Is Udaipur Worth Visiting? - 8 Reasons Why You MUST Visit

Is Udaipur worth visiting? If you’re planning your India trip and feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the cities on offer, and how to best navigate Rajasthan (one of the most popular states in the country) I totally get it.

India is magical and one of my favourite countries in the world, but it can also be chaotic, especially in places like Delhi or Jaipur. So when I arrived in Udaipur, it felt like a breath of fresh air.

Known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur quickly became one of my favourite spots in Rajasthan.

Between the dreamy views over Lake Pichola, the golden glow of the City Palace at sunset, and the calm, nature-surrounded vibe, I really did not want to leave! And in fact, I fell for Udaipur so hard, I went back a second time a year later.

I’ve travelled across India, from Varanasi to the deserts of Pushkar, and I can confirm that Udaipur has something very special about it.

So if you’re wondering whether it’s worth a stop on your itinerary, this post will walk you through everything you need to know, plus my honest thoughts on what makes it special (and what I didn’t love).

So, is Udaipur worth visiting? Read on below to find out.

A cityscape at sunset with orange and red hues in the sky, illuminated buildings along a waterfront, and mountains silhouetted in the background—a scene perfect for your 2-Week North India Itinerary.

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In a Rush? Here’s Why Udaipur Is 100% Worth It

If you’re short on time or just want the highlights, here’s why I think Udaipur absolutely deserves a spot on your India itinerary:

🌅 Stunning sunsets over lakes and palaces (some of the best I saw in India).
🛶 Lake Pichola boat rides that give you a whole new perspective of the city.
🏰 The iconic City Palace, packed with history and unbeatable views.
🧘‍♀️ Calm, relaxed vibe, a much-needed break from India’s chaos.
🏞 Surrounded by nature, with the Aravalli Hills and 7 beautiful lakes nearby.
🍛 Epic food scene, including rooftop restaurants with lake views.
🛍 Local markets full of colourful textiles, jewellery, and art.
🎭 Cultural shows like the Dharohar Dance at Bagore Ki Haveli.
🏡 Amazing hostels like Dreamyard Hostel (my personal favourite!).

A scenic view from a 2-Week North India Itinerary: a lake with boats, a white palace floating on the water, and a city with domed buildings along the shore, set against hills and a clear blue sky.

A winding road curves through rolling hills covered in sparse vegetation, evoking the landscapes found on a 2-Week North India Itinerary, with misty mountains fading into the distance under a soft, pale sky at sunrise or sunset.

8 Reasons Why Udaipur Is Worth Visiting

Udaipur isn’t just a pretty face. It’s an experience for the senses that offers a cultural experience and a connection to nature. Here’s what really stood out to me about Udaipur:

1. It’s One of India’s Calmest Cities

If you’ve been wondering, “Is Udaipur quieter than Jaipur?” or searching for the calmest city in India, you’re in for a treat.

After experiencing the overwhelming energy of cities like Delhi and Varanasi, where the chaos feels like it’s 24/7, Udaipur felt like a genuine peaceful escape.

This is one of the most relaxed cities that I have experienced in India. Of course, there will still be horns beeping and tuk-tuks all over the place (this is Rajasthan after all), but overall, the city atmosphere is much more chill.

What really makes Udaipur one of the best places to relax in Rajasthan is its unqiue setting (for a city). There are lakes everywhere, and you can see the beautiful Aravalli hills in the distance.

A white palace sits on a calm lake with a tree nearby, set against distant mountains and a clear blue sky—a scene that shows exactly why people ask, "Is Udaipur worth visiting?" Yellow buildings and green trees line the distant shoreline.

A flock of birds flies over a calm lake with distant hills, a boat on the water, and a small building and trees on the shore—an idyllic scene that could grace your 2-Week North India Itinerary under a clear sky.

2. You Are Surrounded By Nature

One of the things that I loved most about Udaipur is how connected to nature the city is. Udaipur is easily one of the best cities in India for nature lovers, and I say this as a nature girl through and through!

Unlike many other major cities in India that can feel like a thousand forts and a ton of traffic, Udaipur is surrounded by the Aravalli mountains, and you’ll find some of the best lake views in India right here, whether that’s boating on Lake Pichola or walking along 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 and I can really recommend staying here.

Book Your Stay

People relax at outdoor tables on a rooftop café at sunset, colorful prayer flags overhead, enjoying stunning views of the city and mountains—a perfect spot to pause during a 2-Week North India Itinerary.

Book a stay at Dreamyard Hostel

Dreamyard Hostel was my favourite hostel in India, and I cannot recommend staying here enough!

Check Them Out

A person with curly hair stands at the edge of a hill, overlooking rolling mountains and valleys under a clear sky at sunset, pondering if Udaipur is worth visiting for such breathtaking views.

A calm river winds through rocky terrain, reflecting brown hills and a clear blue sky. Small houses rest at the base of the hills, evoking a serene, untouched landscape—just one scene that answers the question: Is Udaipur worth visiting?.

3. It’s a Fantastic Place to Celebrate Holi Festival

If you’re planning to be in India around March, celebrating Holi in Udaipur should absolutely be on your list. I celebrated Holi in Udaipur during my second trip to India, and honestly, it was one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had.

I’d heard some horror stories about celebrating in places like Pushkar, and it not being the safest place during this festival, so I’m so glad I celebrated it in Udaipur. I already knew I loved this city from my first backpacking trip to India, and it’s safe to say it didn’t disappoint.

On the day of Holi, the city really comes alive, and there are lots of colourful celebrations, primarily in the Gangaur Ghat area.

If you are travelling solo in India, then I recommend booking a social hostel so that you can enjoy the celebrations with them. As you’ve probably guessed already, I stayed at Dreamyard Hostel and had the best time.

A group of people covered in colorful powder smile for a selfie during a street celebration, likely Holi festival. They appear joyful and are surrounded by vibrant colors with shops in the background.

A large crowd celebrates Holi outdoors, with people covered in colorful powders, raising their hands joyfully. Bright buildings and signs surround the festive, lively scene under a clear blue sky.

My India Travel Essentials

✈️Flights: I always search for the cheapest flights using Skyscanner. You’re guaranteed to find the best prices here.
🚌 Transport: For overnight buses and trains make sure to check out the 12go Asia website or more options check out RedBus (overnight buses) and IRCTC website (trains).
🛏️Accommodation: Make sure to check out different sites like Booking.com and Hotels.com to book your accommodation! If you’re on a budget, then make sure to check out Hostelworld.
🎟️Activities: I always book my tours through Get Your Guide and Viator so make sure to check them out as I’m sure they’ll have the perfect tour for you.
🦋Insurance: Make sure you’re covered against any incidents during your trip. I’ve used SafetyWing multiple times for standard travel and World Nomads for adventure travel/activities. I can’t recommend them enough!
📱Download an eSIM: Avoid roaming fees, and have peace of mind that you have internet access when WiFi isn’t available…I recommended downloading SIMs from either Airalo or Sim Local.

4. Udaipur’s City Palace Is Absolutely Stunning

I’ll be honest, I’m usually more of a nature girl than a “let’s explore every building” kind of person.

But even I was blown away by Udaipur’s City Palace. It’s hands down one of the most beautiful architectural sites I visited in India, and not because of the history, but more so for the views.

The palace is perched on the edge of Lake Pichola and looks like something out of a fairy tale.

The complex is made up of 11 smaller palaces and dates back over 400 years, and combines both Rajasthani and Mughal architecture.

And if you’re a film buff, parts of James Bond’s “Octopussy” were filmed here.

A woman with curly hair wearing sunglasses, a sleeveless brown top, and beige pants stands by a railing overlooking a Lake Pichola in Udaipur. A white building is visible in the background across the water. The sky is clear and the scene is bright and sunny.

5. The Sunsets Are Absolutely Magical In Udaipur

Out of everywhere I visited in India, Udaipur had the most memorable sunsets (and that’s saying a lot considering how many I was lucky enough to witness during my backpacking trip to the country).

My absolute favourite place to watch the sunset in Udaipur was on the rooftop of my hostel, Dreamyard Udaipur (I know, shock, I’m raving about this hostel once again).

Every evening, they host a “sunset session” where guests can gather on the rooftop, drink the free chai on offer and watch the sunset across the lake with some music playing in the background (I’ve stayed here twice, and it seems like their sunset song of choice is Texas Sun by Khruangbin and Leon Bridges).

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

Lake Pichola
City Palace
Ambrai Ghat
Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace)
Fateh Sagar Lake
Karni Mata Temple (Ropeway)
Badi Lake (Bahubali Hills)
Neemach Mata Temple

People sit and relax at an outdoor rooftop café at sunset, with colorful prayer flags overhead and scenic cityscape views—showcasing exactly why so many ask, "Is Udaipur worth visiting?" The tranquil mountain backdrop says it all.

Sunset over a cityscape with historic buildings by a lake, mountains in the background, and sunlight reflecting on the water creates a warm, golden atmosphere—showing exactly why many ask: Is Udaipur Worth Visiting?.

6. The Foodie Scene In Udaipur is Delicious

The foodie scene in Udaipur really surprised me! Some of the best dishes I had in India came from little cafes tucked away in Udaipur’s old town and rooftop restaurants overlooking the lake.

In Udaipur, there’s a great mix of traditional Rajasthani food and more western-style cafés for coffee and baked goods.

Whilst you’re in Udaipur, make sure to try traditional Rajasthani dishes like Dal baati churma, Laal maas, and Gatte ki sabzi.

Some of my favourite cafes and restaurants in Udaipur include:

Jheel’s Ginger Coffee & Bakery – Good coffee and a peaceful spot by the water.
Cafe Edelweiss – A handy stop if you want a simple breakfast or a quick bite.
Ambrai – A bit more upscale, but worth it for the view across the lake, especially in the evening.

A cup of cappuccino with heart-shaped latte art sits on a white saucer atop a café table. In the background, empty tables glow in warm, natural light—perfect for reflecting on questions like "Is Udaipur Worth Visiting?.

A cozy café corner featuring a round table and two metal chairs with colorful cushions. A potted plant with trailing vines decorates the space. Artwork hangs on the white wall above the table. Light streams in from a window with a view of parked motorcycles outside.Cafe Edelweiss Udaipur

A covered outdoor seating area with a wooden table and red cushions overlooks a calm lake in Udaipur, where boats, trees, and distant buildings line the shore under a clear sky—showing exactly why Is Udaipur Worth Visiting is an easy question to answer.

7. Udaipur Is Full Of Culture

One of the best cultural experiences in Udaipur is the Dharohar Folk Dance Show at Bagore Ki Haveli.

It’s a nightly cultural performance set inside an old haveli (mansion) right by Lake Pichola.

During the show, you’ll get to enjoy traditional Rajasthani dance, music, and storytelling, with performances like Ghoomer and Bhavai (where women dance while balancing pots on their heads)

I usually get a bit wary of tourist-focused shows, but this one was genuinely entertaining. It lasted about an hour and cost around ₹150-₹200 for foreigners.

On top of that, Udaipur is full of little touches like hand-painted doorways and local art galleries.

A serene view of a lake surrounded by mountains at sunset. A large, white building sits on the water with a boat nearby. In the foreground, there are buildings with intricate architectural designs and flat roofs. The sky is clear with a warm, golden glow - View of Lake Pichola in Udaipur

A yellow wall with colorful traditional Indian paintings—like a man with a staff and another on an elephant—garlands, a small ledge, and an electric meter above. Through the doorway, a parked motorcycle hints at why Is Udaipur Worth Visiting.

A narrow alleyway with an ornate archway leads to a café, scooters lined along the sides and signs in English and Hindi—a rustic, urban vibe that hints at why many ask: is Udaipur worth visiting?.

8. Udaipur Is Great For Shopping

Udaipur’s shopping scene is fairly small in comparison to Pushkar, but you can still pick up a few goodies here and there.

The city’s markets are a great place to find handmade goods like block-printed textiles, jewellery, paintings, leather bags lots more. I picked up a cute handmade journal during my time in Udaipur.

If you have the time to spare, it’s also a great place to get custom-made clothing.

A small shop in Udaipur showcases various handcrafted leather goods, including bags, purses, and book covers. Leather items hang on the walls and are displayed on shelves. A signboard reads "KGN Handicrafts". Outside, a step ladder holds additional items. Is Udaipur worth visiting? Absolutely!

A metal shelf filled with colorful notebooks stands against a wall in a small shop in Udaipur. Leather bags and satchels hang on the walls, enhancing the cozy, rustic atmosphere—just one reason why Udaipur is worth visiting.

Narrow street with hanging colorful dresses for sale, a wooden door, and signs reading "Rainbow Restaurant" and "The Multi Cuisine Restaurant" on a whitewashed building—scenes like these make you wonder: Is Udaipur worth visiting? Absolutely.

Is Udaipur One of the Best Cities in Rajasthan?

After travelling through multiple cities in Rajasthan, including Jaipur, Pushkar, and Udaipur, I can definitely confirm that Udaipur is one of the best (well, in my opinion).

Every city in Rajasthan has its own personality (and that’s what makes it one of the most famous states in India), but Udaipur became a firm favourite of mine because of how well-balanced it felt.

It was a lot less busy and more walkable than Jaipur, and felt far less scam-heavy than Pushkar.

If you’re choosing which cities to prioritise in Rajasthan, I’d put Pushkar and Udaipur at the top, especially if you’re looking for something a little more scenic and nature-ey.

A large group of pigeons flies over a lake in front of ornate white and beige buildings, including a waterfront pavilion, in Udaipur, India—scenery that shows exactly why so many people ask, “Is Udaipur worth visiting?” on a sunny day.

Day Trips from Udaipur: Is Kumbhalgarh Fort Worth Visiting?

I’ll be honest, I didn’t visit Kumbhalgarh Fort, and I didn’t try to either.

By the time I reached Udaipur, I’d already experienced a fair bit of fort fatigue after visiting massive sites in Agra and Jaipur.

As impressive as they were, I just didn’t feel the pull to see ANOTHER fort, especially because I was just enjoying Udaipur itself far too much.

That said, Kumbhalgarh Fort is often recommended as one of the top day trips from Udaipur.

It’s known as the “Great Wall of India”; it’s surrounded by a 36-kilometre wall (which is second only to the Great Wall of China) and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Other travellers I met spoke highly of it, so if forts are your thing or you’ve got an extra day to fill, it’s worth looking into.

But if you’re already feeling a bit maxed out on forts like I was, then you can probably skip it.

A woman with curly hair and sunglasses smiles at the camera beside a calm lake, with mountains and a clear blue sky—reflecting the confidence of those exploring new places and wondering, "Is India Safe For Solo Female Travellers?.

Where to Stay in Udaipur

I stayed at Dreamyard Hostel, and it ended up being one of my favourite places I stayed during my entire time in India (and probably one of my favourites from 11 years of travelling).

The location is ideal as it is located right in the old town and just a short walk from Lake Pichola, and I’ll honestly never get over just how beautiful the rooftop views are. Plus, the rooms were clean, and the staff were so, so nice!

It’s also a very social hostel, which makes it super easy to make friends as a solo traveller. And they organise local tours, including a sunrise trip to Bahubali Hills, which was super fun (albeit very scary when I realised I had to get on the back of a motorbike on Indian city roads).

A large group of people, covered in colorful powder, pose and smile for a photo in front of Dreamyard Hostel during the Holi festival. They wear white clothes splashed with vibrant colors, celebrating joyfully outdoors.

A woman with curly hair sits on a rocky hilltop at sunset, looking over her shoulder and smiling. The scene, reminiscent of the tranquil landscapes near Udaipur, might leave you wondering: Is Udaipur worth visiting for views like this?.

Other Options to Consider

If hostels aren’t your thing (and fair enough) or you’re looking for something more private, Udaipur has a really good selection of accommodation options, including budget guesthouses and boutique hotels with lake views.

If I were to return here with my boyfriend and wanted a slightly more romantic experience, I’d look into smaller heritage hotels or lakeside stays around Fateh Sagar Lake.

A woman with curly hair and sunglasses smiles while standing by a decorative railing overlooking a lake in Udaipur, with a white building and mountains in the background—capturing why many ask, "Is Udaipur worth visiting?.

My Honest Thoughts: Is Udaipur Really Worth Visiting?

As you have already probably guessed from this post, Udaipur was one of the highlights of Rajasthan for me.

It offered a slice of serenity in what is a very busy and popular state in India, and it’s exactly what I needed after visiting places like Agra, Jaipur and Varanasi.

If you thrive off high energy, Udaipur might feel like a bit of a come-down after some of the other cities in North India, but if you’re after a semi-break from the chaos, beautiful scenery and walkable streets, it’s absolutely perfect.

If you have any questions about Udaipur, please do not hesitate to reach out!

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

In a Rush? Here’s Why Udaipur Is 100% Worth It