Udaipur Itinerary: Things to do in 4 days in Udaipur
- Saurav
- Mar 2
- 8 min read
Rajasthan is a land of culture, royalty, and rich flavors, and Udaipur is one of its most popular winter destinations. Known as the "City of Lakes," Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II and was the capital of the Mewar kingdom. With its scenic lakes, grand palaces, and old-world charm, the city attracts travelers looking for history and relaxation alike.Last year, with Christmas approaching and a good break from work, I planned a family trip to Udaipur and Jaipur. This was my second time visiting, so I was familiar with the Old Town, but Udaipur still had plenty to offer. We took a direct flight from Mumbai to Maharana Pratap Airport and landed in the afternoon. The city is well-connected by air, rail, and road, making travel convenient. From the airport, it took around 45 minutes to reach Chandpole Parking, the final stop for taxis and private vehicles. Beyond this point, only two-wheelers and auto-rickshaws can enter, so we took an auto to our hotel, Jaiwana Haveli.
The Old Town is built around the City Palace and the banks of Lake Pichola. This part of Udaipur is packed with hotels catering to all budgets, from five-star stays like Taj Lake Palace, Oberoi Udaivilas, and Leela Palace to affordable guesthouses. Staying here makes it easy to explore attractions like Bagore Ki Haveli, Jagdish Temple, the local markets, and the lakeside areas on foot. If you prefer a quieter place, there are plenty of options away from the crowded streets.
I planned a 4-day itinerary, but the main sights can be covered in two days if you're short on time.
Here's how we explored Udaipur:
Day 1 (Half-day – Evening onwards): Bagore Ki Haveli, Gangaur Ghat, and the local market
Day 2: Ekling Ji Temple, Nathdwara Temple, and Saheliyon Ki Bari
Day 3: City Palace and local market
Day 4: Boating at Lake Pichola, a visit to Shilpgram, and Fateh Sagar Lakee
Contents:
City Palace
Udaipur is home to India’s second-largest palace—the grand City Palace. Spanning a massive complex, about 60% of it is open to visitors, while the remaining 40% remains private for the royal family. There are multiple ticket options, including a basic entry pass for the main complex, a comprehensive tour covering additional sections and boating, and a separate ticket for the boating area alone. A detailed blog on the City Palace will be out soon, but for now, here’s what to expect.
Exploring the palace takes at least 4-5 hours, and if you plan to include boating, you should set aside an entire day. The palace is open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (IST). Hiring a guide is recommended to fully appreciate the palace’s history, architecture, and the traditions of the royal family. The structure features narrow corridors and staircases, which might be challenging for senior visitors. However, my mother successfully and enthusiastically explored the entire palace—it was her first time experiencing its grandeur. After the tour, you can enjoy an authentic Rajasthani Thali served within the palace premises for just INR 200. There are designated seating areas where visitors can relax and savor the meal before exiting the complex.
Boating at Lake Pichola
Boating on Lake Pichola can be an independent activity or combined with a visit to the City Palace, making it a full-day plan. I chose to explore the palace on one day and saved the boat ride for the next. The only drawback of doing this separately is that the museum ticket includes access to the boating area, which goes unused if you opt for boating on a different day.
As a standalone activity, there is an INR 50 entry fee, and boating charges vary based on the time of the ride. The afternoon rides are the most affordable at INR 400, followed by morning rides at INR 650, and sunset rides at INR 800. Private boats and group bookings are also available at the ticket counter.
Images 1 to 4: Taj Lake Palace Hotel, City Palace, Entrance of Jahmandir Island Palace, View from Jagmandir Island Palace
The boat ride offers stunning views of the City Palace, the Taj Lake Palace—once the summer retreat of the Mewar royals—and finally stops at Jagmandir Island Palace. We took the morning ride at 10:30 AM, and, being peak tourist season, the queue was quite long. Jagmandir Island is beautifully designed with well-maintained gardens, open courtyards, and a restaurant offering lakefront seating. From here, you get a panoramic view of the City Palace across the water. We spent about an hour exploring the island before catching the return boat from the garden jetty. The boats run every 15-20 minutes, so getting back to the mainland is hassle-free.
If you’re planning a sunset ride, check the schedule for the last boat to avoid being stranded. The food at Jagmandir is on the expensive side, so carrying some light snacks can be a good idea. Factoring in wait times, the entire boating experience takes around 2-3 hours.
Bagore Ki Haveli
Located at Gangaur Ghat, Bagore Ki Haveli is a historical mansion that also houses a museum, open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The museum displays royal artifacts, intricate glasswork, and an interesting exhibition depicting royal wedding ceremonies using dolls. However, what makes this place truly special is its cultural evening show—the famous Dharohar Dance Performance.
The show, held in the courtyard of the haveli, showcases Rajasthan’s diverse folk dance traditions. During peak season, they organize two slots: 6:00-7:00 PM and 7:00-8:00 PM. Seating is informal, with people sitting on benches, floors, and staircases. This is a must-experience event in Udaipur, as it is one of the most authentic cultural performances in the city. Booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended, as they sell out quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.
After the show, we took a short walk to Gangaur Ghat, where we sat by the lake for a while. Udaipur’s nightlife has a certain charm—the reflections of the lakeside hotels and cafés shimmer on the water, making for a peaceful and picturesque end to the evening.
Saheliyon Ki Bari
This royal garden was built by Maharana Sangram Singh II in the 18th century as a gift for his queen and her attendants. Designed as a private retreat for the royal women, it was a place for leisure, conversation, and entertainment. Today, it is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and has an entry fee of INR 30 per person for Indian visitors.
We visited in the evening, which is a popular time, so the place was quite busy. Upon entering, there is a courtyard with fountains surrounded by corridors that lead to the main garden. The most fascinating feature is the elephant fountain, which demonstrates an early example of sensor-based engineering—the water flow is said to be controlled by the intensity of a clap. I regret not hiring a guide here, as they provide additional insights that go beyond what’s commonly known.
Shilpgram
Shilpgram is an artificial rural complex designed to promote Rajasthan’s traditional crafts and folk arts. If you’re visiting around Christmas and New Year, you can experience the grand Shilpgram Festival, which makes this place even more vibrant.
Located near Fateh Sagar Lake and Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, it can be easily combined with these attractions. Our auto-rickshaw dropped us at the designated parking area, beyond which commercial vehicles are not allowed. From there, we walked approximately 500 meters to the entrance. The entry ticket costs INR 60 per person.
The marketplace is divided into sections for textiles, leather goods, handicrafts, bamboo products, home décor, and culinary items. Folk performances, including dance, music, and even traditional wrestling, take place at the amphitheater at intervals. Numerous food stalls offer local delicacies, though prices are slightly higher due to overhead costs.
Shilpgram is designed like a traditional village, with a mix of flat terrain and hilly paths, so be prepared for some walking. The area can be dusty, and for senior citizens, the uneven landscape might be a bit challenging. It takes around 2-3 hours to explore the entire site.
Fateh Sagar Lake
Fateh Sagar is Udaipur’s second-largest lake, built in 1687 by Maharana Jai Singh and later reconstructed by Maharana Fateh Singh in the 1880s. Unlike Lake Pichola, which is known for its palaces, Fateh Sagar offers a more relaxed vibe with an open promenade, often compared to a mini Marine Drive. Stretching around 8 km, this lake is a popular morning spot where vehicular traffic is restricted along a stretch, allowing locals to jog, walk, and meditate. The promenade is lined with food stalls serving everything from spicy chaats to kulhad chai. Visitors can enjoy speedboat rides here, particularly during sunset, which offers a spectacular view over the lake. We visited in the late evening, enjoyed a cup of tea and sandwiches, and simply soaked in the peaceful atmosphere before heading out for dinner.
Other Places I Couldn’t Cover
Despite my best intentions, I had to skip some attractions due to an unfortunate stomach issue on Day 3. Places like Jagadish Temple, Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, Karni Mata Temple, Neemach Mata Temple, and Ambrai Ghat remained unchecked on my list. However, my itinerary did include a full-day visit to Eklingji Temple, Nathdwara, and Haldighati, which I’ll cover in a separate blog.
Best Photography Spots in Udaipur
For those looking to capture the city’s beauty, Udaipur offers stunning photography spots, from the tranquil Gangaur Ghat and the shimmering night views at Ambrai Ghat to the reflections from Chandpole Bridge and the rustic charm of the old town’s colorful streets and havelis. For panoramic shots, Bahubali Hills, Karni Mata Temple, and Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace offer breathtaking views of the city. A boat ride on Lake Pichola provides a perfect angle to photograph the grand City Palace, especially during sunset. Whether you're an explorer, a culture enthusiast, or a photographer, Udaipur is bound to leave an impression.
Travel Tips for Udaipur
Best Time to Visit: October to February for pleasant weather; monsoon also offers a lush, scenic charm.
Getting There: Well-connected by air (Maharana Pratap Airport), rail (Udaipur Railway Station), and road (bus terminals).
Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws and cabs are common, but the old town is best explored on foot or by two-wheelers. maximum heritage spots are nearby located so auto-rickshaws standardly charge INR 100/- for a single trip. Negotiate hard with them specially during peak season as they may quote double or triple the actual fare sometimes. For taxis, the rates for a standard day trip in outskirts of Udaipur in a sedan is approximately INR 3500/-. For local sightseeing it is recommneded to hire an auto-rickshaw for a day. That will be cheaper and hasslefree also.
Parking : Private vehicles must be parked at Chandpole Parking before entering the old town. Though City palace has a paid parking spot yet, navigating in the narrow lanes may be quite tricky for inexperiencecd drivers.
Where to Stay:
Old Town: Stay near City Palace or Lake Pichola for easy access to attractions.
Quieter Areas: Fateh Sagar Lake offer peaceful alternatives.
Tickets: Most sites have different ticket categories; hiring a guide at City Palace and Saheliyon ki Bari enhances the experience.
Bagore ki Haveli Show: A must-watch cultural performance—book tickets online in advance as they sell out fast. Nowadays there are multiple shows being organized by different artists in the city. So before booking online tickets, check the location and timing of the performances. Also keep a note that Bagore ki Haveli conduct only an evening show.
Walking & Accessibility: The old town has narrow and busy lanes with no dedicated footpath for pedestrians. Also, sites like City Palace and Shilpagram have staircases and uneven terrain, which may be challenging for senior citizens.
Budgeting:
Entry tickets are generally affordable.
Boat rides, heritage experiences, and high-end restaurants can be pricey.
Street food and local markets offer budget-friendly and authentic options.
Udaipur offers a wide range of staying options - from dormitories to luxurious hotels.
Essentials:
Udaipur is safe for tourists.
Carry enough cash for local transport. Some shops do not accept cards, but UPI is accepted in the majority of the shops.
Cultural Etiquette:
Modest dressing is required at temples.
Some places may have photography restrictions—check before clicking.
Udaipur is a city that stays with you long after you leave. Whether it’s the regal charm of the City Palace, the peaceful boat rides on Lake Pichola, or the vibrant streets filled with history and culture, every corner has a story to tell. The blend of old-world elegance and everyday life makes exploring this city a unique experience. Though my trip had its ups and downs, every moment was worth it. If you’re looking for a place that offers history, beauty, and a touch of royalty, Udaipur should be on your travel list.
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