Eternal Udaipur: World's Favorite Lakeside Heritage City

It doesn’t matter how many countries you visit, you’ll always have a special place in your heart for your own. Like for me, it always has and will be “Mera Bharat Mahan”. And when it comes to a place you grew up carrying loads of memories to cherish forever, it automatically occupies that soft corner of your soul.

Cherry on the top, to have been brought up in a city filled with eternal beauty and everything magical around, it becomes a blessing in disguise for you to even be its minutest part.

Sunset scenes at Pichola lake Udaipur City

So to describe it, a place, which is famous for its Rajput-era palaces and scenic locations, a place which is on the bucket list of so many tourists, a place where many plan their dream destination weddings, a place that carries a wide history and culture with it and is known by the names the City of Lakes, Venice of the East, and the Kashmir of Rajasthan. You are right; it is none other than, Udaipur, the city where my heart lies.

Boat ride in Pichola lake near city Palace Udaipur city

You must be thinking, what took me so long to write a blog post about my hometown? I had been waiting, waiting, and waiting. For something special!! And well, my 50th blog (Yayy, I am really glad) post seemed like the perfect moment to introduce you to my beautiful city! So what comes to your mind when you think of Rajasthan? Deserts!! Right? Make a visit to the Udaipur City and you will be left surprised. With lush green surroundings of Aravalli mountains, Udaipur is a home to many lakes; Pichola lake, Fatehsagar lake, Swaroopsagar lake, Badi lake to name a few.

Udaipur city as seen from Neemach Mata Temple

So is the city all about lakes? Obviously not!! Udaipur has each and every ingredient which can relish its visitors. Forts, palaces, museums, temples, hills, zoo, gardens, forest, fountains, statutes, beautiful hotels, malls, fairs, and what not!!  This city has the power to make you forget all your worries and feel like this is the only place where you truly belong to.

Lake Palace Udaipur City

Getting Around Udaipur City:

The city is small and the best way to explore it is by strolling through the streets(mainly areas surrounding the old city). For a few of the places, you will need a transport. Auto rickshaws are generally expensive and a lot will depend on your bargaining skills; Ola/ Uber are a far better option.

If you are good with fitness and love riding bicycle, there cannot be a better option. Cycles are easily available on rent; check out PEDL by Zoomcar and MYBYK. Tired of cycling, another good option will be renting a motorbike.

I have been asked a couple of times that how many days are good enough to explore Udaipur? To be honest, I don’t have an answer to this one, as it differs from individual to individual depending on their way of exploring. What I  advise is that if you are planning a trip to Udaipur, plan for at least 3 days to cover the must-see places. Also if you have more days 

in hand, you can combine your trip to Udaipur with nearby places.

Must see places in Udaipur City:

1. Fatehsagar Lake

Popularly known as FS among the locals, this lake is the heart and soul of every Udaipurite and indeed the most happening place in Udaipur. After a long day at work, it’s the perfect place to sit back and relax. View of the sunset from here is just mesmerizing.

Don’t miss doing this:

• A bicycle ride around the lake, you will get cycles over there.
• Morning walk near the Chhatris.
• Sitting on the Paal in evening and having Coffee in Kulhar along with Pakoras.
• An evening camel ride across the lake.
• Taking a boat to reach Nehru Garden for sunset views.
• If you visit Udaipur in the months of August/September, a Hariyali Amavasya Mela(once a year) is also organized at the lake.

 

2. City Palace

Built over a period of nearly 400 years, a visit to the Palace is a must if you want to dig deeper into the rich history of Mewar kingdom and all of its rulers. You can enter the complex through Badi Pol, or the Sheetla Mata Gate. The palace towers on the banks of Lake Pichola and thus gives a beautiful view of the lake and the surrounding city. A light and sound show is organized at Manek Chowk from 7 pm to 8 pm.

3. Pichola Lake

Coming to Udaipur and missing the sunset views from a boat ride in this lake will be an absolute blunder! Such breathtaking are the views from this lake. Built-in 1362 AD, Pichola Lake is an artificial lake which houses four islands namely Jag Niwas, Jag Mandir, Mohan Mandir, and Arsi Vilas. Flanked by Aravalli hills, bathing Ghats, and heritage buildings, the lake has every aspect which can delight its visitor. The famous Lake Palace hotel is located in the middle of the lake. At the onset of sunset, it seems the entire place has been painted gold.

4. Sajjangarh Palace and Biological Park

Also known as the Monsoon palace, it is situated at the top of a hill and provides a perfect panoramic view of the city. It was built basically to watch the monsoon clouds. The view of the sunset from this palace is stunning. The Palace is illuminated in the evenings, giving a glow of a mixed yellow-white. Timings to visit: 9:30 am to 7 pm; Charges: INR 100.

On your visit to the Monsoon Palace, you can also visit Sajjangarh Biological Park which is located just beneath the palace.

5. Ambrai Ghat

Situated on the banks of Lake Pichola, it is one of my favorite places in Udaipur! At night, the view of City Palace and Lake Palace from the Ghat is just stunning. The clicks you take here might turn out to be your next great profile picture/wallpapers due to the perfect background this place offers. Just search Ambrai Ghat in Gmaps to get to the correct location. A journey to Udaipur will be incomplete if you don’t visit this Ghat.

View of City Palace from Ambrai ghat Udaipur City

6. Bagore Ki Haveli and Gangaur Ghat

Located on the edge of Lake Pichola, it is a mansion built in the 18th century having over 100 rooms which display the modern art, royal paintings, crafts, and costumes of the Rajasthani culture. A cultural folk dance program Dharohar is held every day from 7 pm to 8 pm. The charges for the same are INR 90 (Indian National) and INR 150( Foreign national), but it’s absolutely worth it.

Dharohar at Bagore Ki Haveli Udaipur City

Just next to the Haveli entrance, you must visit the Gangaur Ghat. Observing the flocks of Pigeon on the Ghat is definitely a moment to remember. Views of Lake Palace with Aravalli Hills in the backdrop are stunning from here.

Pigeons at Gangaur Ghat Udaipur City

7. Karni Mata Temple

Situated on the Machla Magra hill, Karni Mata Temple is dedicated to the female Hindu sage Karni Mata. From the top one can enjoy a splendid view of the Lake Pichola, Sajjangarh Fort, City Palace and a few parts of the city. There are many white rats in the temple, feeding them is believed to bring good fortune. Again, sunset view from here is outstanding as well and one shouldn’t miss the same. There is a staircase to reach the top and it generally takes 15-20 minutes to reach the spot.

View from Karni Mata Temple at night 

One can also opt for the ropeway option to reach the top. Same is available from the ropeway station near Deendayal Upadhyay Park. Charges for the ropeway are INR 103 inclusive of a return journey ticket.

View from Deendayal Upadhyay Park Udaipur City

8. Neemach Mata

Located on a hill just near Fatehsagar, the temple and the stone idol are known to have a connection with a Neem tree and hence the name. The view of the whole city from here will make you fall in love with the place. Also, you can see peacocks in the vicinity. One can reach the top either by the stairway (around 400 stairs) or the uphill slope (850meters). It generally takes around 20-25 minutes to reach the top. An evening trek will bless you with some stunning view of the city shining under lights.

Night View from Neemach Mata Udaipur City

9. Badi Lake

Situated around 6-7 kms from Fatehsagar Lake, it is an artificial freshwater lake. It is comparatively less touristy from the other lakes and one can enjoy some peaceful time over here. You can hire a cycle and reach here if you are fit. There is a hill next to this lake, which is locally known as Bahubali Hills. Views of the sunset from the top of this hill are just fabulous. Do hike the hill if you get time!!

View from Bahubali Hill Badi Lake Udaipur

Apart from these, there are still many places which are worth visiting on your trip to Udaipur including Jag Mandir, Ahar Cenotaphs and Museum, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Sukhadiya Circle, Gulab Bagh and Zoo, Doodh Talai Lake, Fish Aquarium, Deendayal Upadhyay Park, Crystal gallery, Maharana Pratap Memorial, Chetak Smarak, Nehru garden, Rajiv Gandhi Park to name a few. I am not going to cover these places in details, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit them. 

Saheliyon Ki Bari Udaipur City

Also, there are a few pool party venues in Udaipur. For details check out best pool party venues in Udaipur under INR 300. There are a lot of places nearby, which you can visit on your next trip to Udaipur. I will be soon writing a blog post on the same.

Best time to visit Udaipur:

Just try to avoid visiting Udaipur in the summer months of April to June as scorching heat is prevalent in the whole region. The best months to visit Udaipur are from October to December as the monsoon season would have already left the city lush green.

Sukhadiya Circle Udaipur City

So what are you waiting for? Start planning a school trip, a college trip, honeymoon trip, solo trip, family trip, couple trip, etc.  Udaipur is waiting to welcome you!!!

Udaipur city as seen from Karni Mata Temple

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