The City of Lakes — palaces that rise from the water, rooftop dinners at dusk, and the most romantic skyline in Rajasthan.
Udaipur (the City of Lakes) is a city in southern Rajasthan, India, built around Lake Pichola by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1559. It is 400 km from Jaipur and has its own airport with direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur. The City Palace, built over 400 years by 22 successive Maharanas, is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan.
Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II after the Mewar Kingdom's capital at Chittorgarh was sacked by Akbar. He chose this valley of lakes deliberately — the water provided both a defensive barrier and an aesthetic that turned his new capital into one of the most beautiful cities in Asia.
The City Palace, built over 400 years by successive Maharanas, is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan — a labyrinth of courtyards, mirrored halls, balconies, and rooftop pavilions that took 400 years to complete. Below it, Lake Pichola reflects the palace walls at sunrise, while the Taj Lake Palace — a white marble island hotel that appeared in the James Bond film Octopussy — floats on the water nearby.
Udaipur is the natural southern anchor of any Rajasthan circuit tour, typically combined with Jodhpur and Jaisalmer in a classic arc. It is also popular as a standalone honeymoon destination — the combination of lake views, heritage hotels, and Rajasthani cuisine make it exceptional for couples.
Udaipur has excellent flight connections from Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur. Many guests fly in to end their Rajasthan tour here and fly home directly — saving a long road journey back to Delhi.
A city where every building is a photographic subject and every sunset is worth stopping for.
The largest palace complex in Rajasthan, built between 1559 and the 1900s by 22 successive Maharanas. The museum wing contains spectacular crystal galleries, elephant-howdahs in solid silver, and a room tiled entirely in coloured glass from 1620. Allow at least three hours.
A sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola, stopping at Jag Mandir island palace, is one of Rajasthan's iconic experiences. The light on the City Palace walls at dusk, seen from the water, is extraordinary. One-hour tours depart from Rameshwar Ghat.
Jag Mandir island palace (1620) is accessible by boat and offers spectacular lakeside dining. The Taj Lake Palace — the white marble floating hotel — can be visited for lunch or afternoon tea even if you're not staying, subject to reservation.
A 19th-century palace on a hilltop 5km outside Udaipur, offering 360-degree views of the city, all five lakes, and the Aravalli Hills fading into Rajasthan's desert. Go 45 minutes before sunset. The drive up through forest is also excellent for birdwatching.
Kankarwa Haveli and Jagat Niwas are the best mid-range hotels with direct Lake Pichola views. For a splurge: Leela Palace Udaipur and Taj Lake Palace. Book lake-facing rooms far in advance — they sell out first.
Ambrai at the Amet Haveli offers the best view of City Palace and Jag Mandir over the lake. Booking is essential in peak season. For something more casual, any of the Lal Ghat rooftops offer excellent value and views.
City Palace gate at sunrise (empty lanes). Lake Pichola from Chandpole Bridge at golden hour. Sajjangarh at sunset. The Bagore Ki Haveli folk dance performance (evenings, 7pm) is also highly photogenic.
The area between Lal Ghat and Jagdish Temple is best explored on foot. Narrow lanes, silver jewellers, miniature-painting workshops, and fabric shops — all within easy walking distance of Lake Pichola.
Ranakpur Jain Temples (90km, spectacular 15th-century marble temples) and Kumbhalgarh Fort (84km, second-longest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China) are both excellent full-day excursions.
Udaipur is the perfect final destination — end your Rajasthan journey with lake sunsets and royal dining.
Jaipur → Jodhpur → Jaisalmer → Udaipur. Fly home from Udaipur airport — no backtrack to Delhi required.
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City Palace, lake boat ride, heritage hotel stay, rooftop dinner, Sajjangarh sunset — the perfect Udaipur couple's itinerary.
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The complete India journey: Golden Triangle, Ranthambore tiger safari, full Rajasthan circuit, finishing at Udaipur.
Get a QuoteWritten by Samarth Sharma, Rajasthan tour guide since 2010. Last updated: June 2026.