Udaipur Itinerary: A Complete Travel Guide
Introduction
Udaipur, perhaps best described as the "City of Lakes," is a gem in Rajasthan. There are majestic palaces, serene lakes, and a rich cultural heritage, making Udaipur a favourite destination for not only those from within the country, but abroad. Be an amateur historian, an enthusiast of nature, or just an escape artist, Udaipur has something in store for everyone. This all-inclusive itinerary is intended to let you get the most of your tour while keeping within a pocket-friendly budget.
Day 1: Arrival and Local Observations
Morning: Arrival at Udaipur
Most tourists reach Udaipur by train or flight. Maharana Pratap Airport is 22 kilometers away from the city center, and in case of arrival by train, it's very easily accessible within the city at the Udaipur City Railway Station. On your arrival, check into your hotel. Ranging from budget hostels to luxury hotels like Taj Lake Palace, there are several hotels to stay at. The budget traveler can opt to stay in the surrounding hotels or guesthouses near Lake Pichola and Lal Ghat and is available at ₹1,000 a night.
Budget Tip:Advance booking of your accommodation as well as transportation will save you from peak season surcharge, especially during winter and major holidays.
Afternoon: City Palace
Start your journey by paying a visit to the City Palace - one of the largest palace complexes in Rajasthan. It dominates the sky above Lake Pichola and integrates styles from Mughal and Rajasthani architectural craftsmanship. The Indian tourists pay about ₹300 while the foreign nationals pay about ₹500 entry fee. You can opt for an additional guide to get further information regarding the Mewar dynasty.
Spend your time exploring the 17th-century Hindu Jagdish Temple. This highly ornamented temple in honor of Lord Vishnu does not charge any entry fee. Walkway is open; entrance is free.
Evening: Take a boat ride on Lake Pichola
End your day with a picturesque boat ride on Lake Pichola. There are quite a few small islands on this lake, and the most famous among them is Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas (Taj Lake Palace). Do take a sunset boat ride-the light of sunset would play great games of golden hues and shadow play with water. The charges for the same would be anything between ₹200 to ₹400, with regard to both the time of sunset and whether it is a regular or private boat.
Budget for Day 1:
Hotel Cost: ₹1,000
Ticket to City Palace: ₹300
Boat Ride in Lake Pichola: ₹300
Other Food and Expenses : ₹500
Total Cost of the Day : ₹2,100
Day 2: The Historical & Cultural Fjords
Am, Visit Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace
Start your day by visiting Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace. This palace is on the top of a hill, and it provides a panoramic view of the lakes in Udaipur. While the palace is not that great compared to others in the city, the journey and view make it worthwhile. The entry fee is something around ₹100 for Indian tourists. You can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the palace. The journey will cost about ₹300–₹500, depending on your negotiating skills.
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Afternoon: Saheliyon ki Bari and Fateh Sagar Lake
From Sajjangarh, a peaceful walk down to the lovely Saheliyon ki Bari - a garden created for the ladies of the royal household. Tickets about ₹50. A quiet stroll along fountains, marble pavilions, and lotus pools into the easy going life of the Udaipur royalty in leisure time.
A short auto ride from Saheliyon ki Bari will take you to Fateh Sagar Lake, one of the other popular attractions. You can enjoy boating here for ₹100–₹200 or just relax by the lakeside. The lake is home to Nehru Garden, which you can explore by taking a short boat ride across.
Evening: Cultural Show at Bagore Ki Haveli
Bagore Ki Haveli, near Gangaur Ghat, on Lake Pichola, has a cultural extravaganza. The evening Dharohar Dance Show can be seen here. The haveli itself has great mirror work and historic architecture. But the main attraction is the Dharohar Dance Show, a traditional Rajasthani dance and music performance. The show tickets cost around ₹100–₹150, and it's better to reach the venue in time to ensure seats.
Day 2: Budget
Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace Entry & Transport: ₹600
Saheliyon ki Bari Entry: ₹50
Fateh Sagar Lake Boating: ₹200
Bagore Ki Haveli Entry & Show: ₹150
Food & Miscellaneous: ₹500 Total: ₹1,500
Day 3: Excursion to Kumbhalgarh or Chittorgarh Fort
There are several beautiful forts located within the easy reach of Udaipur that one can simply cover in a day. Day 3 provides you with a chance to visit Kumbhalgarh Fort or Chittorgarh Fort.
Option 1: Kumbhalgarh Fort
Kumbhalgarh is a UNESCO world heritage site, located around 85 kilometers from Udaipur. The best attraction of the fort is its long wall, as long as 36 kilometers in length, making it the second longest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China. The best way to reach the fort is by taxi or by joining a group tour. The two-way taxi ride costs about ₹2,000–₹3,000, which can be divided among a group of tourists. Indian tourists will be charged about ₹50 as entry fees to the fort. Light and sound show is available in the fort in the evening at a cost of ₹100 extra. But most visitors tend to return to Udaipur as the day comes to an end.
Option 2 : Chittorgarh Fort
Chittorgarh Fort is a UNESCO site 120 kilometers from Udaipur. Popular for its tales of Rajput valor and sacrifice, especially stories of Queen Padmini and Maharana Pratap, the visit can be made on a taxi round-trip ticket priced at ₹2,500–₹3,500 or done on a bus that is more affordable. The fort charges an entry fee of ₹50, but a local guide is highly recommended to realize the full history of this place.
Budget for Day 3:
Transport (Taxi/Bus): ₹2,500 can be shared
Fort Entry: ₹50
Guide Fee: ₹300 (optional)
Food & Miscellaneous: ₹500 Total: ₹1,500–₹2,500
Shopping in Udaipur- Day 4 Departure
No trip to Udaipur can be said to have been complete without some shopping of souvenirs. There are Hathipole Market and Bada Bazaar which have wonderful collections of Rajasthani handicrafts, miniature paintings, ethnic jewelry, and textiles. Do remember to bargain as the prices are tending to begin on the higher side. ₹1,000-₹2,000 will come handy in buying souvenirs.
Afternoon: Shilpgram
Shilpgram is a rural arts and crafts complex, located approximately 3 km from Udaipur. If one has the time, the entry fee will be ₹30. Here, artisans work, and one can buy handmade crafts. It's also a perfect place for more Rajasthani cultural information through the functions and exhibits done during the day.
Evening: Leave
Depending on what time you leave, you can indulge in Udaipur's food pleasures in your last few hours there. Have lakeside dining at Ambrai Restaurant or local Rajasthani thalis at such eating places.
Budget for Day 4:
Shopping: ₹1,000–₹2,000
Shilpgram Entry: ₹30
Food & Miscellaneous: ₹500 Total: ₹1,530–₹2,530
Total Estimated Budget for a 4-Day Udaipur Trip
Accommodation (3 nights): ₹3,000
Sightseeing & Entry Fees: ₹1,500
Transportation: ₹2,000–₹3,000
Food & Miscellaneous: ₹2,000
Shopping: ₹1,000–₹2,000 Total: ₹9,500–₹11,500
Travel Tips for Udaipur
1. Best time to visit: Udaipur is a bit good for October to March as the weather is cool and quite pleasant. For it's summer, one should avoid it between April to June, as temperatures go as high as 40°C.
Get Around: Major local transport means are auto-rickshaws and taxis. Always bargain fares before opting for the ride, since meters are not often used.
3. What to Pack: This is best known for light, breathable clothes when visiting the city in the daytime and some warm shawl or jacket for the cooler evenings during the winter season. It is also essential to wear comfortable walking shoes since most the place-to-place sightseeing involves a lot of walking.
4. Cultural Etiquette. Although Udaipur is essentially a conservative city, one is told to be very dressed modestly especially when visiting temples and religious sites.
5. Safety: Udaipur is relatively a safe place for tourists, but common sense must be applied and observed, especially when traveling alone and/or at night.
Conclusion
Udaipur is the perfect blend of history and culture in harmony with nature-one of India's premier tourist attractions. Experience the best of the city under this package itinerary, even as costs are kept very reasonable. From the grandeur of the City Palace to a sunset boat ride or some local handicraft shopping, Udaipur promises to be the most memorable and enriching experience.
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