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2-day Udaipur itinerary with best things to do
Planning a 2-day trip to Udaipur? Wondering what are the best things to do in Udaipur, and the best places to visit? Don’t know where to eat, where to stay, and where to go in Udaipur?
This post is perfect for you. It’s a one-stop guide to planning the perfect 2-day Udaipur itinerary. You can follow the itinerary as it is or mix and match it as per your liking. But regardless of how you put this Udaipur guide to use, you are guaranteed to make the most out of your visit to the City of Lakes, also known as the most romantic city in India.
This is a guest post by Vrushali Ketkar from the travel blog Couple of Journeys. Vrushali is an experienced traveller who has explored destinations around the world. She specializes in Goa travel, providing valuable insights to help busy travellers plan hassle-free trips, such as this post featuring the perfect South Goa itinerary and also writes about other destinations such as this guide to planning a Statue of Unity trip.
Why visit Udaipur?
Udaipur is a beautiful city with plenty of things to do, lots of places to eat, and a variety of accommodation options. The people in Udaipur are quite warm and do their best to make your trip enjoyable. Most of the tourist attractions in Udaipur are well-maintained and a delight to visit.
Udaipur is famous for its location on a series of lakes, surrounded by the Aravalli range of mountains, and for the presence of the City Palace and many fine medieval havelis, palaces, temples, and other historic sites. It is often called the most romantic city in India.
How to reach Udaipur?
Udaipur is a well connected city by all means of transport. It’s in the southern part of Rajasthan, and well connected to Jodhpur and Jaipur. A very popular tourist circuit is the drive around Rajasthan in a circle from Jaipur, and including Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Pushkar. By road, it’s about 4.5 hours from Jodhpur, the closest major city.
Udaipur is connected by train from all major cities such as Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, etc. And most major cities in India have regular flights to Udaipur.
When to visit Udaipur?
Most of the things to do in Udaipur district involve lots of walking and spending time outdoors. Given that the summers in Rajasthan are extremely harsh, the best time to visit Udaipur is between November and March.
More reading about Rajasthan on Breathedreamgo
- Complete Guide to Rajasthan
- Guide to Shopping in Jaipur
- Best places to visit in Jaisalmer
- Offbeat Bundi is a Gem
Getting around Udaipur
Many of the top things to do in Udaipur are located around the City Palace and can be easily covered on foot. However, for other places, you can avail any of the following options:
Car: Hiring a car in Udaipur is useful if you are planning to explore the hills and countryside outside of the city, such as the Monsoon Palace. Otherwise, you won’t need it to explore the area in the city, and around the lakes.
Rickshaw: You can hire a rickshaw to take you to any place in Udaipur. You can hire a rickshaw for a trip or the entire day.
Scooter: Renting a scooter or a bike for two days is a good way to enjoy Udaipur, if you are a proficient rider and have experience driving in India. Many shops around Jagdish Mandir provide scooter rentals. Most tourist attractions have their own paid parking ensuring the safety of your scooter.
Central areas in Udaipur district are congested and there is a high chance of getting stuck in traffic jams, which makes a scooter an ideal way to get around.
What to do on a 2-day Udaipur itinerary?
A 2-day Udaipur itinerary will focus on the best things to do in Udaipur and the best places to visit. We have rounded up all of the must-visit places in Udaipur so you don’t miss out.
Day 1 – Things to do in Udaipur
Sahelion Ki Bari
Start your day by visiting the beautiful royal gardens called the Sahelion ki Bari. These gardens are filled with a riot of flowers and several fountains, however, the primary attraction is the fountain area located right at its centre.
Tip: Try to reach here at 9.30 a.m. when the gardens are just opening for less crowds and better photos.
Sajjangarh or Monsoon Palace
Your next stop should be Sajjangarh, otherwise known as the Monsoon Palace. It’s at the top of a steep hill and you can drive right up to the top through the winding roads of the wildlife sanctuary area.
If you don’t have your own car, the Monsoon Palace has jeeps which ply tourists to and fro. The actual palace is not that well maintained. But the visit is well worth it for the 360-degree views of the city, the lakes, and the entire surrounding area!
Tip: If you are not traveling by your own car, expect to wait for about half an hour for you to get a seat in one of the jeeps.
Jagdish Mandir
From Monsoon Palace, head into the Old City area of Udaipur. A stunning centerpiece of this area is the Jagdish Mandir. Built in beautiful marble, this temple is a great place to visit before having lunch.
Lunch at a rooftop restaurant
The area around Jagdish Mandir is crowded with numerous hotels with roof-top restaurants, many of them lake facing. If the weather is not too hot when you visit Udaipur, having lunch in one such restaurant is a great idea. These restaurants serve typical Rajasthani thalis as well as a vast variety of other Indian food options.
If it’s too hot at lunchtime, ensure you spend at least one dinner on a rooftop facing the lake.
Tip: Try Jagat Niwas Rooftop restaurant.
Udaipur City Palace
Visiting the City Palace is number one on most lists of things to do in Udaipur. The magnificent – and sprawling! – City Palace overlooking Lake Pichola is still the residence of the royal family of Udaipur. It’s the second largest palace in India and a large section of it has been converted into a museum and open to the public.
Arrows are placed throughout the palace to guide you forward and ensure you see everything. The Taj Lake Palace Hotel and Jagmandir Palace, both arising from the shimmering waters of Lake Pichola, can be seen from the beautiful arched windows of the City Palace.
The City Palace is well-maintained and filled with priceless treasures. It will give you a good look into the courtly life of historic Rajasthan. Give yourself 2-3 hours to explore this huge place.
Tip: Hire a guide to hear the stories of this fabled palace.
Boat ride on Lake Pichola and Jag Mandir Palace
A boat ride on Lake Pichola is another one of those things you must do in Udaipur. You can buy tickets just outside the City Palace, or (at a cheaper price), lakeside at Lake Pichola.
Taking a boat ride on Lake Pichola is a fun thing to do in Udaipur. It will give you a close up look at the fabulous Taj Lake Palace Hotel and also a great view of the Udaipur “skyline” including the majestic City Palace.
The boat will stop at Jag Mandir Palace, where you can explore this tiny island and stop for a coffee or tea at the Jag Mandir cafe.
Tip: Take a Lake Pichola boat ride at around 4 pm in the afternoon. The sun will be at the right angle for photos of the City Palace.
Mansapurna Karni Mata Mandir for sublime sun set
Mansapurna Karnimata Mandir sits atop a hill in the Aravalli Range that surrounds Udaipur. The Aravalli Range is believed to be the oldest range of fold mountains in India, and runs from Gujarat through Rajasthan to Delhi.
Find out the timing of sunset beforehand to make sure you witness one of the most memorable sunsets of your life. As the sun goes down, the entire city including the City Palace begins to light up. The Mansapurna Karnimata Mandir is the only place from where you get to witness this magic. Well worth the effort to get there – you will experience a sublime Incredible India moment.
You can climb all the way to the top of the hill if you have the time and energy – or take the ropeway.
Tip: The waiting time for the ropeway can be 20 minutes to an hour, so remember to factor this time and reach the temple accordingly to not miss the sunset. Preserve the ticket for your ride back.
Dharohar at Bagore ki Haveli
Bagore ki Haveli is located on the Gangaur Ghat, near Jagdish Mandir, on Lake Pichola. The Haveli offers a Rajasthani folk dance performance every evening, bringing to life the cultural richness of Rajasthan. While the show is a tourist attraction, it also presents very authentic – and spectacular – Rajasthani folk dances in a historic and culturally rich setting. It is one of the best things to do in Udaipur in the evening.
Tip: It’s also fun to just hang out at the Gangaur Ghat or the Ambrai Ghat and watch the world go by
Dinner at Ambrai / Natraj
After Bagore ki Haveli, head to Ambrai, the most famous restaurant in Udaipur. This restaurant sits on Ambrai Ghat which is right opposite the Udaipur City Palace.
At night when the palace is lit up, dining here is a special experience as you get to enjoy the best view of the Udaipur City Palace. Dinner at Ambrai features on every list of things to do in Udaipur.
But if you are not interested in spectacular views and want to try authentic Rajasthani food, you can eat at Natraj, a thali-serving restaurant close to Udaipur Railway Station and a favourite among locals.
Tip: Make a reservation at Ambrai well in advance as it fills up.
Day 2 – Places to visit in Udaipur
Bagore Ki Haveli
Start your day two of exploring Udaipur by going back to the Bagore ki Haveli. Bagore ki Haveli used to be the residence of the prime minister. Now, they have converted it into a museum possessing a rich collection of traditional costumes and paintings. The Haveli contains an astonishing 138 rooms and provides a wonderful peek into the royal lifestyle.
Tip: Bagore Ki Haveli is one of the best places to visit in Udaipur. Try and get here when it opens in the morning, about 10 am, for less crowds.
Local food for lunch in Udaipur
If you are a foodie, one of the most important things to do in Udaipur is to try local food such as Dal Bati Churma and Pyaz ki Kachori.
You can find these items at the small restaurants around Bagore ki Haveli and Jagdish Mandir. The restaurants may not be stylish, but the food is authentic Rajasthani cuisine. After lunch, explore the lanes around Jagdish Mandir and satisfy your sweet cravings by eating piping hot gulab jamun for dessert.
If you don’t want to eat at these small local restaurants and prefer a fine dining experience in an upscale setting with live music, book a table at 1559 AD near Fateh Sagar Lake. A heritage bungalow converted into a restaurant, you can choose garden, verandah, or indoor seating. You can order Rajasthan specialties here such as Lal Maas.
Shopping in Udaipur at Bapu Bazar, Bada Bazaar, Haathi Pole
A trip to Udaipur is incomplete without indulging in some local shopping. Udaipur is famous for silver jewellery, wooden toys and two local specialties: bandhej fabric, and mojris.
Bandhej, also known as bandhani or tye-dye, is a traditional form of textile dyeing that has been used in India for centuries. It is known for vivid colours and intricate designs, and the fabrics are made into clothing for men and women. Mojris, also known as mojaris – and sometimes also juttis, the Punjabi word for them – are leather shoes that have been made in India for centuries. In Rajasthan, the shoes are embroidered and the toes often curl up.
Bapu Bazaar, Bada Bazaar, and Haathi Pole are Udaipur’s main shopping areas. All these areas are located close to one another. You can easily spend a leisurely afternoon wandering through the lanes of the bazaars.
Tip: Bargain heavily. Watch out for shopkeepers selling cheap metal for the price of silver.
Sunset at Fatehsagar Lake
Another wonderful place to see the sunset in Udaipur is at Fatehsagar Lake. About an hour before sunset, head towards the promenade of Fatehsagar Lake. The promenade around the lake is decorated with classic royal arches and in the evening they play Indian classical raga music. The ambience is charming as the sun sets over the lake and behind the hills.
Add a piping hot Kullad coffee to this scenario for a perfect end to the day. After the sun goes down, you can warm yourself up by eating Bombay Pav Bhaji at a nearby shack.
Tip: The experience at this lake is incomplete without Fatehsagar Lake coffee served in a Kullad (clay cup).
Optional things to do in Udaipur
This two-day Udaipur itinerary will give you an outline for the best things to do, but there are many other optional activities you can add to your trip.
- Old City Heritage walk
- Jal Sanjhi workshop: Learn the art of painting where water is the canvas
- Cooking demo along with lunch or dinner
- Lake loop bicycle tour
- Temple tour of famous Eklingji and Nagda temples (just about 30 minutes drive from Udaipur)
- Shop at Sadhna, a woman’s co-operative store that sells clothes and textiles
Places to visit near Udaipur
Udaipur is a good base for exploring southern Rajasthan. The best things to do near Udaipur are:
Kumbhalgarh. Sometimes called The Great Wall of India, Kumbhalgarh is a massive fort dating from the 15th century and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Ranakpur Temple. Ranakpur is a Jain temple famous for its astonishing size and beauty. Dating from the 15th century, the massive temple is made of marble and contains 1,444 marble pillars.
Chittorgarh. The largest fort in India, Chittorgarh is the scene of many stories and legends. Highlights include the huge Victory Tower, Rani Padmini’s Palace, and Meera Bhai’s temple.
Ghanerao. Go for a walk through an ancient village and visit the Ghanerao Castle.
Dhar-Ubeshwar Trek. An all day trek that starts in a village and meanders along hilly terrain dotted with temples from Dhar to Ubeshwar.
Where to stay in Udaipur?
The city centre (the area around Jagdish Mandir) is full of hotels and hostels catering to all budgets. Even though many tourists book hotels in this area for the view of Lake Pichola, I recommend avoiding the area if you want some peace of mind – it’s busy, crowded, and can get very noisy.
Some of my top recommendations for places to stay in Udaipur are:
High-end luxury hotels in Udaipur
The Oberoi Udaivilas
This hotel is one of the best hotels in India, and has been voted the best in the world. The property exhibits the architectural grandeur of Udaipur and ensures that its customers experience a taste of majesty and class. The rooms and suites are tastefully decorated, beautifully blending the Rajasthani style of interior design with top-quality modern amenities. The restaurants serve delectable Rajasthani and continental food, and the staff demonstrates the superior service Oberoi is known for. This is the place to splurge if you want to experience truly luxurious service and amenities and feel like a Maharaja or Maharani.
Taj Lake Palace Hotel
The world’s most photographed hotel, Taj Lake Palace Hotel was the Maharaja of Udaipur’s summer palace until it was turned into a hotel by the Taj Group. An oasis of opulence and luxury, it rises above the lake directly across from the City Palace. Hotel residents only can enjoy the many amenities, including pool, gardens, spa, and dining rooms with spectacular views of the skyline. The fabulous rooms are individually decorated with murals and antique furniture. A very special place.
Mid-range luxury hotels in Udaipur
Jagat Niwas
Located right on Lake Pichola, Jagat Niwas is a 17th century haveli that’s been completely renovated and updated into a luxury hotel. Many of the rooms and suites offer a view of the lake, they are all different and unique, and several feature a jharokha – enclosed balcony. The two-floor rooftop restaurant is one of the best in the city with window seating on one floor, fantastic views, and great food.
Premkunj Luxury Homestay
Premkunj is a destination homestay, a resort really, in a beautiful setting among the hills that surround Udaipur. Owner Bhupendra spent 10 years lovingly creating this gorgeous property and it ticks every box. It’s beautiful, comfortable, and has a sparkling pool. Plus, there is a large garden, several indoor and outdoor dining options, and very good food. Staying at Premkunj, among the hills, is a different experience than staying in the city. Fresh air, hiking trails on your doorstep, and stunning views make it a great option. On our list of the Best luxury getaways from Delhi.
Akshay Niwas
This is a tasteful, Rajasthani-styled boutique hotel located in a quiet spot between Lake Pichola and Fatehsagar Lake. The location of this hotel is ideal for visiting all the top tourist spots in Udaipur without the disadvantage of being trapped in the chaotic city centre of Udaipur. The service is highly personalized and the food served at the restaurant is delectable.
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