What to Know About Udaipur Before You Visit

Udaipur, in the state of Rajasthan, also known as the City of Lakes, is famed for its fairytale palaces, gorgeous landscapes and stunning views of the Aravalli Range. With over a dozen lakes and numerous temples, Udaipur is one of the most romantic cities in India. But a trip to Udaipur is much more than what the pictures can capture. Here are some tips and advice on what you need to know before you visit Udaipur.

Weather and Best Time to Visit Udaipur

Udaipur has extreme climatic conditions; summers can be very hot and winters can be quite cool. April through June is the hottest time of the year with temperatures reaching 45 degree Celsius and above. The nights are cooler during this time while in April and May Udaipur receives less than 20mm of rainfall. Monsoon season between July to September is a great time to visit Udaipur when the atmosphere is fresh, lakes are full and the landscape is lusher than usual. It is, however, advisable to bring lightweight clothing during all the seasons and an umbrella during the monsoon season in case of an unannounced shower.

Getting Around in Udaipur

Getting around Udaipur is fairly easy as there many transportation options available within the city. Cabs are the most convenient way to travel around the city as they are reasonably priced. Auto rickshaws are another common means of transportation in Udaipur; but unlike full-time taxi drivers, their fares depend on the bargaining skills of the traveler. Buses run by State Road Transport Corporation (RSTC) are also available at multiple points across the city. Moreover, Udaipur also has its share of tuk-tuks that are considered by most as a better bargain than auto rickshaws.

Attractions You Must See in Udaipur

Udaipur offers numerous attractions including forts, palaces, temples, gardens, and lakes. One cannot miss the City Palace – a vast walled palace housing numerous temples, courtyards, posh galleries and restaurants – when visiting Udaipur. The Jagdish Temple, the Jag Mandir Palace on the Lake Pichola and the pilgrimage sites at Eklingji are also famous tourist spots in Udaipur that one must visit. Moreover, two popular gardens were built along the lake’s banks by Maharana Fateh Singh during the late-19th Century namely, The Rock Garden and Saheliyon ki Bari. Other attractions in Udaipur include Nathdwara, Ranakpur Temple, Jag Mandir Palace, Ahar Museum, etc.

Activities to Do in Udaipur

Udaipur’s serene lakes and picturesque palaces offer many activities that should not be missed while on a visit to this gorgeous city. There is a wide variety of activities to choose from:

• Aerial tours:Witness Udaipur’s major monuments from an entirely new angle with a unique helicopter or balloon tour over this beautiful city.
• Boat rides: There are various boat rides to explore Udaipur’s landmarks such as City Palace, Monsoon Palace, Jag Mandir palace and Jagdish temple from a unique point of view.
• Camping:Venture out for a night outdoors under an open sky with camping trips from nearby lakes in Udaipur.
• Udaipur Pub Crawl: Join locals on a guided tour of some of Udaipur’s popular watering holes and exciting clubs.
• Village Tours: Visit nearby villages to observe old cultural practices of rural India and get to know locals while learning about their customs.
• Yoga:Go for yoga classes and relaxation treatments at various retreats in Udaipur.

Dining Scene in Udaipur

Udaipur has plenty of options when it comes to dining and savoring the local flavors. From fine dining experiences at some of the best restaurants and hotels to savoring street food, it’s easy to find a cuisine that fits your taste buds here. Try some traditional Rajasthani specialties such as laal maas (spicy mutton) or creamy kesariya ghosi (lentil stew). If you’re looking for fusion cuisine, many of Udaipur’s restaurants offer Rajasthani-Italian dishes such as pesto rotis or dal-makhani pizza that are sure to tantalize your tastebuds.

Shopping Scene in Udaipur

Udaipur’s offerings for shoppers are quite unparalleled when compared with other cities in India. Local bazaars such as Hathi Pol bazaar offer sarees, bangles and jootis at affordable prices; while modern stores have sprung up everywhere with shawls, shoes, jewelry, handicrafts, and other attractive products. However, it’s a good idea to carry cash with you as most shops do not accept credit or debit cards. There are also several small kiosks located at or near major tourist spots where you can find interesting souvenirs at a reasonable price.

Being one of India’s most romantic cities and favorite tourist destinations, Udaipur is sure to make lasting memories if you explore it right. Make sure to add all these places on to your itinerary when planning your visit to the City of Lakes!