Have you ever dreamed of experiencing the vibrant colours, cultural richness, and natural splendour of Rajasthan? If so, look no further than Udaipur, the picturesque City of Lakes in the Aravalli Hills. This historic city overflowing with palaces, forts, lakes, and lush greenery is calling your name. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the architectural wonders of the City Palace complex, soak in breathtaking sunsets over Lake Pichola, or get lost in the maze of narrow streets in the old city, Udaipur has something for everyone. As you explore the city at your own pace, vibrant festivals, delectable Rajasthani cuisine, and colourful handicrafts await around every corner. An unforgettable journey to this oasis in the desert is now within your reach. Let your senses come alive in the Venice of the East - magical Udaipur. Your perfect Rajasthan trip package adventure starts here.
Planning the Perfect Rajasthan Trip Package
Planning a trip to Rajasthan can be overwhelming, with so many options! The key is figuring out your must-see destinations and pacing yourself. We recommend focusing on Udaipur, the City of Lakes, for a perfect first trip.
Udaipur sightseeing is ideal for 2-3 days. Start with the City Palace, a sprawling complex with royal residences, temples, and the Crystal Gallery. Nearby, check out the Jagdish Temple, a stunning example of Indo-Aryan architecture. Head to Fateh Sagar Lake or the Monsoon Palace atop SajjanGarh Hill for scenic views.
A boat ride on Lake Pichola at sunset is a must. Palaces, havelis, and the picturesque Lake Palace Hotel surround the lake. For a unique experience, stay overnight at the Shiv Niwas Palace or Jagat Niwas Palace. Both are heritage hotels offering a royal experience on a budget.
Take time to explore the old city, with its maze of narrow lanes, havelis, and vibrant bazaars. Shop for lacquerware, silver jewellery, miniature paintings, or colourful textiles—sample delicious Rajasthani cuisine like daal baati churma, ker sangri, or malai ghevar.
With majestic forts, azure lakes, and a colourful culture, Udaipur will captivate you. Planning lets you experience the best of this enchanting city at your own pace. Focus on quality over quantity and immerse yourself fully in all Udaipur offers. Your perfect Rajasthan trip package here!
Top Attractions for Udaipur Sightseeing
Once you're in Udaipur, there are plenty of attractions to explore. Here are some of the top spots for your Udaipur sightseeing:
City Palace
This palace complex on the banks of Lake Pichola is the largest in Rajasthan. Wander through the rooms and halls, admiring the mirrored tiles, paintings, and decorative arches. Climb up to the top of the Jagdish Temple for panoramic city views.
Lake Pichola
Take a boat ride on the picturesque Lake Pichola to view the City Palace and Jag Mandir Island Palace from the water. The palace is illuminated as the sun sets over the Aravalli Hills, creating a magical scene. Stop by one of the restaurants along the lakefront to dine with a view.
Jag Mandir Island Palace
Accessible only by boat, Jag Mandir Island Palace was once a royal summer retreat. The palace, noted for its marble composition and sandstone facade, now hosts a hotel and restaurant. Even if you don't stay overnight, it's worth visiting for a drink or meal to soak in the atmosphere.
Monsoon Palace
Perched on a hilltop with sweeping views, the Monsoon Palace was built as an astronomical centre. While the palace is now mostly ruins, the scenic drive up and vistas from the top make it worth the trip. Come at sunset or sunrise for the best light and the smallest crowds. The palace is a popular spot for sunrise yoga or sunset picnics, so go early to beat the rush.
With palaces, lakes, hills, and historic sights, Udaipur has a wealth of attractions to explore on your Rajasthan trip. Take your time to soak in the romantic ambiance of this Venice of the East. A few days in Udaipur will allow you to see the significant highlights relaxed.
Recommended Itineraries for 3-5 Days in Udaipur
If you have 3 to 5 days to explore the beautiful city of Udaipur, here are some recommended itineraries to make the most of your time:
Day 1: Explore the City Palace and Lake Pichola
Start your first day by visiting the magnificent City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Wander through the rooms and halls of the palace to admire the intricate architecture and artwork. Then, head to Lake Pichola, one of the most picturesque lakes in India. You can take a boat ride to soak in the beauty or dine at one of the restaurants along the shore.
Day 2: Visit Chittorgarh Fort and Kumbhalgarh Fort
On day two, take a day trip to explore the historic forts outside the city. Chittorgarh Fort is the largest fort in India, with many palaces, temples, and towers to discover. Kumbhalgarh Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for having the second longest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China. Both forts offer stunning views of the Aravalli Hills.
Day 3: Explore Bundi and Wildlife Sanctuaries
For your third day, visit the charming town of Bundi, home to over 50 stepwells and a palace featuring beautiful murals. You can also spot wildlife at nearby sanctuaries like Jhalana Leopard Conservation Reserve or Sajjangarh Biological Park. Keep an eye out for leopards, striped hyenas, golden jackals, and over 200 species of birds.
Day 4-5: Relax or Take a Cooking Class
On your last couple of days, you can relax and enjoy the amenities at your hotel or experience more of the local culture. Consider taking a Rajasthani cooking class to make classic dishes like laal maas, gatte ki sabzi, or dal baati churma. You can also visit local bazaars to shop for colourful textiles, silver jewellery, or handcrafted wooden items as souvenirs for your trip.
With a perfect blend of culture, history, nature, and relaxation, 3 to 5 days is an excellent amount of time to explore the best of Udaipur and beyond. Have a wonderful trip!
Getting Around Udaipur: Transportation Tips
Getting around Udaipur is relatively easy, whether you explore on your own or book a guided tour. You can use the following advice to get around the city.
Rickshaws and Taxis
Udaipur has auto rickshaws and taxis readily available to take you between destinations. Fares for shorter rides within the city should be around 50-100 INR. You can expect to pay between 700 to 1000 INR for an all-day hire. Prior to the ride, make sure you haggle the fare.
Boat Rides
One of the best ways to see Udaipur's lakeside attractions is by boat. Many hotels and travel agents offer boat tours of Lake Pichola that stop at Jag Mandir Palace, Jag Niwas Palace, and the City Palace complex. A sunset boat cruise is a magical experience, with the palaces glowing in the fading light. Fares range from 300 to 700 INR per person for a 1 to 2-hour tour.
Walking Tours
If you want to explore at your own pace, Udaipur's old city is perfect for walking. All the major attractions like City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Gangaur Ghat, and Bagore-ki-Haveli are within a mile of each other. Get out early to beat the daytime heat and crowds. Stop for a refreshing masala chai or cold drink along the way.
Bicycle Rentals
For the active traveller, renting a bicycle is a great way to cover more ground. Many hotels and tour operators rent bikes for 100-300 INR daily. Udaipur's traffic could be more manageable but do exercise caution. The bike lanes and roads around Fateh Sagar and Swaroop Sagar lakes are ideal for cycling.
Whether travelling by rickshaw, taxi, boat, or bike, give yourself ample time to explore what Udaipur offers. The city's relaxed vibe invites you to slow down, soak in the atmosphere, and immerse yourself in its rich history and culture. You'll find the perfect pace for your Udaipur sightseeing adventure by balancing efficient transportation with unhurried wandering.
Where to Stay in Udaipur: Best Areas and Accommodation
Udaipur, the City of Lakes, is filled with picturesque areas to rest your head during your stay. Choosing where to stay in Udaipur depends on the experience you're looking for. Here are some of the best areas and types of accommodation to consider:
Lake Pichola
You can't beat the hotels on Lake Pichola for a fairytale setting. Options like the Oberoi Udaivilas and Taj Lake Palace offer luxury rooms with lake views, spas, pools, and fine dining. While pricey, the ambiance and amenities are world-class. More budget-friendly hotels a short walk from the lake include Hotel Lake Ghat Palace and Jaiwana Haveli.
City Palace Complex
Stay within the walled City Palace complex to immerse yourself in Udaipur's history. Hotels like the Shiv Niwas Palace and Fateh Prakash Palace were once royal residences with opulent architecture and decor. You'll be a stone's throw from attractions like the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, and Vintage Car Museum.
Gulab Bagh and Suraj Pol
North of the City Palace, the Gulab Bagh, and Suraj Pol areas have a nice mix of upscale and mid-range hotels at lower prices than the lake and palace hotels. The Radisson Blu Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa, The Ananta Udaipur, and Hotel Mahendra Prakash are all within a 10-minute walk to the City Palace, with beautiful gardens or rooftop restaurants on-site.
Shamlaji Road
For budget-friendly lodging in a quieter area, check out hotels along Shamlaji Road, like Hotel Ardency Inn, Hotel Yuvraj, and Sajjan Bagh Resort. Just 2 kilometres from the City Palace, Shamlaji Road offers basic but comfortable rooms at a lower cost. You can easily catch an auto-rickshaw to explore the main sights.
Udaipur is a city best enjoyed at an unhurried pace. Choose lodging that suits your needs so you can soak in the magical atmosphere and make memories to last a lifetime.
Conclusion
So there you have it, a perfect itinerary for exploring the best of Udaipur in 3 days. This beautiful city will charm you with its palaces, lakes, vibrant culture, and colourful bazaars. As you wander the streets, soak in the sights and sounds, enjoy delicious meals, and take in stunning sunsets, you'll create memories that will last a lifetime. Rajasthan is a destination, and Udaipur is the jewel in its crown. Now that you've got a taste of all that's on offer, start planning your trip and experience the magic of Udaipur for yourself! The people of the city are eager to receive you.
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