The City of Lakes, with palaces reflected in the water.
Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the new capital of the kingdom of Mewar, after the old capital at Chittorgarh was repeatedly besieged. Set among the green Aravalli hills and built around a chain of artificial lakes, it is the most romantic of Rajasthan's royal cities.
The white City Palace rises straight from the shore of Lake Pichola, facing the island palaces of Jag Niwas — now the Lake Palace hotel — and Jag Mandir.
Udaipur is the place to slow down on a Rajasthan trip: boat rides at sunset, rooftop dinners above the lake and gentle walks through the old city. It is also the base for two remarkable day trips, to the hill fort of Kumbhalgarh and the Jain temple at Ranakpur.
The largest palace complex in Rajasthan, built over several centuries by successive Maharanas, with courtyards, mirrored rooms and a museum.
A boat ride at sunset passes the Lake Palace and stops at Jag Mandir, an island palace where the young Shah Jahan is said to have sheltered.
A richly carved 17th-century Vishnu temple in the old city, a few minutes' walk from the City Palace.
The Garden of the Maidens, with fountains, lotus pools and marble pavilions.
Ranakpur's 15th-century Jain temple has more than a thousand carved marble pillars; Kumbhalgarh's walls run for more than 30 km over the hills. Both are about 90 km from Udaipur.
Two nights gives you a full day for the city and the lake. A third night allows a day trip to Ranakpur and Kumbhalgarh.
October to March is the most pleasant time. After a good monsoon, from August to October, the lakes are full and the hills are green.
Udaipur's Maharana Pratap Airport has flights to Delhi, Mumbai and other Indian cities. By road, Udaipur is about 400 km from Jaipur and 250–260 km from Jodhpur via Ranakpur.
Opening hours, fees and seasonal conditions change. We confirm current details when we plan your trip.
The Lake Palace is a private hotel, open only to guests and diners with reservations. Most visitors see it from a boat on Lake Pichola.
Private itineraries you can take as they are or change to suit you.
7 nights / 8 days
The Golden Triangle, then south to Chittorgarh Fort and two nights in Udaipur by Lake Pichola.
Price on request, quoted for your group
7 nights / 8 days
Rajasthan's royal cities in order: the Pink City, holy Pushkar, the blue city of Jodhpur and lakeside Udaipur.
Price on request, quoted for your group
11 nights / 12 days
Our most complete North India journey: the Taj Mahal, Rajasthan's royal cities and the ghats of Varanasi.
Price on request, quoted for your group
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