A complete, honest guide to Udaipur, India — where to go, what to eat, how to get around and the day trips worth your time. The City of Lakes — Rajasthan's most romantic palace city..
Udaipur is a highlight of South Asia, and Udaipur is Rajasthan's romantic 'City of Lakes' — white palaces reflected in still water beneath the Aravalli hills. Whether you have a long weekend or a full week, this guide helps you plan a trip that balances the must-sees with the moments that make a place stick.
Top things to do in Udaipur
These are the sights most first-time visitors build their trip around. Tap each one to add it to your shortlist — it saves as you browse.
Perfect 2–3 days in Udaipur
A simple, unhurried plan you can shape around your own pace.
The essentials
Hit the headline sights first — City Palace and Lake Pichola. Break for lunch and try dal baati churma, then spend the evening soaking up the atmosphere of Old City.
Go deeper
Go beyond the highlights: see Jagdish Temple and Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace), then explore Lal Ghat at a slower pace. Leave time to sit in a café, browse a market and eat where the locals do.
Beyond the city
With a third day, head out of town — Kumbhalgarh (a fort with the world's second-longest wall) is the easy favourite, or swap in Ranakpur (an intricate marble Jain temple).
Ready to book? Turn your Udaipur shortlist into reality
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours and day trips for the sights you've saved — booked through Viator (a Tripadvisor company). We may earn a commission.
Book Udaipur experiences →Udaipur on a budget — costs & money tips
Udaipur is very affordable by global standards. Here’s roughly what to budget, per person per day, by travel style — these are indicative estimates to plan around, not fixed prices, and they exclude international flights. Use the currency selector near the top of the page to convert.
dorms/hostels, street food, public transport, mostly free sights
private room or 3★ hotel, a mix of cafes and restaurants, a few paid attractions
4★ hotel, restaurants, taxis when handy, tours and tickets
What things cost in Udaipur
- Accommodation£8–£45 / night
- Food£6–£20 / day
- Local transport£2–£8 / day
- Typical attraction£3–£12 / entry
See how Udaipur compares with 126 other cities →
Saving money in Udaipur
- Street food and local markets are both the cheapest and often the best meals — eat where locals queue.
- Trains and shared local transport cost a fraction of taxis; agree fares before you ride where meters aren’t used.
- Many of the best experiences here are low-cost — temples, markets, walking the old quarters.
Estimates assume mid-2020s prices and a typical exchange rate; high season, festivals and last-minute booking push costs toward the upper end.
Local intelligence — Udaipur at a glance
A quick orientation for Udaipur. Sunrise and sunset are live for today; connectivity and nomad-friendliness are Wander360 estimates to set expectations, not precise scores.
Staying safe in Udaipur
Most visits are trouble-free. Use the same street sense you would in any busy city: keep an eye on belongings in crowds and on transport, use licensed taxis or a rideshare app, agree fares in advance where meters aren’t used, and be wary of unsolicited “help” at ATMs or stations. For up-to-date, authoritative guidance always check your own government’s travel advisory (UK FCDO · US State Dept) before you travel.
For getting around Udaipur specifically, see the Getting around section on this page.
Where to stay & neighbourhoods in Udaipur
Udaipur is really a collection of distinct districts, and where you base yourself shapes the whole trip. Here’s each main neighbourhood — what it’s like and who it suits:
Old City
The City Palace, ghats and bazaars.
Lal Ghat
Lake-view guesthouses.
Hanuman Ghat
Quieter lakeside lanes.
Once you’ve picked an area, you can book tours & tickets in Udaipur further down the page.
Food & drink in Udaipur
Rajasthani and Mewari thalis — dal baati, gatte ki sabzi and rich curries.
Build your Udaipur food list — tap the dishes you want to try:
Getting around Udaipur
The old city is walkable (and atmospheric); autos cover longer distances.
🚇 Public transport
Usually the fastest and cheapest way around Udaipur. Grab a rechargeable travel card or use contactless where supported, and download the local transit app for live times.
🚶 On foot
The centre of Udaipur is best explored on foot — it’s how you stumble on the small things. Wear comfortable shoes and keep a map app handy.
🚕 Taxis & rideshare
For late nights, luggage runs or awkward cross-town hops, ride-hailing apps are usually cheaper and clearer than flagging a cab. Confirm the car and plate before getting in.
✈️ From the airport
Check the official airport transfer options before you land — there’s almost always a train or express bus into Udaipur that beats a taxi on price.
Best time to visit Udaipur
October–March is pleasant; summers are very hot. Prices and crowds tend to follow the weather, so the shoulder seasons often give the best value.
Highlighted months are the sweet spot for visiting Udaipur.
Day trips from Udaipur
When you’re ready to venture beyond the city, these make for rewarding day trips:
- Kumbhalgarh — a fort with the world's second-longest wall
- Ranakpur — an intricate marble Jain temple
Practical tips for Udaipur
🧭 Where to base yourself
For a first visit, Old City is a smart base — the City Palace, ghats and bazaars. If that’s not your style, Lal Ghat works well too (lake-view guesthouses).
🍽️ Eat like a local
Don’t leave Udaipur without trying dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, laal maas or Mewari thali. Skip the obvious tourist spots and eat where you see locals queueing.
✨ Don’t miss
Make time for City Palace and Lake Pichola. With a spare day, Kumbhalgarh (a fort with the world's second-longest wall) is well worth the trip.
💰 Money & payments
Cards and contactless are widely accepted in Udaipur, but carry some local cash for markets, small cafés and tips. Tell your bank you’re travelling and check foreign-transaction fees.
📶 Staying connected
A local eSIM or SIM is cheap and makes maps, transport and translation effortless across Udaipur — set it up before you arrive or at the airport.
🛡️ Stay aware
Keep an eye on your belongings in crowds and on transport in Udaipur, as you would in any busy city, and keep a digital copy of your passport.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Udaipur?
Three to four days is enough for Udaipur’s highlights — the main sights plus time to wander Old City — with an extra day for a trip to Kumbhalgarh if you can spare it.
What is the best time of year to visit Udaipur?
October–March is pleasant; summers are very hot.
What food is Udaipur known for?
Rajasthani and Mewari thalis — dal baati, gatte ki sabzi and rich curries.
Where should I stay in Udaipur?
Old City is a great first-time base (the City Palace, ghats and bazaars). Lal Ghat is another good option for lake-view guesthouses.
What are the best day trips from Udaipur?
Two rewarding day trips are Kumbhalgarh (a fort with the world's second-longest wall) and Ranakpur (an intricate marble Jain temple).
How do you get around Udaipur?
The old city is walkable (and atmospheric); autos cover longer distances.
