by Discover the Unforgettable Attractions of Udaipur, from opulent palaces to spiritual solace at Eklingji Temple. The city offers a variety of shopping spots like Chetak Circle where you can buy Rajasthani dancing puppets.
Enjoy a tranquil ride on Lake Pichola or explore the Saheliyon Ki Bari, built for maids of the royal family with delightful fountains and marble elephants. The Gulab Bagh Zoo is another attraction worth visiting in Udaipur.
City Palace
The City Palace is Udaipur’s huge landmark and a must-see sight. This enormous complex was built in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II. It grew to include 11 separate palaces (called Mahals) over the next 400 years as 42 successive Maharanas made their mark on this colossal structure.
The palace is a gorgeous mix of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. It’s an impressive edifice that feels like a set from a romantic movie. You’ll find stunning marble carvings, majestic courtyards and grand corridors. Within the Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) is an art gallery displaying copies of the Bhagavad Gita handwritten in tiny script and other holy scriptures. These were kept small enough to be hidden in case zealous Mughal armies wanted to destroy them. The palace’s inner court is also surrounded by four glorious gates, each representing the season – the Peacock Gate depicts autumn, the Lotus Gate symbolizes summer, the Green Gate embodies spring and the Rose Gate represents winter.
A great way to explore the City Palace is to book onto a guided tour with an expert local guide. This will take away the hassle of arranging your transport and you’ll get to visit all of these fantastic sites on an organised trip.
Lake Palace
A 17th century palace that floats on the serene water of Lake Pichola, Lake Palace is among the most iconic landmarks in Udaipur. This magnificent structure was used as a pleasure palace for the royal family and is now one of the premier heritage hotels in India. The palace’s rooms are beautifully designed with intricately carved arches and inland stones.
A must-visit for art lovers, Bharatiya Lok kala Museum displays an impressive collection of Indian paintings, folk musical instruments, ornaments, dolls, and puppets. The museum is located to the north of Chetak Circle and offers a peek into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
For those who enjoy trekking, hiking, and exploring the outdoors, Udaipur’s many peaks provide plenty of opportunities for adventure. The city’s ethereal lakes and picturesque surroundings make it the perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature’s beauty.
Another popular outdoor activity in Udaipur is the rickshaw ride. Whether you’re on your own or with a group of friends, this experience is sure to take your breath away. It’s also a great way to see more of the city and meet locals. You can find a wide variety of rickshaws for hire on the streets and at several tourist spots in the city. The prices vary depending on the type of rickshaw and how long you want to rent it for.
Sahastra Bahu Temples
The two magnificent temples of Sahastra Bahu, dedicated to the gods and goddesses, stand as a beautiful reminder of the exemplary craftsmanship of medieval Indian architects. The intricate carvings and graceful architecture of the temples are sure to enchant anyone who visits them. The temples have a calm atmosphere that imbues one with tranquillity. They are a must-visit attraction for all history buffs who want to take in the beauty and culture of Udaipur.
Perched atop the Dewali Hill, on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake is the Neemach Mata Temple or Ambaji Temple. This centrally positioned shrine is greatly revered by Hindu pilgrims and devotees.
The temple is adorned with exquisite 10th century carvings that are worth admiring. The temple complex also has an octagonal plafond that is embellished with elaborately carved female figurines.
The sandstone temple was built in 1559 and stands as a grand example of the royal setup of Rajasthan. It has a series of courtyards, corridors, huge rooms and other structures that will surely leave you in awe. One of the most popular attractions of the City Palace is the Wax Museum that is located on the Sahelion ki Bari road and has a Mirror Maze, Horror House and 9D Cinema amongst other fun facilities. It attracts tourists from across the world and is a must-visit for all people who want to experience the best of Udaipur.
Gulabh Bagh Zoo
A visit to Gulab Bagh will not be complete without a trip to the zoo that is located within it. A perfect blend of flora and fauna, the garden is famous for its roses as well as other trees like pomegranate, mango, guava, lemon, tamarind, wood apple, dawood, and aging tree that are aesthetically pleasing to the eyes. The place is also home to a lotus pond where one can admire the beautiful pink and green lotuses floating on the water.
Navlakha Mahal, the religious place for Arya Samaj devotees, Saraswati Library and Kamal Talai are other spectacles to explore at Gulab Bagh. It is advisable to visit this magnificent garden during the months of October to March, as the climate will be pleasant and suitable for exploring it in all its glory.
The zoological park of Udaipur is an inseparable part of the heritage of the city and its inhabitants. It has been a source of education for children, and they learn about the animals in their natural habitat. This eliminates misconceptions about wild animals and also educates them about the difference between a lion, tiger or panther. However, with the zoo getting shifted to Sajjangarh, it is likely that this 134-year-old legacy of the city will be converted into a concrete jungle of government offices and buildings.
