UDAIPUR, the Venice of the East in Rajasthan, will sweep you off your feet as you step in this dreamy city of India. Drink in the mesmerizing views of its palaces surrounded by lakes, stroll through its labyrinthine streets, witness the spectacular sunrise and sunset on a boat ride, observe stunning views of the Udaipur city from the Sajjangarh Fort located on a hilltop, get deeper insights of the royal Kings of Udaipur with a visit to the City Palace and on a fun note, enjoy a cultural dance and music show at a popular Haveli and end your day with a sumptuous Dinner besides the Lake Pichola. Enough said, this pristine city nestled in the Aravalli hill ranges has a lot to offer – be it palaces, museums, parks or artisan hubs, you’ll get tired exploring this entire city in 48 hours time. However, we have hand-picked few attractions that will definitely make your trip – unforgettable and worthwhile one. 

If you’re wondering how anyone could explore and imbibe the charm of this city in just 48 hrs then below is a perfect itinerary guide that will let you discover Udaipur like a Pro…

DAY 1:

1. Breakfast at a local cafe – Udai Art Cafe in Udaipur

Head to the Udai Art Cafe to begin your day with a refreshing cup of coffee, tasty local and Greek food while you watch the busy city life from this cafe. Owned by a Greek woman, it is a great spot for a delicious breakfast, lovely Greek fresh-pressed coffee with beautiful artwork to glance upon.

Open Timings: 07:30 AM – 09:00 PM

2. Get lured by the pristine vistas of the Sahelion ki Bari
(Approx. 4 km away from Udai Art Cafe)

Sahelion-ki-Bari or the Courtyard/Garden of maidens is a beautiful garden located on the banks of Lake Fateh Sagar. It houses many lotus pools, marble pavilions, elephant statues and numerous fountains. It was built by Maharana Sangram Singh and presented to his queen and the 48 maids who accompanied her in her marriage. This garden need not take 30 minutes to explore. Click good pictures without much hindrance here.

Attractions: The lotus pond is one of the main attractions here for its beautifully-sculpted elephants and the mesmerizing charm of the lotus leaves spread over the pond. The unique fountains here create a rain effect for a natural air-conditioning ambiance.

3. Witness the royal palace of Udaipur – City Palace and Museum
(Approx. 4 Km from Sahelion ki Bari)

Also known as the Garden of the Maidens, this was a former leisure spot of the Mewar King and royal women. You can take a 30-minutes walk here exploring the old age grandeur of the Mewar Kings, Queens and their leisure. The water gardens, naturally-working fountains and pools are clearly built as 17th century air-conditioning here. Spend time clicking beautiful photographs here.

4. It’s Lunch time! Try a local restaurant

Now you’ll stop over for Lunch at the Savage Garden – a Garden of Foodies. Located right in the center of the city, a narrow lane leads you to a typical traditional door that further takes you to this cafe. On entering, you’ll be welcomed with fresh pink bougainvillea and an indigo wall at the backdrop. Its surreal ambiance and sumptuous food is the soul of this place that makes it a worth visit!!

Cuisine offered: Italian, Indian and Mediterranean.

Note: If you have difficulty locating it, feel free to ask for directions from local shopkeepers. Don’t be put off when you first arrive at the location. Even though it may be hard to reach here, it’s totally worth it.

5. Witness the old world charm of the Bagore ki Haveli and Museum
(Approx. 350 m away from Bagore ki Haveli)

This 18th century Haveli of Udaipur located on the Gangaur Ghat is a set of more than 100 rooms and has an in-house museum that displays surreal collection of traditional costumes, modern art, periodic photos of Udaipur Kings, traditional Mewar paintings, beautiful glass-works and belongings of the Rajput Kings including jewelry boxes, dice-games, hand fans, rose water sprinklers, etc. for you to explore. This Haveli offers a sneak peek into the royalty of the Kings and Queens of its time. The folk dances and musical performances in the evening are one of the major highlights here.

Visit Timings: 10:00 Am to 05:30 Pm

6. Pay a spiritual visit to the Jagdish Temple
(Approx. 220 m away from Bagore ki Haveli and Museum)

You can then make a visit to the nearby Hindu Temple, known as the Jagdish Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu (upkeep of the world). The four-armed idol of Lord Vishnu carved out of a single black stone is the main attraction here. You need to climb through the elephant-flanked steps to reach this temple.

7. Witness the cenotaphs of the royal Kings at Ahar
(Approx. 5 km from Jagdish Temple)

Ahar boasts a number of royal cenotaphs that are around 350-year old. It was a former cremation ground of the Mewar Kings and now, it is a renowned architectural site. The architraves of the cenotaphs’ roofs are embellished with ornamentations and are reminiscent of the 15th century temples. All the cenotaphs are built of white marble adorned with intricate carvings and topped with snowy domes.

Main Attractions: The 56-pillared cenotaph of Maharana Sangram Singh and the cenotaph of Maharana Amar Singh are some of the few interesting ones.

There is also the Ahar Museum that has an unusual assortment of antiques to display including pots, iron objects and other artifacts that were used by the primeval people and many other artifacts.

8. Enjoy a spectacular Dharohar Show at Bagore ki Haveli
(Approx. 6 km from Ahar)

After a visit to the Jagdish Temple, gear up for a captivating cultural show at the Bagore ki Haveli. Get introduced to vibrant and energetic traditional dance forms of Marwari, Bhil and western Rajasthan – Mer, Samai, Chari, Kalbelia, Ghoomar, Bhavai, Banjara, etc. The Mer dance form depicts the stout physical appearance and fighting spirit of the performance through their dance. The Samai dance involves dancers balancing traditional brass lamps on their head while performing dance movements in rhythm with folk musical instruments playing at the backdrop. The Kalbelia dance is the dance performed by a nomadic group of Rajasthan wherein the movements are somewhat reminiscent of the graceful and supple movements of the snake as they belong to the community of snake charmers. The Ghoomar dance is the dance of the royal families usually performed in wedding ceremonies. The thrilling Bhavai dance is performed to represent how the ladies carry water every day with brass vessels on the head. The artists also dance on sharp edges of metal plates and broken glasses. This show also includes a puppet show, which is one of the most entertaining highlights.

Dharohar Show Timings: 7 pm to 8 pm

9. Prep up for an unforgettable dining experience at UPRE 1559

For evening, settle in for dinner at UPRE 1559 – a luxury dining spot located on the terrace of Lake Pichola. Enjoy your dinner gazing upon the fountains strung with colored lights, Udaipur’s skyline, the City Palace, Lake Palace, bathing ghats and embankments of Lake Pichola with traditional music playing at the backdrop.

Cuisine offered: Indian and International cuisine with cocktails and wines.

 

DAY 2: 

1. Soak in the traditional ambiance and Italian delicacies at Oladar Restaurant & Cafe in Udaipur

Sip in freshly-brewed Italian coffee and explore through an extensive menu consisting of Italian, Indian, Continental and other cuisines for breakfast here and experience the feel-good vibe of the space. The interiors of this cafe is inspired from various elements of village life and depicts a fusion of Indian and European-style villages. An interesting feature about this Cafe is that everything in the cafe is made by recycling or redesigning old things.

Delicacies offered: All Day Breakfast, Salad, Appetizers, Sandwiches, Burgers, Desserts, etc.

2. Discover the heights of Monsoon Palace/Sajjangarh Palace
(Approx. 9 km from Oladar Village Cafe and Bar)

After a hearty breakfast, proceed to the Sajjangarh Palace built in 1884. A former astrological centre, this fort was purposely built to monitor the approaching monsoon clouds better in the area and this is why, it’s also called the Monsoon Palace. Overlooking the Lake Pichola, the bird’s-eye view of the Udaipur city from this fort cannot be described and the beauty of this view multi-folds during the monsoon season. It is also popular for its spectacular sunset views, so try to witness one sighting on your visit. Close to this palace is the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary where you can stroll through the natural habitat of Tigers, Sambhar Deer, Nilgais, Blue bulls, Panthers and many other animals.

3. Savor Indian cuisine for Lunch at a rooftop Sun and Moon Restaurant at Hotel Udai Niwas
(Approx. 8 km from Sajjangarh Palace)

Stopover for lunch at Sun and Moon – a rooftop restaurant enjoying the highest possible views of the Udaipur city and Lake Pichola. Cherry on the top is the warm staff and owners and finger-licking food that make it perfect for a soul-filling lunch.
Cuisine offered: Indian, Asian, Fast Food

4. Head to Shilpgram – a living museum of traditional Art and Crafts of Udaipur
(Approx. 6 km from Sun and Moon restaurant)

Shilpgram is an ethnographic museum that showcases the local lifestyle of the folkmen and tribals of the region. It is considered as a museum of traditional Art and Crafts of Rajasthan. It is a complex of huts pertaining to a certain type of Rajasthani architecture. Here you can see Contemporary urban ceramists, potters, visual artists, designers, etc.

Note:
1. Explore local food stalls around the complex to savor authentic Rajasthani cuisine.
2. Wear a comfortable pair of shoes that allows you to take a long stroll around the huts and traditional stalls here.
3. Photography is allowed here so do carry your camera along.

Open Timings: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Best time to visit: An annual fair is held here that is entertaining and educational at the same time.

5. Excursion to the Vintage Classic cars museum/Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum

Udaipur is dotted with various museums that showcase the royalty of its Kings in different ways.

Take a leap into the Udaipur royalty at the Vintage Classic Cars Museum:

(Approx. 2 km from Mansapurna Karni Ropeway)

The Vintage Classic Cars Museum displays a range of working vintage cars that belong to the former and present Royals of Udaipur that have been painstakingly restored.

What to see: A seven-seat 1938 Cadillac complete with purdah system, Rolls-Royce Phantom used in the Bond film “Octopussy” and the Cadillac convertible that whisked Queen Elizabeth II to the airport in 1961 and a lot more.

Watch Udaipur Art at its best at the Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum:

(Approx. 5 km from Mansapurna Karni Ropeway)

A private folk-art museum in Udaipur, the Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum offers deep insights into the lavish life of Udaipur kingdom. This museum has a fine collection of traditional costumes, tribal jewelry, turbans, dolls, masks, musical instruments, paintings and puppets, which are the highlights of the museum.

You can visit any of these museums that suits your interest.

6. Explore the local bazaars of Udaipur

Coming to a shopping spree in Udaipur, the Bada Bazaar, Hathi Pol, Chetak Circle and Palace Road are some of the most famous shopping arcades here.

While shopping, the real charm of shopping comes in exploring the chaotic bazaar streets of Udaipur and bargaining with the local shopkeepers. Make sure that you’ve plenty of time to discover the vibrant Udaipur bazaars.

The bazaars of Udaipur host an amazing variety of handicrafts ranging from hand-made puppets, wall hangings, hand-made diaries, embroidered umbrellas, designer wooden boxes to an assortment of pottery, brass-ware, terracotta sculptures, traditional clothes adorned with batik (wax-resist dyeing applied to whole cloth) touch. Also, visitors can find stunning jewelry pieces that are reminiscent of the royal and elite cultural past. Look forward to an array of necklaces and bracelets studded with semi-precious stones, Polki jhumkas (chandelior earrings) to Kundan naulakha necklaces (a long necklace studded with a set of gems with gold foil covering between the stones and its mount or Meenakari jewelry (where the grooves or engravings in the ornaments is coated with coloured enamels). Simply said, the bazaars of Udaipur define the culture and skills of the local craftsmen of Rajasthan through its spectacular collection of Rajasthani items.

7. Spend your evening watching Sunset at Lake Pichola – try some good old-styling boating here

Nothing can be better than an early morning walk at a lakeside to start your day in Udaipur. Hence, start your day with a stroll around the Pichola Lake at a well-laid walkway, absorbing the captivating sunrise views without which a trip to Udaipur is incomplete. You can also opt a boat ride here.

Note: Reach an hour before sunset as it is the best time to go for boating at Pichola.

8. Dinner at Millets of Mewar/Tribute – A Gourmet Paradise

Indulge in a unique gluten-free dining experience, hard to find anywhere else in Udaipur, at the Millets of Mewar – a healthy fusion Indian restaurant. Enjoy floor-cushion seating, instrumental music playing in the backdrop, local art decor at this place. The Millets of Mewar restaurant in Udaipur perfectly alters the perception of “We are What we Eat” and makes use of traditional grains, raw/steamed vegetables, nutritious and eco-friendly food with great taste.

Today if time permits, visit the gorgeous Ranakpur Jain Temple (Approx. 2 hours from Udaipur) – a pure white marble temple carved out of 1,444 pillars.

How to reach Udaipur?

By Air:
The closest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport, located approx. 20 km away. It is well-connected to major cities of India.

By Rail:
Udaipur hosts a vast railway network that is well-connected to cities including Jaipur, Mumbai and Delhi.

Places close to Udaipur:
Driving distance from major tourist attractions:
Jaipur: 400 km
Bundi: 300 km
Chittorgarh: 120 km
Jodhpur: 270 km
Kumbhalgarh: 85 Km
Ranakpur: 95 km

 

Notes/Tips:

1. To visit all the popular attractions of Udaipur within time, arrive on the previous day so that you can begin your tour next day.
2. Most of the attractions in Udaipur are present close to the Lake Pichola, it is recommended that you choose your stay close to this lake.
3. The best time for a Boat Ride is early morning for sunrise and evening as the sun begins to set. So, you can head for a boat trip as per your comfort and interest.

 

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Udaipur is a city filled with surprises in every corner. Do not consider the above list, the gist of the city. There is still lots more to explore in this gorgeous city BUT for that you need to plan a longer trip here. So read a little more about the city, know more about its culture and traditions before visiting Udaipur next. We hope this 48-hour Udaipur itinerary offers you enough reasons to actually visit this place and makes your sojourn worthwhile. You can always customize this itinerary as per your trip schedule, stay and interest. However, if your Udaipur stay is 48 hrs then we have ensured that you discover this city in the best way possible within a span of 48 hours. So STOP THINKING AND START PLANNING A TRIP TO UDAIPUR THAT YOU WILL CHERISH FOREVER.

Click here to check out our Rajasthan tours and KEEP TRAVELLING!!