The City Palace on the shore of Lake Pichola in Udaipur

Rajasthan · West India

Udaipur travel guide

The City of Lakes: palaces reflected in still water, rooftop cafés, and some of Rajasthan's most beautiful forts and temples within a day's drive.

Photo: Pranav Panchal / Unsplash

Quick facts

Best time
October to March
How long
3–4 days
Daily budget
₹1,500–2,500 backpacking
Getting in
Udaipur airport (UDR) or Udaipur City station

Costs are typical per-person ranges in Indian rupees, reviewed September 2026. Check current prices and conditions before you book.

Udaipur grew around a chain of artificial lakes built by the Mewar rulers, and its old city climbs up from the shore of Lake Pichola to the vast City Palace. It's slower and greener than Jaipur, and at its best at sunset.

Stay in the old city near Lal Ghat or Gangaur Ghat to walk everywhere, and keep a day for the hill fort of Kumbhalgarh and the marble Jain temple at Ranakpur.

When to go

Best time to visit Udaipur

  • Oct–MarBest

    Pleasant days and cool evenings; the lakes are usually full after a good monsoon.

  • Jul–SepGood

    Monsoon turns the surrounding Aravalli hills green and fills the lakes. Fewer tourists, lower prices, and some rain.

  • Apr–JunAvoid

    Hot, often above 40°C.

Getting there

How to reach Udaipur

By air

Udaipur's airport at Dabok, about 22 km from the city, has flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and other cities.

By train

Udaipur City station has direct trains from Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai, including overnight options.

By road

Buses connect Udaipur with Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai.

Budget

Udaipur trip cost per day

Typical daily cost per person in INR
Per dayBackpackerMid-range
Stay (guesthouse or hostel)₹700–1,300₹2,500–6,000
Food₹400–700₹900–1,600
Local transport (auto)₹200–400₹800–1,500
Entry fees and boats₹300–700₹800–1,500

A shared or private taxi for the Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur day trip is the biggest single cost; split it with other travelers from your guesthouse.

Itinerary

4-day Udaipur itinerary

  1. 1

    Day 1: Old city and the lake

    The City Palace and Jagdish Temple, then a boat on Lake Pichola in the late afternoon.

  2. 2

    Day 2: Gardens and sunset

    Saheliyon ki Bari and Fateh Sagar lake, then sunset from the Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh).

  3. 3

    Day 3: Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur

    A full-day trip to the fort of Kumbhalgarh and its long walls, and the marble Jain temple at Ranakpur.

  4. 4

    Day 4: Slow day

    A cooking class or miniature-painting workshop, and the evening folk dance show at Bagore ki Haveli.

Build your own version with your dates and budget

Don't miss

Top things to do in Udaipur

City Palace

Rajasthan's largest palace complex, rising above Lake Pichola.

Lake Pichola at sunset

Views of the Lake Palace and the ghats from a boat or Ambrai Ghat.

Kumbhalgarh Fort

A UNESCO-listed hill fort with walls that run for kilometres over the hills.

Ranakpur Jain temple

A marble temple famous for its hundreds of intricately carved pillars.

Before you go

Practical tips

Temple rules
Ranakpur and other Jain temples ask visitors to remove leather items and cover shoulders and knees, and have set visiting hours for non-worshippers.
Lake levels
After a weak monsoon, some lakes run low; ask locally before booking a lake view.
Heat
Even in winter, carry water and plan outdoor sightseeing for mornings and late afternoons.

Questions

Udaipur FAQs

How many days do I need in Udaipur?

Three to four days covers the city at a relaxed pace plus a day trip to Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur.

Is Udaipur worth visiting in the monsoon?

Yes, if you don't mind some rain: the lakes fill up, the hills turn green, and prices drop.

Can I visit Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur in one day?

Yes. Most people hire a taxi for the day and see both, returning to Udaipur in the evening.

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