3 Days in Rajasthan’s City of Lakes: A Complete Guide to Udaipur
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Imagine a city full of white marble architecture, stunning lakes and rooftop restaurants overlooking centuries of royal heritage. Welcome to Udaipur – Rajasthan’s City of Lakes.
While most travellers head to explore Jaipur’s chaotic pink streets or Jodhpur’s narrow blue alleys, Udaipur is a city where Rajasthan slows down entirely.
Here I’ll share the ultimate 3 day itinerary to help you navigate its historic palaces, calm cafes and lake cruises without feeling rushed.
Contents
Practical Planning: Everything You Need to Know Before Going to Udaipur
When to Visit Udaipur
Peak Season (October to March): Clear, sunny skies with comfortable temperature of 15ºc to 28ºc. Perfect for sightseeing, however hotel rates are at their highest during this time.
Summer Heat (April to June): Temperatures reach over 40ºc often, making sightseeing intense, especially during midday sun.
Monsoon Season (July to September): The surrounding hills are a lush green and the lakes are full. If you don’t mind the occasional burst of heavy rain, this time is great for beautiful landscapes and lower room rates.
I personally visited in August during the monsoon season and I can confirm that the landscapes are absolutely incredible during this time. International tourism is reduced but domestic tourism is still booming so everything is open and thriving. Over the 5 days I spent in Udaipur, I had one bad weather day and the rest a little grey but absolutely fine.
How to Get to Udaipur
By Plane: If you’re connecting domestically from Delhi, Mumbai or Bangalore and are wanting to fly, Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR) sits about 22 km east of the city center. Taxis from the airport take around 40 – 50 minutes to reach the Old City.
By Train: Udaipur City Railway (UDZ) is around 15 minutes from Lake Pichola and provides services to many major cities like Jaipur, Delhi, Agra and Mumbai as well as further destinations such as Bangalore, Rishikesh and so many more.
By Bus: Local buses and interstate buses run regularly across the country from Udiapole Bus Stand (RSRTC Central Bus Station) and private sleeper buses usually go from Reti Stand Circle which is a 20-minute auto ride from Lake Pichola.
I connected to Udaipur from Jodhpur and onwards to Delhi, both by sleeper buses. They were both affordable with the day time journey from Jodhpur costing only $6 and the overnight bus to Delhi costing only $10 for a 14 hour journey.
How to Get Around the City
Walking: If you are staying in the Old City, most sights inside the narrow lanes (around Lal Ghat, Hanuman Ghat, and Jagdish Chowk) are best explored on foot.
Auto-Rickshaws (Tuk-Tuks): Ideal for medium distances – such as traveling from the Old City out to Fateh Sagar Lake, Saheliyon Ki Bari, or the local bazaars.
Taxis: Best reserved for airport transfers and long-distance excursions outside the main city center, such as heading up to the Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh).
Tip: Use Uber for booking taxis and autos to avoid miscommunication when negotiating. If you want to do a 2-way journey, negotiate with them and ensure you agree on a wait time too before heading out on the ride.
The Ultimate 3-Day Udaipur Itinerary
Day 1 - Royal Legacy & Sunset on the Water
Morning: Start the day at Rajasthan’s largest palace complex, the City Palace, which is still home to Udaipur’s royal family today. Explore the courtyards and museum area as well as the small shops outside. The elevated balconies offer gorgeous views of Udaipur and Lake Pichola.
Midday: Walk down the road, past the souvenir shops and auto drivers, to Jagdish Temple. It’s a 17th-century Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is made up of intricate stone carvings. Explore the local alleys of the Old City and stop for an authentic Dal Baati Churma for lunch.
Late Afternoon: Head through to Bansi / Rameshwar Ghat and get a ticket to ferry over to Jagmandir Island Palace. The ride over the lake is beautiful and offers a completely different perspective of the city. Once you arrive, explore the gardens and grab a relaxing drink with a view.
Evening: After your boat ride back to land, spend the evening at Bagore Ki Haveli to experience the Dharohar Folk Dance – a traditional Rajasthani folk dance involving stacks of pots being balanced on a dancers head, a vibrant puppet theatre, and live regional music.
Day 2 - Gardens, Mountain Palaces & Hilltop Views
Morning: Start off your second day with a peaceful stroll through royal gardens built in the 18th-century, Saheliyon Ki Bari. The area is full of marble fountains, lotus pools and green lawns.
Midday: Take a short trip over to Bansdara Mountain and get a shared taxi up the winding road to the Monsoon Palace. Sat way above the city, this 19th-century white marble retreat was built by the royal family to watch the monsoon clouds and rain over the city. Enjoy the space and the incredible views it offers.
Afternoon: After grabbing a quick lunch, get a ride over to Bahubali Hills. From the base, a quick 10-minute hike will bring you out at one of Udaipur’s most spectacular viewpoints. At the top you’ll find incredible 360-degree views, dramatic rock formations and the stunning Lake Badi below.
Evening: Return to the Old City and head over to one of the city’s many rooftop restaurants overlooking Lake Pichola to watch sun set followed seeing the illuminated city while you enjoy a meal.
Day 3 - Ancient Heritage, Bazaars & Skyline Views
Morning: Take a taxi out of the city to explore the 10th-century Nagda Temples, famous for their details carvings and impressive artwork. On the way back, stop by the Eklingji Temple, a sacred spiritual site dedicated to Lord Shiva which features 108 marble shrines inside.
Midday: Closer to the city is the beautiful Fateh Sagar Lake, stop by and enjoy a stroll along the wide waterfront promenade before stopping for lunch at one of the many lakeside stalls.
Afternoon: Head back into the city centre to explore the Maharajas’ private Vintage & Classic Car Collection, featuring custom 1930s Rolls-Royces and Cadillacs. Follow this up by wandering neighbouring Hathi Pol Bazaar to browse traditional Mewari miniature paintings, embroidered leather footwear, and hand-loomed textiles.
Evening: Head south to ride the aerial cable car (Mansapurna Karni Mata Ropeway) up Machhala Hill. Reaching the summit as the sun begins to set give you a gorgeous lookout over Lake Pichola, the City Palace, and the illuminated city below for one last view of Udaipur. End your time in this wonderful city by experiencing the lively vibe of Gangaur Ghat.
Where and What to Eat & Drink in Udaipur
Udaipur is absolutely packed with rooftop restaurants with most of them offering similar views over Lake Pichola and similar menus. Whilst you should absolutely eat at a rooftop restaurant for dinner at least once during your time in the City of Lakes, if you want great coffee, and stand out spots then here’s my personal recommendations from my visit to the city:
Best for Specialty Coffee: Nothing Before Coffee
If you’re after a good latte or something a little more flavoured and funky then this is a great spot to get some good coffee beyond the classic filter coffee.
Best for Stuffed Parathas: Nagar Restaurant
This is the kind of place most tourists casually walk past without even noticing it but if you’re looking for authentic Indian food beyond the tourist menus then head here. The owners are so friendly, their stuffed parathas are cooked right in front of you and served with great dips for 100 – 200INR a piece.
Best for Workspace & Laid-Back Vibes: The Backyard Cafe
A nice little spot with an unexpected view of the City Palace and Lake Pichola. If you need a good workspace then this place has good WiFi, and charging points, or if you just want a peaceful spot to relax them this is a great environment. Their drinks are lovely and food is tasty, plus their staff are super friendly.
Best for Bakery Treats: Cafe Edelweiss
As one of the Old City’s most charming long-standing spots, this cafe is great for a relaxed dinner. However, beyond their savoury dishes, they offer the most incredible desserts. A range of cheesecakes amongst other items, a must-try.
Note: These are all genuine recommendations, I revisited all of these spots at least twice because I enjoyed them. If you do have time to visit any of them then absolutely do.
Must Try Foods & Drinks:
- Dal Baati Churma: Rajasthan’s signature dish. It involves baked hard wheat balls (baati), served alongside a lentil curry (dal) and a sweet crumbled wheat dessert (churma).
- Kulhad Coffee / Masala Chai: Hot coffee or spiced tea served in traditional terracotta clay cups (kulhads). The best hot drinks are usually found along the promenade of Fateh Sagar Lake in the evening.
- Laal Maas: For meat-lovers only, this classic royal Rajasthani mutton curry is cooked with a rich red chili paste, garlic, and yogurt.
- Chaas: Also known as spiced buttermilk, this refreshing, thin yogurt drink is seasoned with roasted cumin, mint, and black salt and is considered essential for staying cool during hot weather.
Where to Stay in Udaipur
Luxury Hotels: If you’re looking for a hotel with incredible facilities, wonderful architecture and an experience on its own then Udaipur has options for you. The outstanding, unique hotel that sits in the middle of Lake Pichola is the gorgeous Taj Lake Palace. For mainland luxury hotels, the Leela Palace and Oberoi Udaivilas are incredible options, both located right next to Lake Pichola.
Mid-Range Stays: For those who are looking for a great place to stay without paying luxury prices, these are for you. Jagat Niwas Palace, and Amet Haveli are all wonderful options with individual characteristics – from restored 17th-century havelis with lake-facing window seats to peaceful courtyard pools right near the main sights.
Budget Hostels: If you are traveling on a budget or travelling solo and want a social atmosphere, Udaipur has incredible options. Zostel Lake Pichola, and The Hosteller Lake City offer clean dorms, private rooms, and vibrant rooftop common spaces with impressive city views. Bonus points, they are all within walking distance of the Old City.
During my time in Udaipur I stayed at Peacock Guest House in a lake view private room. The room is basic but has everything you need – AC, a kettle, WiFi, and a great central location. The star of the show here was the balcony views of Pichola Lake. Bonus: the room was $30 a night, which split between two people is great!
Travel Tips & Local Etiquette
Uber Pick Up Points in the Old City: Uber is great for getting upfront pricing and inputting your exact locations. However, when you’re trying to leave the Old City, the pick up location becomes incredibly awkward, the pins move to their own specific spots so you can only be picked up from a few points in the Old City. Either walk to these points, or hail a local auto-rickshaw.
Dress Modestly at Temples: While Udaipur is very accustomed to tourists, places of worship like Jagdish Temple require you to dress modestly. Keep your shoulders and knees covered and be sure to remove footwear before stepping inside any religious buildings.
Negotiating Auto-Rickshaws: If you hail an auto-rickshaw on the street, drivers often start with insanely inflated prices for tourists. Always agree on a price before getting in. If you want to do a two-way journey, negotiate the rate with your driver beforehand and confirm how long they will wait for you.
Tipping Protocol: Tipping is appreciated in India but usually casual. At casual cafes and restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving around 10% for good service is standard. For auto-rickshaws, leaving an extra 20INR is always appreciated. If you hire a private driver for a full-day trip, consider a larger tip of 200 – 500INR.
Cash is Still King: While hotels, cafes, and major restaurants are likely to accept credit cards and UPI payments, small street vendors, auto drivers, and bazaar stalls use cash. Always keep small denominations.
Lakeside Respect: The ghats around Lake Pichola (like Gangaur Ghat and Hanuman Ghat) are active communal spaces used by locals for daily rituals and morning baths. Be considerate when taking photos – avoid taking photos of people bathing, and step back if a religious ceremony is taking place.
Summary
From its grand royal history, serene lakes and vibrant markets, Udaipur is undoubtedly beautiful. Three days is a great amount of time to be able to truly experience the city as opposed to just seeing it.
I hope you found this guide useful in planning your own trip or learning a little more about Udaipur. Be sure to check out some of my other related Rajasthan guides to plan the best trip in India.
Hi, I'm Kelly!
Welcome to The Untold Journeys, a travel blog with a focus on raw, authentic travels and finding those exciting hidden gems.
I’m here to share my experiences and stories to give you everything you need to explore the world and head on your own adventures.
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