The city is referred to as the City of Lakes as a result of the tranquil lakes in the city. Udaipur is a city of romance located in the desert state of Rajasthan. The Aravalli Hill Range encloses the city and provides the city with a wonderful hill view. The magical palaces, havelis, temples, markets and many narrow streets gives the city an enchanting charm. As a result of the local handicrafts, bazaars and markets the city has great art scene. Other popular attractions are the quiet boat rides on Lake Pichola and the many heritage hotels and great restaurants. No wonder Udaipur is a popular tourist destination. Here are 9 top things to do in Udaipur.

Lake Pichola

The most visited lake by tourists is Lake Pichola. The lake contains fresh water and was created in 1362 as a result of constructing dams. The dams were built to supply the demand of drinking water and irrigation for the city. There are two islands in the lake, Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir and both are housing a palace. On Jag Niwas is the Taj Lake Palace located. Jag Mandir also has a luxury hotel Jagmandir and this island is open for public. If you go for a boat ride they drop you off at Jag Mandir. You can walk around in the gardens and enjoy the great views of the lake.

Jagmandir Island

The palace on Jagmandir Island was built by Maharana Karan Singh II in 1620. A few years ago a part of the palace was converted into a hotel. The island has a restaurant, bar, spa and a beautiful green garden and it seems like most of it is open to visitors. An impressive row of stone elephants are welcoming you at the island at the boat jetty.

From the gardens you have an amazing view across the lake and of the surrounding area. Boat trips leave from Rameshwar Ghat and from the boat boarding point south of Shiv Niwas Palace. More boats are departing from the boat boarding point. We were only waiting 5 minutes before boarding. You can stay at Jagmandir Island as long as you like. Bring you own water and food and go for a picnic at Jagmandir Island.

Tripoliya Gate

The Tripoliya Gate is a historical landmark and a triple arched gate built in 1725. This gate is at the north side of the City Palace. Along the road between the gate and the palace are shops and kiosks from craftsmen, painters and textile dealers. At the Tripoliya Gate are eight toranas (arches). It is believed that the Maharanas used to be weighted here with gold and silver on their birthdays, which was given to the less fortunate people of the city.

City Palace

The most popular thing to do in Udaipur is visiting the City Palace. The complex is built out of several palaces and built by 22 Maharanas over a period of four centuries. The palace is built on top of a hill and has the most panoramic view of the city, Pichola Lake and the Aravalli Hill Range.

The palace is built entirely out of granite and marble. It is a combination of Mughal style decorative techniques and military architecture. The palace has a fortress-like façade and many graceful balconies, turrets, towers and open courtyards. The interior of the palace is decorated with mosaic mirror work, decorative marble, wall paintings, silver work, coloured glass, mosaic inlay panels and much more.

As a result of the many extensions the palace is a labyrinth of royal apartments, reception halls and courtyards. A part of the palace is still occupied by the royal family. The palace has a museum and luxury hotel.

The Rose Garden

Gulab Bagh is the largest garden in Udaipur and famous for the variety of roses. The garden is peaceful and it’s nice to escape the bustling city for an hour. Officially the garden has four entrances. Only two entrances are publicly accessible, the west and north entrances (across the Vintage and Classic Car Museum). The park houses a few government buildings, a zoo, a few temples and library.

Maharana fateh Singh built the garden in 1887. In 1882 he hired a horticulturist from Madras to cultivate the garden with plants with medicinal values. The library is built in 1890 and it was a museum at first. They had some rare artefacts and stone manuscripts displayed dating from the third century B.C. to the 17^th Century A.D.

Zoological Park Udaipur

The zoo today is more an extension of the park with a view animals and birds. Back in the days they organised animal fights between lions, tigers and wild boars for entertainment. The zoo used to be a home for rare species like leopards, rhinos, ostriches, zebras, gibbons and more. After India’s Independence most of the animals were transferred to other zoos in India. As a result the zoo today is not a huge crowd pleaser. Nevertheless it’s nice to take a small detour towards the zoo when you are visiting the park.

Local shopping at the bazaars

The City of Lakes is a paradise for shoppers from malls to street markets and the local bazaars. One of the important bazaars in Udaipur is Hathi Pol. Here you can find a tremendous variety of handicrafts and local art objects from Rajasthan. Most sellers offer a fair price and even locals are going shopping at Hathi Pol. Bargaining is key at markets and bazaars. Prices tend to increase when foreigners show-up! Hathi Pol is famous for the Rajasthani miniature paintings, authentic souvenirs, wooden handicraft, traditional Rajasthani Mojris, leather products and much more. The market is closed on Sunday and it’s next to the City Palace.

Bada Bazaar is best to go shopping for gold Indian jewelry, silverware and clothing. Some of the vendors are selling antique items and precious stones. Bada Bazaar is located next to the old clock tower (Ghantaghar) in the Old City of Udaipur. A little further down the road from Bada Bazaar (east) is the Sindhi Bazaar. This bazaar is great if you wish to buy clothes.

Lal & Ambrai Ghat

Lal Ghat is located at the north side of the City Palace. From this point you have a nice view of the lake. You can sit on the steps and relax a bit or just watch women washing clothes in the lake. It is a good point to watch the sunset and see the colours change.

Ambrai Ghat is on the opposite side of Lal Ghat. From Lal Ghat you walk up north and cross the bridge, take a left and walk down south. You probably have an more iconic view of Lake Pichola. And the City Palace. It’s crowded at times but it’s a great place to watch the sunset.

Dharohar Folk Dance

You don’t have plans in the evening? Most noteworthy thing to do in Udaipur at night is to visit the Dharohar Folk Dance show. The show has a puppet show and traditional folk dances. The ambience is magical at the beautiful historic courtyard close to Lal Ghat. The show is from 7pm to 8pm and suitable for kids. So, if you have time in the evening, I would definitely recommend to see this Dharohar Folk Dance Show.

In The World’s Jungle – Travel articles

Have you been dreaming about visiting the Taj Mahal? Read the tips when visiting the Taj Mahal and other places you can visit when in Agra. Another great region to visit is Rajasthan. It’s a very divers state in the middle of the desert and famous for their palaces, forts, shopping bazaars and cultural festivals. Explore the ruins of Mahabalipuram or admire the monuments in Delhi.

When you travel around in India you can take a bus or train. Booking train tickets in India can be hussle. In this article I have explained how the Indian Railway system works and the easiest way to book online tickets.

In The World’s Jungle – Personal Travel Guide

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