I was visiting Udaipur for the very first time and accompanying me was my office colleague. He had earlier visited Udaipur along with another colleague of ours thus he was not that much interested in going around Udaipur. On asking him, it became clear that the reason he was reluctant for another Udaipur City tour was that he had seen them all. I was confused when he only named a couple of them all located around Lake Pichola. I had done some basic homework about this place thus was sure that he was missing out quite a few tourist spots.
Udaipur is not just Lake Pichola it has many attractions spread all over the city however, you have to agree that most of the important places are all located around Lake Pichola thus people usually stick to few common places only. In this blog I am trying to list down all the major important tourist places in Udaipur City.
Places to Visit around Udaipur
Lake Pichola
Jag Mandir Palace
Jag Niwas Palace
City Palace
Vintage Car Museum
Gulab Bagh
Doodh Talai
Mansapurna Karni Temple & Ropeway
Musical Garden
Mamaji Ki Haveli
Jagdish Temple
Bagore Ki Haveli
Gangaur Ghat
Ambrai Ghat
Ghanta Ghar
Swaroop Sagar
Hathipole
Chetak Circle
Sukhadia Circle
Saheliyon Ki Bari
Fateh Sagar Lake
Solar Observatory
Sajjangarh Biological Park
Sajjangarh Palace / Monsoon Palace
Shilpgram
Location On Map
Lake Pichola
This lake is an artificial lake originally built by a tribesmen from the nearby village of Pichola way back in the year 1362. It was later heavily expanded and improved upon by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar. The lake that you see now had evolved mostly under his guidance.
As a visitor, you can take a boat ride around the lake. The lake looks splendid especially during the sunset. There are several islands on the lake and two of them Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas which are functional resorts.
Boat rides takes place both from City Palace as well as from near Doodh Talai. The rates are different as so are the boat types. A Boat ride around the lake stop at Jag Mandir for tourists to look around.
Ticket Cost – From City Palace (as on January 2019)
Regular Boat Ride (10 AM to 2 PM) Adult = Rs. 400
Regular Boat Ride (10 AM to 2 PM) Child (5 – 12 years) = Rs. 200
Sunset Boat Ride (3 PM to 5 PM) Adult = Rs. 700
Sunset Boat Ride (3 PM to 5 PM) Child (5 – 12 years) = Rs. 400
Regular Charter Full Boat Ride – 7 Pax = Rs. 4600
Regular Charter Full Boat Ride – 8 – 12 Pax = Rs. 7600
Regular Charter Full Boat Ride – 13 – 18 Pax = Rs. 11800
Regular Charter Full Boat Ride – 19 – 24 Pax = Rs. 15300
Sunset Charter Full Boat Ride – 7 Pax = Rs. 6600
Sunset Charter Full Boat Ride – 8 – 12 Pax = Rs. 10200
Sunset Charter Full Boat Ride – 13 – 18 Pax = Rs. 14300
Sunset Charter Full Boat Ride – 19 – 24 Pax = Rs. 18400
Ticket Cost – From Doodh Talai (as on January 2019)
10 Seater Luxury Special Boat (Indian Citizen) = Rs. 250
10 Seater Luxury Special Boat (Foreigner) = Rs. 500
20 Seater Luxury Special Boat (Indian Citizen) = Rs. 150
20 Seater Luxury Special Boat (Foreigner) = Rs. 250
30 Seater Luxury Special Boat = Rs. 70
Jag Mandir Palace
This palace on Lake Pichola was built by three Maharanas. The initial construction was started by Maharana Amar Singh in the year 1551 and then continued by Maharana Karan Singh. The construction was finally completed by Maharana Jagat Singh thus the palace stands named after him.
This is a very significant palace in history as this was the very place where Emperor Shahjahan (Prince Khurram) took refuge after he rebelled against his father Jahangir for the Mughal throne. Prince Khurram along with his wife Mumtaz Mahal and their two son Augrangzeb and Prince Dara were kept here. This was also the place where Primce Khurram was bestowed upon the title of Shah Jahaz after securing the Mughal throne.
Jag Niwas Palace
This palace was built by Maharana Jagat Singh II in the year 1746. This was one of the summer palace of the Maharana. Maharana Bhopal Singh converted this into a luxury hotel around 1955. Now this place is under the management of Taj Hotels.
City Palace
This is the main palace of the Maharana and they still reside in a private section of the palace. It is to be noted that this palace is a private property unlike most of the other palaces and forts in India which is under ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) this is still being run and managed by the Maharana. A portion of the palace has been converted into a museum and opened for public.
The palace has been built over the years by various Maharanas. Initial construction was started in the year 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II. Originally, Chittorgarh which lies to the east of Udaipur was the capital of Mewar. With multiple invasions from northern plains, the capital was shifted to Udaipur. Udaipur had natural defences as it was surrounded by Aravalli hills from all around thus providing a natural defence.
Important thigs to see at City Palace are Tripolia (triple) Gate, Suraj Gokhda, Mor-chowk, Dilkhush Mahal, Surya Chopar, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal, Krishna Vilas, Shambu Niwas, Bhim Vilas, Amar Vilas, Badi Mahal, Fateprakash Palace, and Shiv Niwas Palace.
Fateprakash Palace and Shiv Niwas Palace have been converted in to luxury hotels and not accessible to general tourists.
There is a section within City Palace called Crystal Gallery, to access this section you need to purchase separate ticket.
Ticket Cost (as on January 2019)
Adult = Rs. 30
Child = Rs. 15
Adult Entry Ticket + Camera = Rs. 300
Child (18 +) Entry Ticket + Camera = Rs. 100
Child (Below 5) Entry Ticket + Camera = Free
Adult Entry Ticket (Defence, Police, Paramilitary) + Camera = Rs. 200
Senior Citizen (Above 60) Entry Ticket + Camera = Rs. 100
Students Entry Ticket + Camera = Rs. 100
Teachers in Group of Students Entry Ticket + Camera = Rs. 100
Museum Audio Guide = Rs. 200
Crystal Gallery Entry Ticket for Adult = Rs. 600
Crystal Gallery Entry Ticket for Child = Rs. 400
Vintage Car Museum
This museum showcases the collection of cars by the Maharana over the years. You would need a separate entry tickets to access this museum. This museum is located right opposite of the entrance to Gulab Bagh. Apart from vintage cars you will also find vintage horse drawn carriages.
Ticket Cost (as on January 2019)
Adults = Rs. 350
Child (5 – 12 years) = Rs. 200
Gulab Bagh
This was originally part of Sajjan Niwas Palace but later made into a separate entity. This large park consists of a rose garden and a library. It’s fairly a large space and you mostly see people relaxing in the garden area.
Doodh Talai
Right next to Lake Pichola Boating Point, you will find a beautiful lake knows as Doodh Talai. With the hills of Mansapurna Karni Temple & Machhala Hill in the backdrop, this lake looks marvellous.
Mansapurna Karni Temple & Ropeway
The temple is situated on top of Machhala Hill you can reach the temple either by climbing all the stairs or take a short ropeway ride to the top. This is not a very famous temple but what you get to enjoy is the ropeway ride and a fantastic birds eye view of Lake Pichola from the top of the hill.
Musical Garden
This place is also known as Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Park and trust me you should never miss a chance in visiting this park for two reason. One it has a musical fountain and secondly it has the best vantage view of Lake Pichola from where you can get a panoramic view of the whole lake. The musical fountain was non-functional for some time thus you may not be able to see it. However, go for the view of the lake.
Ticket Cost (as on January 2019)
Entry Fee = Rs. 10
Photography = Rs. 20
Mamaji Ki Haveli
Once this city had quite a few Havelis or mansions usually owned by the rich and the close aide of the Maharana. Over the decades, many were converted into hotels but some remain used by families as it used to centuries back. One such prime example is that of Mamaji Ki Haveli, which the same family is still using as a private residence.
Jagdish Temple
One of the most famous temples of Udaipur, which was built in the year 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh. This temple is a Vishnu temple. It is located very near to the City Palace and forms a very important part of the city’s rituals.
Bagore Ki Haveli
This grand mansion is located right next to the Gangaur Ghat and is very famous for its evening cultural programme “Dharohar Folk Dance Show”. This is a cultural show displaying the regional dance and music. However, this mansion in itself is an interesting place so do take time to visit the museum located inside. I have written a details blog about this place, which you can check out here.
Ticket Cost (as on January 2019)
Indian Citizen = Rs. 50
Foreign Citizens = Rs. 100
Children = Rs. 25
Dharohar Folk Dance Show (as on January 2019)
Indian Citizen = Rs. 90
Foreign Citizens = Rs. 150
Children = Rs. 45
Camera = Rs. 150
Gangaur Ghat
This Ghat has a beautiful gate known as Tripolia Gate (three-arched gate) and from the Ghat itself, you get to see a different side of Lake Pichola. You also have the option of feeding hundreds of pigeon that call this place their home. You can see a small island like structure known as Mohan Mandir from the Ghat, the Maharana would watched the festivities of Ganguar from this vantage point.
Ambrai Ghat
Right next to Gangaur Ghat there is a small foot over bridge that takes you to the other side of the Lake. This place is just 10 minutes walk from here and not to be missed as you will be able to see all the palaces and Ghats from the opposite side thus giving you a panoramic view.
Ghanta Ghar
There are many clock towers across Indian towns and Udaipur is no exception. This clock tower was constructed in the year 1887. The main purpose if these tall clock towers was like a community service since ordinary citizens could not afford a watch and these tall clock towers with their hourly bell were the only way the citizens could keep a track of time.
Swaroop Sagar
This is another artificial lake that stands between Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar Lake. This lake is named after Maharana Swarup Singh and was constructed between 1842-1861. This lake is also known locally as Kumharia Talab.
Hathipole
Most of the kings either used to have their castles high in
the hills so that they can see the surroundings landscape and sometimes if they
did not have a height advantage and have a palace in the plains then in most
cases there would be a big wall surrounding the city and only entry could be
possible through large manned gates. One of such gates is Hathipole and as the
name suggest means Elephant Gate.
Hathipole is also famous for its markets thus all that shopping needs can be
met out here.
Chetak Circle
Chetak was the trusted horse of Maharana Pratap and had accompanied him to famous battles like that of Haldighati. To commemorate this human animal trust a large statue of Chetak is places in this traffic roundabout. This place is very near to Hathipole and a famous shopping district.
Sukhadia Circle
This is a major intersection of roads and a large roundabout. At the centre of the roundabout is a small pond with a fountain. There are pedal boats which you can rent and enjoy boating around the fountain. Right next to this place there are lot of eateries and a good place to enjoy some local snacks.
This circle is named after Mohan Lal Sukhadia who was once the Chief Minister of Rajasthan and also happened to be a resident of Udaipur.
Saheliyon Ki Bari
Why should boys have all the fun? This place was specifically built for the royal ladies and their maids. A place where they can socialize and roam freely amongst lotus ponds, fountains, lush green fields and beautiful gardens. This place was built by Maharana Sangram Singh II around 1710 – 1734.
Ticket Cost (as on January 2019)
Indian Citizen = Rs. 10
Foreign Citizen = Rs. 50
Students in Groups = Rs. 5
No charge for basic photography and videography
Fateh Sagar Lake
This lake is located right next to Lake Pichola and most tourist often confuse this as an extension of Lake Pichole. This artificial lake was initially built by Maharana Jai Singh in the year 1687 and later reconstructed by Maharana Fateh Singh in the year 1889 making it larger and permanent thus it is named after him.
This lake has a beautiful view front and there are lots of spots around the lake where you can relax and watch the sun go down. There are eateries all around where you can enjoy some snacks along with tea and enjoy the beautiful breeze of the lake.
Solar Observatory
The Udaipur Solar Observatory located on an island within Fateh Sagar Lake and built in the year 1976. Udaipur has very less cloudy days and even during our stay we found clear bright blue sky and this is a big plus for observatories. One of the most important activities done by this observatory is that of Helioseismology which is basically study of solar waves.
Sajjangarh Palace – Monsoon Palace
Some call it as the Sajjangarh Palace while some refer to it as the Monsoon Palace whatever it might be this place has the best possible view of Udaipur town due to its strategic position and height. This palace can also be seen from the City Palace as small white structure atop a hill in reality this is a huge palace built on the Aravalli range.
This palace was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh who wanted this as an astronomical observatory but that did not materialise due to his death and was later converted into a palace and a hunting lodge. This palace was built in the year 1884 and another attraction is the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, which can also be toured as a short trek.
The entrance to the palace originates at the base of the hill and is located right opposite to Sajjangarh Biological Park. You can bring your own vehicle which you can take to the top else they have a regular jeep service from the ticket counter to the top of the hill.
The road to the top of the hill is very scenic and has some deadly hairpin bends and once you reach the top you have the majestic view of the entire town in front of you.
Ticket Cost (as on January 2019)
Indian Citizen = Rs. 10
Foreign Tourist = Rs. 300
Video Camera = Rs. 200
Sajjangarh Biological Park
Many refer to this place as the zoo also and is one of the newest attractions in the city of Udaipur. This place is located right opposite of the main gate of Monsoon Palace. This is basically a mini zoo with a big garden area.
Ticket Cost (as on January 2019)
Indian Citizen = Rs. 30
Children up to 5 years of age = Free
Foreign Tourist = Rs. 300
School Students with school I.D. Card = Rs. 15
Photo Camera = Rs. 80
Video Camera = Rs. 200
Shilpgram
This place has been artificially created to display rural arts in its natural environment. You will be able to see all the regional Rajasthani arts and culture out here. This place is located on the outskirts of Udaipur and can be clubbed along with Monsoon Palace. There is also an open ait theatre, which regularly hosts musical events.
Ticket Cost (as on January 2019)
Indian Citizen = Rs. 50
Indian Citizen (Children 5 – 12) = Rs. 25
Foreign Tourist = Rs. 150
Camera = Rs. 50
Other Blogs on Rajasthan
Bagore Ki Haveli – Udaipur
Places to Visit in Kumbhalgarh
Places To Visit In Chittorgarh
Information Resource
Art and Culture of Orissa by Rabīndra Mohana Senapati
States of Our Union by Shreeram Chandra Dash
Havard Divinity School
Citizens cheer relic return