2 Days In Udaipur: Best Things To Do (Itinerary & Travel Tips) in 2026

Udaipur, often called ‘the Venice of the East’, was our favourite city of our Rajasthan Itinerary. It feels like it’s in another world entirely. Its grand white buildings, restaurants and cafes, on the banks of the beautiful Lake Pichola, provide the perfect environment to slow down and relax. 

But while Udaipur is a great place to unwind, that does not mean there is little to do. Udaipur is rich with culture, from majestic palaces to intricate temples, ready for you to explore. Whether you’re looking for a romantic city break, a budget backpacking adventure, or a deep dive into history and arts, Udaipur has something for everyone.

We hope this 2 day Udaipur itinerary provides you with everything you need to fall in love with this city as much as we did. We’ll cover what to do in Udaipur in 2 days, where to stay in Udaipur, and the best places to eat in Udaipur, along with some essential travel tips. All you’ll need to do is get there.

*This 2-day Udaipur itinerary has been updated for 2026 with the latest travel tips, restaurants, and sightseeing highlights.*

Udaipur at a Glance

Short on time? Here are my recommendations for an Udaipur itinerary:
🏨 Luxury hotel: Jagat Niwas Palace
🛌 Mid-range hotel: Jaiwana Haveli
💸 Budget hotel: Hostel Mantra
🎫 Best tour: Sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola
🏰 Must-sees: City Palace, Jagdish Temple, Bagore Ki Haveli show
🍽️ Where to eat: Ambrai (dinner), Jagat Niwas rooftop (lunch)
☕ Best cafés: Jheel’s & Cafe Boho
🚆 Getting in/out: Night train to Jaipur

How Many Days to Spend in Udaipur

We could only spend 2 days in Udaipur, which was enough for the city to win our hearts. However, this should be an absolute minimum as it is certainly a place where you can give more time to.

Extra days can be spent exploring some of the surrounding areas, see our ‘Best Day Trips from Udaipur’ section down the page. Or just relax and see the city at a more leisurely pace, allowing the city to really get under your skin.

Days to spend in Udaipur: 2 – 4 days

2 Days in Udaipur Itinerary – Day 1

Breakfast overlooking the lake

There’s surely no better way to start your Udaipur itinerary than to indulge in a delicious Indian breakfast with one of the best views in all of India. This is obviously easier if this is at your hotel, such as Jaiwana Haveli, where we stayed, but if not, any hotel rooftop restaurant near Lal Ghat will give you this perfect view.

Udaipur City Palace

Right, time to start getting into the city’s highlights. The biggest of all the palaces in Rajasthan, it is also arguably the most majestic. Of all the places to visit in Udaipur, the City Palace should be at the top of your list.

The palace is nearly 500 years old and has been continuously added to by the succession of Maharanas (royal family) over the years. The architecture is a mix of Rajput and Mughal style, and the detail and beauty amongst the many rooms, balconies and courtyards is incredible. 

Not only is it amazing in its own right, but it is also one of the best viewpoints to see most of the other main attractions in Udaipur, including the Taj Lake Palace and Jagmandir on Lake Pichola and the Monsoon Palace atop the surrounding Aravalli Hills.

Tips:

• Try to get here at opening time (9:30am) to beat the crowds and have the best of the palace to yourself with the best photo opportunities.
• Guides cost around ₹500, and we would recommend getting one to learn the history of Udaipur as a city as well as the palace.
• You can take a boat ride to Jagmandir within the palace grounds.

Entry Fee: ₹400 for adults, ₹100 for children

Boat ride on Lake Pichola to Jagmandir

Jagmandir is a pretty little palace on a small island on Lake Pichola. It has an interesting history, including being a filming location for the James Bond film ‘Octopussy’ in 1983. However, the highlight here is not Jagmandir, but the boat ride itself.

Seeing the city from a completely different perspective, from the lake rather than always looking over it, allows you to see so much more of the architecture. In particular, the city palace looks even more imposing and grandiose, and you’ll also be able to get a closer look at the height of luxury, the Taj Lake Palace. 

Tips:

• Boats run from the City Palace jetty every 20 minutes, with the last one departing at 5pm.
• There is often a queue for the boat here. By 11am, our wait was over half an hour with no shade. Get here early and bring water and a hat if you can.
• You can take a sunset boat trip on the lake for the ultimate romantic experience, but it will cost you an additional ₹300.

Entry Fee: ₹500 or ₹800 for sunset

Lunch with a lake view at Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel

Probably the most Instagrammable place in Udaipur, but also one of its best restaurants, we didn’t know whether we’d taken more pictures of the food or the view.

We actually tried to book a stay in the hotel here, and although we loved where we stayed instead, you can see why it is so hard to get a reservation here; it is gorgeous!

If you are not a vegetarian, you MUST try the Laal Maas; it was sensational. The richest mutton curry you can imagine, it packs a spicy kick but never overpowers; it was so well-balanced. Vegetarian options are also good here, as the paneer curry was quickly polished off, too.

This was one of our favourite meals in all of Rajasthan. If you want to see our other recommendations of where and what to eat, check out our guide on what to eat in Rajasthan.

Expected cost: ₹1500 – 2000 for 2 people

Relax and watch the famous Udaipur sunset

There are no words really needed here, just let these pictures speak for themselves…

Dinner at Ambrai restaurant

Ambrai is arguably Udaipur’s most recommended and romantic restaurant, and with good reason. It sits on the edge of Lake Pichola within the grounds of Amet Haveli and offers the best views of the East side of the lake, including Gangur Ghat and Udaipur City Palace.

The food here is certainly tasty, though maybe not the value for money you come to expect in India. You certainly pay a premium for the view and ambience. We shared the smoked Dhungar Mass and Mewari Khichdi; both were very tasty, but the Khichdi was the standout for us.

Expected cost: ₹2000 – 3000 for 2 people

2 days in Udaipur Itinerary- Day 2

Jagdish Temple

We visited many temples in Rajasthan, but none captured us the way the Jagdish Temple in Udaipur did. 

As you ascend the 32 marble steps to reach the main Temple, you are greeted by such an incredible sight.  The exterior of the temple features beautiful, intricate carvings of elephants, horsemen and deities. 

The inside is often busy with local and travelling worshippers paying their respects, often through chanting and bell ringing. It is a very spiritual and rewarding place to visit.

Tips:

• Dress code for Jagdish Temple: Be sure to wear appropriate clothing with skirts/shorts below the knee and shoulders covered.
• Try to visit during one of the many daily rituals, called ‘aartis’, for the best experience. You should be able to find timings online or ask at your hotel.
• There is a small art gallery within the temple grounds (to the right as you look at the main temple), containing some of the best mewari-style art we saw in Udaipur.

Bagore Ki Haveli Museum & cultural dance performance

This haveli was built in the 18th century by the then Mewari Prime Minister. It fell into disrepair in the 20th century but has been beautifully restored. It won’t take long to look around, but it is often quiet and provides nice photo opportunities over Lake Pichola.

The main reason to visit is for the Dharohar cultural dance show in the evening. The performance, a mix of dances and puppet shows, showcases some of Rajasthan’s history and culture. 

Sometimes, we feel these cultural shows can be a bit underwhelming, but this was definitely worth it!

Tips:

• A small number of tickets can be purchased online
• Otherwise, purchase when the ticket office opens around 6pm for the 7pm start time.

Entry Fee: ₹250 for foreigners, ₹125 for Indians. ₹150 additional charge for cameras.

Chill in one of Udaipur’s bohemian cafes

What made Udaipur stand out for us was that, as well as its incredible lakes and whitewashed buildings, it was also a great place to relax. Its abundance of great cafes is a major part of this; sometimes, nothing beats a tasty cake and coffee.

You can’t really go wrong anywhere, but some of our favourites were:

• Jheel’s Ginger Coffee
• Cafe Boho
• Cafe Edelweiss
• Namaste Cafe & Restaurant

Explore Udaipur’s amazing art scene

The one thing we didn’t know to expect when we came to the city was its abundance of art galleries, shops and street art. 

Everywhere you go, you are overwhelmed by the talent of the various artists. Expect to see Elephants, camels and horses, demonstrations of Rajasthan’s 3 major cities of Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Udaipur, as well as historical Rajput figures and Udaipur’s unique palaces.

We recommend visiting at least one gallery and seeing a live demonstration of the ornate miniature painting, whether on silk, canvas or even your own nail!

Our favourite was Janak Arts, located near the City Palace.

Other Places you can visit in Udaipur

• Monsoon Palace: One we didn’t have time to see, this palace is not known for its beauty but for its views over the city as it sits perched upon the Aravalli Hills. 
• Fateh Sagar Lake: One we did visit but would not recommend. In comparison to Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar just doesn’t have the same wow factor. Also, the roads, viewpoints and markets are incredibly busy, especially on weekends.
• Ahar Cenotaphs: The burial ground of some of Udaipur’s historical royalty. There are hundreds of beautiful domed tombs, a great location for photos, and to learn more about Udaipur’s history.

Best Day Trips from Udaipur

If you have more than 3 days in Udaipur, you could consider one of these to explore more of its surrounding history and culture:

• Chittorgarh Fort: The largest fort in India and a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is as beautiful as it is immense. It is one of the most distinctive forts in Rajasthan and is well worth a visit.
  • Udaipur to Chittorgarh: Easiest to take a taxi or an organised tour like this very-well reviewed option.

• Kumbhalgarh Fort and Ranakpur: Kumbhalgarh, another famous fort in the region, is famous for being surrounded by the 2nd largest wall in the world! Enjoy amazing views of the surrounding Aravalli Hills and wildlife sanctuary. Also nearby is Ranakpur, one of the most famous temples in Jainism.
  • Udaipur to Kumbhalgarh: There are no direct buses or trains, so again a tour is the eaisest option. It can be a good place to stop when travelling from Udaipur to Jodhpur or Jaisalmer.

• Mount Abu: Escape the heat to Rajasthan’s only hill station. Expect to see lush greenery, strange rock formations and stunning views. With its cooler temperature, it is a great place to explore by hiking or 2-wheeler.
  • Udaipur to Mount Abu: Hire a taxi or take a bus.

Best Time of Year to Visit Udaipur:

The best time of year to visit Udaipur is in winter, from November to February. The temperatures will be cooler, with peaks in the mid-20s Celsius, and the chance of rain will be low, perfect for exploring the city’s sights. The nights and early mornings will be chilly, so be sure to bring a coat or jacket.

Where to stay in Udaipur:

How to Get to Udaipur

Compare trains, buses and flights to Udaipur below

Read more: Our Complete Guide to India Trains (how to book, classes, tips)

How to Get from Jaipur to Udaipur

The most convenient way to travel between Jaipur and Udaipur is the overnight train. Trains usually depart around 11pm and arrive at 7am, meaning you save on a night’s accommodation and maximise sightseeing time.

👉 We took this night train and loved it – super efficient and hassle-free.

🚆Check train timetables & book tickets: Book Udaipur → Jaipur trains on 12Go

✈️ Alternative: A flight takes just 1 hour if you’re short on time.

📌 Related post: See our 3-Day Jaipur Itinerary

How to get to Udaipur from Jodhpur or Jaisalmer

There are no direct trains or flights from Udaipur to either city, which makes things a little trickier.

🚆Option 1 – Via Jaipur (most reliable):
Travelling via Jaipur is the smoothest connection from/to Jodhpur or Jaisalmer.

🚌Option 2 – Overnight bus (budget-friendly):
If you’re not visiting Jaipur, the overnight buses are actually very convenient.

Compare Udaipur → Jaisalmer/Jodhpur travel:
🔍Search trains via Jaipur on 12Go
🔍Search Jodhpur to Udaipur buses on Busbud

📌 If you’re heading to Jaisalmer: Don’t miss our Desert Camel Safari guide

How to get to Udaipur from Ranthambore

Ranthambore is one of the best places in India to see tigers in the wild, and it’s very manageable from Udaipur.

The easiest option is the overnight train, which gets you there early enough for a morning safari.

🚆Check Udaipur → Sawai Madhopur trains on 12Go

📌 If you’re like the idea of seeing tigers: Read our Ranthambore Safari Guide

How to Get to Udaipur from Delhi or Mumbai

If you’re coming from major cities, the quickest option is the plane:

Delhi: ~1 hour 40 mins
Mumbai: ~1 hour 20 mins

Flights are frequent and usually reasonably priced.

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How to Dress in Udaipur

Udaipur doesn’t feel as conservative as other Rajasthani cities, and you’ll see many more people, both Indian and foreign tourists, wearing ‘Western’ clothing such as jeans and shorts. Still, you’ll need to ensure you bring clothing that covers your knees and shoulders on the days you’ll want to visit religious buildings. In particular, Jagdish Temple. 

Poorva Says:

For women, as in most of North India, I still recommend avoiding crop tops or thin strappy tops if you want to avoid uncomfortable glares from some. This is not to say it’s not safe, and if you want to feel empowered to do so, I’d support your choice completely. Just be aware that dressing more conservatively can sometimes help reduce unwanted attention, especially in the less touristy areas. Ultimately, wear what makes you comfortable and confident.

For more advice on how to dress across Rajstahn or the whole country, see our What To Wear In India As A Female Traveller – Guide.

We hope this guide has given you all the information you need to decide what to do in Udaipur in 2 days and plan your perfect trip.

Interested in more 2-day Indian itineraries – check out our Jaisalmer City Guide!

Have you visited Udaipur on your Indian travels? Let us know what your thoughts on the city are in the comments below!