Udaipur Solo Trip Itinerary: Top 10 Places I Visited

Often called the ‘Venice of the East’, Udaipur is one of the most captivating destinations in Rajasthan. Nestled around shimmering lakes and surrounded by the rolling green hills of the Aravallis, this city offers an unforgettable experience.

Founded in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II, Udaipur became the new capital of the Mewar Kingdom. It’s located in the scenic Girwa Valley, southwest of Nagda, the kingdom’s former capital. The city is also rich in natural resources, especially zinc and marble. Udaipur offers no shortage of experiences, from tranquil boat rides on Lake Pichola to exploring grand palaces and vibrant markets. 

Let’s explore some of the best tourist attractions in Udaipur, including iconic heritage sites and serene lakes that make the city a favorite among solo travelers.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Udaipur

Here is my 3 (+ 0.5) day itinerary if you’re planning a solo trip to Udaipur:

1. Saheliyon Ki Bari

I began my journey with Saheliyon Ki Bari, or the Garden of Maidens. It’s a lush garden built by Maharana Sangram Singh II. It is one of the best places to visit in Udaipur, especially if you appreciate nature and architecture. The garden is serene yet vibrant, and has several attractions, including fountains, kiosks, marble elephants, and a lotus pool.

Filled with roses, marigolds, hibiscus, bougainvillea, and more, each corner bursts with color and life. A stunning lotus fountain adds to the calm atmosphere, making it ideal for quiet reflection or photography.

Inside the complex, there’s a charming art gallery showcasing Rajasthani artistry, though photography isn’t allowed. Another highlight is a little dress corner, where you can wear a full Rajasthani outfit and get your pictures clicked. It’s touristy, but worth it for a fun cultural experience. 

After spending a couple of relaxing hours here, I grabbed a cup of chai from the street-side stalls just outside. It was a simple but satisfying way to end this part of the day and move on to my next tourist spot in Udaipur. 

2. Fateh Sagar Lake

Listed among the top places in Udaipur, Fateh Sagar Lake is an artificial lake, located just north of the iconic Lake Pichola, and surrounded by the Aravalli Hills. It’s one of the four lakes in Udaipur. It was built in 1678 AD by Maharana Jai Singh, later reconstructed by Maharana Fateh Singh after flood damage, and renamed as Fateh Sagar Lake.

The lake features three islands:

• Nehru Island, the largest, is known for its lush gardens.
• A second island with a jet fountain and a public park.
• A third island housing the Udaipur Solar Observatory, considered one of the best in Asia.

You can visit all three islands via a motorboat.

I visited Fateh Sagar Lake on Valentine’s Day. The place was swarming with couples and families, and the atmosphere felt overwhelming. The boat ride, for which I paid Rs. 177, was short and underwhelming. It felt like a tourist trap. Yes, the sunset views were pleasant, but you can enjoy far better views at Lake Pichola, especially if you time your ride in the evening.

The lakefront is lined with a massive variety of food stalls. From authentic Rajasthani dishes to Mumbai-style vada pav and refreshing summer drinks, you’ll find something for every craving.

If you do decide to visit, go in the evening. You’ll escape the daytime heat and catch the magical, golden glow of sunset. However, if you’re short on time, prioritize Lake Pichola instead.

3. Moti Magri

Perched overlooking Fateh Sagar Lake, this hill houses a striking bronze statue of Maharana Pratap riding his loyal horse, Chetak. It honors one of Rajasthan’s greatest warriors and his legendary steed, who died protecting him during the Battle of Haldighati.

It’s a peaceful spot where locals come to pay homage, making it one of the best places to visit in Udaipur, especially if you’re drawn to history and stories of bravery and heroism.

Make sure to cover Fateh Sagar Lake and Moti Magri together. Since the statue is located on an incline, taking an auto, taxi, or scooter is practical. I paid around Rs. 150 for entry, parking, and a small museum. While the exhibits are modest, they give you a glimpse into Mewar’s royal past. 

Once you’re at the top, don’t miss the hidden viewpoint. Just past the statue, a staircase leads you to a calm, breezy spot offering panoramic views of Udaipur and Fateh Sagar Lake. 

Before leaving, browse the stalls selling traditional Rajasthani items like handcrafted earrings, sarees, and souvenirs.

4. Gangaur Ghat

Located near the waterfront of Lake Pichola, right by the bustling Jagdish Chowk area, Gangaur Ghat or Gangori Ghat was constructed by Maharaj Bhim Singh in 1878 after he succeeded Nath Singh.

It is among the top places in Udaipur, at least on social media. It’s free to visit, and yes, the lake views here are undeniably beautiful. You’ll get a picture-perfect glimpse of the calm waters, heritage buildings, the occasional boat floating by, and Udaipur’s old world charm.

Despite being hailed as one of the best tourist attractions in Udaipur, Gangaur Ghat felt awfully underwhelming. It was crowded with pigeons, and many tourists were deliberately making them fly just for dramatic photos. 

You can add this to your 3-day itinerary for Udaipur, but treat it as a quick stop, preferably early in the morning, for fewer crowds.

5. Bagore ki Haveli

Bagore Ki Haveli is located right by Lake Pichola at Gangaur Ghat. This 18th-century architectural marvel is one of the top places in Udaipur to explore. It was built by Amar Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar, between 1751 and 1778. After his passing, it came under the care of Maharaj Nath Singh, the younger brother of the then Maharana of Mewar.

With over 138 rooms, courtyards, terraces, balconies, and intricate corridors, it gives you an immersive experience of royal Rajasthani life. Inside, you’ll find a display of costumes, traditional Rajasthani art, and modern installations, all preserved in their original glory. 

Between 1828 and 1884, four Maharanas of Mewar, Sardar Singh, Swaroop Singh, Shambhu Singh, and Sajjan Singh, were adopted from this very palace. 

Bagore Ki Haveli was later converted into a royal guest house under the Mewar State. Post-independence in 1947, it was repurposed to accommodate government officials. By 1986, the structure had deteriorated, and the Rajasthan Government handed it over to the West Zone Cultural Centre. 5 years of restoration efforts turned the haveli into a museum. It now also houses a fascinating collection of real weapons used by the rulers of Mewar, including Maharana Sajjan Singh. 

If you’re visiting in the evening, don’t miss the evening cultural performance to enjoy an authentic taste of local tradition. During my visit, there was also a local art exhibition by a talented artist and his wife. 

Read More: My Delhi to Udaipur Trip & Everything in Between

6. City Palace (+ The Museum)

The City Palace is the most iconic landmark of the city. Towering over the banks of Lake Pichola, it rises from a hill and is fortified by crenelated walls. The palace complex is an expansive network of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, hanging gardens, corridors, and royal chambers, offering an unforgettable glimpse into the royal legacy of Mewar. 

You enter the palace through the Tripolia Gate, a majestic triple-arched gateway flanked by eight marble porticos. 

👉 Under this gate, the Maharanas were weighed in gold, which was then donated to the people.

Walk further and you’ll reach Suraj Gokhda, the Balcony of the Sun. This was where the Suryavanshi Maharanas of Mewar would address the public during times of unrest.

Don’t miss Mor Chowk, known for its intricate glass mosaic work of peacocks. Nearby, Chini Chitrashala captivates with rare blue-and-white ceramics, showcasing the influence of Chinese artistry on Mewar aesthetics.

A highlight of the evening is the sound and light show at Manak Chowk, which narrates Mewar’s rich history through immersive storytelling and stunning visuals. 

Fun fact: The City Palace is 450 years old.

The City Palace complex actually consists of four major and several minor palaces. Today, parts of this royal residence are preserved as the City Palace Museum.

The museum was officially established in 1969 by Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar (reigned from 1955 to 1984). He transformed the royal chambers, Mardana Mahal, and Zenana Mahal into public heritage spaces under the Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF). He also endowed the foundation with significant funds, securing the palace’s future as a cultural institution.

Since then, the City Palace Museum has expanded significantly and continues to attract visitors from around the world. With over 50 years of curation, the museum today houses priceless artifacts, centuries-old artifacts, royal heirlooms, weaponry, artworks, and more.

City Palace might seem like a must-do. It’s one of the top places in Udaipur and undeniably grand, but be prepared. 

👉 City Palace was the most disappointing tourist spot, and the experience was far from enjoyable. I went on a weekend, and it was insanely overcrowded. There was barely space to walk, let alone take in the beauty of the place.

The museum, included in your entry ticket, is extensive and takes you through a long, winding path, starting from one end of the palace and exiting through the other. It feels endless, and the crowd made it nearly impossible to take in the architecture, especially when all you’re trying to do is catch a peaceful moment.

The high February heat didn’t help. Despite it being winter, the temperature inside felt stifling. If you want to check out the government museum, you’ll need to pay an extra Rs. 20.

Verdict: Only visit if you’re genuinely into architecture, museums, and royal history, and if you want to enjoy beautiful views of Lake Pichola. If you don’t want to feel drained and frustrated, avoid weekends at all costs. 

7. Lake Pichola

Bordered by hills and woodlands, Lake Pichola is an artificial lake that lies north of Fateh Sagar. It gets its name from the nearby village of Picholi and is known for housing several iconic attractions.

Within the lake, you’ll find Jag Niwas Island (home to the famous Lake Palace) and Jagmandir Island Palace. 

👉 Originally built between 1743 and 1746 by Maharana Jagat Singh II of Mewar, the Lake Palace or Jag Niwas was designed as a summer retreat. 

Now converted into a luxury hotel, it is made of black and white marble, inlaid with semi-precious stones, and decorated with ornamented niches. Inside, you’ll find courtyards lined with pillared terraces, columns, gardens, and fountains—a precise blend of Rajput architecture and royal function.

You must pass through the City Palace to access the lake and board the boat to Jagmandir Palace.

I took a boat ride across Lake Pichola to visit Jagmandir Palace. While I had to wait nearly an hour to get on the boat, it was absolutely worth it. The ride offered beautiful views of the lake, the surrounding architecture, and especially the Lake Palace, which looked serene from the water. The boat ride was longer and better than the one I had at Fateh Sagar Lake.

The combined ticket for the boat ride and Jagmandir Palace costs around Rs. 600. You can buy it at the counter either inside the City Palace complex or right at its entrance. If you’re planning a 3-day itinerary for Udaipur, I recommend exploring the City Palace, taking the Lake Pichola boat ride, and visiting Jagmandir Palace all in one go, if you’re not too tired after exploring the City Palace. It saves time and completes a large part of Udaipur in one go.

8. Jagmandir Palace

Jagmandir Palace, also known as the Lake Garden Palace, is one of the best places to visit in Udaipur. Located on an island in the serene waters of Lake Pichola, it dates back to 1620 and was completed in 1652. Originally built as a summer retreat for the Mewar royal family, Jagmandir also hosted grand parties and royal guests. 

Fun fact: One of the most remarkable events tied to this palace is its role in sheltering Prince Khurram, later known as Emperor Shah Jahan, when he rebelled against his father, Emperor Jahangir. 

When I visited Jagmandir Palace, it was buzzing with activity. Preparations were underway for the chief minister’s visit that evening, so access was limited. Still, I managed to spend about an hour exploring the palace grounds and strolling through the beautifully manicured gardens. Despite the bustle, the cool breeze and overcast sky made the walk peaceful and memorable.

9. Vintage Car Collection

Located inside the Garden Hotel complex, this museum houses an exclusive collection of over 20 vintage and classic cars once owned by the Maharanas of Udaipur. From Cadillacs and Rolls-Royces to rare models like the 1936 Vauxhall-12 and solar-powered rickshaws, the lineup is impressive.

You’ll find luxury vehicles once used by the royal family as their everyday modes of transport, some even 100 years old.

Vintage Car Collection was inaugurated on 15th February 2000 by Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, the founder of England’s National Motor Museum. It is now owned by Rana Shri Arvind Singh Ji Mewar and managed by the HRH Group of Hotels.

Housed in the former Mewar State Motor Garage, the semi-circular garage and the surrounding courtyard add to its charm. You’ll even find an old Shell petrol pump on-site, though its current condition is said to be fragile.

What truly stands out is how meticulously these antique cars are maintained. Despite dating back to the early 1900s, they remain spotless and functional. 

However, the ticket price of Rs. 400 might feel a bit steep, especially if you’re travelling on a budget. 

10. Sajjangarh Fort or The Monsoon Palace (+ Biological Park)

Perched on the Bansdara Hills, Sajjangarh Fort, famously known as the Monsoon Palace, is one of the top places to visit in Udaipur. This 19th-century palace, originally intended to be an astronomical observatory by Maharana Sajjan Singh, later served as a monsoon retreat and royal hunting lodge. The observatory plan was cut short by the Maharana’s untimely death.

From the top, you get panoramic views of Udaipur, its shimmering lakes, and the distant Aravalli range.

At the base of the Bansdara Hills lies the Sajjangarh Biological Park, spread across 36 hectares, nestled next to the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

You can explore the park either on foot or via eco-friendly golf carts available at a nominal charge. Despite visiting during the hottest part of the day, I felt surprisingly comfortable. It was easily one of the best tourist attractions in Udaipur, as I was lucky enough to spot lions, tigers, bears, foxes, blackbuck, crocodiles, ostriches, and more. 

Once you reach the entry point, you can access the Monsoon Palace in one of three ways:

• Two-wheeler (lowest cost)
• Private car (highest cost)
• Jeep service (shared ride; moderate cost)

I opted for the jeep, which cost Rs. 200 and took me right to the top.

Read More: Ajmer Itinerary: 3 Best Places to Visit in Ajmer

Pro Tip for Your Udaipur Solo Trip 

Always note ticket prices or click pictures of them, especially if you’re planning to share your travel experience. Even if you don’t, it’s a smart way to track your expenses and know whether you stayed within your trip budget or went overboard. Trust me, relying on memory won’t work. I had to dig through my online payment history to recall how much I spent at different attractions, and still couldn’t retrieve everything. Also, carry enough cash. While UPI works for tickets, food stalls, and shopping, auto-rickshaw drivers almost always prefer cash. 

How Many Days are Enough for Udaipur?

I spent 3.5 days in Udaipur, which gave me enough time to explore the top places in Udaipur, including the Ambrai Ghat for a mesmerizing sunset. However, here are a few places I missed but wish I had time for:

• Ahar Museum
• Navalakha Mahal (Gulab Bagh) and Bird Park
• Shilpgram
• Udai Sagar Lake
• Doodh Talai Lake
• Jaisamand Lake
• Badi Lake

I also couldn’t fully experience Udaipur’s best places to eat on this trip. So, if you’re someone who enjoys slow travel, sunset walks along the ghats, and discovering local food gems, a 4-5 day Udaipur itinerary is ideal. This gives you room to enjoy both the iconic sites and hidden gems that make a solo trip to Udaipur truly unforgettable.