Known as Venice of the East and CIty of Lakes, the historical capital of the Mewar region in Rajastan has plenty of attractions to keep its visitors mesmerized all through the visit. Nestled among the Aravalli mountain ranges, Udaipur is home to five beautiful lakes and extraordinary landscapes. With its cool, mild weather  the city is a welcome change to the desert profile of the region. Where the cultural value is concerned, Udaipur comprises a lot of museums, palaces, parks and art studios. My visit to the City of Lakes was absolutely stunning and it’s definitely one of my brightest travel impressions in 2017. If you’re planning your visit and looking for things to do in Udaipur, here is my top pick.

Things to do in Udaipur on a short visit

Explore the City Palace 

Located on the bank of the picturesque Pichola Lake, this huge palace complex is an intricate maze of chambers, terraces, courtyards and staircases. Built over a time span of 400 years by several generations of the Mewar dynasty, the palace is still home to the royal family. Countless art objects, weaponry and extravagant interiors are the witnesses of the grandeur and wealth of the ancient kingdom. You’ll need at least three hours to explore the place, and that will be only scratching the surface.

You may also like: Udaipur City Palace quick facts and photos 

Visit the exquisite Jagdish temple 

Within walking distance from the City Palace there is an imposing Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It’s a lovely example of the Hindu temple architecture, known for its excellent stonework and countless figurines of deities, warriors, wild animals, dancers and music performers. Raised on a tall terrace, the monument with its 24 meter steeple is one of the most recognized landmarks of Udaipur.

Also read: The stone carvings of Jagdish Temple, Udaipur – unexpected effect

Go for a boat ride on Lake Pichola 

Enveloped by mighty hills and splendid palaces, the Pichola Lake adds to the romantic profile of the city. Take a boat ride, enjoy the beautiful views and indulge in photography. Jag Mandir, situated in on a tiny island, is a desired stop in the middle of the lake. I didn’t have a privilege  of seeing the lake caressed by rays of the setting sun, but I would imagine it being a truly magical experience. Anyway, even in the daylight the lake was pleasant and the surrounding palaces looked gorgeous against the backdrop of the cloudy sky.

Walk down the history lane in Bagore Ki Haveli 

Bagore Ki Havali is yet another royal residence, situated right on the waterfront of the Pichola Lake. Turned into a lovely museum, the structure comprises over a hundred rooms with stained glass windows, mosaic murals, ancient frescoes and beautiful screens. But wasn’t there enough of this in the City Palace? And my answer is no, there wasn’t 🙂 I would really recommend including a visit to this place into your list of things to do in  Udaipur. Bagore Ki Haveli strikes me as being on more intimate terms with its visitors – it allows one to have a closer look at  the royal family’s lifestyle in the era bygone. There is also a weaponry section, a traditional Indian wedding setup, a collection of turbans from all the regions of India, and a puppet museum in the haveli.

You may also like: Bagore Ki Haveli in Udaipur – two hours of aesthetic pleasure 

Stroll around Saheliyon-ki-Bari – the Garden of Maidens 

Built in  the beginning of 18th century, this opulent garden was a royal gift  of Maharana Sangram Singh to his queen. Here she used to spend time in the company of her 48 maidens, thus the name of the place. Apart from a vast variety of trees and flowering plants, the garden boasts exquisite fountains with marble statues and elegant kiosks. It’s a pretty and peaceful retreat you’re bound to like – walking along the tidy pathways of this garden is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Udaipur.

 Recommended read: The greens and fountains of Saheliyon-ki-Bari – the Garden of Maidens in Udaipur

Pay a visit to the Moti Magri (Pearl Hill) 

The Moti Magri is a place of both the historical importance and natural beauty. Atop the “pearl hill” there is a monument of the Rajput fearless warrior Maharana Pratap.  Overlooking the placid waters of the Fateh Sagar Lake, the hillock was covered with lush greenery and occasional flowers. The spectacular view took my breath away, and I  just kept gazing in order to make a  deliberate effort to preserve every single detail in my memory.

Where to stay in Udaipur

From luxurious residences to budget hotels and hostels, there are all sorts of accommodations in Udaipur to suit every pocket. Check out here to select one of almost 400 properties in Udaipur to have a comfortable stay. Some of the hotels with great reviews on booking.com include Jainsingh Gargh, The Little Prince Heritage Home, and Madri Haveli.

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