Why Udaipur Works Perfectly for a 2-Day Trip
The city's top attractions centre on 2 spots: the old city around City Palace/Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar's northwestern waterfront. Most sights are within 3 to 5 km of each other, making a 2-day itinerary genuinely manageable. The city remains walkable and compact, with day-long taxis/autos on hand, blending heritage, water bodies, culture, and street eats for constantly varied hours.
Best time to visit: October - March: pleasant, cool weather with sharp lake vistas. March - April: toasty but practical. Monsoons (June - September): lush backdrops, lighter footfall.
Getting around: Local taxis, auto-rickshaws, and app cabs. For Sajjangarh (10 km from the city centre), a pre-booked cab is recommended over an auto.
Photography tip: The light on the City Palace and the lakes is best in the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset.
City Palace (9:30 AM to 12:30 PM)
Built from 1559 onwards by successive Mewar rulers, the City Palace is one of the largest and most impressive palace complexes in Rajasthan. The museum within the complex showcases Mewar history through royal artefacts, miniature paintings, crystal galleries, and beautifully decorated durbar halls. Allow 2.5 to 3 hours for a thorough visit.
- Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily.
- Entry fee: ~INR 300 - INR 400 (Indian adults; varies by section).
- Light show: Around 7:00 PM (seasonal) | ~INR 250 - INR 500.
- Photography tip: Mor Chowk (Peacock Courtyard) and the terrace overlooking Lake Pichola are among the best photo spots in the palace.
- Travel note: The main entrance is via Tripolia Gate near Jagdish Temple, where most taxis and autos drop visitors.
Jagdish Temple (12:30 PM to 1:15 PM)
A 5-minute walk from the City Palace entrance, the Jagdish Temple was built in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh. Its 79-foot shikhar (spire) dominates the Udaipur skyline and is visible from the lake. The 3-storey temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Jagannath form) and features finely carved pillars, decorated ceilings, and 2 large stone elephants flanking the entrance. Visit for morning aarti if you are in the area before 9:00 AM, or stop in briefly after City Palace.
Timings: 5:00 AM to 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 10:30 PM daily.
Entry fee: Free.
Tip: Remove footwear before entering. The steps leading up to the temple entrance are good for street photography of the surrounding bazaar.
Lake Pichola Boat Ride (1:30 PM to 3:00 PM)
A boat ride on Lake Pichola is one of the most iconic experiences of Udaipur. This scenic lake is dotted with 4 island structures, Jag Niwas (Lake Palace), Jag Mandir, Mohan Mandir, and Arsi Vilas, creating a striking setting against the Aravalli backdrop. The ride offers stunning views of the City Palace from the water and may include a stop at Jag Mandir, depending on the route.
Timings: Approximately 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (subject to weather and water levels).
Duration: Approximately 30 to 60 minutes.
Ticket: Approximately INR 400 to INR 800 per person for Indian nationals, depending on boat type and timing.
Boarding point: City Palace jetty near Bansi Ghat.
Photography tip: Sit facing the City Palace for one of the most photographed views in Udaipur. Late afternoon and sunset offer especially beautiful lighting.
Gangaur Ghat and Hathi Pol Bazaar (3:30 PM to 6:00 PM)
After the boat ride, walk north along the lakefront to Gangaur Ghat, one of the most photogenic ghats in Rajasthan, particularly in the late afternoon when the light reflects off the water and the surrounding havelis. From there, make your way to Hathi Pol Bazaar for traditional Rajasthani textiles, silver jewellery, leather goods, and miniature paintings.
Timings: The market is open between 10:00 AM and 9:00 PM.
Tip: Bargaining is common in local markets, especially for handicrafts and textiles.
Bagore Ki Haveli Evening Cultural Show (7:00 PM to 8:00 PM)
End Day 1 at Bagore Ki Haveli on Gangaur Ghat, an 18th-century haveli that now houses a museum showcasing Mewar royal life. The evening cultural show is a highlight, featuring traditional Rajasthani folk dances such as Ghoomar and Kalbeliya, along with live music performances.
Show timings: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM (entry begins around 6:30 PM).
Museum entry: Approximately INR 60 to INR 100 for Indian nationals.
Cultural show fee: Approximately INR 90 to INR 150 for Indian nationals.
Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace) (9:00 AM to 11:30 AM)
Built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1884, Sajjangarh Palace crowns Bansdara Peak of the Aravalli Hills, rising 3,100 ft. above sea level. Originally conceived as a 9-story astronomical observatory, the palace was scaled back after the Maharana's early death. From the hilltop today, enjoy Udaipur's premier panoramic outlook over City Palace, Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, and the enveloping Aravalli hills.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
Entry fee: INR 120 (Indians), INR 500 (foreign nationals).
Travel note: Approximately 10 km from the city centre. A pre-booked cab is recommended; the approach road is steep and not suited to autos.
Photography tip: Arrive by 9:30 AM for the clearest visibility and softest light.
Fun Fact: The palace featured in the 1983 James Bond film Octopussy.
Saheliyon Ki Bari (12:00 PM to 1:00 PM)
Commissioned by Maharana Sangram Singh II in the 18th-century as a retreat for the royal ladies-in-waiting, Saheliyon Ki Bari (Garden of Maidens) consists of fountains, lotus pools, kiosk pavilions, and manicured lawns. The marble pavilions and elephant-shaped fountains are particularly good for photography. It is approximately 4 km from the city centre.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily.
Entry fee: ~INR 20 - 30 (Indians), ~INR 100 (foreign nationals).
Tip: Visit before midday in summer. The garden is compact and takes 40 to 60 minutes to cover at a relaxed pace.
Fateh Sagar Lake (1:30 PM to 3:00 PM)
Fateh Sagar Lake, approximately 4 km northwest of City Palace, is Udaipur's second major lake. The 2.4 sq. km reservoir has 3 small islands, of which Nehru Park is accessible by boat. The lakeshore promenade is well-maintained and has food stalls for a casual lunch stop. Boat rides depart from the main ghat.
Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
Boat rides: INR 89 (Regular boat), INR 177 (Motor boat), and INR 236 (Speed Boat).
Tip: The promenade is best in the late afternoon. Pick up chaat from the lakeside stalls and settle in for the view.
Cafe-Hopping with Lake Views (4:00 PM to 7:00 PM)
Udaipur boasts a thriving rooftop cafe scene centred around Lal Ghat and Hanuman Ghat, offering direct vistas of Lake Pichola and City Palace. Several rooftop cafes have become landmarks in their own right. For an exceptional dining experience, Ambrai Restaurant (lakeside), Palki Khana, and Upre by 1559 AD are highly recommended destinations. Most open from late morning and stay until late evening. Order chai or a cold drink and stay for the golden hour view of the palace across the water.
Where to Stay: Essentia Luxury Resort and Spa, Udaipur
Choosing the right base truly maximises your places to visit in Udaipur in 2 days. In Adarsh Nagar, Essentia Luxury Resort and Spa—flanked by Aravalli Hills near Udai Sagar Lake—is ideal for short leisure trips and family stays. Its natural setting provides serenity beyond city hotels, while the restaurant's early breakfast lets you reach City Palace at its 9:30 AM opening without haste.
Accommodations: Standard Room, Superior Room, Deluxe Room, Premium Room, Studio Quad, Executive Suite, and Presidential Suite. Each room offers air-conditioning, an LED TV, fast Wi-Fi, and a tea and coffee maker.
Dining: Blue Salt and Coffee (all-day multi-cuisine restaurant with indoor and alfresco seating) and Splash Bar and Grill (poolside grill and bar with global dishes).
Facilities: Outdoor swimming pool, fully equipped gym, and kids' playroom.
Location: Adarsh Nagar, Udaipur. Approximately 23 km from Maharana Pratap Airport, 12 km from Ranapratapnagar Railway Station, and Udaipole Bus Station.