Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola is one of the most iconic attractions in Udaipur’s sightseeing circuit. Originally, it began as a modest pond created by a banjara (nomadic herdsman) who built a dyke to dam a mountain stream. Later, Maharana Udai Singh transformed and expanded it into the stunning lake it is today. Located just west of the ridge that hosts the majestic City Palace, Lake Pichola was further developed with a masonry dam known as Badi Pol. Today, the lake stretches approximately 4 km in length and 3 km in width. Interestingly, while the water in the lake is owned by the Government of India, the land beneath it still belongs to the royal family.
Fatehsagar Lake
Located to the north of Lake Pichola, this picturesque water body is surrounded by rolling hills and serene parks. It was originally constructed in 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh, but after heavy rains damaged the dam, Maharana Fateh Singh later rebuilt it. A scenic road runs along the eastern bank, offering beautiful views along the way. At the center of the lake lies Nehru Park, a popular garden island featuring a charming boat-shaped café. Visitors can reach the island by boat from near the base of Moti Magri. For a more adventurous experience, paddle boats, speed boats, and water scooters are also available, making Fateh Sagar Lake a favorite spot for leisure and recreation.
City Palace
Towering majestically over Lake Pichola, the City Palace is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Stretching along the eastern bank of the lake, it commands attention with its sheer scale and grandeur. To the south, a tranquil garden slopes gently down to the water’s edge. The palace’s foundation was laid in the 16th century, and over time, successive rulers of Udaipur added their own architectural contributions. By the late 19th century, the City Palace had evolved into a self-contained city, complete with storehouses, stables, wells, and even farmland within its fortified walls. Despite being a fusion of structures built over generations, the complex maintains a remarkable architectural harmony. With its numerous balconies, towers, and cupolas, the palace offers breathtaking views of both the lake and the city from its upper terraces.
Gulab Bagh
Established in the 18th century by Maharana Sajjan Singh, Gulab Bagh—also known as Sajjan Niwas Garden—is a serene retreat adorned with vibrant rose beds, fruit-bearing trees, orchids, and a variety of ornamental plants. Within the garden, the Saraswati Bhawan Library houses an extensive collection of books on subjects like history, archaeology, and Indology. It also preserves a number of rare manuscripts dating back to the early medieval period. The Gulab Bagh Museum further enriches the experience with displays of ancient handwritten manuscripts, offering a glimpse into the literary and cultural heritage of the region.
Doodh Talai
Dudh Talai is a charming little lake in Udaipur, enhanced with elements of recreation and scenic beauty. Nestled southeast of Lake Pichola, it offers delightful views of iconic landmarks like the City Palace and Jag Mandir. This small water body feeds into the larger Lake Pichola, playing a subtle yet vital role in the lake system. On its southern side stands the elegant Shiv Niwas Palace, adding a regal touch to the surroundings. The lake's appeal is further elevated by two beautifully designed parks—Manikya Lal Verma Garden and Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Musical Fountain Park. These spots showcase modern landscaping and provide serene walkways for visitors to enjoy the picturesque ambiance.
Nehru Garden
Named after Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, Nehru Island Park—also known as Nehru Garden—is a picturesque, oval-shaped island situated in the heart of Fateh Sagar Lake. Inaugurated on November 14, 1967, the park spans 41 acres (170,000 m²) and serves as an ideal destination for relaxation and recreation. Designed with families in mind, it features a small zoo especially geared toward children, beautifully landscaped gardens, a serene lily pond, and a selection of eateries, including a distinctive boat-shaped floating restaurant. One of the park’s highlights is its pyramid-shaped water fountain, reminiscent of the famous Brindavan Gardens in Mysore, adding to the charm and appeal of this peaceful retreat.
Saheliyon ki Bari
Built in the mid-18th century by Maharana Sangram Singh, Saheliyon ki Bari—meaning "Garden of the Maidens"—offers a glimpse into the refined lifestyle of the royal court’s women. This enchanting garden reflects the elegance and taste of the courtly ladies it was designed for. Featuring four intricately designed pools surrounded by charming kiosks, the garden is adorned with vibrant flowerbeds, lush lawns, and serene fountains. Shaded by trees and enclosed by protective walls, it provides a peaceful and private retreat. Remarkably, the fountains operate purely on natural water pressure, without the use of pumps. Highlights include a tranquil lotus pool and a beautifully decorated sitting room embellished with paintings and glass mosaics. The entire setting evokes the graceful leisure of the royal maidens who once strolled these grounds.
Sajjangarh
Sajjangarh Biological Park is a zoological garden located in Udaipur, Rajasthan, nestled at the base of the majestic Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh Palace), approximately 12 kilometers from the city center. The park is home to a diverse collection of wildlife, featuring animals and birds brought from various parts of the world. Currently, it shelters around 60 animals across 21 different species, including tigers, panthers, lions, ostriches, alligators, rhesus monkeys, and more. This well-maintained park offers a great opportunity for visitors to observe and learn about wildlife in a natural, scenic setting.
Karni Mata Ropeway
The Karni Mata Temple in Udaipur, Rajasthan, is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Karni Mata, believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. What makes this temple especially unique is its resident population of rats, which are regarded as sacred and are worshipped by devotees. These revered rodents freely roam the temple grounds and are considered a symbol of divine presence. Attracting both pilgrims and curious visitors, the temple offers a fascinating glimpse into a distinctive cultural and spiritual tradition.
Badi Lake
Jiyan Sagar is a remarkable lake situated in the village of Badi. Constructed by Maharana Raj Singh to help alleviate famine in the region, the lake was named in honor of his mother, Jana Devi. Also known as Badi Ka Talab, Jiyan Sagar covers an area of approximately 155 square kilometers. Its embankment stretches 180 meters in length and 18 meters in width. The lake is further distinguished by three beautifully crafted kiosks, or chhatris, that add to its artistic and historical charm.
Ekling Ji
Eklingji Temple is one of Rajasthan’s most renowned temples, situated in the town of Eklingji, also known as Kailashpuri. The town itself takes its name from this famous temple. Located about 22 kilometers north of Udaipur along National Highway 8, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, a principal deity in Hinduism. Originally constructed in 734 A.D. by Bappa Rawal, Eklingji Temple has since been revered as the tutelary deity of the rulers of Mewar, holding great spiritual and historical significance in the region.
Ranakpur
Ranakpur is a village situated in Desuri tehsil near Sadri town, within the Pali district of Rajasthan, western India. Nestled in a valley on the western side of the Aravalli Range, it lies between the cities of Jodhpur and Udaipur—162 km from Jodhpur and 91 km from Udaipur. The closest railway station for reaching Ranakpur is Falna Railway Station. Known as one of the popular tourist destinations near Udaipur, Ranakpur is easily accessible by road, making it a convenient day trip or excursion for visitors in the region.
Nathdwara
The Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara is located about 48 km from Udaipur and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple houses a remarkable image of Shrinathji, carved from a single block of black marble. Nestled among picturesque hills, this temple is renowned as the second-richest temple in the world. While its architectural design is simple, its spiritual and aesthetic appeal is profound. The idol of Shrinathji depicts Lord Krishna in the form he took when lifting the Govardhan Hill, with his left hand raised and his right hand clenched in a fist, embodying divine power and grace. Visiting the temple offers a chance to experience the celestial beauty and devotion associated with this revered deity.
Chittorgarh
Chittorgarh is a historic city in Rajasthan, India, best known for the imposing Chittorgarh Fort, which sits majestically atop a hill and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Renowned for its rich Rajput heritage, the fort stands as a symbol of bravery, sacrifice, and valor. Within its vast complex lie grand palaces, ancient temples, and memorial monuments that reflect the city’s royal legacy. Chittorgarh is a must-visit destination for history lovers, offering an immersive experience into Rajasthan’s illustrious past.
Haldi Ghati
Haldighati, located 42 km southwest of Udaipur near Nathdwara, is a historic site famous for the legendary battle fought in 1576 AD between Maharana Pratap and Mughal Emperor Akbar. The vast battlefield, once said to have been stained red with blood—hence the name "Haldighati" or "Saffron Valley"—still sends a chill down the spine and evokes a deep sense of nostalgia. It is also remembered as the heroic ground where Chetak, Maharana Pratap’s loyal and brave horse, displayed unwavering courage and loyalty, fighting alongside his master until his last breath.
Kumbhalgarh
Nestled within the lush forests and surrounded by the towering Aravalli hills, Kumbhalgarh Fort is Rajasthan’s second most significant fort after Chittorgarh. It is also the second largest fort in the state. Named after Maharana Kumbha, who built it in the 15th century, the fort was later renovated by Maharana Fateh Singh in the 19th century. Located about 100 kilometers from Udaipur, Kumbhalgarh Fort stands as a majestic testament to Rajasthan’s rich history and architectural grandeur.
Bagore ki Haveli
Bagore ki Haveli is a charming historic mansion situated right on the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangaur Ghat. Built in the eighteenth century by Amir Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar, this haveli boasts over a hundred rooms filled with fascinating displays of traditional costumes and modern art. The intricate glass and mirror work adorning the interiors is delicately crafted and well preserved. Notably, the Queen’s Chamber features exquisite Mewar paintings on its walls. Among the haveli’s highlights are two peacock figures made from tiny pieces of colored glass, showcasing remarkable glass artistry.