— TRAVEL · MY INDIA —

Udaipur – Where Palaces Mirror in Lakes and History Echoes in Every Corner

My sister and I realized that we hadn’t spent quality time together in a while. To escape the daily grind of household chores and office routines, we hatched a plan to visit Udaipur and reconnect.

Our first pit stop was at Mausam Bahar near Nimbahera bus stand. Their spread includes mouthwatering kachoris, dahi wadas, and a range of other delights. The last time I indulged here was a good decade ago, and the flavours had long faded from memory. But this trip felt like the perfect opportunity to rekindle that taste bud memory.

The instant that initial bite hit my tongue, a wave of contentment washed over me. The taste was pure bliss. We couldn’t resist diving into their dahi wadas, which deserved a solid 5 out of 5 rating. And just when I thought things couldn’t get any better, there was the unexpected delight of Hing ka paani. Thanks to my sister’s insistence, I gave it a try, and, lo and behold, it turned out to be a pleasant surprise – a cherry on top of an already fantastic experience.

In Udaipur, romance blossoms, and history whispers its secrets in the wind. Whether you’re strolling through its colorful streets, savoring a romantic dinner by the lake, or immersing yourself in the grandeur of Mewar’s history, Udaipur promises an unforgettable journey.

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Under the Sun Aquarium near Faeth Sagar Lake

As I step into the hallowed halls of ancient forts and museums, an undeniable sense of enchantment envelops me, almost as if I’ve stepped into the shoes of royalty, and I can’t help but twirl with joy. My heart is drawn to the majestic palaces and formidable forts that echo with tales of yesteryears.

Amidst all the wonders, the Amar Vilas stands tall, a captivating elevated garden adorned with fountains, terraces, and a serene marble pool. It’s a place where I felt transported to a different era. Moreover, the Queen’s Palace provided a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives and hygiene practices of women from that bygone era, offering yet another layer of historical intrigue.

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space in the City palace dedicated to recreational activities.
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I wish I could sit here and watch the changing weather unfold.

Exploring the fort typically requires approximately three hours, reserve half a day for it.

The charming street offers an array of treasures, from exquisite mojris to intricately crafted block-printed bedsheets, cotton kurtis, bandhani prints, jewelry, etc.

Amidst our retail therapy, we couldn’t resist the temptation of Paani-Pudi, the flavors were a burst of yumminess, leaving our taste buds thoroughly satisfied.

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The most delicious chaat I’ve savored in the past four years.

Our selection led us to the Ambrai restaurant, gracefully perched on the tranquil banks of the Pichola River. I enjoyed the most delightful conversation with my sister. We enjoyed the splendid silhouette of the Jagdish Temple, the ethereal Lake Palace, the captivating Jag Mandir, and a myriad of other architectural wonders that define the timeless allure of Udaipur.

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The view from Ambrai Ghat

Our day commenced with a sunrise stroll, embarking from Ambrai Ghat and winding our way to Gangaur Ghat. The soul-soothing strains of bhajan music filled the air, accompanied by the invigorating touch of the morning breeze. Along the way, we witnessed locals tenderly feeding pigeons at Gangaur Ghat, while nearby, couples struck picturesque poses for their pre-wedding photographs. The morning aarti at Ram Ghat added a harmonious note to our serene morning.

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Had a brief conversation with locals about their life. Meet the besties.
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Streets Art from Udaipur
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Delighting in Panjiri Prasad at Ram Ghat
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A mother and her son are feeding pigeons at Gangour Ghat.

Sit here, and enjoy the mesmerizing Udaipur sunset framed by the majestic Aravali hills. Make sure to purchase your entry tickets before 5 p.m. for a hassle-free experience, and if you’re looking for the most enchanting weather, consider visiting during the monsoon season when the mountains transform into a lush green paradise. However, don’t miss the opportunity to explore this beautiful place during the golden hour in any other season as well.

Also known as the Garden of the Maidens, a place for royal women to relax and bond. It has a lotus pool with its beautifully carved marble pavilion in the center. The fountains and water channels add a soothing element to the garden, making it a tranquil place to escape the heat of Udaipur.

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Saheliyon Ki Bari
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Lotus Pool
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Bahubali Hill and Badi Lake may not be part of Udaipur’s usual tourist trail but we highly recommend packing a picnic and dedicating a few hours to exploring this remarkable locale. The hike to the summit of Bahubali Hill, starting from Sunset Point near Badi Lake, is a relatively gentle 30-minute journey. The ascent is not overly strenuous, and upon reaching the pinnacle, you are greeted by a sweeping 180-degree panorama that encompasses the picturesque Badi Lake

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Found a perfect spot to relax by Badi Lake.
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Badi Lake view from Hills and Dales
  • Bagore ki Haveli – A lavishly decorated palace from the 1700s, housing a museum featuring traditional costumes, puppetry, and live folk dance performances.
  • Jagmandir – stunning island palace on Lake Pichola also known as Lake Garden Palace
  • Attend aarti at Jagdish Temple.
  • Stay near Badi Lake for a night
  • Hike to Karni Mata Temple
  • Hike to Neemach Mata Temple
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Conversations while seated by the lake are truly wonderful, Badi Lake

We particularly enjoy tuk-tuk rides. The narrow lanes near Jagdish Temple and the various ghats are accessible only by tuk-tuks. Additionally, Udaipur also has Uber and Ola services for convenience.

Udaipur offers a wide range of hotels, whether you prefer lakeside accommodations, Airbnb, or city-center stays. Here are some suggestions:

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Lake view from Shree Vilas Orchid
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Our room at Hills and Dales
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View of Badi Lake from our property.
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  • Ambrai Restaurant at Ambrai Ghat
  • Jheel Cafe near Gangaur Ghat
  • Eat thali at Natraj restaurant
  • Eat thali at Bawarchi.
  • Kachoris at Paliwal restaurant near Jagdish Temple (I, personally, didn’t find the taste appealing)
  • Eat gulab jamuns at Lala Mishthan Bhandar near Jagdish Temple
  • The Bunglow
  • Paani Puris and aloo tikki chat in Hathi Pol market, so so yum
  • DHABALOGY
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Jalebis at Paliwal restaurant


I’m definitely planning to return to Udaipur with my partner 🙂 Share your favorite spots in Udaipur so I can include them in our upcoming itinerary.

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Written by
Shilpa Mandara

Engineer, explorer, and wellness seeker writing a slow-living journal of honest travel, vegetarian food, and mindful days.

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