12 Jaw-Dropping Destinations in Udaipur to Visit This Year

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Udaipur literally stopped me in my tracks. The moment I first saw the Lake Palace floating on Lake Pichola like something out of a dream, I couldn’t believe it was real. And that sunset view from Monsoon Palace? Watching the whole city turn golden as the sun dipped behind the Aravalli Hills, with all those lakes glittering below… I still get goosebumps thinking about it.

From marble palaces to lakeside ghats, these are the most beautiful places in Udaipur that’ll make you understand why they call it India’s most romantic city. I’ve rounded up 12 spots that proved to me why this place deserves every bit of its reputation as the Venice of the East. Get ready to fall in love with every single one!

Top Must-See Places in Udaipur

Looking for the coolest things to do in Udaipur? Explore the majestic Chittorgarh Fort, visit the grand City Palace, and enjoy the views at Doodh Talai Musical Garden. Take a boat ride on the serene Fateh Sagar Lake and soak in the city’s charm. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, here are the top attractions to visit in Udaipur.

1. Chittorgarh Fort

• 📍 Location:  115 km northeast of Udaipur in the town of Chittorgarh, Rajasthan
• 🏆 Best For: History enthusiasts 🏛️, architecture lovers 🏰, photographers 📸
• 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the massive fort complex, visiting Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory), witnessing the evening light show
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March for pleasant temperatures 🍂, avoid summer months (April-June) due to extreme heat 🔥
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Padmini Haveli – Heritage hotel with fort views, or stay in Udaipur and make it a day trip

The mighty Chittorgarh Fort stands as India’s largest fortress and a UNESCO World Heritage site spanning 700 impressive acres. Massive stone walls stretch over 13 km and guard a complex of stunning palaces, temples, and towers. The fort narrates tales of Rajput valor through its ancient structures and three recorded instances of mass self-sacrifice.

The towering 37-meter Vijay Stambh captivates visitors with intricate carvings covering all nine stories. Built in 1448, this victory tower commemorates a significant military triumph. Nearby, the beautiful Padmini Palace sits surrounded by a lotus pool, evoking the legendary tale of the queen whose fame led to the fort’s siege. I recommend catching the evening sound and light show that brings these historical stories to life against the ancient stonework.

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2. City Palace

• 📍 Location: On the east bank of Lake Pichola in the heart of Udaipur, Rajasthan
• 🏆 Best For: Royal history enthusiasts 👑, architecture admirers 🏰, photography lovers 📸
• 📸 Top Experiences: Touring the palace museums, enjoying panoramic lake views from the balconies, visiting Crystal Gallery
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March for comfortable weather 🍂, early mornings for fewer crowds 🌅
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Taj Lake Palace – Luxury experience on Lake Pichola, or any hotel with palace views

The magnificent City Palace stretches along Lake Pichola’s shore for nearly a kilometer, showcasing 400 years of royal architectural evolution. This massive complex features eleven interconnected palaces built across four centuries, each maharana adding unique elements while maintaining remarkable harmony. The interior dazzles with intricate mirror work, marble balconies, and colorful mosaic peacocks.

The Mor Chowk (Peacock Courtyard) presents stunning peacock mosaics made from colored glass and mirrors. The Crystal Gallery houses one of the world’s largest crystal collections, including furniture, dinner sets, and even a crystal bed ordered from England in 1877. Arrive early to avoid crowds and savor panoramic views of Lake Pichola, the floating Lake Palace, and surrounding hills from the many ornate balconies. The sunset transforms the entire complex into a golden spectacle worth capturing.

3. Doodh Talai Musical Garden

• 📍 Location: At the foot of Machla Magra (Fish Hill) along Lake Pichola in Udaipur
• 🏆 Best For: Sunset seekers 🌅, relaxation enthusiasts 🧘, families with children 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
• 📸 Top Experiences: Enjoying the musical fountain show, riding the ropeway to Karni Mata Temple, panoramic city views
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Evening hours for the musical fountain show and sunset views 🌆, October to March for pleasant weather 🍂
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Lakend – Comfortable lodging with easy access to the garden

The vibrant Doodh Talai Musical Garden offers terraced gardens cascading toward Lake Pichola, providing a refreshing contrast to Udaipur’s historical attractions. This modern space packs multiple experiences into one scenic location. The gardens feature manicured lawns, colorful flower beds, and walking paths perfect for leisurely strolls after palace-hopping.

The highlight comes during evening hours when the musical fountain show creates a symphony of colorful water jets dancing to traditional Rajasthani music. Take the ropeway (cable car) from the garden up to Karni Mata Temple for a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Udaipur’s palaces, lakes, and surrounding Aravalli hills. Visit around sunset to watch the City Palace transform into a glowing silhouette as city lights begin to sparkle across the landscape.

4. Fateh Sagar Lake

• 📍 Location: North of Lake Pichola in central Udaipur
• 🏆 Best For: Boating enthusiasts ⛵, nature lovers 🌳, peaceful seekers 🧘
• 📸 Top Experiences: Boat rides to Nehru Park island, driving along Fateh Sagar Pal (lakeside road), visiting Maharana Pratap Memorial
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: Monsoon and post-monsoon seasons (July-October) when the lake is full 💦, evenings for cool breezes 🌬️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Trident Udaipur – Luxury lodging with lake views and excellent amenities

The shimmering Fateh Sagar Lake creates an expansive blue jewel surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery in northern Udaipur. This serene water body offers a relaxed atmosphere where visitors experience local life along its 2.4 km scenic drive. The lake contains three small islands accessible by boat, each offering unique attractions.

The largest island, Nehru Park, features a charming garden with a small zoo and a boat-shaped restaurant. Nature enthusiasts should visit the Udaipur Solar Observatory on another island, one of Asia’s best solar observation sites. For stunning photos, head to Maharana Pratap Memorial on nearby Moti Magri hill, where a massive bronze statue of the legendary Rajput warrior overlooks the waters. Locals recommend renting a boat just before sunset to witness the surrounding Aravalli hills bathed in golden light.

5. Jag Mandir

• 📍 Location: On an island in Lake Pichola, Udaipur
• 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏛️, architecture admirers 🏰, romantic travelers ❤️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Boat ride to the island palace, exploring the historic refuge, dining at the exclusive restaurant
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March for pleasant weather 🍂, late afternoon for beautiful lighting and sunset views 🌅
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Amet Haveli – Historic property with excellent views of Jag Mandir across Lake Pichola

The dreamlike Jag Mandir floats in the middle of Lake Pichola, a palace island that served as both royal summer resort and sanctuary throughout history. Most famously, it sheltered Prince Khurram (later Emperor Shah Jahan) during his rebellion against his father in 1623. Some historians believe this island palace partly inspired the design for the Taj Mahal.

The approach by boat provides half the experience as you glide toward impressive stone elephants guarding the entrance. The Gul Mahal, an elegant white marble pavilion with cusped arches, sits at the island’s center surrounded by gardens and courtyards. Eight life-sized marble elephants appear to hold up the palace while intricate carvings adorn almost every surface. Reserve a table at the island’s exclusive restaurant for dinner to watch the sun set behind the City Palace for an unforgettable Udaipur memory.

6. Jagat Niwas Palace

• 📍 Location: On the eastern bank of Lake Pichola in the heart of Udaipur
• 🏆 Best For: Heritage hotel enthusiasts 🏨, architecture lovers 🏰, photographers 📸
• 📸 Top Experiences: Dining at the rooftop restaurant, enjoying lake views from jharokhas (balconies), wandering the historic hallways
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March for pleasant temperatures 🍂, sunset for magical views of Lake Palace 🌅
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel – The palace itself, offering an authentic heritage experience within its historic walls

The grand Jagat Niwas Palace welcomes visitors as a living piece of history you can actually stay in. This 17th-century haveli has been carefully converted into a heritage hotel while preserving its original architecture. The distinctive white façade features intricately carved balconies and windows in classic Mewari style, creating a truly authentic Rajasthani experience.

The palace’s legendary rooftop restaurant offers some of the most spectacular views in Udaipur, open even to non-guests. From this vantage point, Lake Pichola stretches before you with the floating Lake Palace seemingly close enough to touch. Original details like colored glass, delicate frescoes, and mirror work remain intact throughout the property. Photographers flock here for the framed views of Lake Pichola through arched windows, especially during the golden hour when everything bathes in warm light.

7. Jaisamand Lake

• 📍 Location:  48 km from Udaipur city, in the southeastern part of Rajasthan
• 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌿, boating enthusiasts ⛵, history buffs 🏛️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Boating on Asia’s second-largest artificial lake, visiting the marble cenotaphs, exploring the island palaces
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March for pleasant weather ☀️, avoid monsoon season (July-September) when water levels can be unpredictable 🌧️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Jaisamand Island Resort – Luxury accommodations set on a private island within the lake

Marvel at the majesty of Jaisamand Lake, the second-largest artificial lake in Asia, created in 1691 by Maharana Jai Singh. This massive reservoir stretches across 87 square kilometers with breathtaking marble embankments and ornate cenotaphs. The grand dam features six elegant marble pavilions that showcase the region’s architectural mastery.

Take a boat ride to the islands where you can spot migratory birds and glimpse tribal settlements of the Bhil community. I found the surrounding Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary particularly rewarding for wildlife spotting. The sanctuary offers chances to see deer, wild boar, and numerous bird species in their natural habitat. Plan at least half a day to truly appreciate both the historical and natural attractions of this magnificent lake.

8. Kumbhalgarh Fort

• 📍 Location: 84 km northwest of Udaipur in the Rajsamand district of Rajasthan
• 🏆 Best For: History enthusiasts 🏰, architecture admirers 🏛️, photography lovers 📸
• 📸 Top Experiences: Walking along the Great Wall of India, exploring the 360+ ancient temples, witnessing the spectacular light and sound show
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March for comfortable temperatures 🍂, avoid summer months (April-June) when temperatures soar ☀️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Club Mahindra Kumbhalgarh – Comfortable resort with traditional Rajasthani decor and fort views

Stand in awe before Kumbhalgarh Fort, a monumental testament to Rajput military prowess. Built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts walls stretching an incredible 36 kilometers. Perched at 1,100 meters above sea level, the fort offers breathtaking views of the Aravalli range and houses over 360 temples within its massive complex.

The Badal Mahal sits at the highest point and rewards visitors with panoramic vistas that seem endless. As the birthplace of legendary Maharana Pratap, this fort holds special significance in Rajasthani history. The evening light and sound show brilliantly brings the fort’s dramatic past to life. Nearby, the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary allows you to combine historical exploration with nature walks where leopards and wolves roam freely.

9. Lake Palace

• 📍 Location: In the middle of Lake Pichola, Udaipur city center
• 🏆 Best For: Luxury seekers 👑, architecture enthusiasts 🏛️, romantic travelers ❤️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Taking a boat ride around the palace, dining at its world-class restaurants, enjoying the sunset views from the palace grounds
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March when temperatures are pleasant 🍁, December-January for magical foggy mornings ❄️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Taj Lake Palace – Luxurious lakeside palace offering opulent rooms, stunning views of Lake Pichola, and world-class amenities

Float into a fairytale at the Lake Palace, a gleaming white marble wonder on Lake Pichola’s surface. Originally built in 1746 as a summer palace by Maharana Jagat Singh II, it now operates as an ultra-luxury hotel hosting celebrities and royalty from around the world. The palace features ornate courtyards, lotus ponds, and intricate glasswork showcasing the finest Rajasthani craftsmanship.

Experience the magic through a special dining experience at the Bhairo restaurant, offering breathtaking views of City Palace, Jag Mandir, and the surrounding mountains. Every corner of this architectural marvel reveals meticulous details that transport visitors to a bygone era. For the ultimate experience, watching the sunset here transformed my understanding of what true luxury means as the palace glows golden against darkening waters.

10. Lake Pichola

• 📍 Location: Heart of Udaipur city, Rajasthan
• 🏆 Best For: Photographers 📸, sunset chasers 🌅, history enthusiasts 🏛️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Taking a sunset boat ride, visiting the island attractions, enjoying lakeside dining
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March for comfortable temperatures and good water levels 🍂, avoid late summer when the lake can partially dry up 🏜️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Taj Lake Palace – Luxury hotels with stunning lake views and royal service

Glide across the shimmering heart of Udaipur on Lake Pichola, the magnificent artificial lake created in the 14th century. Its placid waters perfectly mirror surrounding palaces, temples, and hills, earning Udaipur its nickname as “Venice of the East.” A boat ride is essential, particularly at sunset when golden light bathes the City Palace complex and mountains.

The lake contains several fascinating islands, each with unique attractions. Beyond the famous Lake Palace, visit Jag Mandir with its remarkable elephant sculptures and garden courtyard where Shah Jahan reportedly took refuge. Along the eastern shore, Gangaur Ghat offers glimpses into local life, especially during festivals when colorful ceremonies take place. Complete your experience with traditional Rajasthani cuisine at a lakeside restaurant while watching the palaces illuminate against the evening sky.

11. Saheliyon Ki Bari

• 📍 Location: North of Udaipur city, near Fateh Sagar Lake
• 🏆 Best For: Garden lovers 🌺, history enthusiasts 🏛️, photographers 📸
• 📸 Top Experiences: Admiring the lotus pools and marble pavilions, watching the dancing fountains, strolling through the lush gardens
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: September to March when the gardens are lush and green 🌿, early mornings for fewer crowds and better photos 📷
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Trident Udaipur – Luxury hotel near Fateh Sagar Lake with beautiful garden views

Wander through the exquisite Saheliyon Ki Bari (Garden of the Maidens), a masterpiece of garden design created in the 18th century by Maharana Sangram Singh II. This peaceful retreat was designed for the queen and her 48 lady attendants, showcasing a perfect blend of Indian and Mughal landscaping traditions with fountains, kiosks, and delicately carved pavilions.

The garden’s most fascinating feature remains its collection of fountains operating solely through gravity without any pumps. The central Lotus Pool with marble pavilions provides a perfect backdrop for photographs. Don’t miss the Chhatris adorned with beautiful carvings that tell stories of royal life. The garden offers a refreshing escape from Udaipur’s busy streets, with shaded walkways and seasonal flower beds creating new visual delights with each visit.

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12. The Monsoon Palace

• 📍 Location: Atop Bansdara Mountain overlooking Udaipur,  5 km west of the city center
• 🏆 Best For: Sunset chasers 🌅, photographers 📸, panorama seekers 🏔️
• 📸 Top Experiences: Catching the spectacular sunset over Udaipur, photographing the city’s lakes from above, exploring the palace’s unique architecture
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to March for clear skies and comfortable temperatures 🍂, monsoon season (July-September) to see it in its intended setting 🌧️
• 🏨 Where to Stay: Fateh Garh Heritage Renaissance Resort – Luxury hotel with views toward the Monsoon Palace

Gaze upon the dramatic silhouette of The Monsoon Palace, also known as Sajjan Garh Palace, perched atop a hill 944 meters above sea level. Built in 1884 by Maharana Sajjan Singh, this gleaming white marble structure was originally constructed to watch monsoon clouds approach the city and track weather patterns. The strategic location offers unparalleled 360-degree views of Udaipur’s lakes, the Aravalli hills, and the surrounding countryside.

The palace sits within the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, where sambar deer, wild boars, and peacocks roam freely. The architecture features turrets, domes, and jharokhas typical of Rajput royal residences. Time your visit for sunset, when fading light transforms the white palace with golden hues while the city below begins to twinkle with lights. Those familiar with James Bond might recognize it from “Octopussy,” where it served as the villain’s lair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Visiting the Beautiful Places in Udaipur

Want to discover more about the most captivating spots in Udaipur? Below are some questions that I commonly receive about the region’s must-visit attractions.

What is Udaipur famous for?

Udaipur, often referred to as the “City of Lakes,” is renowned for its intricate architecture, historic palaces, and scenic beauty. It’s a city that perfectly blends royal history with modern charm. The city is famous for its lakes like Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar Lake, as well as palaces such as the City Palace and Lake Palace. Udaipur is also known for its vibrant culture, including traditional dances, crafts, and festivals.

Which is the best view of Udaipur?

The best view of Udaipur can be captured from the Monsoon Palace, situated atop the Bansdara hills. This vantage point offers a panoramic view of the city, including its lakes, palaces, and surrounding countryside. The sight of the sun setting over the city from this point is nothing short of magical.

Why is Udaipur the best place to visit?

Udaipur offers a unique blend of natural beauty, royal history, and cultural richness, making it a must-visit destination. Whether you’re interested in architecture, history, or simply want to relax by the lakes, Udaipur has something for everyone. Its palaces offer a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Rajput kings, while its markets are a treasure trove of traditional Rajasthani crafts.

Where do foreigners go in Udaipur?

Foreigners often visit the City Palace, Lake Palace, and Jag Mandir for their historical and architectural significance. The lakes are also a big draw, particularly for romantic boat rides. Saheliyon Ki Bari, a beautifully landscaped garden, is another popular spot. Foreigners also enjoy exploring the local markets for handicrafts and traditional Rajasthani attire.

Which month is best for Udaipur?

The best time to visit Udaipur is during the winter months, from October to March. The weather is pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing and other outdoor activities. This is also the time when the city hosts various festivals, offering a glimpse into its rich culture.

How many days in Udaipur is enough?

A trip of 3-4 days is generally sufficient to explore the major attractions of Udaipur. This allows you enough time to visit the key palaces, lakes, and gardens, as well as to take a short trip to nearby attractions like the Kumbhalgarh Fort or Chittorgarh Fort.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Beautiful Places in Udaipur    

Udaipur is more than just a destination; it’s an experience that captures your heart and soul. From the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola to the historic grandeur of City Palace, each corner of this city offers a new story, a new adventure. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a wanderer seeking solace, Udaipur welcomes you with open arms and a myriad of experiences. It’s a city where every sunset by the lake feels like a painting, and every palace narrates tales of a glorious past.

So, pack your bags and set your sights on Udaipur. Whether it’s the architectural marvels, the stunning locations, or the rich tapestry of culture and traditions, Udaipur promises a journey that you’ll treasure for a lifetime. And who knows? You might just find your own secret corner in one of the top spots in Udaipur that speaks directly to your soul.