Udaipur Travel Guide - Your destination overview of Udaipur, India

Situated up in the Aravalli Mountains of the northwest Rajasthan area and not far southwest of Delhi, historic Udaipur is one of India's romantic hotspots. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1568, it is often coined the ‘City of Dawn' and is positioned on the sizeable Lake Pichola.

In essence, Udaipur is loaded with stunning architecture, including ancient and monumental palaces and some of the most fascinating temples in the country. The big attraction, however, is its positioning on Lake Pichola with its backdrop of mountains and sublime sunsets.

It is not overdeveloped as is a character associated with many popular Indian centers and retains its cute old town area intact. Most of the action is located around the lake; especially on the western shore where the old town is. It is one of big temples, winding lanes and a long bazaar, while out in the lake is Jagniwas Island where one the city's top hotels and restaurants resides.

Old Town

This is the most interesting part of Udaipur with the majority of the best landmarks and it can be covered on foot. Udaipur old town retains part of its defensive medieval city wall and is bounded on the eastern side by Lake Pichola. The main bus and train stations also reside in this area of town.

Lake Pichola

Although not a district of Udaipur, Lake Pichola is the main lake and is located right in the centre of town. It is popular with tourists on boating trips and contains a couple of islands as well as many of the city's best sights and restaurants around its shores. The old town is located behind its western bank. 

Ganjaur Ghat

Ganjaur Ghat is in the old town and contains the majority of Udaipur's markets and bazaars. The iconic clock tower is located at one end and from here many major thoroughfares start. As well as market shopping, Ganjaur Ghat is also one of the best parts of the city to have a drink and it has plenty of sit down eateries. 

Lake Palace Road

This major thoroughfare and the surrounding streets is one of the main shopping districts in Udaipur, with Lal Ghat and Jagdish Temple Road being particularly good for eating out. Some of Udaipur's best hotels can also be found along Lake Palace Road. 

Jagniwas Island

Jagniwas is the main island in Lake Pichola and can be visited by boat. It is home to the upmarket Lake Palace Hotel, which boasts one of the top restaurants in the city. Jagniwas Island can be seen on a typical boat tour of the lake and from the shores of the old town in the west. 

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