Three days of Udaipur lakes, palaces, temples and sunset viewpoints
Day 1 covers Gardens, Crafts And Temple Bells. Day 2 covers Old City And Sunset Views. Day 3 covers Ropeway Heights And Lake Water.
Good to Know
Estimated total per person: ₹14,500-30,400
Weather: With no travel month specified, plan for warm afternoons, strong sun and cooler breezes after sunset; check rainfall before the Monsoon Palace drive.
Pack:
comfortable walking shoes
modest temple clothing
sun hat and sunglasses
reusable water bottle
light evening layer
Local tips:
Old-city lanes around Jagdish Temple and Gangaur Ghat are easiest on foot or by auto-rickshaw.
Agree on the auto fare before starting, or use a cab for the Eklingji Temple and Monsoon Palace drives.
Booking tips:
Keep one flexible transport booking on Day 3 if your return flight or train is early.
Reserve a sunset-oriented dinner table where possible, but do not make it so late that the Monsoon Palace return becomes rushed.
Getting there (from India (major metros)):
flight: IndiGo or Air India via Delhi or Mumbai; direct options from Delhi and Mumbai are usually simplest - 1 hour 15 minutes direct; 3-5 hours with connection - ₹5,000-12,000 per person return
train: Mewar Express from Delhi; Chetak Express from Delhi - 11-13 hours from Delhi - ₹1,500-4,500 per person return
road: Private car or overnight bus from Ahmedabad or Jaipur - 6-8 hours from Ahmedabad; 7-9 hours from Jaipur - ₹2,500-7,000 per person return
For a three-day trip, compare a direct flight with an overnight train from Delhi; flying saves a sightseeing day, while the train usually saves money. If flying from southern India, a Delhi or Mumbai connection is generally more practical than forcing a multi-stop itinerary.
The old city is best navigated on foot or by tuk-tuk - the lanes around Lake Pichola are too narrow for cars. Park your vehicle near Gulab Bagh and walk in.
Lake Pichola boat rides (₹400-700) cover Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas. Avoid the 12pm - 3pm slot when sun reflects harshly off the water.
Raghu Kala Museum Café is the insider rooftop with the best lake view - lesser known than Ambrai Ghat spots and 30% cheaper.
Road from Udaipur to Ranakpur and Kumbhalgarh is 90-120 minutes each; both are worth a full-day trip. Hire a driver for ₹1,800-2,200/day.
Day 1: Gardens, Crafts And Temple Bells
Keep the first day gentle: green gardens and local crafts come before the quieter temple stop. The distances are manageable, but Eklingji Temple works best with an early start.
Saheliyon ki bari (morning): Take an auto-rickshaw or cab from central Udaipur, about 15-20 minutes and ₹150-300, to reach Saheliyon ki bari before the afternoon heat. Walk slowly past the marble pavilions, lotus pools and shaded trees; the small fountains make this a pleasant first stop rather than a rushed photo visit. Look for the contrast between cool stone and bright greenery. Wear shoes with grip because damp paths can be slippery after fountain spray, and carry water even in the shaded sections.
Shilpgram (afternoon): It's a great place to buy local handicrafts and watch traditional performances. Take a taxi from the city center for about ₹200. Enjoy the vibrant cultural displays and maybe catch a folk dance performance.
Eklingji Temple (evening): A well-rated hindu temple spot (4.8★) - worth the stop.
Eat: 1559 AD - Choose a relaxed dinner with Rajasthani and North Indian dishes after returning from Eklingji Temple.
Evening: Keep the evening unhurried with dinner at 1559 AD rather than adding another distant sightseeing stop.
Budget for the day: ₹3,100-5,900 per person
Day 2: Old City And Sunset Views
Visit Jagdish Temple before taking in the calm waterfront atmosphere at Ambrai Ghat. Continue to Monsoon Palace for broad sunset views, then enjoy dinner at Upre.
Jagdish Temple (morning): From central Udaipur, take an auto-rickshaw for 10-15 minutes and around ₹100-200, then walk the final narrow stretch to Jagdish Temple. Climb the carved staircase slowly and spend time noticing the dense stone figures, small shrines and the sound of bells inside. Dress respectfully and avoid carrying large bags. Early morning is cooler and calmer; it also makes the temple easier to combine with Gangaur Ghat before traffic and heat build up in the old city.
Ambrai Ghat (afternoon): Reach Ambrai Ghat from the old city by auto-rickshaw in about 15 minutes for ₹120-250, allowing extra time in narrow lanes. Sit facing the lake and watch the City Palace side change colour as the sun drops; the water, stone steps and distant hills make the view more rewarding than rushing between viewpoints. Keep valuables secure in crowded periods and avoid standing too close to the edge. This is a good pause before the longer drive to Monsoon Palace.
Monsoon Palace (evening): Monsoon Palace is tagged for cached destination notes.
Eat: Upre - A rooftop dinner suits the lake views; choose a table with an open outlook and allow time for the hill drive back.
Evening: Make dinner at Upre the evening’s highlight, savoring the meal after the views from Monsoon Palace.
Budget for the day: ₹3,300-6,400 per person
Day 3: Ropeway Heights And Lake Water
Round out the day at Under The Sun Aquarium, Udaipur, and enjoy lunch at Krishna Dal Bati Restro.
Karni Mata Mandir, Udaipur (morning): Take an auto-rickshaw or cab to Karni Mata Mandir, Udaipur in about 15-20 minutes from the central areas, costing roughly ₹150-300. Use the ropeway if operating and spend time at the viewpoint for wide views over the lakes and clustered rooftops; walking up instead is more tiring and needs comfortable shoes. Go in the morning for clearer air and fewer queues. Keep the visit respectful, especially around the temple area, and hold onto loose items on exposed viewpoints.
Lake Pichola Municipal Boat Ride Point (late afternoon): Reach Lake Pichola Municipal Boat Ride Point by auto-rickshaw in 10-15 minutes and around ₹100-200, depending on your starting point. Take the municipal boat for a slower look at the lake, watching the palace façades, ghats and hills shift as the boat turns. Keep your phone secured near the edge and carry a light layer because the breeze can feel cooler on the water. Late afternoon usually gives better light than midday and leaves time for an unhurried final meal.
Under The Sun Aquarium, Udaipur (): Explore a colorful underwater world at Under The Sun Aquarium, featuring diverse freshwater and marine species in thoughtfully arranged exhibits. Clear viewing panels make it easy to observe fish behavior, vivid patterns, and aquatic habitats up close. It is an engaging indoor attraction for families, children, and anyone curious about life beneath the surface.
Eat: Krishna Dal Bati Restro - Order dal bati churma for a filling final Rajasthani meal after the morning viewpoint.
Evening: Wind down with lunch at Krishna Dal Bati Restro.
Budget for the day: ₹3,100-6,100 per person
Where to Eat in Udaipur
Bawarchi Restaurant - ★4.6-6, Delhi Gate Cir, Old City, Nayapura, Bapu Bazar, Nada Khada, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001, India
Khamma Ghani Restaurant - ★4.1-53, Rang Sagar, Near, Hotel Natural Marg, Ambamata, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313004, India
Natraj Hotel and Restaurant - ★4.2 - Behind Ashoka Cinema, HMJW+7F8, Bapu Bazar Main Rd, Bapu Bazar, Nada Khada, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001, India
1559 AD - ★4.5 - P P Singhal Marg, Near, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313004, India
Krishna Dal Bati Restro - ★4.3-17, 1st Floor, Jal Darshan Market Hotel Green View Street, Gulab Bagh Rd, Old City, Brahmpuri, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001, India
Jagdish Misthan Bhandar (JMB) - Sangam Barfi Shop, Kaju Patisa, Best Rajasthani Sweet Shop in Udaipur, Sweet Shop in Udaipur - ★4.2-16 Sarang Marg Surajpole, Jawahar Nagar, Brahmpuri, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001, India
V Mart - ★4.8-5B, Shastri Cir, Bhupalpura, Shakti Nagar, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001, India
Rajesh Metals - Best utensils shop in Udaipur - ★4.3 - Shop No.2,5 Gyan marg, Rajasthan Mahila Vidyalaya Rd, Old City, Surajpole, Brahmpuri, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001, India
Nightlife in Udaipur
The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur - ★4.8 - HMGC+VVV, Badi-Gorela-Mulla Talai Rd, Haridas Ji Ki Magri, Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313004, India
SWAROOP VILAS - LAKE FACING BOUTIQUE HOTEL - ★4.4 - No 6 Ambavgarh, opposite Lake Swaroop Sagar, Ambamata, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313004, India
Rootage Restaurant And Lounge - ★4.2 - Premises, Ashoka Cinema Rd, Thakkre Baba Conlony, Surajpole, Nada Khada, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001, India
Trident, Udaipur - ★4.5 - Malla Talai Chowk, Trident Rd, near Pichola, Haridas Ji Ki Magri, Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313004, India
Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel - ★4.2-23-25, Lal Ghat Behind Jagdish Temple, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313004, India
Shahi Bagh Restaurant - ★4.4-766, Rani Rd, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313004, India
Qalaa - Art Bar & Coffeehouse - ★4.6-2nd floor, Hotel Bloom, Ward number 12, Outside Brahmpole gate, Brahmpole Haveli, Ambamata, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313004, India
Sangria - An art of Mixology - ★4.1-6, Ambavgarh, opp. Lake Swaroop Sagar, Ambamata, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313004, India