Things to Do in Udaipur: Lakes, Palaces & Best Time to Visit
The best things to do in Udaipur are exploring the City Palace, cruising Lake Pichola at sunset, wandering the old city and its craft lanes, and visiting Jagdish Temple. Plan two to three days, travel between October and March, and expect pleasant November days of roughly 27 to 29°C.
Things to do in Udaipur: quick facts
Why visit Udaipur
Udaipur is often described as the most romantic city in Rajasthan, and it is easy to see why. Lakes mirror white palaces, the Aravalli hills close the horizon, and the old city is a tangle of lanes, temples, miniature-painting studios and rooftop cafés.
Compared with the busier cities of the Golden Triangle, the pace is gentler. It is a good place to slow down after the forts of Jaipur and the desert drive to Jodhpur, and it suits couples, families and photographers alike.
History of Udaipur and the Mewar dynasty
Udaipur was founded in the mid-sixteenth century by Maharana Udai Singh II of the Sisodia Rajput clan, who shifted the Mewar capital here from Chittorgarh as Mughal pressure on that fortress grew. Sources differ slightly on the exact year, usually giving 1553 or 1559, so it is safest to say the 1550s.
The Mewar rulers are remembered for resisting larger empires, most famously Maharana Pratap, Udai Singh’s son, who fought at the Battle of Haldighati in 1576. The City Palace was then extended by successive Maharanas over roughly four centuries, which is why its styles blend so naturally. After independence, Mewar joined India in 1949, and parts of the palaces now operate as a museum and heritage hotels.
Top things to do in Udaipur
1. Tour the City Palace complex
Perched above Lake Pichola, the City Palace is a cluster of palaces, courtyards and gates built of granite and marble. Highlights include Mor Chowk, the peacock courtyard, the mirror-lined Sheesh Mahal and balconies with sweeping lake views. Allow two to three hours.
2. Take a Lake Pichola boat ride
A late-afternoon cruise passes the ghats, Jag Mandir island and the Lake Palace, a marble palace floating on the lake. Light is softest around sunset, so book a slot a little before.
3. Visit Jagdish Temple
This busy Vishnu temple stands a short walk from the City Palace. Its carved shikhara tower and the daily evening devotion give a lively taste of local worship. Remove your shoes and dress modestly.
4. Walk the old city and ghats
Gangaur Ghat and Bagore Ki Haveli are good starting points. Shops sell miniature paintings, silver jewellery, puppets and block-printed textiles, and prices are friendlier if you bargain politely.
5. Watch sunset and see more lakes
Fateh Sagar Lake is popular for evening strolls, while Saheliyon-ki-Bari is a landscaped garden with fountains. Hilltop viewpoints such as Sajjangarh give wide views across the city.
6. Add a day trip
Kumbhalgarh fort and Chittorgarh are the classic excursions, and both help explain the Mewar story. Ask us to pace the day around your energy levels.
Best time to visit Udaipur: month by month
October to March is the most comfortable season. Temperatures below are approximate monthly averages and vary from year to year.
| Month | Average temp. | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| January | 17°C | Cool, sunny days; chilly nights |
| February | 20°C | Mild and bright; excellent for sightseeing |
| March | 25°C | Warming up; spring light |
| April | 30°C | Hot afternoons; quieter |
| May–June | 32–33°C | Very hot; best avoided |
| July–September | 26–28°C | Monsoon showers; lakes full and green |
| October | 26°C | Warm days; festival season |
| November | 21°C | Dry, sunny, pleasant; cool evenings |
| December | 17°C | Cold mornings; peak season |
Our advice: choose November or February for dry days, clear skies and good lake views before the heat arrives.
Udaipur weather in November: temperature and packing
November sits between the monsoon and winter, so the air is dry and clear. Days are typically warm at roughly 27 to 29°C, while nights and early mornings drop to about 13 to 15°C. Rain is rare, and the lakes are usually still full after the monsoon.
Pack light cotton for daytime, a sweater or shawl for evenings on the water, comfortable shoes for palace stairs, sunglasses and sunscreen. Cover shoulders and knees for temples. November also overlaps with the post-Diwali period, so book hotels early.
People, culture and food
Udaipur is proud of Mewari traditions: folk music and puppet shows, miniature painting, and festivals such as Mewar Festival in spring. Evening dance shows at cultural venues are a relaxed introduction.
Try Rajasthani thalis, dal baati churma, laal maas for meat-eaters and fresh lakeside dining with a view. Choose busy kitchens if you have a sensitive stomach, ask before photographing people and buy crafts directly from artisans where possible.
How to reach Udaipur and plan with Tour En Inde
Udaipur has its own airport with flights from major Indian cities, and rail and road links connect it with Jaipur, Jodhpur and Ajmer. Roads are good, but distances are long, so a private air-conditioned car with an experienced driver keeps the trip relaxed.
Read more on our Udaipur destination page, then combine it with the Rajasthan Complete Tour or the Royal Heritage of Rajasthan. You can also pair it with the sacred lake town of Pushkar. Book early for December and January, when the best lakeside hotels fill up.
Things to do in Udaipur: frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Udaipur?
The best things to do in Udaipur are touring the City Palace complex, taking a boat ride on Lake Pichola, walking the old city lanes, watching sunset from a lakeside viewpoint and browsing craft shops. Many visitors add a folk dance evening and a day trip to Kumbhalgarh or Chittorgarh.
What is the best time to visit Udaipur?
October to March is the most comfortable window, with clear skies and mild days. April to June is very hot, and the monsoon from about July to September turns the surroundings green but brings humidity and showers.
What is the weather in Udaipur in November?
November is dry and pleasant. Days are typically warm at roughly 27 to 29°C and nights cool to about 13 to 15°C, with an average near 20 to 21°C. Carry a light layer for evenings on the water.
How many days do you need in Udaipur?
Two full days cover the City Palace, a lake cruise, the old city and a sunset viewpoint. Add a third day if you want a day trip to Kumbhalgarh fort or Chittorgarh, or simply a slower pace.
Why is Udaipur called the City of Lakes?
Udaipur is set among several artificial lakes, including Pichola, Fateh Sagar and Udai Sagar, created by successive Mewar rulers. Palaces, ghats and havelis face the water, which gives the city its romantic reputation.
How do I reach Udaipur from Delhi or Jaipur?
Udaipur has its own airport with flights from major Indian cities, and trains and roads link it with Jaipur, Jodhpur and Ajmer. A private car with a driver is the easiest way to combine it with other Rajasthan stops, and the journey from Jaipur typically takes around six to seven hours.
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