10 things to see in Udaipur

Here is my list of 10 things to see in Udaipur. Udaipur is as much a shopper’s paradise as it is a travellers and one of many places in India your kids will enjoy too. So this Udaipur travel guide also covers some of the best things to do in Udaipur with kids.

Palaces and Palace Museums in Udaipur –

Like with any old city in India and specially Rajasthan, there are many palaces, museums and castles. This Udaipur travel guide includes only the ones that make it to the top 10 things to see in Udaipur.

City Palace – besides the rich history of Mewar, City palace has a lot more to offer. One could opt for guides or Audio guides, both are good options. The ticketing options include a package deal for City Palace Museum, an audio guided tour of the Crystal Gallery and boating in Lake Pichola to Jag Niwas Lake Palace. The crystal gallery is definitely a must visit – one should see how the public money was spent on getting the crystal chandeliers, crystal dining table and chairs and a whole host of crystal furniture for the palace. Undoubtedly, it’s a sight in itself.

Next door to City Palace museum is a small vintage car museum, which is worth a trip as it takes just about 15minutes to visit. I have decided to include it in this travel guide to Udaipur with other Udaipur tourist attractions as its a unique and one of its kind museum, not often found in India.

Jag Niwas Lake Palace – This is next on the list of top 10 things to see in Udaipur in my travel guide to Udaipur. Jag Niwas Lake Palace is very close to the City Palace, there are regular boat rides from the city palace to the Lake Palace. Its view from the City palace in the evening is magnificient. Besides that there was nothing out of the ordinary to see in this palace. It is also one of the best things to do in Udaipur with kids, as they will like the ferry,

Jag Mandir Palace – this is now a part of the Taj group of hotels and thus one is not allowed inside the same without a dinner or stay reservation.

Plan for a day trip from Udaipur to Chittorgarh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can check out this post to know more about planning a day trip to Chittorgarh.

Shows –

Shows bring the history of palaces and fortresses to life and thus I have included some of the best ones in this travel guide to Udaipur. Shows are another one of the best things to do in Udaipur with kids and surely one of the top 10 things to see in Udaipur.

Bagore ki haveli, folk cultural show (a must watch, evening show) – While Bagore ki haveli is itself not one of Udaipur tourist attractions, the cultural show surely is. It showcases the various folk dances of Rajasthan like kalbelia and teratal manjira dance among others. The show ends with the performance of a dancer dancing on the glass pieces while balancing 13 pots on her head and thats why it makes it to my list of things to see and do in Udaipur. Since its one of the favourites amongst especially the foreigners, going early and securing a seat would not be a bad idea

Udaipur City Palace, light and sound show (another good one) – this show talks basically about the history of Udaipur and Mewar (the region to which Udaipur belongs) hence covering the history of Chittorgarh (Chittor was the capital of Mewar) and how Udaipur came into being as the seat of the Sisodia rulers. The effects are good, although beyond a point, it becomes some sort of a eulogy about the present ruling clan and family. I have included it in this Udaipur travel guide as its a treat to see the City Palace decked up in lights.

Temples in and around Udaipur –

Nathdwara – unlike what I had assumed it to be, the Srinathji temple at Nathdwara doesn’t look too ancient. Also, after visiting Dilwara temples I figured the tourist and pilgrim management at Dilwara and other Jain temples was a tad better than Nathdwara. Nevertheless, we had a good darshan. As expected no photography is allowed in Nathdwara

Eklingji  and Jagdish Mandir are the other temples in and around Udaipur. The Jagdish Mandir is a wonderfully carved Hindu Temple which was built in 1651 and is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an avataar of Vishnu.

Dilwara Jain Temples in Mt Abu: Located at 170kms (3hrs drive) from Udaipur, these are a must see along with Ranakpur Jain temples, for the architectural marvels they are. Check out this post to know more about the Jain Temples of Rajasthan.

Shopping hubs –

These shopping hubs are as much of Udaipur tourist attractions as they are markets. Do visit even if you don’t intend to buy anything.

Hathipol and Shilpagram are the best places for shopping in Udaipur. While Hathipol is situated close to the Lake Pichola and next to the Jagdish Mandir and the City Palace complex, Shilpagram is slightly on the outskirts, closer to the Fateh Sagar Lake. Shilpagram (means Artisan village) has featured in many a TV series and movies as a village, and is abuzz with camera persons and actors for a significant time round the year. Bargaining is the key to shopping in all of these areas. Also, checking out all the shops before buying from one place could be a good strategy, time permitting. The wares at both the places would be similar – earthen pots, metal pots, Jharokhas, glass and crystal objects, Gujarati patchwork mirror-work and thread-work bed-sheets, wooden souvenirs, miniature paintings and silver jewellery and articles.

Shilpagram is a lot like Delhi Haat, which is more of an artificial artisan’s village. The artisans displaying their wares here are not permanent and thus one would find different artisans in different times of the year. Apart from just the artisan’s shops, there were folk dances and puppet shows going on in different parts of the place.

Roaming around the city

Fateh sagar Lake: A large man made lake, close to Lake Pichola in Udaipur, perfect for taking a stroll in early morning or evening. This was on way to Shilpgram and so while returning back from Shilpgram we walked along this lake to soak in the peace. One of the less touristy things to do and hence makes to this list of things to see and do in Udaipur. The embankment of the lake is covered in bright hand made paintings which adds to the charm

Where to Eat

Ambrai – food may not be the best thing about this restaurant, though it definitely is pretty good, but rather the clincher is that Dinner at Ambrai provides the rare opportunity to see the night view of Lake Pichola surrounded by the lit up City Palace, Jag Niwas Lake Palace and Jag  Mandir Lake Palace all from one place.

Jag Niwas Palace Hotel – the rooftop restaurant at the Jag Niwas Palace Hotel is also recommended by many. Though we didn’t get an opportunity to try the same It’s said that its wise to book ahead for one of the cushioned alcoves overlooking the water.

Santosh Dal Bati Bhojanalaya – Not recommended. During the planning stage of our trip, the googling had thrown up this to be one of the must visit restaurants in Udaipur for dal bati. But unfortunately our experience was not as good – I would give it a rating of 1 (or may be less) / 5 on ambience, may be 2/5 on food and trust me after you look at the place you’ll realize service doesn’t count at all. (1 being lowest and 5 being highest)