Top 10 Things to Do in Udaipur: Lake Cruises, Palaces & Cultural Shows

Introduction to Udaipur: The Venice of the East

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the emerald Aravalli mountain ranges in southern Rajasthan, Udaipur is widely acclaimed as one of India's most romantic and visually enchanting cities. Founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the new capital of the Mewar Kingdom, the 'City of Lakes' is renowned for its shimmering artificial lakes, whitewashed royal palaces, ornate marble havelis, and centuries-old cultural heritage. Unlike the stark desert landscapes of western Rajasthan, Udaipur's gentle lake breezes, floating island pavilions, and cascading fountains create an oasis of royal tranquility.

Whether you are planning a relaxed getaway using our Udaipur 3-day itinerary or embarking on a scenic drive outlined in our Delhi to Udaipur road trip itinerary, exploring Udaipur offers an unforgettable sensory journey. From gliding across Lake Pichola on a sunset boat cruise to watching vibrant Rajasthani folk dances at Bagore Ki Haveli, here are the absolute top things to do in Udaipur.

1. Explore the Monumental City Palace Complex

Dominating the eastern shoreline of Lake Pichola, Udaipur's City Palace is Rajasthan's largest royal palace complex. Built over nearly four centuries by successive Maharanas of Mewar, this sprawling architectural marvel seamlessly blends granite and marble construction with delicate Rajput and Mughal stylistic elements. As explored in our in-depth Udaipur City Palace guide, the complex features a succession of monumental gateways, tiered courtyards, hanging gardens, and richly decorated royal suites.

Key highlights inside the City Palace Museum include:

• Mor Chowk (Peacock Courtyard): Renowned for its three magnificent glass-mosaic relief sculptures of peacocks, crafted from over 5,000 pieces of shimmering blue, green, and gold glass.
• Sheesh Mahal: The royal queen's mirror palace adorned with convex glass inlays reflecting soft candlelight.
• Zenana Mahal & Badi Mahal: The Garden Palace built upon a natural 27-metre rock formation featuring marble swimming pools and massive shade trees growing on an upper terrace.
• The Crystal Gallery: Located in Fateh Prakash Palace, housing the world's most extensive private collection of 19th-century custom F&C Osler crystal furniture, chandeliers, and banquet sets ordered by Maharana Sajjan Singh.

2. Take a Sunset Boat Cruise on Lake Pichola to Jag Mandir

A boat cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola is the defining experience of any Udaipur trip. Created in 1362 AD by a local Banjara gypsy trader and later expanded by Maharana Udai Singh II, this 4-kilometre-long freshwater lake reflects the whitewashed ghats, palace facades, and surrounding Aravalli ridges.

As detailed in our Udaipur boat ride on Lake Pichola guide, regular passenger and solar-powered cruise boats depart from the City Palace's Rameshwar Ghat. Gliding past the floating Lake Palace (Taj Lake Palace) toward the 17th-century island palace of Jag Mandir (Lake Garden Palace), visitors can disembark to explore marble courtyards, towering stone elephant sculptures, and lush garden terraces while enjoying refreshing drinks as the sunset turns the lake surface to liquid gold.

3. Watch the Dharohar Folk Dance Show at Bagore Ki Haveli

Situated directly on the water's edge at Gangaur Ghat, Bagore Ki Haveli is an 18th-century royal mansion built by Amir Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar. While the haveli's 138 rooms serve as a fascinating museum showcasing royal costumes, turbans, and antique dice games during the daytime, evening brings the celebrated Dharohar Folk Dance Show in the open-air Neem Chowk courtyard.

Beginning at 7:00 PM, this captivating one-hour performance showcases Rajasthan's vibrant folk traditions: energetic Chari dances with flaming brass pots balanced on dancers' heads, Terah Taali cymbal dances performed while seated, entertaining Rajasthani puppet (Kathputli) sketches, and the jaw-dropping Bhavai dance, where a master performer balances up to ten earthen clay pots on her head while balancing on the edge of brass plates or broken glass.

4. Stroll through the Fountains of Saheliyon Ki Bari

Saheliyon Ki Bari (the 'Garden of the Maidens') is an exquisite, historic ornamental garden laid out on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake by Maharana Sangram Singh II between 1710 and 1734. Designed specifically as a private leisure haven for the royal queen and her entourage of 48 maidens, the garden features lush green lawns, marble pavilions, carved elephant fountains, and central lotus pools.

The fountains operate entirely on natural gravity and water pressure channeled directly from the adjacent lake without mechanical pumps. Walking through the fragrant flowerbeds beneath the soothing spray of marble fountains offers a peaceful respite from the midday sun.

5. Catch Sunset at Sajjangarh (The Monsoon Palace)

Perched dramatically atop Bansdara Peak in the Aravalli hills at an elevation of 944 metres (over 300 metres above the lake basin), the Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace was constructed in 1884 by Maharana Sajjan Singh. Designed primarily as an astronomical center and royal monsoon hunting retreat to watch incoming rain clouds sweep across Mewar, the palace offers a spectacular 360-degree panorama of Udaipur's lakes, hills, and rural countryside.

Late afternoon is the prime time to drive or take an electric shuttle up the winding sanctuary road. Watching the sun sink into the rugged Aravalli mountains while the evening lights of Udaipur illuminate the valley floor below is one of Rajasthan's most iconic sunset vistas.

6. Walk the Promenade of Fateh Sagar Lake and Nehru Garden

Fateh Sagar Lake is Udaipur's second major freshwater lake, constructed by Maharana Jai Singh in 1687 and rebuilt by Maharana Fateh Singh. Flanked on three sides by scenic hills, the lake is bordered by a bustling, well-paved pedestrian promenade known as Fateh Sagar Paal.

Travelers can rent speedboats to visit Nehru Garden, a charming island park situated in the middle of the lake featuring water fountains and a floating restaurant shaped like a sailing boat. In the evenings, the lakeside road transforms into a vibrant street food haven (Mumbai Market) where locals gather to enjoy kulhad coffee, spicy pav bhaji, cold coffee, and fresh snacks.

7. Admire the Stone Carvings at Jagdish Temple

Rising majestically on a raised terrace just outside the City Palace gate, Jagdish Temple has served as a focal center of daily worship since its consecration in 1651 by Maharana Jagat Singh I. Built in the classical Indo-Aryan architectural style, this magnificent three-storey Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (as Lord Jagannath).

The exterior spire (shikhara) rises nearly 24 metres and is completely covered in intricate bas-relief stone carvings depicting dancing apsaras, musicians, galloping warhorses, elephants, and scenes from Hindu mythology. A brass image of Garuda (the divine eagle mount) guards the entrance, while the continuous ringing of temple bells and devotional Aarti chants create a deeply spiritual atmosphere.

8. Capture Twilight Reflections at Ambrai Ghat

Located on the western bank of Lake Pichola opposite the City Palace, Ambrai Ghat (Manjhi Ghat) is widely considered the best spot in Udaipur for evening photography. Sitting on the cool marble steps as the evening breeze ripples across the water, you are treated to an unobstructed, panoramic view of the entire illuminated City Palace complex, Jag Mandir, and the floating Lake Palace mirrored on the lake's surface.

9. Experience Rural Art and Crafts at Shilpgram

Situated roughly 3 kilometres west of Udaipur near the foothills, Shilpgram is an expansive rural arts and crafts village complex spanning 70 acres. Designed to preserve and promote the traditional folk architecture, music, and craftsmanship of western India (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa), Shilpgram features authentic reconstructed mud huts, pottery demonstrations, handloom weaving, tribal dance performances, and camel rides.

10. Indulge in Lakefront Luxury and Heritage Hospitality

To truly experience the regal romance of Udaipur, stay at a restored heritage mansion or lake-view suite selected from our guide to the best lakefront luxury hotels in Udaipur. Enjoy a candlelight dinner at a rooftop terrace restaurant overlooking Lake Pichola, sampling traditional Mewari specialties like Lal Maas, Safed Maas, and warm Malpua.

Conclusion

With its shimmering waters, grand marble palaces, captivating evening folk dances, and hilltop sunset viewpoints, Udaipur represents the pinnacle of royal Rajasthani charm. Whether you are cruising Lake Pichola, exploring the ornate halls of the City Palace, or soaking in the peaceful ambience of Ambrai Ghat, Udaipur promises a holiday filled with beauty, history, and timeless elegance.