Mandir, Lake Pichola offers picture-perfect views that feel straight out of a dream.
Think of all the beautiful photographs you can click!
Gliding across its serene waters on a boat with your beloved by your side feels like stepping into a Monet painting!
As the twilight descends, the lake turns into a mirror of gold and, gosh, is it a sight you’ll carry in your heart long after!
Did you know? Lake Pichola inspired the legendary James Bond movie Octopussy, with scenes filmed right on its shimmering waters!
3.Fateh Sagar Lake (nature’s tranquil oasis!):
NARINDER PAL
Tucked away in the Aravalli hills, Fateh Sagar Lake is where Udaipur’s natural beauty truly shines.
Originally built in 1678, this man-made marvel is a serene gateway from the city’s vibrant energy. With its sparkling blue waters and three islands, including the lush Nehru Garden, the lake feels like a slice of paradise.
Pro Tip: Explore the islands by boat, especially the one with the Udaipur Solar Observatory- one of the best of its kind in Asia!
If you and your family are looking for places to explore in Udaipur, mark our words- you’d love it here!
Take a calming boat ride or stroll along the scenic promenade. Catch the sunset here for picture-perfect moments that photographers cherish.
Fateh Sagar Lake is a spot where nature meets leisure.
4. Saheliyon Ki Bari (a garden of royal women!):
Shantanu Goyal
Imagine a floral paradise where feminine laughter once mingled with the gentle splash of fountains- a retreat crafted exclusively for royal ladies!
In our cheat sheet of places to explore in Udaipur, Saheliyon Ki Bari is yet another beautiful gem. Constructed in the 18th century by Maharana Sangram Singh II, it was designed as a sanctuary for the queen and her 48 attendants.
Every element here has a story to share- marble pavilions clothed in sunlight, lotus pools glimmering like diamonds, and gravity-fed fountains still dancing to nature’s rhythm.
Interesting to know: Saheliyon Ki Bari means “Garden of the Maidens”, a tribute to the royal women who found solace here.
5. Jag Mandir (island of royal elegance!):
Vikram Chouhan Udaipur 
Rising dramatically from the serene waters of Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir is a must-visit among the many enchanting places to explore in Udaipur.
Born in the early 17th century by Maharana Karan Singh, this island palace was a luxurious retreat for royalty and an architectural marvel of its time.
Enclosed by verdant gardens, and intricately carved marble pavilions at its entrance, Jag Mandir feels like a dream afloat!
You can walk through its beautiful courtyards and enjoy the sublime vistas of the lake and Aravallis.
Are you a history buff or a religious fanatic?
Jag Mandir in Udaipur should, most definitely, be on your cultural Rajasthan trip itinerary!
P.S.: Speaking of itineraries, do you need our professional assistance crafting a tailor-made itinerary for your next Golden Triangle Tour of India? Contact us and we’ll be right at your service.
6. Monsoon Palace (sunset jewel of Udaipur!):
Mayur sharma
Picture standing at a hilltop, the wind carrying whispers of ancient royalty as you gaze at the endless expanse of Udaipur.
Yes, that’s the magic of Monsoon Palace in Udaipur (also known as Sajjangarh Palace, one of the most surreal places to explore in Udaipur!).
For the history buffs reading, Monsoon Palace was constructed in the year 1884 by Maharana Sajjan Singh.
Intrigued to know the reason behind its fabrication?
This hilltop marvel was designed to watch the rains sweep across the Aravalli hills- a sight that still leaves explorers awe-inspired!
Whether you’re chasing a golden sunset, marvelling at the panoramic views of silky lakes, or simply soaking in the serenity, the Monsoon Palace of Udaipur promises a moment that feels both royal and personal.
Pro Tip: Just 3.5 km away you’ll find the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, home to tigers, nilgai, and a variety of wildlife. It’s also a popular spot for bird watching. So, if you’re a wildlife enthusiast or a photographer, do enjoy their wildlife safari. Or, look at our exclusive wildlife tour itineraries to find a suitable tour to satiate your wild heart.
7. Bagore Ki Haveli (timeless cultural treasure!):
Phalguni Mestry
Nestled on the banks of Lake Pichola, Bagore Ki Haveli in Udaipur is no short of an immersive journey into the royal soul of Rajasthan.
Built by the then-Prime Minister of Mewar, Amar Chand Badwa, you’ll find over 100 beautifully preserved rooms seeming almost like a maze. Each room tells a story through mirror mosaics, delicate frescoes, and period artefacts.
But do you know what genuinely sets it apart in our list of places to explore in Udaipur?
It has to be its Dharohar Dance Show, a nightly spectacle that brings Rajasthani culture to life with vibrant folk dances and soulful music!
From the intricate puppet shows to the striking fire dances, every moment here will stick with you for a lifetime!
A must-do in Udaipur- read our blog where we’ve covered it in detail, here.
8. Shilpgram (rural India and its craft and culture!):
Tucked away in the Aravalli foothills, Shilpgram calls upon you to embark into the heart of India’s rustic soul. Designed as a cultural hub, this 70-acre expanse is a living museum of traditional life in Rajasthan and its neighbouring states.
Every nook and cranny of Shilpgram is a treasure trove of creativity!
You’ll find artisans weaving stories into textiles, potters shaping earth into art, and stalls brimming with colourful handicrafts.
But do you know what the actual highlight is?
It’s their annual Shilpgram Festival, where folk dancers and musicians transform the village into a celebration of life. Read more about it here.
Did you know? In December every year, Shilpgram hosts an exclusive ‘Rural Olympics’ during its festival. Here, local artisans and villagers compete in traditional games like tug-of-war, archery, and camel racing!
Doesn’t this seem like a golden opportunity to connect with the locals beyond the craft?
Well, make use of this opportunity in your Rajasthan heritage tour!
9. Shri EklingJi Temple (ruling deity of Mewar!):
Just 22 kilometres from Udaipur lies the divine Shri EklingJi temple complex, a spiritual marvel dedicated to Lord Shiva.
It houses a striking four-faced idol of Lord Shiva carved from black marble, symbolising His omnipresence. As one of the most revered places to explore in Udaipur, you must pay a visit if you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the bustling city.
Be one with the lord in serenity!
Holding its ground from the 8th century, the Shri Ekling Ji temple complex is an extraordinary fusion of devotion and artistry, with intricate carvings and towering pyramidal roofs.
Being left in awe is guaranteed!
Add this gem to your temple tours of India itinerary right away!
Pro Tip: Be sure to catch the early morning aarti. The temple is laden with the scent of incense and spiritual energy.
10. Jagdish Temple (eternal guardian of Udaipur!):
Piyush Arya
Through the lively streets when you’re taking a walking tour of Udaipur, you’ll come across this beacon of devotion and architectural brilliance. Jagdish Temple in Udaipur was built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh and this grand temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
The temple’s towering shikhara, adorned with intricate carvings of celestial beings, elephants, and dancers, is a great testament to the artisans’ skills. Climb its marble steps to witness the black stone idol of Lord Vishnu, surrounded by smaller shrines dedicated to other deities. The central sanctum, where Lord Vishnu’s idol stands in majestic stillness, exudes a breath of calm that’s so infectious that you can’t help but be drawn.
As chants and bells fill the air, the spiritual energy is palpable!
Every corner of Udaipur has a unique yet uniform tale to tell. Be it the shimmering lakes (the City of Lakes crown jewels) or the iconic palaces and temples.
Dear explorers, the cherry-picked places to explore in Udaipur you read aren’t just stops on a map- they’re chapters in a story looking for a reader.
So, why are you waiting to read them?
Turn your daydreams into reality!
Contact us and let us help you design a journey where every moment is custom-curated to YOUR definition of perfection.
Udaipur is calling- it is about time you answered!