Udaipur — the city of lakes
Palaces, lakes and slow romance
Lake city · Best Oct–Mar
Verified by editor · 12 Jun 2026
Udaipur is Rajasthan's most romantic city — a cluster of palaces around Lake Pichola with rooftop restaurants, boat rides and easy day trips. A favourite for couples and honeymoons.
Travel scores
Who it's for
Boat rides and the City Palace are engaging for kids, with good medical access.
Widely considered India's most romantic city — palaces, lakes and sunset views.
Very safe and easy to navigate, with a strong traveller infrastructure.
More affordable than it looks, with good budget stays near the old city.
Mostly flat, walkable old city with plenty of places to rest and dine.
Best time to visit
October to March is ideal — mild, sunny days perfect for palaces and boat rides. September and April are pleasant shoulder months. Summers (May–June) are hot; the monsoon fills the lakes beautifully but brings humidity and showers.
Major attractions
- City Palace — A vast riverside palace complex of courtyards, museums and lake views.
- Lake Pichola & Jag Mandir — Boat rides past island palaces — the city's most romantic experience.
- Jagdish Temple — An ornate 17th-century Vishnu temple in the heart of the old city.
- Saheliyon Ki Bari — A garden of fountains and lotus pools built for the royal ladies.
- Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh) — A hilltop palace with sweeping sunset views over the lakes.
Suggested 3-day itinerary
- 1
City Palace & lake
Tour the City Palace complex, then a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola.
- 2
Temples & gardens
Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon Ki Bari and the bazaars, ending at the Monsoon Palace for sunset.
- 3
Day trip or slow morning
A relaxed café morning by the lake, or a short trip to Kumbhalgarh fort.
Food & drink
Udaipur does refined Mewari cuisine — dal baati churma, laal maas and elaborate thalis — often served on rooftops overlooking the lake.
Shopping
Hathi Pol and Bada Bazaar brim with miniature paintings, pichwai art, silver, textiles and embroidered juttis.
Local etiquette & customs
Udaipur is polished and tourist-friendly, but it's still a traditional Rajasthani city — dress modestly at temples and the City Palace, and greet with 'Namaste'.
- Cover shoulders and knees when visiting Jagdish Temple and the City Palace.
- Remove footwear before entering temples.
- Agree taxi and boat fares upfront, or confirm the metered rate.
Festivals & events
Welcoming spring with colourful processions and rituals on the lakes.
A ten-day crafts and folk-arts fair at Shilpgram near the city.
Getting there & around
Maharana Pratap airport is well-connected; trains link Delhi/Jaipur. The old city is walkable; autos and boats cover the rest.
Good to know
- Take the Lake Pichola boat ride near sunset for the best light and views.
- The old city is walkable but hilly and narrow — comfortable shoes help.
- Cards and UPI are widely accepted; bargaining is normal in the bazaars.
- Rooftop restaurants get busy at sunset — arrive early for a lake-view table.
Packing list
Practical info
What it costs
A mid-budget couple spends ₹3,600–6,000/day; lakeside heritage stays cost more.
Budget-level estimate for two sharing; excludes long-distance travel to reach Udaipur.
Safety & essentials
Well-policed old city; standard care in crowded bazaars.
Firm 'no thank you' works; agree prices before shopping.
Frequently asked
Is Udaipur good for a honeymoon?
Very — lake palaces, romantic boat rides and rooftop dining make it one of India's most romantic cities.
How many days for Udaipur?
Two to three days cover the City Palace, lake rides, temples and a day trip or two.
Do the lakes ever dry up?
In poor-monsoon years levels drop; they're fullest and most scenic from the monsoon through winter.
