For all you people who are joining us in Udaipur, to make WordCamp Udaipur 2017 a success, we have tried to list down a few must-to-do things in Udaipur to make your trip memorable.
Udaipur has a lot to offer to all age groups and we are sure that you will surely enjoy your stay here. Check out this breathtakingly beautiful aerial video of Udaipur.
Here is the list of all fun things, which you can do here:
1. The City Palace:
The foremost thing to do when in a new city is to explore the history and no other place offers it better than the City Palace, which is situated on the banks of the Lake Pichola. The palace was constructed under the leadership of Maharana Udai Singh and was completed by his successors.
The structure is a blend of splendid architecture and has 11 palaces inside it that showcase antique furniture, unique paintings, ornamental tiles, big corridors, pavilions, gardens, and other heritage marvels. The palace is also the home of present King Maharaja Arvind Singh Mewar and the Royal Family.
Inside the palace is Crystal Gallery which has everything from an ashtray to cupboard made of crystals and is a delight for all to witness.
2. Lakes:
There is a reason why Udaipur is called the City of Lakes as it has eight major lakes which you can visit: Lake Pichola, Lake Fateh Sagar, Udai Sagar Lake, Badi Lake, Swaroop Sagar & Goverdhan Sagar.
Jaisamand Lake, which is Asia’s second largest artificial lake is situated 50 Km away from the city and is a ‘must visit’ place.
Lake Fateh Sagar is the favorite hangout place for every Udaipurite. You can enjoy a speed boat ride, local food at lakeside Mumbaiya market and the famous Kulhad Coffee.
3. Forts and Palaces:
Besides the City Palace, there are a number of forts and palaces which have unique stories of their own. Situated around 85 Km away from the city is Kumbhalgarh Fort which is known to be the birthplace of Maharana Pratap. This 15th century constructed fort is also included in the World Heritage Sites and has 38 Km long wall, which is recognized as the second longest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China. Watch this amazing video by Rajasthan Tourism.
Sajjangarh or Monsoon Palace is another hilltop wonder which provides a panoramic view of the entire city and one of the most beautiful sunsets.
4. Boat Ride in Lake Pichola:
You must take a boat ride in the pristine blue waters of the Lake Pichola and visit Jag Mandir, a modern restaurant with beautiful gardens, situated on an island. During the ride, you will also get a chance to see the fairy-tale like Lake Palace, which has the classic white structure that will take your breath away. The plush palace is now one of the finest heritage hotels in India is a dream destination.
5. Boat Ride in Lake Fateh Sagar:
Another boat ride is available at Fateh Sagar which takes you to Nehru Garden, an open space garden in the middle of the lake. Any time of day to have boat ride is fun, but it’s totally awesome if you do it in the evening at sunset time.
If you would like to have some fun, Fateh Sagar also has a speed boat ride.
6. Heritage Walk:
Discover the rustic charm, Rajasthani paintings, and old architecture, enjoy shopping and interact with the locals in the heritage walk around the old parts of the city. Walking through the fascinating lanes of the city and numerous Ghats, you can unravel the history in the palaces, gardens, walls and houses that exude the wonderment of the Mewar dynasty.
You can also enjoy the evening folk dance show at Bagore Ki Haveli. Timing: 7PM – 8PM.
7. Cycle Tour:
Bicycle tours is one of the most exciting things to do in Udaipur as you get to see not only the interior parts of the city but also take a ride along the outskirts that cover lakes, dams, villages, forests and a relaxing time in the private lodges if one wishes to stay overnight. There are multiple tour operators who provide bicycle tours in and around the city at affordable rates.
8. Art & Culture:
Since Udaipur is a hub of art and culture, you can meet a number of artists proficient in age old miniature paintings or Rajput art, modern paintings and contemporary art. Shilpgram is a cultural hub situated on the outskirts of the city that showcases textile, crafts and handicrafts of not only Rajasthan, but of different states. A fair is also held in the month December, which markets products of local designers and other artists from across the country. If in Udaipur, you must visit Baghore ki Haveli which is next to Gangaur Ghat for the enthralling folk performances during the evening. You can know more about the culture at Ahar Cenotaphs and Ahar Museum.
9. Shopping:
For the shopaholics, the market is filled with many articles, textiles and handicraft items that will interest you. A variety of silver ornaments, jewelry, textile, clothing, leather products, wooden toys, paintings and a lot more are available for the tourists. Handmade paper, wall hangings, wood puppets, Pichwai paintings, tie and dye textiles will give you a peek into the Mewar culture and make for perfect souvenir.
The popular baazars are Bapu Baazar, Hathipol, Palace Road and Bada Baazar from where you can shop products and bargain for the best price.
10. Other Tourist Spots:
Besides the given places, you can visit touristy spots such as Gulab Bagh, Saheliyon ki Bari, Karni Mata Temple, Dudh Talai, Haldighati, Moti Magri, Ranakpur Temple, Alsigarh, Saas Bahu Temple, Eklingji, Nathdwara and many other places worth visiting if time permits.
11. Vintage Car Museum:
If you love cars, you will surely enjoy the awesome vintage car collection owned by Udaipur’s Maharanas. The car collection includes Cadillac, Chevrolet, Morris, Rolls Royce Phantom, etc. You would be surprised to see all the vintage cars are perfectly maintained and are in working condition. Vintage car museum is located at Gulabh Bag Road. If you are obsessed with classy cars, this place is a must visit.
12. Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal:
Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal is to encourage folk art and dance. It is a museum which displays clothes, paintings, ornaments and other royal heritage. Every evening they organize folk dance and puppet shows and it totally gets you in Rajasthani culture zone. It is situated near Chetak Circle.
13. Shilpgram:
Shilpgram is situated 3km away from Udaipur. It promotes rural arts /crafts and gives an opportunity to many people to exhibit their art and handicraft skills. Every year, Shilpgram organizes a festival known as Shilpgram festival. It is generally organized in last week of December and there are various shops of handicrafts, ornaments, decorative items. They also have cultural programs in the evening.
14. Ropeway to Karni Mata Temple:
One of the famous temples in Udaipur is Karni Mata and there is a cable ropeway ride is available to reach the temple. It is a five-minute ride and you can’t miss the breathtaking view of Udaipur city. If you want to click beautiful sunset or nature’s picture, then it’s a must visit. It is located near Deen Dayal Park, Dudh Talai.
15. Restaurants, Street Food & Drinks:
If you are foodie and love to try different varieties of food, then Udaipur have a lot to offer. From spicy and yummy traditional food to classy Rajasthani food, you will love all of them. Check out the list below and indulge yourself in yum-yum food:
Raas Leela: Raas Leela is a multi-cuisine restaurant situated near Lake Pichola with a very beautiful view. You can plan a perfectcandlel light dinner here.
Apart from this, there are a few more rooftop restaurants to enjoy a pleasant view and ambiance, they are Jaiwana Haveli, Upre, Mewar Haveli, Chunda Palace and Jaisingh Garh.
Goverdhan Thal: If you want to try Gujarati and Rajasthani food, then you should visit Goverdhan Thal. They have Thali system including both Rajasthani and Gujarati food. The food and service both are awesome.
Natraj Restaurant: Natraj Restaurant is located near railway station and serves one of the best Rajasthani Thali in the city. If you want to try traditional Rajasthani food, this is must try.
JMB (Jodhpur Misthan Bhandar): JMB is located near Surajpol and have mouth-watering “pyaz ki kachori” and “mirchi vada”. It is basically a sweet shop and if you love sweets, try different traditional Rajasthani sweets here.
Sukhadia Circle: Want to try different cuisine at one place, check out Sukhadia circle. It is well known for its street food. A number of stalls remain open until late hours in the city providing typical street food from Pav Bhaji, Bhel Puri, to Chinese, Pizza, South Indian and much more.
Mumbaiya Bazaar: Mumbaiya bazaar is located on the bank of Fateh Sagar with a lot of street food stalls and you can’t afford to miss Kulhadh Coffee at Shiv Sagar. It is fun to view the lake and indulge in yum-yum street food.
Apart from above street food you can also check out mirchi vada at Eklingji, vada pav outside Lok Kala Mandal and Gulab Jamun at Clock Tower and Purnima’s pani-puri at Baapu Bazaar.
Coffee at Brewmen: Brewmen is located at Saheli Marg. It is one of the best café in Udaipur and serves delicious coffee, snacks and pizzas.
Panna Vilas Palace: A good place to chill with friends and enjoy drinks/snacks. It has good ambience and situated at Rani Road, near Fateh Sagar.
Udaipur is an amazing city and packed with eclectic culture, lush gardens, fabulous forts, yummy street food and romantic lakes. So, enjoy your stay, explore new spots and have a total fun at WordCamp Udaipur 2017. Don’t forget to share your experience in comment section.
Hotels in Udaipur
Need help with planning your stay? Check out this list of hand-picked hotels.