places in udaipur

Have you seen enough of Udaipur’s lakes and palaces? You can visit many places near Udaipur, which are great for day trips or side trips depending on your time. These are our top picks.

Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh, the Mewar dynasty’s most important fort, was their capital for more than 800 years. Then Mughal Emperor Akbar took it in 1568. Maharana Udai Singh II fled and founded Udaipur. He reestablished his kingdom at Udaipur. Its history dates back to the 7th Century, when it was constructed by local Mauryan rulers. In June 2013, Chittorgarh was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort is large and accessible by car. There are many old palaces, temples and towers inside. You can also find a reservoir with fish you can feed. The Tower of Victory provides stunning views of the fort and surrounding town. The Tower of Victory offers spectacular views across the town and is the site of an evening sound-and-light show. However, this usually takes place in Hindi. This Chittorgarh guide will help you plan your trip.

  • Location Two hours northeast of Udaipur along the Udaipur–Chittorgarh Road.
  • Opening Times:Sunrise until sunset daily.
  • Ticket Price:Chittorgarh can be entered at no cost and is open throughout the day. Padmini Palace, the main attraction, requires a ticket. For Indians, it’s 40 rupees and 600 rupees respectively.

Kumbhalgarh

The isolated Kumbhalgarh Fort, which was built in the Aravalli Ranges in the 15th century by Rana Kumbha, Mewar ruler, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its 36-kilometer (22 mile) wall runs over 13 hills, and is known as the “Great Wall of India”. It is said to be the second-longest continuous wall in the world, after the Great Wall of China. It is wide enough to allow more than five horses per section. Are you feeling fit? Walking along the wall’s main section is a great way to get fit. It is believed that Maharana Pratap, the legendary Mewar warrior, was born in the fort in 1540. There are still people who live there. There are many attractions, including hundreds of ancient temples and palace ruins, stepwells, cannon bunkers, and step wells. The fort can be explored in three to four hours. Vehicles are not allowed to enter the fort unlike Chittorgarh. So expect strenuous walking. Sunset is the best time to see the fort. If time is not a problem, you might want to continue on to the evening light and sound show in Hindi. This Kumbhalgarh travel book will help you plan your trip.

  • Near Udaipur in Rajasthan’s Rajsamand, just over two hours. Popular stops along the route include Haldi Ghati where Maharana Pratap fought in the great battle.
  • Opening Times: Daily sunrise to sunset.
  • Ticket cost: 600 rupees for foreigners, 40 rupees for Indians.
  • Festivals Every year, the annual Kumbhalgarh Festival is held at Fort from December 1-3. The festival features performances by folk musicians.

Ranakpur

Jain temples are among the most intricate in India. Ranakpur’s temple complex is a prime example. It is the largest and most important Jain temple complex in the country, and it is dedicated to the first Tirthankar (savior) and spiritual teacher who founded Jainism. Chaumukha Mandir is the main temple and was constructed of white marble in the 15th Century. It boasts 29 halls, 80 domes and 1444 engraved columns. It takes approximately an hour to visit the temple complex. Both men and women must dress in a conservative manner (legs and shoulders should be covered). Inside, leather items, including belts, shoes, food, and cigarettes, are not allowed. It is not permissible to enter the home of a woman who is menstruating. It is possible to visit the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary from Ranakpur. Trekking from Ranakpur is possible to Kumbhalgarh. The hike takes approximately four hours and requires a permit as well as a guide. All arrangements can be made by hotels.

  • LocationTwo hours northwest of Udaipur. On a day trip, Ranakpur and Kumbhalgarh are often visited. It takes approximately 90 minutes to travel between the two places.
  • Opening Times Non-Jains are welcome to enter the temple between noon and 5 p.m. Prayers can be offered in the mornings.
  • Ticket Price: Entry for Indians is free, but foreigners pay 200 rupees per person. This includes an audio guide. An additional 100 rupees is charged per camera, which includes a mobile phone with a camera. Be aware that temple priests may approach you to bless you and request money. Don’t feel obliged.

Shri Eklingji Prabhu Temple, and Saas Bahu Temples

It’s worth visiting the 8th century Shri Eklingji Prbhu Temple if you are spiritually inclined. The temple complex, dedicated to Lord Shiva is entirely made of marble. The temple complex also houses large, colorfully painted statues depicting Lord Shiva’s Nandi Bull. Bapa Rawal, the founder of Mewar Dynasty, built the original shrine. Every Monday, the current head of Mewar’s royal family worships at the temple. Photographing inside the temple is strictly prohibited. For a stunning view of the lake, walk around the back part of the temple complex. The ancient temples of Lord Vishnu, built in the 10th century, can be found near Nagda. These temples are decorated with intricate sculptures.

  • LocationKailashpur is the modern name of Eklingji and can be found about 30 minutes north from Udaipur on National Highway 8.
  • Opening Times: 10:30 a.m. – 1.30 p.m., and 5. p.m. – 7.30 p.m.
  • Ticket cost: All are welcome to enter Shri Eklingji Prabhu Temple. The Saas-Bahu temples charge a nominal fee.
  • You can opt Udaipur to Nathdwara Taxi also for your convenience 

Delwara

Delwara is located about 10 minutes north of Shri Eklingji Prabhu Temple. This town is not well-known, except for the fact that there is the luxury boutique Raas Devigarh. You will also find thousands of temples, including ancient Jain temples, step wells and a flourishing crafts tradition. This village is a prime example for rural villages that have experienced profound social changes in the last few years. It is worth exploring the area with the 2-hour Delwara heritage and community walk. Seva Mandir is the organizer of the walk. The young adults of the town lead it. They have spent hundreds of hours researching Delwara’s history, and trained as guides. It is very inspirational! Another option is the Delwara handicraft experience, which can be combined with community walks. Participate in sewing and block printing workshops, as well as meet local women artisans at Sadhna’s Production Centre.

Nathdwara

Continue driving north on National Highway 8 for about 30 minutes and you will arrive at Nathdwara, a small holy city. The 17th-century Krishna temple houses an idol Shreenathji. It attracts many pilgrims. The traditional Pichwai paintings that depict scenes from the life of Lord Krishna are particularly interesting. They can be found on many buildings in the town. You’ll find them on the walls of buildings all over town.

Molela

Follow the National Highway 162 approximately 20 minutes west from Nathdwara to reach Molela. It is known for its artisans who create terracotta plaques with sculptures featuring gods and deities, as well as scenes from the village. They believe they were ordained by God to create the sculptures and that the skills have been passed down from generation to generation. The clay is prepared by the women, who usually take it from the nearby Banas River. The men then sculpt the clay. The Hindu month of Magh (January-February) is when business is at its best. Temple priests and tribals travel from all over the country to purchase the plaques for use in worship.

You can also reach Kumbhalgarh via this route via National Highway 162. It takes approximately an hour to get there from Molela.

Lake Badi

Udaipur is known for its lakes, but this one is not so well-known. Lake Badi, which is located about 30 minutes west from Udaipur and borders the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary (where the Monsoon Palace is perched on a hill), is approximately 30 minutes away. Maharana Raj Singh I built it in the 17th century to fight devastating droughts and famine. It is best to visit the lake before sunset or in the early morning. For a stunning view, you can take the hiking trail to the tops of the Bahubali hills. It takes about 15-20 minutes to reach the top. It is surrounded by tall wild cactus trees which make it seem exotic. The lake is accessible by bicycle or car. If you don’t have a personal vehicle and you have 3-4 people in your then you can take service Car Rental in Udaipur.

Countryside around Udaipur

You have many options to enjoy the beautiful scenery and fresh air around Udaipur. Horse riding in rural areas is a very popular activity. It’s even more enjoyable on a Marwari-owned horse. These courageous, revered horses were once owned by Rajput rulers who used them in battle. Princess Trails Farm offers horseback safaris. You can also walk if you don’t wish to ride. Virasat Experiences is a community tourism initiative that conducts half day hikes around the hilly wilderness of Sajjangarh. They offer Udaipur Outback Tours to the Village to learn about the organic farming methods of these tribes. An Organic Farm Stay is also available near Ranakpur. You can opt for Taxi Service in Udaipur to reach all these places for a short excursion.