The Taj Lake Palace, Saheliyon ki Bari, Lake Pichola, and Fateh Sagar Lake are some of the iconic landmarks of our destination city. Yes, this is Udaipur. And, all you need is our 2 days itinerary for Udaipur to take you through this beautiful city.
Our highlights include:
- Taj Lake Palace
- City Palace
- Saheliyon ki Bari
- Ahar Cenotaphs
- Tripolia Gate
And, we are going to let you in on a secret the locals go to. This hidden gem in Udaipur is slowly gaining popularity among the locals and you are going to find it on our 2 days itinerary for Udaipur.
Let’s dive in.
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Where is Udaipur?
Udayapura or Udaipur is in the southernmost part of Rajasthan. The city is surrounded by the Aravalli mountains. It is these mountains that separate the city from the Thar Desert.
The city is unique in that the lakes are all man-made and interconnected. The lakes were to sustain groundwater recharge, drinking, and irrigation purposes. Udaipur has a semi-arid climate with the winter and monsoon seasons being the best times to visit the city.
Just like the other cities in Rajasthan, Udaipur has successfully merged age-old traditions with a modern lifestyle. Although the city is safe for tourists and solo female travelers, always be aware of your surroundings and touts who appear friendly and begin conversations about an “upcoming Royal wedding”, and never reveal your details or travel plans to any stranger.
History
Udaipur’s history dates back to 2000 BCE when remnants of two different civilizations inhabited the Ahar River banks. The first group is the Bhils, the original tribal group that still calls Udaipur home. The second group is the Rajputs who came to Udaipur and have continued to live on these lands.
The city was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II who decided to move his capital to a secure location. Ayad was already a thriving town, but it was prone to floods. While hunting, Udai Singh II came across a hermit who blessed and guided him to a spot to build his new capital.
To further strengthen and protect his new city, Udai Singh II built a six-kilometer-long wall with seven gates. The palace is City Palace and the vicinity within these gates is known as the Old City of the Old Walled City of Udaipur.
By 1615, Maharaja Rana Singh agreed to be under Mughal Empire under Jahangir with Udaipur being the state capital. Due to Udaipur’s location, the city was safe from Mughal influence.
By 1818, the Rajput rulers signed the Treaty of Alliance, Friendship, and Unity with the British, and the Udaipur State Constitution was adopted in 1947. In 1949, Udaipur became part of independent India.
Visa Requirements
A valid visa is required for all foreign nationals entering India. The citizens of Maldives can enter India visa-free for up to 90 days whilst citizens of South Korea, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates have access to the Visa on Arrival facility.
Citizens of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, France, Japan, Singapore, and Thailand have access to the e-visa facility. The official website for India’s e-visa and the application process is the Bureau of Immigration’s website.
The other method to obtain a regular visa is via a three-step process described on the official Government of India’s website. The visa fee would vary depending on the visa type and the duration of the visa.
Alternatively, you can apply to iVisa to get your Indian visa in a simple, fast, and easy process that gives you peace of mind.
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How can I plan for 2 days itinerary in Udaipur?
With Udaipur being one of the most beautiful cities in India, you might think that you may need more than 2 days to cover the city. Newsflash!
You can complete your visit to Udaipur in 2 days. Don’t believe us? Read on to see the areas we covered. And, if you have time, you can visit the hidden gem in Udaipur that only the locals know.
Day 1: Palaces and Lakes
We begin day 1 of our 2 days itinerary in Udaipur with a visit to the beautiful palaces and lakes that make this city iconic. Walk with us as we take you to City Palace, Lake Palace, and Fateh Sagar Lake.
City Palace
The first in our 2 days itinerary for Udaipur is the City Palace. This magnificent palace was built over 400 years. This historic landmark was the residence and administrative capital of Udaipur city.
The palace is built on a ridge on the eastern end of Lake Pichola and is made entirely from granite and marble. The unique beauty of this palace is that there are 11 small separate palaces within this complex.
Among the sites to visit in this complex are the gateways. Look out for Badi Pol or the Great Gate that leads to the first courtyard. Then make your way to Amar Vilas which was built as a pleasure pavilion. Amar Vilas has an entry to Badi Mahal which is the Garden Palace.
And then, make your way to Mor Chowk or Peacock Square where three peacocks were built into the niches of the wall. The peacocks represent the three seasons of Udaipur, summer, monsoon, and winter, and were made with 5,000 pieces of glass.
Are bags allowed in City Palace, Udaipur?
Yes, small bags are allowed. However, there is no baggage storage area to store larger bags. Hence, it would be wise to leave the larger bags at your hotel or in your private vehicle.
Who lives in City Palace, Udaipur?
The 76th custodian of the Mewar Dynasty, Arvind Singh Mewar currently lives in City Palace, Udaipur with his family.
When was City Palace Udaipur built?
The initial construction of the palace began in 1553 and the palace was extended, renovated, and refurbished by 22 generations of the Sisodia Rajput family.
Is there an entry fee for City Palace Udaipur?
The entry fee is ₹30 ($0.38) for adults and ₹15 ($0.20) for children. A fee of ₹200 ($3) is charged for still cameras. The fee to visit the Crystal Gallery is ₹550 ($7) for adults and ₹350 ($4.50) for children between the ages of 5 to 12 years.
A sunset boat ride costs ₹700 ($9) for adults and children, the fee is ₹400 ($6) while a visit to the Vintage & Classic Car Collection would set you back by ₹250 ($3.22) for adults and ₹150 ($2) for children between the ages of 5 to 12 years.
Lake Palace
The second in our 2 days itinerary for Udaipur the Lake Palace. What was once the summer palace of the Maharajas of the Mewar Dynasty is now a 5-star resort. The palace was built by Maharaja Jagat Singh II and was originally known as Jag Niwas.
Are visitors allowed at Taj Lake Palace?
No, visitors are not allowed. Only hotel guests are allowed entry into the premises of the palace.
What is Lake Palace famous for?
The Lake Palace is famous for its architectural beauty that combines white marble that contrasts against the well-maintained green gardens. The fountains add a calming element that enhances its serenity.
Monsoon Palace
The third in our 2 days itinerary for Udaipur is Monsoon Palace. This palace is also known as Sajjan Garh Palace as it was the residence of Maharaja Sajjan Singh. The beauty of this palace is that it sits on a hill that overlooks Fateh Sagar Lake.
The palace is built entirely from marble and stands at an elevation of 944 meters. Although originally designed as a nine-story astronomical center, it was turned into a hunting lodge and summer retreat after the death of Maharaja Sajjan Singh at the age of 26 years.
Why is it called Monsoon Palace?
It is called Monsoon Palace as it was meant to be an astronomical complex to keep track of the monsoon clouds within Udaipur.
How much is the entrance fee to the Monsoon Palace?
The entrance fee is ₹10 ($0.50) for Indians and ₹80 ($1) for foreigners.
Fateh Sagar Lake
The fourth in our 2 days itinerary for Udaipur is Fateh Sagar Lake. This is another artificial lake and is named after Maharaja Fateh Singh. Although the lake was originally built in 1687, the earthen bund was washed away during floods.
The lake was rebuilt in 1889 and renamed “Connaught Dam” to commemorate the visit of the Duke of Connaught. After his visit, the lake was enlarged and renamed Fateh Sagar lake.
How deep is Fateh Sagar Lake?
Fateh Sagar Lake has a maximum depth of 13 meters.
What is inside Fateh Sagar Lake?
There are three small islands within Fateh Sagar Lake. These islands are Nehru Park which is the largest island and a tourist attraction. The second island has a public park while the third island houses the Udaipur Solar Observatory.
Which is better, Lake Pichola or Fateh Sagar Lake?
If you are looking for scenic views, then both lakes are good. While Lake Pichola is often crowded with tourists and its waters are dirty and polluted, Fateh Sagar Lake is less touristy and its waters are slightly cleaner.
Lake Pichola
The fifth in our 2 days itinerary for Udaipur is Lake Pichola. This artificial freshwater lake was created as a dam to collect and store water for Udaipur’s drinking water and irrigation needs of the city.
The four manmade islands on the lake are Jag Niwas which now houses the Taj Lake Palace Hotel, Jag Mandir, Mohan Mandir, and Arsi Vilas which is now a bird sanctuary.
Lake Pichola is probably Udaipur’s most iconic and visited landmark. After all, a trip to Udaipur wouldn’t be complete without a visit to this scenic lake. Its beauty is so mesmerizing that Rudyard Kipling mentioned it in his book, the Letters of Marque.
Why is Lake Pichola famous?
Lake Pichola is famous for being one of the most beautiful and picturesque lakes in Rajasthan. With lush green hills, majestic palaces, and stunning sunsets, Lake Pichola enchants everyone who visits it.
Can you swim in Lake Pichola?
No, you can’t swim in Lake Pichola as the waters are dirty, polluted, and smelly. According to Swach India, some problems of Lake Pichola include sewage which flows directly into the lake and soil erosion which causes sediments to surface.
What is the depth of Pichola Lake?
The minimum depth of Lake Pichola is 4.32 meters with a maximum depth of 8.5 meters. Lake Pichola is 2.5 miles long and 1.9 miles wide.
Day 2: Other Must-Visits
On Day 2 of our 2 days itinerary for Udaipur, we explored the other beautiful must-visits with two hidden gems being our highlight for the day. The first hidden gem is the Ahar Cenotaphs while the second is the lesser-known Bahuballi Hills.
Saheliyon ki Bari
The sixth in our 2 days itinerary for Udaipur is Saheliyon ki Bari or Garden of the Maidens. These beautiful gardens lie on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake and were built for the queen of Maharaja Sangram Singh and her forty-eight maidens.
Local legends state that the 48 maidens accompanied the queen in her marriage to the Maharaja. The king built these gardens so that the ladies could relax and enjoy the gardens, away from the political drama of the king’s courts.
The garden is a perfect place to unwind before starting the day of sightseeing. With lotus pools, fountains, and lush green lawns, stay here a little longer to enjoy the peace and serenity of nature as the birds chirp in the background.
How much is the entrance fee to Saheliyon ki Bari?
There is an entrance fee of ₹10 ($0.50) for Indians and ₹50 ($1) for foreigners. The gardens are open seven days a week from 9 am to 7 pm.
Bagore ki Haveli
The seventh in our 2 days itinerary for Udaipur is Bagore ki Haveli. This 138-room palace is at Gangori Ghat, at the waterfront of Lake Pichola. The palace was built by Amar Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar during the 18th century.
The palace was temporarily used to house government employees until it was abandoned for forty years. By 1986, the government had relinquished the haveli and handed it over to the West Zone Cultural Center.
The West Zone Cultural Center began restoring the palace to a museum that showcases the cultural heritage of Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
The museum soon became a Museum of Mewar Aristocratic Culture and with the help of the royal family, the palace was restored to its architectural glory. Traditional methods were used to restore doors, windows, and perforated screens.
Stay for the traditional Dharohar Dance Show that starts around 7 pm and lasts for an hour. As guests sit on the floor, the haveli lights up as the dancers perform the traditional dances of Rajasthan which are the Ghoomar, Gorbandh, and Bhavani dances.
How much is the entrance fee to Bagore ki Haveli?
The entrance fee is ₹60 ($0.77) for Indian adults and ₹30 ($0.40) for Indian children between 5 to 12 years. Foreign adults are charged ₹100 ($1.30) while foreign children are charged ₹50 ($1). A separate fee of ₹50 ($1) is charged for cameras.
What are the opening hours for Bagore ki Haveli?
Bagore ki Haveli is open seven days a week from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm. The Dharohar Dance Show is from 7 pm to 8 pm with the tickets being sold from 6.15 pm onwards.
Ahar Cenotaphs
The eighth in our 2 days itinerary for Udaipur is Ahar Cenotaphs. This is our first Udaipur’s hidden gems. These cenotaphs are the memorials built over the cremation grounds of the Mewar Dynasty rulers. You would need to travel about 2 miles out of Udaipur to the town of Ahar where these cenotaphs are located.
There are at least 19 cenotaphs with the cenotaph of Maharaja Amar Singh being the most beautiful. The cenotaph of Maharaja Sangram Singh has an octagonal dome supported by eight pillars. The beauty of this cenotaph lies in the fifty-six pillars holding the structure together.
Maharaja Sangram Singh was cremated with his 21 wives. The other Maharajas cremated here include Maharaja Fateh Singh, Swaroop Singh, Bhupal Singh, and Sajjan Singh.
How much is the entrance fee to enter Ahar Cenotaphs?
Entry to Ahar Cenotaphs is free. There is a fee of ₹3 ($0.05¢) to enter the Ahar Archaeological Museum. This museum houses artifacts excavated from the mound of Dhulkot.
What are the opening hours of Ahar Cenotaphs?
Ahar Cenotaphs are open seven days a week from 6 am to 6 pm. The timings for Ahar Museum are from 10 am to 4.30 pm every day, except Fridays and Government holidays.
Tripolia Gate
The ninth in our 2 days itinerary for Udaipur Tripolia Gate. This gate is a triple-arched gate that signifies the northern entry into the City Palace. Back in the days, the road between Tropolia Gate and the ‘Badi Pol’ or the Great Gate was lined with tradesmen.
The distinct feature of Tripolia Gate is the marble arches where the Toranas are erected. In the past, the Maharajas used to sit on these toranas to determine the amount of gold and silver to be distributed to the people.
While you can view the gates from the outside, we combined the visit to Tripolia Gates from the inside when we visited the City Palace on Day 1 of our 2 days itinerary for Udaipur.
How much is the entrance fee to Tripolia Gate?
As Tripolia Gate is part of the City Palace, you would only need to pay the entry fee for City Palace which is ₹30 ($1) for adults and ₹15 ($0.20) for children. A separate charge of ₹300 ($4) is charged for still cameras and ₹500 ($7) for video cameras.
BONUS: Bahuballi Hills
The tenth and last in our 2 days itinerary for Udaipur is Bahuballi Hills. This is Udaipur’s hidden gem which is only known to the locals. This is the view of Badi Lake with the Aravalli mountains in the background.
How can I reach Bahubali Hills?
The only way to get here is by private vehicle to take you to the foot of the hills. The lake is located a few kilometers from Badi Lake. From there, you would need to hike for at least 20 minutes to reach the top where you will be greeted with this view.
Why is it called Bahubali Hills?
The story goes that a group of local youths was exploring this area when they stumbled upon this viewpoint. They named it Bahuballi as that movie was just released and was an instant hit all over India.
Where can we stay in Udaipur?
With Udaipur being the most beautiful and romantic city in India, deciding where to stay can be a daunting task. This is why we have chosen the most luxurious and gorgeous places to stay for your 2 days itinerary for Udaipur.
Taj Lake Palace
Our first choice to stay for a 2 days itinerary for Udaipur is the Taj Lake Palace. This is Udaipur’s most iconic hotel and is often viewed as the jewel on Lake Pichola. The heritage hotel was built between 1743 to 1746 and was the summer retreat of the Maharajas of the Mewar Dynasty.
The hotel has 65 rooms and 18 suites that come with free WiFi, a safety deposit box, ironing facilities, a laptop safety box, and bathtubs. Among the activities you can do here are boating, horseback riding, relaxing in the manicured gardens, or work out a sweat at the gym.
Some positive reviews mention the impeccable service, guests treated like royalty, and the staff was friendly and amazing. Guests also loved the scenic location and views from the bedrooms.
The Oberoi Udaivillas
Our second choice to stay for a 2 days itinerary for Udaipur is the Oberoi Udaivillas. This 87-room 5-star luxury resort is on the banks of Lake Pichola. With beautiful courtyards, fountains, and gardens, this resort exudes luxury at every corner. You can celebrate your loved ones under Lakeside Dome or at the Lakeside Pavillion.
All rooms come with free WiFi, air conditioning, a work desk, a safety deposit box, and a separate seating area. The rooms beautifully combine traditional Mewar motifs in a modern setting.
Some positive reviews mention the palatial rooms, well-thought-out spa and fitness center as well as the delicious cuisine served. Guests also loved the magical experience when the hotel illuminates at night. This hotel is a must-stay when in Udaipur.
The Leela Palace
The Leela Palace is a 72-room hotel with rooms that are decorated in gold and red which invoke the opulence and luxury of this lakeside retreat of the Maharajas of Mewar. From the calm waters of Lake Pichola to the rolling hills of the Aravalli mountains, renew, relax, and rejuvenate at this beautiful hotel.
Some positive reviews mention the pleasant and attentive staff as well as the grand and warm welcome at the reception. Guests also loved the stunning interiors and spacious rooms.
Jagat Niwas Palace
The Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel is a 27-room early 17th-century mansion on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola. The rooms are a blend of traditional and modern furnishings that feature Indian decor and antique furnishings.
All rooms come with free WiFi, a work desk, air conditioning, a hairdryer, a safety deposit box, and a seating area. To make your stay memorable, choose rooms with a lake view.
Some positive reviews include the fact that guests loved the clean rooms, the central location of the hotel in Udaipur’s Old City, and the helpful and attentive staff. Guests also loved the beautifully maintained courtyards and the superb rooftop views.
Trident Udaipur
The Trident Udaipur is a 139-room that blends elegance and style with modern furnishings. All rooms come with free WiFi for up to four devices, the traditional Rajasthani ‘jharokhas’ window frames, and views of the gardens and lake.
Some positive reviews mention quick check-in, comfortable rooms, and personalized attention to detail that made stays truly memorable. Other reviews mention that the hotel was clean and well-maintained and that the staff always went above and beyond their duties.
Raffles Udaipur
The Raffles Udaipur is a 101-room 5-star hotel that harmoniously combines traditional with modern amenities. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court, and gardens that immediately calms your mind and soul.
The rooms come with either lake views or garden views while the Flamingo Signature Room comes with an outdoor heated pool and cabana. All rooms come with free WiFi, a seating area, a kettle, and room service.
Some positive reviews mention the exceptional and diligent staff, the delicious food, and the location further away from the city giving it a feeling of being a private oasis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Udaipur
While we have tried our best to provide value to you on Udaipur, we know you may have other questions in mind. These are a compilation of some frequently asked questions on Udaipur. We hope you find these helpful!
What is Udaipur famous for?
Udaipur is famous for being the City of Lakes, the Venice of the East, and the White City of India. Udaipur is home to 7 lakes and a large number of palaces built from marble, hence, White City.
The former British Administrator to India, James Tod described Udaipur as “the most romantic spot on the continent of India” making it an alluring destination for weddings.
What is the best time to visit Udaipur?
The best time to visit Udaipur is during the winter months from December to March. During these months, the weather is pleasant and comfortable with temperatures fluctuating between 11.6°C and 28.3°C. This is the best time for sightseeing and exploration.
The summer months of April to July bring scorching heat, making travel uncomfortable. Due to low humidity, the heat leaves you tired, dehydrated, and sweaty. Be prepared to stay indoors and lounge by the swimming pool.
For budget travelers, the best time to visit Udaipur is during the monsoon months of June to November. During these months, humidity and rains are at their peak. You will find fewer crowds which makes it the best time for scenic boat rides and strolls by the lake.
Is Udaipur safe?
Yes, Udaipur is safe for tourists and solo female travelers. However, be cautious about touts and scams around the Old City. The scams include young men and women who try to convince you to buy their ‘paintings’ or ‘travel trips’.
As a precaution, never reveal too much personal information to strangers, regardless of how charming they may be.
How is the road from Jaipur to Udaipur?
The best road from Jaipur to Udaipur is National Highway 58 (NH 58). This road has a distance of 244 miles with a travel time of about 7 hours, in normal traffic. Although the highway is safe, it is recommended to break your journey for refreshments.
Can you swim in Udaipur lakes?
No, you can’t swim in the lakes of Udaipur. While there are no rules prohibiting swimming, the lake’s waters are not clean. This is because the locals use the water for laundry, bathing, and cleaning.
Is Udaipur safe for female travelers?
Yes, Udaipur is safe for female travelers. That being said, here are some tips which may be useful when planning your solo trip to Udaipur.
- Always keep your loved ones informed of your whereabouts and your itinerary for the day. You can provide essential travel details such as your hotel name, contact number, and your room number. You can also share your live location.
- Ensure you have a well-planned itinerary. By not planning and researching your destination and accommodation choices earlier, you may appear lost and confused. It is always better to spend more than you have your peace of mind compromised.
- Stay at homestays and hostels. Staying in hostels allows you to meet other solo travelers while building lifelong friendships. This is much better than staying in a hotel room, alone and scared.
- Always be self-reliant. This means you always carry enough cash and you have sufficient supplies such as a power bank, sanitary napkins, and food you can munch on.
- Confidence is key. This means being polite and respectful towards the culture and people you meet. That being said, this does mean that you have to agree to everything. If you are uncomfortable, say NO. Always trust your gut instincts.
While Udaipur is regarded as one of the safest cities in India, this does not mean that you let go of your common sense. Avoid walking into dimly lit areas at night and plan your journey so that you reach your destination during daylight hours are some measures you can take.
Are Udaipur lakes man-made?
Yes, Udaipur’s lakes are manmade. While these lakes are beautiful, they are an interconnected system of lakes that were used to harvest rainwater. Udaipur has a semi-arid desert climate which makes water a scarce resource.
These lakes were created over the years by rulers to ensure that the city always had sufficient water. With Udaipur at the foothills of the Aravalli range, storing rainwater water using lakes was a viable option.
Is Udaipur worth visiting?
The City of Lakes is worth visiting, for us. Here’s why you must make a trip to this magical city at least once in your lifetime.
- Second largest artificial lake in Asia. The Jaisamand Lake is the second-largest artificial lake in Asia. The lake was built by Maharaja Jai Singh and remained the largest lake until the British built the Aswan dam in Egypt.
- The Second Longest Wall. While we all know that the Great Wall of China is the longest in the world, the second-longest wall in the world is at Kumbhalgarh Fort. The wall is 36 kilometers long and was built to protect the fort from invaders.
- Scenic lakesides. With 7 lakes surrounding the city, you will find a scenic area to rest and relax while taking the views of the lakes and mountains. It is not surprising that Udaipur is sometimes referred to as the “Venice of the East”.
- Largest City Palace. Udaipur’s City Palace is the largest in Rajasthan. With its Mughal, Rajasthani, Medieval, and European influences, it is the most beautiful building in Udaipur.
- Cuisine. Rajasthani cuisine is unique in that you will never find the same taste anywhere else in India. Make sure to try Mirchi Bada, Dal Baati Churma, Pyaz Kachori, Gatte ki Sabzi, and Malpua when in Udaipur.
While the main attraction in Udaipur is the Taj Lake Palace, 2 days itinerary for Udaipur is more than enough to cover the sights, sounds, and experiences that this beautiful city has to offer.
