I've been to Udaipur in October, January, March, and August. Each time I learned something I wish I'd known the previous trip. Here's everything I've accumulated, organized by what people actually want to know.
Q: What's the best way to get from the airport to the city center?
A: Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR) is 22 km out. Pre-paid taxis at the counter inside the terminal cost 400-500 INR (~$5-6). Ola and Uber work if you have an Indian SIM card and the app downloaded. Do NOT take a driver who wants to "show you the city" or "stop at a marble factory" on the way — that's a commission play.
Q: Do I need a car to get around Udaipur?
A: No. The old city (where most attractions are) is walking-only — the lanes are too narrow for vehicles. For getting between the old city and Fateh Sagar Lake or the Monsoon Palace, auto-rickshaws cost 50-150 INR per trip. Use Ola or Uber for fair pricing. For day trips to Kumbhalgarh Fort or Ranakpur Jain Temple (80-90 km away) — or extend your Rajasthan trip to include Jaipur, hire a taxi for the day (2,000-2,500 INR round-trip).
Q: How many days do I need in Udaipur?
A: Minimum 2 full days. Ideal is 3-4. Day 1: City Palace + old city walk + Jagdish Temple + sunset boat ride. Day 2: Saheliyon Ki Bari + Fateh Sagar + Monsoon Palace at sunset. Day 3: Day trip to Kumbhalgarh/Ranakpur or slow exploration of havelis and markets. Day 4: Rooftop brunch, shopping, departure.
Q: When are the lakes fullest?
A: September through February. The monsoon (July-August) fills them — see why we think monsoon season is underrated. By March, levels start dropping. May-June can see partially dry lakes — Lake Pichola's water line recedes and it's not the postcard experience. If full lakes are important to your trip (and they should be), visit September to February.
Q: What's the actual best time to visit?
A: October-November. The monsoon has just ended, the lakes are brimming, the weather is warm but not scorching (22-30°C), and the air is clear. December-February is also excellent but cooler (10-20°C) — bring a warm layer for early mornings.
Avoid April-June unless you enjoy 38-42°C heat. The lakes may be low, the sun is relentless, and sightseeing becomes an endurance test.
Q: Is the City Palace worth the entry fee?
A: Absolutely. It's 300 INR (~$3.60) and you get access to a 400-year-old palace complex with 11 interconnected palaces, courtyards, museums, and lake-view balconies. Allow 2-3 hours. The Crystal Gallery (additional 500 INR) is optional but fascinating — the Osler crystal furniture collection is unlike anything I've seen.
Q: Should I do the boat ride on Lake Pichola?
A: Yes. Municipal boat rides cost 400-800 INR for a 30-minute loop. Go at sunset. You'll pass the Lake Palace Hotel (Taj property, unbelievably photogenic) and Jag Mandir island palace. A private boat for an hour costs 1,500-2,500 INR — worth it if you're with a group.
Q: Is the Monsoon Palace worth the drive?
A: For sunset, yes. Entry is 80 INR plus 275 INR vehicle entry. It's 5 km from the city center. The panoramic views of the entire lake-and-city system from the hilltop are the best in Udaipur. Time your visit for 4:30-5:30PM (adjust for season). Don't go at midday — there's no shade and the palace interior is empty.
Q: What about the Dharohar folk dance show?
A: At Bagore Ki Haveli, 7PM daily, 150 INR. One hour of Rajasthani puppet shows, Ghoomar dance, and fire performances. It's touristy but genuinely well-done — the dancers are excellent and the haveli setting is atmospheric. Arrive 15 minutes early for decent seats.
Q: What should I eat in Udaipur?
A: Dal baati churma — the Rajasthani staple. Hard wheat balls with dal and sweet crumbled wheat. Find it at the clock tower market stalls (100-200 INR).
For rooftop dining with lake views, Ambrai Restaurant (800-1,500 INR per person) and Upre at the Leela (1,500-3,000 INR) are both excellent. The view from Ambrai at sunset — City Palace, Lake Palace, Jagdish Temple, all reflected in the lake — is the most famous view in Udaipur.
Budget: old city thali meals cost 100-200 INR. The clock tower area has the cheapest food. Chai is 10-20 INR everywhere.
Q: How much does a trip to Udaipur cost?
A: Budget: 1,500-2,500 INR/day ($18-30) — guesthouse, street food, public transport. Mid-range: 4,000-8,000 INR/day ($48-96) — boutique hotel, rooftop restaurants, taxi. Luxury: 15,000-50,000+ INR/day ($180-600+) — heritage palace hotel, fine dining, private boat.
Udaipur is excellent value at every budget level. Other Indian destinations worth exploring include Varanasi for spiritual depth and Kerala for tropical beauty. Even the "splurge" options are half the price of equivalent luxury in Western countries.
Q: What should I buy in Udaipur?
A: Miniature paintings are Udaipur's signature craft. The tiny, detailed paintings on silk or paper range from 500-50,000 INR depending on size, quality, and artist. Hathi Pol bazaar is the main shopping street. Watch the artists work before you buy — it helps you understand the value.
Also worth buying: silver jewelry, leather goods, Rajasthani textiles, and Mewar-style puppets. Bargain at 40-50% of asking price.
Q: What scams should I watch for?
A: The big one: auto-rickshaw commission. Drivers will offer free or cheap rides to "better" shops or hotels. They earn 30-50% commission on your purchases, which inflates every price. Book hotels directly (not through drivers), navigate to shops yourself, and if a price seems absurd at a driver-recommended shop, leave and find the same item elsewhere.
Also: some gem shops claim to sell precious stones at "factory prices." Unless you're a gemologist, you can't verify quality. Don't buy expensive gems from unknown shops.
Q: Is bargaining expected?
A: At markets and shops: yes, always. Start at 40-50% of asking price and meet in the middle. At restaurants, museums, and for pre-paid transport: never. Keep small bills (10, 20, 50, 100 INR) handy — vendors sometimes claim they can't make change to round up.
Q: Is Udaipur safe?
A: Very safe. Level 1 safety rating. For a personal narrative, read our Udaipur lightning story. Low crime. Tourist-friendly. I've walked the old city lanes alone at 10PM without concerns. The biggest "danger" is commission touts who are annoying but harmless.
Q: Can I drink the water?
A: No. Drink bottled or filtered water only. This applies everywhere in India. Bottles cost 20 INR at any shop. Hotels provide filtered water. Avoid ice at street stalls (restaurant ice is usually from filtered water).
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Airport | Maharana Pratap (UDR), 22 km |
| Best months | October-February |
| Currency | INR (cash preferred) |
| Language | Hindi, Mewari, English at tourist spots |
| Min days needed | 2 (ideally 3-4) |
| Must-do | Sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola |
| Budget/day | $18-30 (budget), $48-96 (mid-range) |
| Safety | Very safe (Level 1) |
