First-Timer’s Guide: The Best Things to Do in Udaipur, India

Often referred to as the “Venice of the East” and the “City of Lakes”, Udaipur is a destination that captures the heart of every traveller. With its shimmering artificial lakes, majestic marble palaces, and the rugged Aravalli Hills as a backdrop, it is arguably the most romantic city in India.

For those visiting for the first time, the sheer number of things to do in Udaipur can be overwhelming. From exploring the labyrinthine lanes of the Old City to witnessing the golden hour on a boat, this guide is designed to help you navigate the very best things to do in Udaipur to ensure your trip is nothing short of magical.

As you plan your stay, you’ll find that the city is home to some of the most luxurious resorts in Rajasthan, offering a perfect blend of heritage and modern comfort.

1. Explore the Grandeur of the City Palace

The top things to do in Udaipur almost always begin at the City Palace. Standing tall on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola, this architectural marvel is a fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. It is not just one building but a complex of palaces, courtyards, and gardens built over 400 years.

As you wander through the Zenana Mahal (Queen’s quarters) and the Mor Chowk (Peacock Square), you will realise why this is one of the must do things in Udaipur. The intricate mirror work and panoramic views of the lake from the upper balconies make it a photographer’s dream.

2. Take a Sunset Boat Ride on Lake Pichola

If you are looking for the most iconic things to see in Udaipur, Lake Pichola is at the top of the list. A boat ride here, especially during sunset, is an essential experience. You’ll glide past the Taj Lake Palace, which appears to float on the water, and the historic Jag Mandir island.

The way the city lights reflect on the water as the sun dips behind the hills is one of the most serene things to explore in Udaipur. It’s the perfect way to soak in the city’s “Lake City” charm.

3. Witness the Dharohar Folk Dance at Bagore Ki Haveli

To truly understand the local culture, visiting Bagore Ki Haveli is one of the best things to do in Udaipur. Every evening, this 18th-century haveli hosts the Dharohar Folk Dance show.

Watching performers balance multiple clay pots on their heads while dancing on broken glass is a spectacle you won’t forget. For culture enthusiasts, this remains one of the must do things in Udaipur to appreciate the vibrant heritage of Rajasthan.

4. Seek Blessings at Jagdish Temple

Located just outside the City Palace entrance, the Jagdish Temple is a stunning example of Indo-Aryan architecture. Built in 1651, this three-storey temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is covered in intricate carvings of dancers, elephants, and celestial beings.

Visiting this spiritual hub is among the essential things to do in Udaipur for first-timers. The atmosphere during the morning and evening Aarti (prayer) is incredibly soul-stirring.

Comparison of Top Attractions in Udaipur

Attraction	Best Time to Visit	Highlights	Why it’s a Must
City Palace	9:30 AM – 11:00 AM	Museum, Crystal Gallery	Largest palace complex in Rajasthan
Lake Pichola	5:00 PM – 6:30 PM	Boat Ride, Sunset Views	Iconic “Venice of the East” vibe
Sajjangarh Fort	4:30 PM – 6:00 PM	Hilltop view, Sunset	Best panoramic view of the city
Jagdish Temple	Early Morning	Intricate Carvings	Spiritual and architectural heart

5. Catch the View from Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace)

Perched high on a hill overlooking the city, the Sajjangarh Palace (Monsoon Palace) offers a bird’s-eye view of Udaipur’s lakes and palaces. Historically used as a hunting lodge and an observatory to watch monsoon clouds, it is now one of the top things to do in Udaipur for sunset lovers.

The drive up the winding hill through the wildlife sanctuary is an adventure in itself, making it one of the most exciting things to explore in Udaipur.

6. Stroll Through Saheliyon Ki Bari

Literally “Garden of the Maidens”, this lush green space was built for a queen and her 48 maids. It features beautiful lotus pools, marble elephants, and fountains that operate entirely on water pressure—no pumps involved!

If you want a break from the hustle of the city, walking through these gardens is one of the most relaxing things to do in Udaipur. It’s a great spot for a quiet afternoon stroll.

7. Discover the Charm of Fateh Sagar Lake

While Lake Pichola is the most famous, Fateh Sagar Lake is where the locals go. It is one of the most popular Udaipur things to do for a more “local” experience. You can walk along the “Connaught Place” of Udaipur, enjoy street food at the stalls, or take a boat to Nehru Park, an island garden in the middle of the lake.

8. Get Lost in the Old City Bazaars

Shopping is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Udaipur. The narrow lanes near Jagdish Temple and Hathi Pol are filled with treasures. You’ll find:

• Miniature Paintings: A signature art form of Udaipur.
• Silver Jewellery: Intricate Rajasthani designs.
• Leather Goods: Famous handmade camel leather journals and bags.
• Bandhani Textiles: Vibrant tie-dye fabrics.

Exploring these markets is one of the most sensory-rich things to do in Udaipur.

Pro Tip for First-Timers:

Udaipur is a very walkable city, but the streets are narrow. The best way to navigate the Old City is on foot or by hiring a tuk-tuk. Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking!

9. Experience the Vintage & Classic Car Museum

For automobile enthusiasts, the Vintage Car Museum is a unique addition to the list of 2-Day Udaipur Itinerary. The collection includes the original Rolls-Royce used in the James Bond movie Octopussy (which was filmed in Udaipur!) and several Cadillacs and Mercedes-Benzes owned by the Maharanas of Mewar.

10. Visit the Ahar Cenotaphs

If you are looking for offbeat things to do in Udaipur, the Ahar Cenotaphs are a hidden gem. This royal cremation ground contains over 250 cenotaphs (chhatris) built in honour of the Mewar rulers. The white marble domes and intricate pillars make it a hauntingly beautiful place for photography and reflection.

11. Enjoy a Rooftop Dinner with a View

Udaipur’s skyline is best enjoyed from a height. One of the must-do things in Udaipur is to dine at a lakefront rooftop restaurant. Whether it’s Ambrai, Upre, or a smaller local café, having a meal while looking at the illuminated City Palace and Lake Palace is the quintessential Udaipur experience.

12. Day Trip to Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur

If you have an extra day, exploring the outskirts is one of the top things to do in Udaipur.

• Kumbhalgarh Fort: Home to the second-longest continuous wall in the world after the Great Wall of China.
• Ranakpur Jain Temple: Famous for its 1,444 uniquely carved marble pillars.

These sites are among the most historic things to see in the Udaipur region and offer a deeper look into the defensive and religious history of Rajasthan.

Summary of Your Udaipur Itinerary

Planning your Udaipur things to do can be simplified by grouping them by location:

• Day 1 (Heritage): City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Bagore Ki Haveli, and Lake Pichola.
• Day 2 (Nature & Views): Saheliyon Ki Bari, Fateh Sagar Lake, and Monsoon Palace.
• Day 3 (Beyond the City): Vintage Car Museum, shopping in the bazaars, and a sunset at Ambrai Ghat.

Udaipur is a city that moves at its own pace. While there are many must-do things in Udaipur, the real magic lies in the moments in between—sipping chai by the lake, watching the local artisans at work, and simply soaking in the “royal” atmosphere.

Whether you are here for the history, the food, or the romance, you will find that the best things to do in Udaipur are the ones that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.