Udaipur - The City of Lakes



Udaipur 

After six months without a proper vacation, my wife and I decided it was high time to escape the chaos of Delhi and soak in some royalty—figuratively and literally—in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Known as the “City of Lakes”, Udaipur is famous for its shimmering waters, grand palaces, historic temples, and the kind of architecture that makes you question every building in your own city.

Located about 650 km from New Delhi, Udaipur is accessible via train, flight, or road. Since my wife loves trains and I had survived my last one eight years ago, we opted for an overnight train journey—because nothing says adventure like 12 hours of questionable sleeping positions and mysterious shaking, right?

The Overnight Train: Sleep, Shivers & Tea

My wife was buzzing with excitement; I was… shaking. Literally. The train journey left me looking like a badly stuffed potato sack by morning. But then, salvation appeared: a tea vendor’s call, melodious and perfectly timed. A 'hot cup of chai' never tasted so heavenly! 

Pro tip: never underestimate the power of a railway chai when your body has forgotten what comfort feels like.

By 7 AM, we arrived in Udaipur, hired a cab, and headed to our hotel att Lal Ghat, perched gracefully on the banks of Lake Pichola. Check-in was earlier than expected, so we crashed… and woke up around noon, slightly ashamed at the time wasted but fully recharged.

City Palace Entrance

Udaipur City Palace

City palace Architecture

                                    

City Palace: Where History Meets “Wow”

Our first sightseeing stop was the City Palace, built by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559. This hilltop marvel is a fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, with palaces within palaces, stunning balconies, and jaw-dropping panoramic views of the city.

View from City Palace

Fun fact: Udaipur was the historic capital of the Mewar kingdom, and the palace’s location ensures every visitor gets a bird’s-eye view of lakes, temples, and centuries of royal drama. By mid-afternoon, hunger struck, and we devoured Pani Patase, which are basically Golgappas with fancy Udaipur branding.

Travel Tip: Wear comfortable shoes; the City Palace complex is vast and requires a lot of walking.

Bagore Ki Haveli: Folk Dances & Royal Moves

In the evening, we visited Bagore Ki Haveli at Gangori Ghat. Built in the 18th century, it houses over 100 rooms filled with costumes, art, and history. The real magic happens from 7–8 PM, when authentic Rajasthani folk dances like Ghoomar and Bhavai come alive.

Pro tip: Buy tickets online. Watching these performances live is mesmerizing, and you might find yourself clapping along like an over-enthusiastic tourist—guilty as charged.

Artists performing at Bagore ki Haveli

Authentic dance at Bagore ki Haveli

We ended the night with a **candlelight dinner on the rooftop**, overlooking Lake Pichola. Romantic? Check. Instagram-worthy? Double-check. My wife tried to steal bites of my dal bati, but sharing is caring, right?

From Royalty to Rural Charm

We started our second day early, fueled by breakfast—though my hunt for Jaipur-style onion kachoris ended in compromise (slightly sad, slightly spicy).

Entrance to Saheliyon ki Bari

Saheliyon ki Bari

Saheliyon ki Bari

Highlights:

• Pratap Smarak: A museum dedicated to Maharana Pratap, showcasing the valor of Rajasthan’s legendary warrior.
• Saheliyon Ki Bari: The “Courtyard of the Maidens” with lotus pools, marble elephants, and fountains. Built for 48 royal attendants, it’s perfect for photography, light walks, and imagining yourself as royalty.
• Shilpgram: A heritage village near Fatehsagar Lake, full of folk artists, traditional dances, and interactive workshops. My wife tried pottery (a masterpiece, I swear), while I attempted a Rajasthani musical instrument—apologies to the artists’ ears. Camel rides here come with charming anecdotes; one generous old man proudly shared that his camels were in the movie Fiza with Karishma Kapoor and Hrithik Roshan.

Travel Tip: Shilpgram is ideal for immersive experiences. Don’t rush; let the folk artists enchant you with stories, songs, and handmade crafts.



Artists in Shilpgram

 

Jaisalmer homes

Artists performing

I tried my hands on Rajasthani music instrument



Camel ride

Fatehsagar Lake & Monsoon Palace: Sunsets & Serenity

Post-Shilpgram, we hopped on a ferry to Nehru Park, a small island in Fatehsagar Lake. Lush gardens, green lawns, and vibrant flowers made it a tranquil escape. We sat by the water, watched the sunset, and enjoyed quiet moments, stealing glances at the Monsoon Palace on a distant hill.

Fun Fact: The Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh) was built to watch clouds gather and rains approach. Today, it offers stunning panoramic views—perfect for romantic daydreaming.

Nehru Park at Fatehsagar lake

Nehru Park

Sunset from Nehru Park

Gulab Bagh & Local Markets

On our final day, we strolled to Gulab Bagh, Udaipur’s botanical garden, which also houses a zoo. Lions, ostriches, ducks, snakes, peacocks, and deer kept us entertained. Later, we visited local markets, picking up souvenirs, handicrafts, and enough memories to last a lifetime.

Finally, it was time to board our train back to New Delhi, hearts full, cameras overflowing, and minds already planning the next trip. Udaipur’s colors, music, culture, and warm hospitality are unforgettable.

Travel Tips for Udaipur

• Best Time to Visit: September–March for pleasant weather; July–August for monsoon photography.
• How to Reach:
•     By Train: Direct from Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai.
•     By Air: Maharana Pratap Airport (Udaipur) with flights from major cities.
•     By Road: NH48 (~650 km from Delhi).
• Must-See Attractions: City Palace, Bagore Ki Haveli, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Shilpgram, Fatehsagar Lake, Monsoon Palace, Gulab Bagh.
• Food Recommendations: Pani Patase, onion kachoris, Rajasthani thalis, local sweets, fresh juices near lakes.

Extra Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, carry a hat, and keep water handy—walking through palaces, gardens, and heritage villages can be surprisingly tiring.

Why Udaipur?

Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, a foodie, or someone who just wants to sit by a lake with chai in hand, Udaipur offers a royal experience with a dash of whimsy. From camel rides to folk dances, **rooftop dinners to sunset views, it’s a city that makes your heart skip a beat and your camera roll overflow.

 

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