Blog

Jumping right into it, Udaipur is a gorgeous city that is still relatively small. This means you can get around in a tuk-tuk or walk most of the city. Udaipur was founded by Maharaja Udai Singh II in 1559 around a set of artificial lakes. The lakes dry up during summer but during the monsoon seasons they are filled to the brim and you can see boats twinkling and people celebrating festivals along the shorelines. There are some unique and interesting places to visit in Udaipur in 2 days.

Let me introduce the city by saying that I was surprised. I grew up in Delhi and Jaipur and those cities are filthy to boot. They are gorgeous but also ridiculously dirty. Udaipur though was shiny, clean and people were so nice. Maybe it’s because the city is still relatively small. The funniest thing was the ad for a water bottle company showing a camel drinking their water so kudos to whoever came up with that idea.

Planning a trip to India? Checkout – The Ultimate STEP BY STEP Guide Plan your trip to India.

My mom grew up in Udaipur for some part of her childhood. It wasn’t a very famous destination 20 years ago and barely anyone that lived in India traveled to a city in the middle of nowhere for tourism. Now in 2020 it is a bustling spot and a city that I loved visiting. The trip was great in itself cause I hadn’t travelled alone with my mom in over 2 years. It was even more awesome because we would go to all these tourist places and she would remember going there with their parents..kinda made it seem like I was connected with travelers from the past in some way. 

Looking for places to stay in Udaipur? Checkout – Where to stay in Udaipur | Conde Nast.

List of top 25 places to visit in Udaipur in 2 days: City attractions

1. Lake Pichola
2. City Palace
3. Jag Niwas
4. Fateh Sagar Lake
5. Sajjangarh Palace
6. Eklingji Temple
7. Vintage Car Museum
8. Jaisamand Lake
9. Jag Mandir
10. Jagdish Temple
11. Saheliyon ki Bari
12. Hathi Pol Bazaar
13. Bada Bazaar
14. Bagore ki Haveli
15. Ahar Cenotaphs
16. Jagat Niwas
17. Sheesh Mahal
18. Shilpgram

List of places to visit in Udaipur in 2 days: Day trips

1. Ranakpur
2. Kumbhlagarh Fort
3. Haldighati
4. Mount Abu
5. Chittorgarh Fort
6. Karni Palace
7. Badi Lake

1. Lake Pichola

This gorgeous lake is one of the most famous places to visit in Udaipur in 2 days, having delighted travelers like me for centuries now. It is surrounded on one side by lush green hills and on the other by the magnificent white walls of the City Palace and bathing ghats. To understand why this is such a huge attraction take a boat ride onto the lake from Rameshwar Ghat near the City Palace at sunset when the soft glow of the setting sun illuminates the waters and the lights of the palace are turned on. It is one of the most gorgeous views in Udaipur. 

2. City Palace

This thundering palace was constructed in 1559 by the king of Udaipur and is testament to the skills of the Rajputs. The architecture is a mixture of European, Chinese and Medieval styles with 11 different palaces inside the compound all constructed at different times throughout the centuries.

One of the rooms that really captured my attention is made completely out of crystallized glass in different colors and shines like a rainbow in the sunlight. It was mind blowing. The palace has extremely well curated museums and artifacts on display. Top tip: The best photo spot in the city is inside the palace in an inconspicuous room on the top floor with blue and green artwork on the wall.

3. Jag Niwas

The Lake Palace is one of the top places to visit in Udaipur in 2 days and also one of the most famous wedding destinations in India. The palace was built in 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh and now has been converted into one of the most romantic hotels in the world. You can enjoy the architecture by either taking a boat ride around the palace or better yet have lunch at one of their restaurants. If you decide to stay here though you will enjoy an unparalleled stay surrounded by absolute beauty and luxury in one of most gorgeous palaces on Earth.

4. Fateh Sagar Lake

Located in the north-west end of Udaipur the blue waters of this lake are frequented by locals and tourists alike everyday. The lake has 3 islands with beautiful gardens that are easily accessible by boats all day. The most famous of these is the Nehru Park with the zoo. It has the cutest boat shaped restaurant and is an amazing picnic spot to enjoy the quiet nature amongst the trees with the stunning view of the city of Udaipur in the front. 

5. Sajjangarh Palace

One of my favorite places to visit in Udaipur in 2 days was the monsoon palace atop the Bansdara Mountain. You take a rickshaw to the foot of the mountain and then pay for the jeep ride to the top. The jeep goes through a winding road on the mountain with a birds eye view of Udaipur before emerging from the trees next to the palace. During monsoon when we went you can see the heavy clouds and the green hills that cocoon the city for miles in every direction. The best time to visit here is of course the monsoon and during the evening when everything looks cloudy and dreamy.

6. Eklingji Temple

A little north of Udaipur, this temple dedicated to the god of destruction, Shiva is one of the well-known temples of Udaipur. It was built almost 1200 years ago and has the double-storied pyramidal carved roof distinctive of that time. The main temple is a masterpiece carved out of stone and marble. It has a 50 feet tall four-faced idol of Shiva made out of black marble that is garlanded by a silver snake housed inside. The compound has 108 temples all dating back throughout the centuries that includes the only temple of the Lakulish sect in India. It is a wonder to walk amongst such an ancient site and marvel at the architecture.

7. Vintage Car Museum

As every history buff knows, the Maharajas of India were deeply fascinated by vintage cars and it was no different for the Maharanas of Mewar that collectively amassed a glorious collection of vintage cars over the decades. This impressive collection is on display inside the Mewar State Motor Garage where each vehicle has been painstakingly restored to its former glory. With their bright headlights peering in a semi circular shape in the courtyard this is one of the cutest and unique places to visit in Udaipur in 2 days.

8. Jaisamand Lake

This a quiet lake in the middle of the scenic Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary. The only sides you will hear are birds chirping away in the trees. This is the perfect place to infuse your heart with gratitude for nature and appreciate the beauty of the hills that are aplenty around Udaipur. There are 3 islands on the lake that are home to the tribes of Bhil Minas. The lake itself is thriving with marine wildlife. The gravity point for the lake is the 116 feet high marble bund that has its Shiva temples and cenotaphs. In the distance you can see the palaces of the Queens of Udaipur rising atop the hill. To visit here either take a boat ride or immerse yourself in the wildlife at the sanctuary.

9. Jag Mandir

This palace served as an entertainment grounds for the royal family wherein they hosted functions. On the island are the Gul Mahal which at one time has walls inlaid with rubies, Garden Courtyard, Bara Patharon ka Mahal, Zenana Mahal and Kunwar Pada ka Mahal. To get to the palace you will have to take the Bansi Ghat Jetty. If you are a Bond fanatic you will be thrilled to know that this palace was featured in Octopussy which made it world famous. 

10. Jagdish Temple

The impressive stone temple in the middle of Udaipur is a community pillar-stone and part of everyday life for the people.The temple honors Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. It has Indo-Aryan influences from the 17th century and is an architectural marvel. It has delicately carved pillars, intricately drawings chiseled on the ceiling and beautifully painted walls. The best time to visit here is for aarti when the crowd gathers and bells ring out in harmony throughout the city. The entrance is right next to the Badi Pol gate of the City Palace.

11. Saheliyon ki Bari

This gorgeous garden situated next to Fateh Sagar lake is the epitome of the love the king of Mewar had for his queen. He built Saheliyon ki Bari or Garden of the Lady Friends for his wife and her 48 maids that came with her after their marriage. The gardens have four beautifully carved pools. The lotus pool is the most stunning with marble elephants on its embankments. The pool at the heart of the gardens is adorned by stone umbrellas on all four sides and one in the middle. This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Udaipur in 2 days.

12. Hathi Pol Bazaar

This market in Udaipur is known for its local handiwork and craftsmen. It is most famous for its traditional Pichwai and Phad paintings, Rajasthani miniature paintings, wooden handicrafts and Nagra slippers made of camel leather. I personally loved shopping here because they have a whole section just for chiffon sarees which the city is famous for. They have the most bright and color gorgeous Danka embroidery sarees that are to die for. This is definitely a must visit in the city.

13. Bada Bazaar

This is another marketplace that sells textiles, jewellery and Nagra slippers. They have rows and rows of shops selling sarees that are famous in the region. If you are looking for any local crafts to bring back home then this is another market that will satisfy whatever you are looking for. You can take a rickshaw between this market and Hathi Pol Bazaar for a full day of shopping. 

14. Bagore ki Haveli

This is a sandstone palace that is situated on the banks of Lake Pichola on the Gangori Ghat. The haveli is an example of the splendid craftsmanship of the local people. The architecture is gorgeous and the view from the roof is amazing. The inside of the haveli is adorned with some exceptional mirror work that is seen only in Rajasthan. The puppet museum and the wedding section which shows the different stages of a wedding are two of the cutest displays ever to catch my eye. If you are planning to go here make sure to stay for the Dharohar Dance Show at 7pm where the local dancers perform various dances that are part of the culture.  

15. Ahar Cenotaphs

This is the cremation grounds for the royal family of Mewar with a cenotaph built for each person that has been cremated here. There are 372 cenotaphs on the grounds with the largest 9 cenotaphs dedicated to the Maharajas of the state. The cenotaphs are stone umbrellas with delicately carved images of royal life. The monochromatic colors of the cenotaphs are a sobre homage to the kings, queens and their people who influenced and built this state over the centuries. This is one of the most important archaeological sites and places to visit in Udaipur in 2 days. 

16. Jagat Niwas

This glowing white haveli is a converted boutique hotel. It is rated as one of the best places to visit in Udaipur in 2 days for food on their breathtaking lake side restaurant that looks directly onto Lake Pichola. I was not disappointed with either the food or the views. It is one of the most calming experiences to have piping hot Indian food on their soft cushions atop their balconies over the lake. You have your tiny little balcony all to yourself to enjoy lunch. For an even more impressive view, head over to the rooftop where you get a bird’s eye view of all around the area and one of the best photography places to visit in Udaipur in 2 days. I very highly recommend you go here for a meal!

17. Sheesh Mahal

This open-air fine-dining restaurant is one of the best traditional Indian food restaurants that serves the local cuisine. Situated inside the Leela Palace you will be treated like royalty and experience true Rajasthani culture prepared atop open clay over next to your table. In the evening you have a clear view of the shining City Palace across the lake and the Taj Palace in the middle of the waters.

The daal baati choorma is the traditional food of the locals and I really recommend you try this because it is delicious. The soft cool breeze blows over the lake while you eat and the magical views of the city and Sajjangarh Palace glowing in the distance redefine the meaning of fine dining. For my complete stay at the Leela Palace checkout my Review of the Leela Palace Udaipur.

18. Shilpgram

Located at the foothills of the Aravali, Shilpgram is a craftsmen village that imitates a traditional village with clay constructed huts. Shilpgram provides employment to many local craftsmen and organizes festivals here on a regular basis. The open air Amphitheatre is used for performance by various artists. To immerse yourself into the culture and really understand how the people live, visit Shilpgram. 

19. Ranakpur

Ranakpur is a village that is home to one of the five holy places for the Jain community. The temple was built in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha to honor Adinathji. The main Sun Temple dedicated to the Sun God rises up as a force of white marble with embellished walls carved with paintings depicting warriors, nakshatras, horses and the sun. The walls in the temple will blow your mind with how intricately carved every surface is. The architecture is the same as found in the Dilwara temples of Mount Abu in our list.

20. Kumbhalgarh Fort

This magnificent fort lies in the Aravali hills built by Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. This fort served as the last line of defense for the kingdom due to the hostile topography of the area and was used by the kings in times of danger. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside the fort you can see the Parsvanath Temple, the Kumbha Palace and the birthplace of Maharana Pratap called Jhalia ka Malia near Pagda Pol. 

21. Haldighati

The historian in every one of us would rejoice at the chance to visit Haldighati where the famous Battle of Haldighati took place between Rana Pratap Singh of Mewar and Raja Man Singh of Amber in 1576. The ferocious battle is taught in school and lives on in the memories of the people. The mountain pass where this battle was found is now home to the Maharana Pratap National Museum dedicated as a memorial for this battle. 

22. Mount Abu

The only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu used to be the summer retreats for the kings of Rajasthan. The Dilwara Temple is one of the holiest sites for the Jain community. It is a gorgeous white marble temple with carvings of gods and goddesses. There are an unbounded number of things you could do here – take a boat ride in the Nakki Lake, go trekking in the hills or immerse yourself in the wildlife in the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary. 

23. Chittorgarh Fort

This fort was built by the Mauryan rulers in the 7th century and is a huge architectural marvel covering 700 acres next to the Gamberi River. The Padmini Palace and Rana Kumbha Palace are two of the famous structures inside. The Padmini Palace was the home of Queen Padmini whose beauty drove the neighbouring Muslim king to invade the city to capture her leading to her committed self-sacrifice by fire rather than live without her husband who died in battle. Bhimtal Tank and Gaumukh Reservoir are impressive water tanks that should be visited. This fort is the ultimate testament to the love and courage of the Rajputs. 

24. Karni Palace

One of my personal favorites, the Karni Palace in Bambora has been converted into a boutique luxury hotel where I had one of my best stays in India. The rooms have traditional wooden furniture and colored window murals. The palace has Ayurvedic spa treatment and dance performances by the local dancers with your dinner. The expansive gardens and marble pool provide the ultimate place to rest and recharge your energy. I went here with my entire family and absolutely loved the royal stay. 

25. Badi Lake

This lake is a gorgeous hiking and picnic spot in the heart of the Aravali Hills. The area is tranquil and the nature is refreshing without the crowds of the more popular lakes. You could take a swim and then lounge on its bank. At the top of the small hill adjacent to the lake you will find a breathtaking view of the city and a small stall selling oil fried Indian pakoras and Maggi to warm you up during the cloudy monsoon evenings. 

How many places have you visited in Udaipur? Let me know in the comments which ones were your favorites.

---