Photo: Pranav Panchal / UnsplashUdaipur
Rajasthan, India
The City of Lakes: palaces reflected in still water, rooftop cafés, and some of Rajasthan's most beautiful forts and temples within a day's drive.
- Backpacker / day
- ₹1,500–2,500
- Mid-range / day
- ₹5,000–10,600
- Best time
- October to March
- Ideal length
- 3–4 days
- Gateway
- Udaipur airport (UDR) or Udaipur City station
Udaipur grew around a chain of artificial lakes built by the Mewar rulers, and its old city climbs up from the shore of Lake Pichola to the vast City Palace. It's slower and greener than Jaipur, and at its best at sunset.
Stay in the old city near Lal Ghat or Gangaur Ghat to walk everywhere, and keep a day for the hill fort of Kumbhalgarh and the marble Jain temple at Ranakpur.
Day by day
4-day itinerary
₹6,000–10,000per person on a backpacker budget (estimate), excluding travel to get there
- 1
Day 1: Old city and the lake
The City Palace and Jagdish Temple, then a boat on Lake Pichola in the late afternoon.
- 2
Day 2: Gardens and sunset
Saheliyon ki Bari and Fateh Sagar lake, then sunset from the Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh).
- 3
Day 3: Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur
A full-day trip to the fort of Kumbhalgarh and its long walls, and the marble Jain temple at Ranakpur.
- 4
Day 4: Slow day
A cooking class or miniature-painting workshop, and the evening folk dance show at Bagore ki Haveli.
When to go
- Jan★ Best
- Feb★ Best
- Mar★ Best
- Apr—
- May—
- Jun—
- JulGood
- AugGood
- SepGood
- Oct★ Best
- Nov★ Best
- Dec★ Best
- Oct–Mar: BestPleasant days and cool evenings; the lakes are usually full after a good monsoon.
- Jul–Sep: GoodMonsoon turns the surrounding Aravalli hills green and fills the lakes. Fewer tourists, lower prices, and some rain.
- Apr–Jun: AvoidHot, often above 40°C.
Getting there
- By air
- Udaipur's airport at Dabok, about 22 km from the city, has flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and other cities.
- By train
- Udaipur City station has direct trains from Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai, including overnight options.
- By road
- Buses connect Udaipur with Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai.
Budget per person per day
| Item | Backpacker | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Stay (guesthouse or hostel) | ₹700–1,300 | ₹2,500–6,000 |
| Food | ₹400–700 | ₹900–1,600 |
| Local transport (auto) | ₹200–400 | ₹800–1,500 |
| Entry fees and boats | ₹300–700 | ₹800–1,500 |
| Typical day | ₹1,500–2,500 | ₹5,000–10,600 |
A shared or private taxi for the Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur day trip is the biggest single cost; split it with other travellers from your guesthouse.
Highlights
City Palace
Rajasthan's largest palace complex, rising above Lake Pichola.
Lake Pichola at sunset
Views of the Lake Palace and the ghats from a boat or Ambrai Ghat.
Kumbhalgarh Fort
A UNESCO-listed hill fort with walls that run for kilometres over the hills.
Ranakpur Jain temple
A marble temple famous for its hundreds of intricately carved pillars.
Practical tips
- Temple rules
- Ranakpur and other Jain temples ask visitors to remove leather items and cover shoulders and knees, and have set visiting hours for non-worshippers.
- Lake levels
- After a weak monsoon, some lakes run low; ask locally before booking a lake view.
- Heat
- Even in winter, carry water and plan outdoor sightseeing for mornings and late afternoons.
Udaipur FAQs
How many days do I need in Udaipur?
Three to four days covers the city at a relaxed pace plus a day trip to Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur.
Is Udaipur worth visiting in the monsoon?
Yes, if you don't mind some rain: the lakes fill up, the hills turn green, and prices drop.
Can I visit Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur in one day?
Yes. Most people hire a taxi for the day and see both, returning to Udaipur in the evening.
Guide reviewed September 2026. Costs are estimates, not live prices. Check current prices, permits, weather, safety advice and schedules before you travel.