Udaipur is the city of lakes and it’s an oasis of peace and serenity compared to other cities of Rajasthan.
What can you do and see to? What are the main attractions that you can’t miss?
In this post we’ll try to make a list of what we think you can’t lose once in Udaipur.
1) The TOP 5 things to do and see in Udaipur: a walk to the ghat of Lake Pichola or on the beautiful lakefront of lake FatehSagar.
Udaipur is also known as the city of lakes because it seems that everything here has been built around the city’s water mirrors.
The most famous is Lake Pichola. On its banks you’ll see the fantastic City Palace, but also the Lake Palace, a luxury hotel that looks like a fairy tale. On this lake was set the James Bond film “Octopussy – operation octopus”, impossible not to hear about it even if you’ll stay in Udaipur only for few hours!
The second lake we recommend is Fateh Sagar, in the northern part of the city. You can reach it walking for one hour or with a short tuk-tuk ride. Here the atmosphere is very relaxing and quiet. You can make a romantic ride on a boat or sit on a bench watching Indian families and couples of lovers walking.
2) The TOP 5 things to do and see in Udaipur: feeling like Maharajas, the City Palace and the Monsoon Palace.
Rajasthan is famous for its majestic palaces so, if you have been in the region for a few days, probably you have already visited many of them.
But you can’t miss the City Palace… it’s been built by several kings of the Kingdom of Mewar and it is a place that takes away your breath for 3 reasons:
– It is right on the lake;
– From the palace you enjoy a fabulous view on Udaipur;
– Decorations and exposed objects are beautiful and they refer to a fascinating and mysterious era.
The Monsoon Palace is not to be missed at sunset. The pink light of the setting sun makes the view on the lake, the hills and the town centre even more magical.
3) The TOP 5 things to do and see in Udaipur: Jagdish Temple.
Jagdish Temple is located in the heart of Udaipur and it’s easy to reach.
The Temple looks the chaotic streets of the town centre from its high position and it can be accessed through a staircase of 32 steps.
The call to prayer, the incense and the offered flowers give a fascinating and transcendent feeling to this structure.
If you are in the temple at 11am, you can make your offerings of rice or money to the beggars who are there.
4) The TOP 5 things to do and see in Udaipur: get lost among the cenotaph of Gangu Kund.
Gangu Kund is what impressed us the most in Udaipur. You can reach it from the city centre with a 15 minute drive by tuk-tuk and it seems to be a place forgotten by tourists and visitors. Once you arrive, you will find a closed gate, but after a few minutes you will be joined by the keeper who will let you enter this surreal place. It is a kind of cemetery that contains about 300 Cenotaph, i.e. the tombs of the maharajahs of Mewar. The atmosphere is truly mystical and difficult to describe. Don’t miss it!!!
5) The TOP 5 things to do and see in Udaipur: the temple of Eklingji
In this 5th point, we’re moving a little bit from Udaipur. Eklingji is a small village located 25 km north of the city, and you can reach it easily by bus departing from the main bus station. Be careful because Eklingji is not on the main road to Nathdwara, so many direct buses do not stop there.
For the same reason, when you have to come back, you could wait several hours before you see a bus.
We had to wait for about 3 hours, but it was amazing because we enjoied the incredible hospitality and kindness of the people who entertained us and sold us fantastic street food and also invited us for a quick lunch
