If you are looking for a getaway and want a soothing time, the charming City of Lakes Udaipur will give you escape and gratification. It is a must-visit destination on every traveler’s checklist. It can be budget-friendly too.

It is named after Rajput King Uday Singh who founded this exotic kingdom and city in 1559. The city of Lakes is referred to as the Most Romantic Spot and Venice of the East by European Travelers. Monsoons and winters are the best time to visit the Romantic City of Lakes.

The Great Rajput King Maharana Pratap who never bowed to the Mughal Emperor Akbar and remained undefeated against such a mighty foe belonged to this soil of Mewad. In his honor, a bronze statue is placed at a memorial at Moti Magri or Pearl Hill. Pratap Park near Pichola Lake is named in his honor which is a tourist spot. At Haldi Ghati you must visit the Maharana Pratap Memorial which will bring alive the Rajput glory.

City Palace and Lake Palace of Udaipur are prime tourist attractions that you might have seen in many movies. Magnificent City Palace is built on the east of Pichola Lake. Lake Palace now belongs to Taj Hotels and is one of the best luxury hotels to stay, celebrate and conduct events in the world. Taj Lake Palace has an entry fee of 100 bucks which also includes the Museum tour. It is literally a floating palace. Lake Picholia was built in the 14th century and don’t miss the breath-taking sunset boating here no matter what. Boating would cost you from 500 bucks to 800 bucks per ride.

Saheliyo KI Bari is an old-world charm with picturesque gardens. For a traditional, cultural shopping experience you should definitely visit Hathi Pol Baazar. You can expect beautiful handicrafts, paintings, souvenirs, and everything decorative. You can also visit the vintage classic car museum which will cost you an entry fee of around 400 bucks.

You can have an ariel view of the city with rope-way services and also visit the popular Karni Mata Temple. Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit if you are into wildlife or want to explore something new which can’t be a regular sight at your place. You can do Horse Riding and Trekking activities in the Aravali Hill ranges of Ranakpur for a change and adventure. It will also help with sightseeing. Horse-riding would cost you around 1500 bucks. Just do everything once you are here and if you get time. Who has seen tomorrow?

12KMs away from Udaipur City is Badi Lake, an artificial freshwater lake built by Maharaja Raj Singh in the 15th century. You can enjoy swimming here and at the Bahubali Hilltop enjoy trekking and sunset.

Near the Pratap memorial among the Aravalli ranges from three sides is the beautiful Fateh Sagar Lake. The lake consists of three tiny islands and is home to aqua plants and animals. You can enjoy boating activities here and click Instagram-worthy snaps and reels. In the Hindu Calendar month of Shravan which corresponds to August/September, annually a fair is held at this place called Hariyali Amavasya Mela. At the bank of Fateh Sagar Lake is Lord Shiva’s, Mahakaleshwar Temple.

Ubeshwar Ji Mandir, Lord Mahadev’s Temple is situated at a drive of 45 minutes to 1 hour from main Udaipur City. Along with a devotional site, it is also a picnic spot with a pond. The holy pond is used by devotees for spiritual bathing. This peaceful place has an old-world charm and a heartland touch.

Let me tell you two of the offbeat locations which you should keep on your list if you have time. Sajjangarh Sort and Molela Terracotta Village. Sajjangarh Fort is also called Monsoon Palace and the entry ticket will cost you around 40 bucks including mobile/camera access. It was built around 1884 by King Sajjan Singh on Aravali Hills. The fort encircles the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary which consists of reptiles, tigers, sambhar deer, wild boars, hyenas, panthers, and other animals.

Around 50 km away from Udaipur at the bank of Banas River is Molela Terracotta Village which will take you to the cultural hinterland of our country. Molela has a distinguished plaque of Terracotta clay which is found only here in India. The clay is used to make statues, pots, and handicraft items. This offbeat location will take you into a distinguished world. You should listen to the cultural history of this village from the locals here and then google after reaching home to live history.

Jagsish ji Temple, Bagore ki Haveli, Jagat Niwas restaurant, Jag Mandir Palace, Sheesh Mahal restaurant, Eklingji Temple, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Udaipur Solar Observatory, Saas Bahu Temple, Ambrai Ghat, Dudh Talai Lake, Ahar Museum, Neemach Mata Temple, Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, Gangaur Ghat, Sun Aquarium, and Karni Mata Temple are the other fascinating places worth visiting. If you are here for a week, you can explore each and every place with a planned schedule and make the most of Udaipur.

Dal Bati Churma is the local cuisine that your taste buds must-have for a Rajasthani food experience. Ghoomar, Kalbelia, Bhavai, and Kachchi Ghodi dances are the local traditional dance forms here. Some folk songs glorifying Maharana Pratap are popular here. Gangaur is one of the most popular festivals here apart from Shravana, Mahashivratri, Diwali, and Holi. Katputli dramas are traditional and make you connect to the Rajasthani Indian cultural roots.

About Devesh Purohit:

Devesh Purohit is a Mumbai-based 7-year experienced PR Practitioner. He likes traveling and sharing his navigation experiences.