Udaipur’s Top 10 Places to Visit (You Can’t Miss!)
When you think of Udaipur, your mind probably jumps straight to its nickname—The City of Lakes. With palaces floating on water, winding streets full of stories, and sunsets that feel like they were painted just for you, Udaipur is truly a city that lingers in your heart. But here’s the thing— most travel blogs or guides will push the same few names at you: City Palace, Lake Pichola, and Fateh Sagar. And while they’re beautiful, they’re not the full story.
Udaipur is more than just postcard shots—it’s about hidden lakes where you can sit in silence, old temples where locals still climb barefoot every morning, villages where birds migrate across continents, and havelis where dance and music echo into the night. These places give you the real taste of Udaipur—raw, peaceful, and magical.
That’s why we’ve put together this special list of Udaipur’s Top 10 Places You Can’t Miss. It’s not the usual list you’ll find on every website. Instead, this guide highlights authentic, underrated, and unforgettable spots—straight from the city’s soul. Whether you’re here for a few days or exploring deeply, these places will stay with you long after you’ve left.
So, grab your notepad, make some space in your itinerary, and let’s dive into the Udaipur you’ll fall in love with.
- Ahar Cenotaphs – Where Royal Memories Whisper
Most tourists never make it here—and that’s exactly why you should. Ahar, about 3 km east of the city centre, is home to over 250 cenotaphs dedicated to the rulers of Mewar. These marble memorials, some built as early as the 15th century, stand quietly with carved pillars and domes that glow beautifully in the late afternoon sun.
Unlike the bustling palaces, here you hear only the rustle of leaves and your own footsteps on the stone floor. The silence itself feels royal, as if the ancestors of Udaipur still watch over the city from this spot.
Traveler Tip: Visit just before sunset. The golden light makes the white cenotaphs shimmer, and you’ll often find the place empty, giving you a chance to enjoy it in peace. Photographers love the symmetry here.
- Badi Lake (Tiger Lake) – Udaipur’s Serene Escape
While Lake Pichola gets all the attention, locals often escape to Badi Lake when they need quiet. Built in the 17th century by Maharana Raj Singh to fight famine, this lake now feels like Udaipur’s best-kept secret. Surrounded by the Aravalli hills, it’s calm, scenic, and never crowded.
There’s even a “Bahubali Hill” viewpoint nearby—a short trek that rewards you with panoramic views of the lake and the city beyond. Imagine sitting at the top, with the cool breeze and silence broken only by the sound of water below—it’s a memory to hold onto.
Traveler Tip: Carry some snacks and water and spend an evening here. It’s the kind of place where time slows down.
- Shilpgram – A Living Tapestry of Craft and Culture
Shilpgram isn’t just a tourist attraction; it’s like stepping inside the rural heart of Rajasthan. Spread over 70 acres, this arts and crafts village is dotted with traditional huts showcasing life from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Goa, and Maharashtra.
You’ll see potters at work, weavers spinning magic, and stalls filled with colourful handicrafts. What makes it special is the chance to interact with artisans directly—they’re happy to explain their craft and even let you try your hand at it. If you visit in December, you’ll witness the famous Shilpgram Festival, where folk dances, puppet shows, and live music turn the place into a cultural carnival.
Traveler Tip: Buy directly from artisans. Not only are the prices fair, but you’re also supporting local craftsmanship.
- Sajjangarh Biological Park – Wildlife Meets Silence
Most visitors go straight to Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace for the sunset, but few stop below, where the Sajjangarh Biological Park sprawls across 36 hectares. This well-maintained park is home to leopards, panthers, deer, jackals, and dozens of bird species.
It’s a refreshing stop, especially if you’re traveling with kids or if you simply want a break from forts and palaces. Unlike crowded zoos, the enclosures here are thoughtfully planned, giving animals space and visitors a real sense of nature.
Traveler Tip: Combine your visit—afternoon at the park, then head uphill for the palace sunset. You get both wildlife and one of Udaipur’s most iconic views in a single trip.
- Neemach Mata Temple – A Quiet Spiritual Ascent
Perched on a hill near Fateh Sagar, this small temple dedicated to Neemach Mata, considered the city’s guardian goddess, is reached by climbing about 900 steps. It’s not an easy climb, but the reward is twofold: a spiritual calm inside the shrine and an unbeatable panoramic view of Udaipur.
Unlike other tourist-packed temples, this one remains rooted in local devotion. You’ll see families carrying offerings, children running barefoot, and priests welcoming everyone warmly. It’s spiritual, simple, and authentic.
Traveler Tip: Go early morning or just before sunset. The climb is cooler, and the view over the lake’s glows with soft light.
- Gulab Bagh – A Green Oasis in the Heart of Udaipur
Right in the middle of the city, Gulab Bagh (Rose Garden) offers a green pause. Once a royal garden, it’s filled with roses, rare plants, a toy train for kids, and even a small zoo. But what many miss is the Saraswati Bhawan Library inside the garden, which houses old manuscripts and historical texts.
For travellers, Gulab Bagh is perfect for an early morning walk, a lazy picnic, or simply recharging in the shade of giant trees.
Traveler Tip: Mornings are best locals come for walks, the air feels fresh, and you get to experience Udaipur waking up.
- Menar Village – Where Birds Paint the Sky
About 45 km from Udaipur lies Menar, a small village with a big gift: wetlands that attract thousands of migratory birds each winter. Flamingos, pelicans, bar-headed geese, and pintails transform this quiet countryside into a birdwatcher’s paradise.
The best part? Menar is still relatively off the radar. You can sit quietly on the edge of the lake, camera in hand, and feel like you’re witnessing a private show put on by nature.
Traveler Tip: Visit between November and February. Carry binoculars and talk to locals—they’re proud of their village being called the “Bird Village of Rajasthan.”
- Udai Sagar Lake – A Quiet Reservoir with History
While Pichola and Fateh Sagar steal the spotlight, Udai Sagar is just as fascinating. Built by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1565, this lake was originally designed to secure water supply for the kingdom. Today, it’s a quiet retreat, surrounded by hills and untouched landscapes.
There’s history here too—battles were fought along its banks, and it has seen centuries of change. But today, it feels like the perfect place for travellers who want solitude with a dash of heritage.
Traveler Tip: Early mornings are magical mist often hangs low over the water, and you can hear nothing but the call of birds.
- Bagore Ki Haveli – Nightlife, Rajasthani Style
By day, Bagore Ki Haveli is a museum with courtyards, mirror work, and artifacts. But by night, it transforms. The “Dharohar” cultural show held here is one of the best experiences in Udaipur— folk dances, puppet shows, and live music that bring Rajasthan’s culture alive in an intimate setting.
It’s not just entertainment; it’s storytelling through rhythm, movement, and colour. Sitting by Lake Pichola, watching dancers in swirling skirts and hearing the dhol beats—it feels like stepping back into royal times.
Traveler Tip: Book tickets in advance. The courtyard fills up quickly, especially in peak season.
- Jagdish Temple – Ancient Grace Just Steps Away
Standing tall since 1651, Jagdish Temple is one of Udaipur’s spiritual anchors. Its carved pillars, elephant sculptures, and nearly 79-foot-high spire dominate the skyline near the City Palace. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is always buzzing—with priests chanting, bells ringing, and devotees offering prayers.
Even if you’re not religious, the artistry here will impress you. Every carving tells a story, and the energy of the place—devotional yet welcoming—feels timeless.
Traveler Tip: Remove shoes before entering and take a moment to sit quietly inside. Sometimes, just being still here feels more powerful than any sightseeing.
Udaipur Beyond the Obvious
Udaipur is often called the Venice of the East, but it’s more than just palaces on water. It’s cenotaphs whispering old stories, hills hiding peaceful lakes, villages where birds paint the sky, and temples where locals climb daily with faith in their hearts.
This list of Udaipur’s Top 10 Places to Visit isn’t about ticking boxes—it’s about slowing down, feeling the city, and discovering why so many people leave a piece of their heart here.
So next time you’re in Udaipur, don’t just follow the crowds. Walk into Ahar’s quiet arches, climb Neemach Mata’s steps, or sit by Badi Lake until the stars come out. That’s where Udaipur truly lives—in its hidden corners, in its quiet moments, and in the stories, you’ll take back with you.
Your turn: Which of these hidden gems would you love to see first? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep uncovering Udaipur together.
