Is Udaipur Worth Visiting? – 8 Reasons Why You Should Visit

Is Udaipur worth visiting? If you’re planning your India trip and wondering whether Udaipur is a good place to add to your India Itinerary, then you have come to the right place. 

With its stunning architecture, rich culture, and captivating views, Udaipur offers a wonderful experience that differs from other cities in Rajasthan.

From exploring the City Palace to taking a boat ride on the serene Lake Pichola, there are countless things to do in Udaipur that will leave you in love with this city.

Often referred to as “the city of lakes” and surrounded by stunning Aravalli mountains, Udaipur is often described as one of the most romantic cities in India.

Out of all the cities I visited in Rajasthan, Udaipur was one of my favourites, coming in a close second to Pushkar, so if you ask me I 100% believe that Udaipur is worth visiting

So, is Udaipur REALLY worth visiting? 

Read on below to find out. 

_{Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a verified purchase through the links in this post I will earn a small commission. This will be at no extra cost to you. Thank you ?}

Prepare for your trip to India

8 Reasons Why Udaipur Is Worth Visiting

It’s A “Calm” City

India is known for its vibrant, chaotic energy, especially in its big cities. Whether it’s the honking horns, the crowded streets, or the constant hustle, places like Delhi, Varanasi, and Jaipur can feel pretty overwhelming. It’s part of what gives India its charm, but it can also be extremely overwhelming. 

Udaipur felt like such a refreshing change in comparison to some of the other cities I explored during my time in India. 

Don’t get me wrong, the horns still honked and the traffic was still there, but the overall atmosphere of the city felt a lot calmer. 

I think being surrounded by lakes and rolling hills helps to create a sense of tranquillity in the city. 

You Are Surrounded By Nature

If like me, you’re more of a nature person than a city person, then a trip to Udaipur will be right up your street. What sets Udaipur apart from most other major cities in Rajasthan and India is its proximity to nature.

While many cities are filled with the hustle and bustle of markets, traffic, and endless crowds, Udaipur feels more serene because of its natural surroundings.

The city is surrounded by the Aravalli mountains and you can also find 7 major lakes within the city, including the well-known Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar Lake. 

One of the best things you can do during your time in Udaipur is to experience a sunrise lake tour, where you will drive out of the city to watch the sunrise in the Bahubali Hills and spend the rest of your morning visiting some of the best lakes in Udaipur. 

I booked this tour through my hostel, Dreamyard Udaipur (I can really recommend staying here during your time in Udaipur).

It’s home To The City Palace 

As I mentioned earlier I am much more of a nature person than I am a city and architecture person, but I was extremely impressed by the City Palace (probably because it looks out over the beautiful Pichola Lake).

The City Palace is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, built over 400 years ago and is a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. The Palace is actually a complex of 11 smaller palaces, each with its own unique architecture.

The City Palace sits on the eastern side of Lake Pichola, giving beautiful views of the lake and nearby mountains. The sunset views from the City Palace are also not to be missed. 

And for a fun fact for the film buffs among us, the City Palace has also been featured in several films, including the James Bond movie Octopussy in 1983. 

You can Witness some Beautiful Sunsets in Udaipur 

Some of the best sunsets that I witnessed during my India were in time in Udaipur and there are surprisingly a whole host of different places in the city where you can watch the sunset. 

Some of the best places to watch the sunset in Udaipur include: 

• Lake Pichola: Take a boat ride on Lake Pichola and enjoy beautiful sunset views of the City Palace and Jag Mandir.
• City Palace: Watch the sunset from the palace’s terraces for amazing views of the lake and mountains.
• Ambrai Ghat: A peaceful spot across from the City Palace
• Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace): This hilltop palace offers a stunning view of the entire city and lakes during sunset.
• Fateh Sagar Lake: Sit by the lake or take a boat ride at sunset
• Karni Mata Temple (Ropeway): Take the cable car up to the temple for a great view of the city and sunset.
• Badi Lake (Bahubali Hills): If you like hiking, head to Bahubali Hills for a quiet and beautiful sunset over Badi Lake.
• Neemach Mata Temple: Located up on a hill this is a great spot with views of the sunset over Fateh Sagar Lake.

To be completely honest my favourite sunset spot in Udaipur was actually from the rooftop of my hostel, Dreamyard Udaipur.

The Foodie Scene Is Great 

The foodie scene in Udaipur is one not to be missed, I had some of my favourite dishes in India during my time in Udaipur. 

In Udaipur, you can find traditional Rajasthani dishes like Dal baati churma, Laal maas, and Gatte ki sabzi, plus lots more (there are also lots of Western options too, but why would you want that when there is an abundance of rich, delicious curries on offer at every corner).

Not only is the food great, but some of the best restaurants in Udaipur also have some really epic views overlooking the lake.

Some of my favourite cafes and restaurants in Udaipur include:

• Jheel’s ginger coffee bar & bakery 
• Rainbow Restaurant 
• Cafe Edelweiss
• Ambrai  

You’re close to Kumbhalgarh Fort

Just a short trip from Udaipur, you’ll find the Kumbhalgarh Fort which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s known for having one of the longest walls in the world, second only to the Great Wall of China and is often referred to as “The Great Wall of India”. 

Visiting the Kumbhalgarh Fort is definitely worthwhile whilst you’re in Udaipur if you’re a fan of history and architecture. 

Udaipur Is Full Of Culture

Udaipur is a hub of Rajasthani culture, from traditional dances to local crafts, art, and folk music 

One of the best ways to experience Rajasthani Culture whilst you’re in Udaipur is to attend the Dharohar Folk Dance Show, which is a well-known cultural event held at Bagore Ki Haveli in an old mansion by Lake Pichola.

It’s a wonderful display of traditional Rajasthani music and dance where you’ll get the chance to see 4 types of traditional dance including Ghoomer and Bhavai as well as listen to traditional instruments such as the Tabla. 

The show takes place every evening from 7 pm and lasts for around 1 hour. Tickets cost approximately ₹90 for Indians and ₹150 for foreign tourists.

Udaipur Is Great For Shopping 

Udaipur’s markets and bazaars make Udaipur a fantastic shopping hub

Whether you’re after clothes, jewellery, handbags or even art collectables there is sure to be a shop in Udaipur to cater to your needs.

You can find a mixture of casual pieces and stylish textiles that have been hand-crafted by local designers. 

If you’ve got the time you can also visit a tailor to get one-off bespoke pieces made to fit you perfectly. 

Conclusion: Is Udaipur Worth Visiting?

Definitely! Udaipur is a mix of nature, culture, and history that makes it stand out from other cities in India. 

Whether you’re wandering through the City Palace, cruising on the lakes, or enjoying a meal with a view, there’s something here for everyone.

Compared to the busy atmosphere of cities like Delhi or Jaipur, Udaipur feels way more peaceful so it’s perfect for anyone who loves nature and a more relaxed atmosphere. 

In addition to this, the city has a rich culture that gives you a real feel for Rajasthan.

So, if you’re planning a trip to India, Udaipur is 100% worth a visit. It’s a place you’ll fall in love with for its charm and beauty.

You Might Also Enjoy…

• The ULTIMATE 2-Day Pushkar Itinerary
• The ULTIMATE Varanasi 2-Day Itinerary
• Is India Safe For Solo Female Travellers?

Happy Travelling 

I hope this blog post has helped you answer the question “Is Udaipur worth visiting?”. 

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out.