Udaipur is a beautiful city located in the majestic state of Rajasthan in India. Fondly called the ‘City of Lakes’, Udaipur boasts a rich culture and charming heritage for anyone who visits the city. For a little Geography, the city is located towards the south of Rajasthan very close to the border of Gujarat. It has been regarded as one of the most romantic spots in the Indian subcontinent by the British and a clear example of that is the array of films that have been shot in Udaipur. Udaipur is considered to be an ideal destination wedding spot and has seen some high profile big fat Indian weddings taking place on the banks of Lake Pichola.

Most part of the famous Bollywood flick ” Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani” was also shot in the ‘City of Lakes.’ Udaipur is credited with having managed to preserve its heritage, including forts and palaces of the Rajput kings who ruled here. If you are a true lover of history, culture, and scenic landscapes, Udaipur is the place for you. But before you plan your vacation, check out some of these useful tips, so that you have the best vacation in Udaipur.

On the banks of Lake Pichola — Image source: Pixabay

Best time to visit Udaipur

Rajasthan, as you know, is home to the sprawling Thar Desert. The state faces extreme heatwave throughout the summers and hence the best time to visit Udaipur would be during the winter months from October to January end. The weather remains pleasant for most part of the day and you can take a leisurely stroll across the picturesque gardens and spend a quiet evening on the banks of the various lakes in Udaipur. Witnessing the sunset as it forms the backdrop to the lakes is surely an experience worthwhile.

Best place to stay

As said before, Udaipur is known for its Lakeside hotels which are mostly located close to the various attractions at Udaipur. You will be able to get the best of both worlds while choosing your stay in these hotels as you can experience the local culture while also sinking into the scenic landscape. There are also various Heritage Hotel accommodations that you can choose from if you do not have any budget constraints. Udaipur is also known for its homestays which will be ideal if you are someone who loves experiencing the authentic culture. Get ready to taste mouth-watering Rajasthani cuisines as you stay in these various accommodations!

Udaipur Lake Palace — Image source: Pixabay

Be on guard while shopping

If you swear by shopping, Udaipur has some great options available for you. The rich Bandhani prints, jewellery, textiles and local souvenirs are a must-buy in the traditional, local markets of Udaipur. Remember to always bargain at these markets and get items at the best price. You are likely to be taken for a ride by the local vendors if you agree on buying a product without bargaining. Make sure you check the quality of your items before you make the final purchase and take care of your cash and belongings when you visit these markets.

Shopping in Udaipur — Image source: Pixabay

Best ways to travel around Udaipur

The best way to enjoy the beauty of Udaipur is to go around it on a private basis. A group is not recommended because you will miss out on the whole beauty and feel of the ‘City of Lakes.’ It is easy to get around Udaipur on a taxi or even by hiring a bike. If you are planning your honeymoon to Udaipur, it is always better to take up the tour on a private basis so that you can enjoy the picturesque landscape and the enchanting lakes amidst the sunset in the company of your partner at your own pace.

Always keep ready cash with you

Rajasthan is the land of the Mewar Rajputs and the Mewari community in general is known to be great in terms of handling a family business. Do not be surprised if you find the locals of Rajasthan being very money-minded about even the most trivial of issues. This is why you need to carry ready cash with you in order to make a purchase or even gather information which will not come free of cost. The local markets in Rajasthan do not accept debit or credit cards and that is one other reason why it is better to make your payments in hard cash.

Go on Heritage walks

A must-do in Udaipur is the various Heritage walks that you can take around the palaces and forts of Udaipur. Delve into the splendour and grandeur of Rajput architecture which have an Indo-Mughal influence to it. Be ready to get mesmerized by the intricate details which have been carved into the various structures and also learn about the history associated with each of them. Take a licenced guide along with you for the best possible experience.

City Palace, Udaipur — Image source: Unsplash

Do not venture out alone too much post-sunset

Although Udaipur is a city that you can experience in all its grandeur and makes for one of the most scenic landscapes amidst the hues of the sunset, it is better to not venture out of your hotels after dusk. There are night clubs and pubs but it is not recommended to visit them especially if you are travelling alone as Udaipur. It is technically not a place where you can experience the best of nightlife. Always have GPS systems and maps handy as you cannot trust the words of the local people much.

If you keep all of these useful tips in mind, you are sure to enjoy a memorable vacation in the vibrant city of Udaipur. Always remember to respect the local culture and tradition of the Mewari people and you are good to go. After all, what is a perfect vacation without the perfect experiences? If you are finding this guide useful, go ahead and read up on some of the other tourist attractions in India. We at Pickyourtrail believe in giving you the best possible vacation with customisable itineraries and on-trip support. Check out some of the best tour packages and start planning that dream vacation!