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

Udaipur, often called ‘the Venice of the East’  was our favourite city in Rajasthan, 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 the top things to do, 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.

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. This really is THE must-see sight in Udaipur.

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 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 vegetarian, you MUST try the Laal Maas, it was sensational. The richest mutton curry you can imagine, packs a spicy kick but never overpowering, it was so well-balanced. Vegetarian options are also good here as the paneer curry was quickly polished off too.

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 stand out 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 travelled 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 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 here: https://dharoharfolkdance.org/booking/
• 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 are 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 favorite 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 aboutUdaipur’s history. Read more here: https://thirdeyetraveller.com/ahar-cenotaphs-in-udaipur-photos/

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, the Chittorgarh Fort is as beautiful as it is immense. It was actually the capital of the kingdom of Mewar before it moved to Udaipur. It is one of the most distinctive forts in Rajasthan and well worth a visit.
  • Udaipur to Chittorgarh: Hire a taxi for the day or take a train. Approx. 1.5 hour journey.

• 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, you’ll see incredible carvings such as its beautiful carved idol of Parshvanatha with 108 snake heads, made from a single slab of marble.
  • Udaipur to Kumbhalgarh: Hire a taxi to take you to both locations. Approx. 2.5 hour journey. There are no direct buses or trains. 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. Approx. 3.5 hour journey.

Travel FAQs for Udaipur

Best time of year to visit Udaipur:

The best time of year to visit Udaipur is in winter, November to February. The temperatures will be cooler, with peaks in the mid 20’s 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:

For budget travellers: You can’t go wrong with Hostel Mantra is perfect for backpackers. Located a stone’s throw from all the best sights and with incredible lake views from the roof terrace, you can’t go wrong. Approx price per night: ₹1000-₹1500.

For mid-range travellers: We stayed at Jaiwana Haveli and loved it. We managed to get an amazing heritage-style room with lake views, and the vista on the rooftop terrace, while you eat breakfast, is enough to take anyone’s breath away.  Approx price per night: ₹4000-₹5000.

For luxury travellers: We only had the chance to eat at Jagat Niwas Palace but it is absolutely stunning. Amazing vista views, incredible restaurant, heritage rooms with luxury fittings and even a small pool. This is the perfect place to relax and unwind while visiting one of the most romantic cities in the world. Approx price per night: ₹15000-₹50000.

How to get to Udaipur

From Jaipur to Udaipur

There are many ways to travel from Jaipur to Udaipur but we recommend the night train. In both directions there are trains departing around 11pm and arriving at 7am, perfect to arrive and explore the cities immediately. Taking the night train saves on accommodation costs and minimises wasted daytime hours in your itinerary. 

Alternatively, you can get a plane which takes just an hour.

From Udaipur to Jaisalmer or Udaipur to Jodhpur

These journeys are complicated as there is no direct flight or direct train between Udaipur and these cities. For this reason, we recommend travelling to Jaipur from Udaipur as suggested above before continuing on your Rajasthan Itinerary to either destination.

Alternatively, if you have already visited Jaipur, you could take a night bus which may not be the most comfortable journey but is very convenient and good for those on a budget. Check here to see if there is any availability on your travel dates.

From Udaipur to Delhi or Udaipur to Mumbai

To return to India’s major cities, whether to continue your travels or maybe to catch an international flight home, a plane is your best option. Both journeys are relatively short at less than 2 hours, while the alternatives are much longer.

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.

How to stay connected in Udaipur (and all of India)

Most mobile network plans, especially UK and European networks, do not include India as part of your package. We found this out the hard way paying £5 a day for mobile network with ID mobile.

To get around this, we recommend getting an e-sim from Airalo.

We’ve used Airalo in all of our travels outside Europe, including in Brazil and India. It is normally less than £20 for 10GB, enough to cover you even for a long trip.

Tip: Turn off automatic backup of photos to iCloud with mobile data, it can drain your data very quickly if you are taking lots of snaps! Don’t make the same mistake we did.

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