Udaipur (The City Of Lakes)
The Indian state of Rajasthan is home to the breathtakingly gorgeous city of Udaipur, sometimes known as the City of Lakes. Any traveler should make time to see Udaipur, which is well-known for its breathtaking architecture, extensive history, and unspoiled natural beauty. This thorough handbook will assist you in organizing your tour.
Best Time to Visit Udaipur
October through March are the best months to visit Udaipur because of the beautiful weather that is perfect for sightseeing. Since the temperature can reach up to 45°C during the summer (April to June), avoid going during that time of year.
Places to Visit In Udaipur
- City Palace Udaipur: A majestic palace that showcases the rich history and architecture of Udaipur. The palace complex includes several buildings, gardens, and museums.
- Lake Pichola: A picturesque lake that offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and palaces. Take a boat ride to explore the lake and its many attractions.
- Jag Mandir: A beautiful palace located on an island in Lake Pichola. The palace is famous for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
- Fateh Sagar Lake: A serene lake that offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and palaces. Take a boat ride to explore the lake and its many attractions.
- Sahelion-ki-Bari: A beautiful garden that was built for the royal ladies of Udaipur. The garden features stunning fountains, pools, and marble elephants.
- Eklingji Temple: A historic temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple features stunning architecture and beautiful carvings.
- Haldighati: A historic site that is famous for the Battle of Haldighati, which took place in 1576. The site features a museum and a memorial.
Things to Do In Udaipur
- Lake Pichola Boat excursion: Sail across the wonderful sights of Lake Pichola on a romantic boat excursion.
- Hot Air Balloon Flight: Take a hot air balloon flight to see Udaipur from above.
- Riding a horse allows you to see Udaipur’s countryside and take in the area’s natural splendor.
- Shopping: Udaipur is well-known for its jewels, textiles, and handicrafts. Shop for mementos in the local markets.
- Food: Sample some of the regional specialties of Udaipur, such as ghevar, mirchi bada, and dal baati churma.
Accommodation
Udaipur offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts. Some of the top hotels in Udaipur include
- This opulent resort, The Oberoi Udaivilas, provides breathtaking views of Lake Pichola.
- Beautiful views of Lake Pichola may be found at the opulent Leela Palace Udaipur.
- Situated on an island in Lake Pichola, the Taj Lake Palace is a five-star establishment.
- Hotel Hilltop Palace: This reasonably priced lodging has breathtaking views of the hillsides around it.
Getting Around
Udaipur is well-connected to major cities in India by air, rail, and road. Here are some ways to get around Udaipur
- cab: Take a cab to get around the city and all of its sights.
- An economical and practical mode of transportation in the city is the Auto rickshaw.
- Bike: Rent a bike to tour the city and all of its sights.
- Strolling: Since Udaipur is a walking city, taking a stroll around it is a wonderful opportunity to take in all of its natural splendor.
Tips and Essentials
- Language: Although English is widely spoken there, Hindi is the official language of Udaipur.
- Currency: The native currency is the Indian rupee.
- Weather: Prepare for the scorching desert heat of Udaipur while packing.
- Safety: Although Udaipur is a secure city, take the appropriate safety measures to safeguard your personal things and yourself.
- Honor Local Culture: Because Udaipur is a culturally diverse city, make sure you honor regional traditions and customs.
Udaipur Temperature And Climate Information
- Monthly Temperature Averages
| Jan | 20-25 | 5-10 | Low | Few | Low |
| Feb | 20-25 | 5-10 | Low | Few | Low |
| Mar | 25-30 | 15-20 | Low | Few | Moderate |
| Apr | 35-40 | 20-25 | Low | Few | High |
| May | 35-40 | 25-30 | low | Few | High |
| Jun | 35-40 | 25-30 | high | Many | High |
| Jul | 30-35 | 25-30 | high | Many | High |
| Aug | 30-35 | 25-30 | high | Many | High |
| Sep | 34 | 26 | 70.30 | 8 | 51 |
| Oct | 25-30 | 15-20 | low | Few | moderate |
| Nov | 20-25 | 5-10 | low | Few | Low |
| Dec | 20-25 | 5-10 | low | Few | Low |
Udaipur Lake
1. Lake Pichola
- Artificial freshwater lake built in 1362 AD
- Features iconic structures like Taj Lake Palace
- Famous for being a filming location (James Bond’s Octopussy)
2. Fateh Sagar Lake
- Approximately 2.4 km long and 1.6 km wide
- Surrounded by Aravalli Hills
- Contains three islands:
- Nehru Park with a zoo
- Public park with water-jet fountains
- Udaipur Solar Observatory
3. Badi Lake (Jiyan Sagar)
- Created to counter a devastating famine
- Located 12 km from Udaipur city
- Named after Maharana Raj Singh’s mother, Jana Devi
Cultural and Ecological Significance
The lakes of Udaipur are more than just water bodies. They:
- Provide water for the city
- Support diverse ecosystems
- Host various bird species
- Create a picturesque landscape
- Offer recreational activities like boating and sightseeing
Udaipur Hills
Bahubali Hills
Location and Highlights:
- Situated approximately 13-15 km from Udaipur city center
- Located near Badi Lake
- Offers panoramic 360-degree views of the Aravalli Range and surrounding valleys
Key Features:
- Part of the Aravalli Range
- Named after sage Bahubali, who reportedly meditated there 300 years ago
- Features a 28-foot-tall idol of Lord Bahubali
- Popular for:
- Sunrise and sunset views
- Photography
- Short trekking experience (15-20 minutes)
- Entry fee of just ₹10
Aravalli Mountains
Geographical Characteristics:
- Surrounds Udaipur, creating a stunning natural backdrop
- Separates the city from the Thar Desert
- Provides diverse ecosystems including:
- Deciduous forests
- Scrublands
- Grasslands
Notable Hill Attractions
Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace):
- Located on Bansdara Peak of the Aravalli Range
- Built-in the late 19th century
- Provides breathtaking views of Udaipur landscape
Ecological Significance
The hills around Udaipur are home to:
- Diverse flora like dhokla, khair, tendu, and amla trees
- Various wildlife species
- Rich bird populations, making it a haven for birdwatchers
Visiting Tips
Best Time to Visit:
- Monsoon season for lush green landscapes
- Early mornings or late afternoons for optimal views
- Weekdays for a more peaceful experience
Access:
- Accessible by:
- Personal vehicle
- Taxi
- Bike/scooter rental
- Moderate trekking is required to reach viewpoints
The hills surrounding Udaipur not only provide stunning natural scenery but also offer visitors a chance to experience the region’s rich ecological and cultural
Udaipur Map Location
Udaipur:https://maps.app.goo.gl/wATqCzig6fzkuM33A
1. City Palace
- A magnificent complex overlooking Lake Pichola
- Largest palace complex in Rajasthan
- A blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles
- Houses museums showcasing royal artifacts and paintings
2. Lake Pichola
- An artificial lake was created in 1362 AD
- Features stunning islands and palaces
- Home to the famous Lake Palace (now a luxury hotel)
- Offers breathtaking boat rides with panoramic views
3. Jagdish Temple
- Impressive Indo-Aryan architectural marvel
- Dedicated to Lord Vishnu
- Intricate stone carvings and sculptures
- Built-in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh
4. Saheliyon Ki Bari
- A beautiful garden created for royal maidens
- Marble pavilions, fountains, and lotus pools
- An exquisite example of Rajputana landscaping
Cultural Experiences
- Vibrant folk music and dance performances
- Traditional Rajasthani cuisine
- Miniature painting workshops
- Colorful markets selling handicrafts and textiles
Best Time to Visit
- October to March (Winter season)
- Pleasant temperatures
- Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities
Unique Experiences
- Sunset boat rides on Lake Pichola
- Vintage car museum tours
- Traditional puppet shows
- Cooking classes featuring Rajasthani cuisine
Accessibility
- Well-connected by air, rail, and road
- Nearest airport: Maharana Pratap Airport
- Regular trains and buses from major cities
Travel Tips
- Carry comfortable walking shoes
- Respect local customs and dress modestly
- Stay hydrated and use sunscreen
- Hire local guides for better insights
Nearby Attractions
- Chittorgarh Fort
- Mount Abu
- Ranakpur Jain Temples
Accommodation
- Luxury heritage hotels
- Budget-friendly guesthouses
- Lakeside resorts
- Homestays offering authentic experiences
Photography
- Stunning architectural backdrops
- Vibrant street scenes
- Cultural festivals
- Picturesque landscapes
Udaipur offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an immersive royal Rajasthani experience.
Why Udaipur Is Called City Of Lakes
Reasons for City of Lakes Designation
Historical Water Management
- Strategic creation of lakes for water conservation
- Addressing water scarcity in the arid Rajasthan region
- Sophisticated hydraulic engineering by Mewar rulers
Architectural and Aesthetic Significance
- Lakes integrated with palaces and urban planning
- Reflective surfaces create stunning visual landscapes
- Supporting local ecosystem and biodiversity
Cultural and Economic Importance
Tourism
- Lakes attract millions of tourists annually
- Scenic boat rides and lake-side experiences
- Romantic and picturesque environment
Water Resource Management
- Lakes serve as crucial water reservoirs
- Support agricultural and urban water needs
- Groundwater recharge mechanism
Unique Characteristics
- Seven major lakes within city limits
- Interconnected lake system
- Architectural marvels surrounding water bodies
- Blend of natural beauty and human engineering