Udaipur Travel Information

Udaipur, known as the “City of Lakes” and “Venice of the East,” is one of the most romantic and picturesque cities in India. Nestled in the Aravalli hills of Rajasthan, Udaipur is famous for its stunning lakes, majestic palaces, vibrant bazaars, and rich cultural heritage. This guide provides complete information for first-time foreign tourists visiting Udaipur, covering what to see, where to stay, where to eat, and activities to enjoy

City Palace

Description: One of the largest royal complexes in Rajasthan, the City Palace is an architectural marvel overlooking Lake Pichola. The palace comprises several palaces, courtyards, terraces, corridors, and gardens. It houses a museum showcasing artifacts, royal costumes, and historical paintings.
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM.
Entry Fee: ₹300 for foreigners (museum entry).
Highlights: Manak Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Zenana Mahal, Amar Vilas, and Crystal Gallery

Lake Pichola

Description: A picturesque lake in the heart of Udaipur, Lake Pichola is famous for its tranquil waters, scenic ghats, and iconic landmarks such as the Lake Palace and Jag Mandir. A boat ride on the lake is a must-do activity to enjoy stunning views of the city and its surroundings.
Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (boat rides).
Entry Fee: ₹600-800 for boat rides.
Highlights: Sunset boat ride, Jag Mandir, Lake Palace

Jag Mandir

Description: An exquisite palace built on an island in Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir is known for its stunning architecture and serene ambiance. It served as a refuge for Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and is often referred to as the “Lake Garden Palace.”
Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Entry Fee: Included in the boat ride to Lake Pichola.
Highlights: Gul Mahal, Garden Courtyard, and panoramic views of the City Palace

Lake Palace (Taj Lake Palace)

Description: The Lake Palace, now a luxury hotel managed by the Taj Group, is one of the most iconic landmarks of Udaipur, floating on Lake Pichola. It is known for its marble architecture, ornate interiors, and romantic ambiance.
Access: Only for hotel guests or those with restaurant reservations.
Highlights: Luxurious stay, fine dining, and lake views

Jagdish Temple

Description: A prominent Hindu temple located near the City Palace, Jagdish Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is known for its Indo-Aryan architecture, intricately carved pillars, and serene atmosphere.
Timings: 4:15 AM – 1:00 PM and 5:15 PM – 8:00 PM.
Entry Fee: Free.
Highlights: Architectural carvings, evening aarti, and intricate idols

Saheliyon Ki Bari (Garden of the Maidens)

Description: A beautiful garden built for the queen’s maidens, Saheliyon Ki Bari is known for its lush greenery, fountains, lotus pools, marble pavilions, and elephant-shaped fountains.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
Entry Fee: ₹100 for foreigners.
Highlights: Fountains, lotus pool, and museum

Shilpgram

Description: A rural arts and crafts complex located on the outskirts of Udaipur, Shilpgram promotes traditional handicrafts, art, and culture. It hosts an annual fair and offers tourists a chance to see artisans at work.
Timings: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
Entry Fee: ₹100 for foreigners.
Highlights: Handicraft shopping, folk performances, and cultural exhibitions

Where to Stay in Udaipur

Luxury Hotels

  • Taj Lake Palace: A luxury hotel set in the middle of Lake Pichola, offering opulent rooms, fine dining, and unparalleled views.
  • The Oberoi Udaivilas: A 5-star hotel on the banks of Lake Pichola, known for its grand architecture, lavish rooms, and world-class amenities.
  • The Leela Palace Udaipur: A luxurious palace hotel offering stunning lake views, royal interiors, and exceptional service

Mid-Range Hotels

  • Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel: A heritage hotel with beautifully decorated rooms and a rooftop restaurant overlooking Lake Pichola.
  • Trident Udaipur: A modern hotel with well-furnished rooms, gardens, and a swimming pool.
  • Amet Haveli: A heritage property offering comfortable rooms and a lakeside restaurant with fantastic views

Budget Hotels and Hostels

  • Zostel Udaipur: A popular backpacker hostel with dormitory beds, private rooms, and a vibrant social atmosphere.
  • Banjara Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel with clean rooms and a rooftop café.
  • Lake View Guest House: A budget guesthouse with basic amenities and views of Lake Pichola

Where to Eat in Udaipur

Traditional Rajasthani Cuisine

  • Natraj Dining Hall & Restaurant: Famous for its Rajasthani Thali, offering a wide range of traditional vegetarian dishes.
  • Krishna Dal Bati Restro: Known for its delicious Dal Baati Churma, a signature Rajasthani dish.
  • Santosh Bhojnalaya: A popular eatery for affordable and authentic Rajasthani vegetarian food

Rooftop Restaurants with a View

  • Ambrai Restaurant: A lakeside restaurant offering stunning views of Lake Pichola, City Palace, and Jag Mandir, serving Indian and international cuisine.
  • Upre by 1559 AD: A rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views and a blend of Indian and continental dishes.
  • Jagat Niwas Palace Rooftop Restaurant: A romantic dining spot with views of Lake Pichola and the City Palace, serving Rajasthani and continental dishes
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Fine Dining and International Cuisine

  • The Sunset Terrace: Located at the Fateh Prakash Palace, offering a fine dining experience with views of the Lake Palace and Jag Mandir.
  • Aravali Lakeview by Radisson Blu: A fine dining restaurant offering Indian, Chinese, and Mediterranean cuisine.
  • Jheel’s Rooftop Restaurant: A café offering a mix of Indian, Italian, and continental dishes with lakeside views
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Chinese Food Places in Udaipur

Wok by the Lake

  • Location: Lake Pichola, Ambamata
  • Description: A Chinese specialty restaurant with a beautiful lake view. Known for its extensive menu of Chinese delicacies, including dim sum, stir-fried noodles, fried rice, and a variety of chicken and vegetarian dishes.
  • Ambiance: Cozy and relaxing with a view of Lake Pichola, making it ideal for a casual yet serene dining experience.
  • Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Manchurian, Schezwan Noodles, Veg Spring Rolls, and Kung Pao Chicken

Golden Dragon

  • Location: Near Hathipole, Ashok Nagar Main Road
  • Description: A long-standing favorite in Udaipur for Chinese food lovers, offering a menu filled with classic Chinese dishes. The restaurant is known for its authentic flavors and generous portions.
  • Ambiance: Simple and casual dining setup with a warm and friendly atmosphere.
  • Must-Try Dishes: Hot and Sour Soup, Hakka Noodles, Veg Manchurian, and Chicken Fried Rice

Natraj Restaurant

  • Location: City Station Road, Bapu Bazar
  • Description: While Natraj is more famous for its Rajasthani and Gujarati thalis, it also offers a separate menu for Chinese cuisine. A good option for those looking to explore multiple cuisines under one roof.
  • Ambiance: Traditional Rajasthani ambiance with comfortable seating.
  • Must-Try Dishes: Manchow Soup, Veg Fried Rice, and Chilli Paneer

Chillax Café & Restaurant

  • Location: Shastri Circle, Ashok Nagar
  • Description: A casual dining restaurant that serves a variety of cuisines, including Chinese. Known for its relaxed ambiance and a good selection of Chinese appetizers and main courses.
  • Ambiance: Laid-back café-style ambiance with indoor and outdoor seating options.
  • Must-Try Dishes: Spring Rolls, Chilli Chicken, Schezwan Fried Rice, and Garlic Noodles

Sun and Moon Rooftop Restaurant

  • Location: Jagdish Chowk, Old City
  • Description: A rooftop restaurant that offers stunning views of the City Palace and Lake Pichola along with a range of cuisines, including Chinese. Popular among tourists for its atmosphere and diverse menu.
  • Ambiance: Romantic and relaxing rooftop dining with panoramic views.
  • Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Sweet Corn Soup, Veg Hakka Noodles, and Honey Chili Potatoes

White Terrace Restaurant

  • Location: Lal Ghat Road, Near Jagdish Temple
  • Description: A multi-cuisine restaurant with a good selection of Chinese dishes. The rooftop setting provides a pleasant view of the city while you enjoy your meal.
  • Ambiance: Charming and elegant rooftop dining.
  • Must-Try Dishes: Hot Garlic Chicken, Crispy Vegetables, and Veg Fried Rice

Tips for Enjoying Chinese Food in Udaipur

  • Ask for Recommendations: Some restaurants may not have Chinese food as their specialty, so it’s a good idea to ask for the most popular dishes or chef’s recommendations.
  • Check for Vegetarian Options: Many places in Udaipur offer vegetarian Chinese dishes to cater to local preferences.
  • Reservations: It is advisable to make reservations at popular restaurants, especially those with lake views or rooftop settings

Activities for Tourists in Udaipur

  • Boat Rides on Lake Pichola

    • Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola, especially during sunset, to experience the beauty of Udaipur’s palaces, ghats, and temples.

  • Cultural Show at Bagore Ki Haveli

    • Attend the evening Dharohar Folk Dance Show at Bagore Ki Haveli, featuring traditional Rajasthani dances and music.

  • Cooking Classes

    • Join a cooking class

Popular Souvenirs to Buy in Udaipur

Udaipur is a shopper’s paradise with its vibrant markets and shops offering a wide variety of traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, jewelry, textiles, and art. Here are some of the most popular souvenirs that a foreign tourist can buy in Udaipur

Miniature Paintings

  • Description: Udaipur is renowned for its intricate miniature paintings, often depicting scenes from Rajputana history, Hindu mythology, and the Mughal era. These paintings are crafted on silk, paper, or ivory, using natural colors.
  • Where to Buy: Shilpgram, Hathi Pol Bazaar, and City Palace Museum shop.
  • Tip: Look for Pichwai paintings, which are known for their vivid colors and detailed depictions of Hindu deities, especially Lord Krishna

Puppets (Kathputlis)

  • Description: Traditional Rajasthani puppets or “Kathputlis” are colorful, handmade dolls that are popular as souvenirs. These puppets are used in folk performances and are known for their vibrant attire and expressions.
  • Where to Buy: Bada Bazaar, Shilpgram, and Chetak Circle.
  • Tip: Pair puppets come as a set, representing a king and a queen, and are perfect for home decor

Silver Jewelry

  • Description: Udaipur is famous for its exquisite silver jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, rings, anklets, and bangles. The designs range from traditional to contemporary, often adorned with gemstones.
  • Where to Buy: Silver Street (Bada Bazaar), Rajasthali (Government Emporium), and local jewelry shops near Jagdish Temple.
  • Tip: Always check for authenticity and purity of silver and ask for a hallmark

Mojari (Handcrafted Leather Footwear)

  • Description: Mojari or Jutti is traditional handcrafted footwear made of leather and embellished with embroidery and beads. These colorful shoes are not only comfortable but also stylish and make for a great souvenir.
  • Where to Buy: Mochiwada Bazaar and Hathi Pol Bazaar.
  • Tip: Try them on for comfort and check for genuine leather and quality stitching

Pashmina Shawls and Scarves

  • Description: Udaipur offers a variety of Pashmina shawls and scarves in vibrant colors and patterns. These are made from high-quality wool and are perfect for gifting.
  • Where to Buy: Tibetan Market, Chetak Circle, and local handicraft stores.
  • Tip: Check the authenticity of Pashmina by passing it through a ring; genuine Pashmina is soft, warm, and easily passes through

Handicraft Items and Home Decor

  • Description: Udaipur’s markets are filled with handcrafted items such as wooden boxes, metalware, marble artifacts, decorative mirrors, and lamps. These items add a traditional touch to home decor.
  • Where to Buy: Chetak Circle, Bada Bazaar, and Shilpgram.
  • Tip: Bargain with local shopkeepers for a good price and check for any defects in handmade products

Block-Printed Textiles

  • Description: Udaipur is known for its traditional block-printed textiles, which include bedsheets, cushion covers, tablecloths, and dress materials. These fabrics are dyed with natural colors and feature unique Rajasthani patterns.
  • Where to Buy: Hathi Pol Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, and local textile shops.
  • Tip: Look for Dabu and Bagru prints, which are popular block-printing styles in Rajasthan

Lac Bangles

  • Description: Lac bangles are vibrant, colorful, and intricately designed traditional jewelry items that are popular among tourists. They are often embellished with glass pieces, stones, and beads.
  • Where to Buy: Bada Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar.
  • Tip: Buy a set of matching bangles and mix them with metal or glass bangles for a traditional look

Rajasthani Quilts (Jaipuri Razai)

  • Description: Lightweight and hand-stitched, Rajasthani quilts are famous for their intricate patterns and high-quality fabric. They are known for being warm yet lightweight and are easy to pack for travel.
  • Where to Buy: Chetak Circle and local handicraft stores.
  • Tip: Look for cotton quilts that are reversible, with different patterns on each side

Spices and Herbal Teas

  • Description: Rajasthan is known for its rich spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, and red chili. Udaipur also offers a variety of herbal teas like Masala Chai, which are popular among tourists.
  • Where to Buy: Bada Bazaar and spice shops near Jagdish Temple.
  • Tip: Ensure the spices are fresh and packaged properly to maintain their aroma and flavor

Shopping Tips for Tourists in Udaipur

Bargaining: Bargaining is a common practice in Udaipur’s markets. Don’t hesitate to negotiate prices, especially in local bazaars.
Check for Quality: Inspect items for quality, especially handmade products, to avoid defects.
Look for Authentic Shops: Visit government-run emporiums like Rajasthali for genuine and fixed-price products