Rajasthan
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Rajasthan - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Kumbhalgarh Fort
When you set eyes on this formidable, isolated fort, you'll understand its role in the history of these parts, and why it's venerated as a symbol of Rajput valor. This citadel, the largest wall in India, and the second longest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China, is situated some 3,600 feet above sea level. It was well equipped to withstand any kind of siege and was largely the reason the Rajasthani state of Mewar was able resist conquest by Mughal forces time and time again. Although there's less to see here than at Chittaurgarh, it's worth the 2½-hour drive from Udaipur and is a relatively smooth drive through lovely scenery. Kumbhalgarh Fort is also close enough to Ranakpur that you could visit both it and Ranakpur in one day. Ideally, you'll stop here on a car trip between Udaipur and Jodhpur. Built in the 15th century by Maharana Kumbha, one of the mightiest rulers of Mewar, the fort’s massive ramparts run 36 km (22 miles) and can be seen from a distance, and the outer wall encloses an area of 83 square km (32 square miles). You enter through colossal gates (Ram Pol) that might have scared off any enemy. The views of the countryside from Badal Mahal (Cloud Palace)—the fort is one of the highest points in the state—are far-reaching. At one time its ramparts nearly encircled an entire township, with nearly 400 temples (you can still see many of them today), self-contained to withstand a prolonged attack. The fort succumbed just once—to the army of Akbar when there was a shortage of water—and was the birthplace of the much-revered Maharana Pratap. There's a small, bland café that serves light snacks and drinks. Take a hat and bring some water with you, because Kumbhalgarh can be quite hot in the day and there's little shade.
View Tours and ActivitiesKumbhalgarh, Rajasthan, 313325, IndiaSight Details
Rate Includes: From Rs. 200, Daily 8–5 -
2. Lake Pichola
You can't leave Udaipur without seeing the stunningly romantic Lake Palace (Jag Niwas, now a Taj hotel), which seems to float serenely on the waters of Lake Pichola. A vast, white-marble fantasy, the palace has been featured in many Indian and foreign films, including the James Bond film Octopussy. Unfortunately, the palace's apartments, courts, fountains, and gardens are off-limits unless you're a guest at the Taj Lake Palace Hotel. The equally isolated, three-story Jag Mandir Island Palace occupies Jag Mandir Island at the southern end of the lake, and is open to visitors from 10 to 6 (take a boat over). This palace has an elegant restaurant, the Darikhana (it serves Indian and continental cuisine, and is only open for dinner), as well as a more casual all-day café. Built and embellished over a 50-year period beginning in the 17th century, Jag Mandir is made of yellow sandstone, lined with marble, and crowned by a dome. The interior is decorated with arabesques of colored stones. Shah Jahan, son of the Mughal emperor Jahangir, took refuge in Jag Mandir after leading an unsuccessful revolt against his father. Legend has it that Shah Jahan's inspiration for the Taj Mahal came from this marble masterpiece. One-hour motorboat cruises (Rs. 400 morning rides, or Rs. 700 for a sunset cruise), start at the City Palace including a stop at Jag Mandir, leave from the jetty on the hour (daily 10–6) check for the exact spot at ticket counter; book a day ahead during the busy season.
Udaipur, Rajasthan, 313001, India294-252–8016 -
3. Ranakpur Jain Temple
A three-hour-plus uphill drive on winding roads from Udaipur, the 15th-century Jain Temple at Ranakpur is one of the most stunning examples of Jain temple architecture in the country. It is dedicated to Adinath, also called Rishabha, the first Jain tirthankar (a holy person who has attained enlightenment and takes rebirth to pass on the knowledge to others), and is a less crowded, more convenient, and perhaps more impressive alternative to Dilwara at Mount Abu. This white marble temple complex, rising out of the forest, is simply breathtaking. Not surprisingly, the temple took 65 years to build after (legend has it) it appeared in a dream to a minister of the Mewar kings. One of the five holiest places for India's Jains, the three-story temple is surrounded by a three-story wall and contains 27 halls supported by 1,444 elaborately carved pillars—no two carvings are alike. The relief work is some of the best in all of India. Below the temple are underground chambers where statues of Jain saints were hidden to protect them from the Mughals. As you enter, look to the left for the pillar where the minister and the architect provided themselves with front-row seats for worship. On one of the pillars is a carving of the creator of the temple. Another pillar is intentionally warped, to separate human works from divine ones—the builders believed only gods could be perfect, so they intentionally added imperfections to some of the columns to avoid causing insult. Outside are two smaller Jain temples and a shrine adorned with erotic sculptures and dedicated to the sun god. There are a few priests around who speak a little English and who act as guides; in return, you should make a small donation. Leather items—shoes, belts, wallets, and more—are not allowed inside the temple. They request that menstruating women not enter (though many modern Jain women ignore this), and there are strict instructions about dress code. You can use a camera, but they do not allow photographs of the deity. Leather is not allowed in the temple and can be deposited at the entry counter. Although there are a couple of hotels in the vicinity, Ranakpur is best visited as a day trip from Udaipur, maybe stopping at Kumbalgarh Fort, 32 km (20 miles) away en route since Ranakpur opens to tourists late in the day.
Ranakpur, Rajasthan, IndiaSight Details
Rate Includes: From Rs. 200, Non-Jains, daily noon–5 -
4. Bagore ki Haveli
It's fun to explore the many rooms and terraces of this elegant 18th-century haveli on Gangaur Ghat. It was built by a prime minister of Mewar. One-hour folk-dance performances are organized every evening at 7 in the outdoor courtyard (time may change, so check on arrival)—get there at least 30 minutes early for good seats.
Udaipur, Rajasthan, 3130001, India294-242–2567Sight Details
Rate Includes: From Rs. 100, Daily 9.30–5; dance performance at 7 pm -
5. Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal
This folk-art museum displays a collection of puppets, dolls, masks, folk dresses, ornaments, musical instruments, and paintings. The museum hosts a 6 pm puppet show followed by traditional dancing.
Udaipur, Rajasthan, 313001, India0294-252–9296Sight Details
Rate Includes: From Rs. 45, Daily 9–7 -
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6. Chittaurgarh
If any one of Rajasthan's many forts perched grandly on a hill were to be singled out for its glorious history and chivalric lore, it would be Chittaurgarh. It's also gargantuan in size, and there's plenty to explore on a day trip from Udaipur. This was the capital of the Mewar princely state from the 8th to the 16th centuries, before Maharana Udai Singh moved the capital to Udaipur, and the sprawling hilltop fort occupies roughly 700 acres on a hill about 300 feet high. It was besieged and sacked three times: after the first two conquests, the Rajputs recovered it, but the third attack clinched it for the Mughals for several decades. Chittaurgarh was also the home of the saint-poet Mirabai, a 16th-century Rajput princess and devotee of Lord Krishna who gave up her royal life to sing bhajans (hymns) in his praise. The first attack of Chittaurgarh took place in 1303, when the Sultan of Delhi Allauddin Khilji became so enamored of the wife of then-king Rawal Ratan Singh, legendary beauty Rani Padmini, that he set out to attack the fort and win her in battle. Some 34,000 warriors lost their lives in this struggle, and the Sultan did not get Padmini: she and all the women in the fort committed jauhar—mass self-immolation—in anticipation of widowhood and assaults by invading armies. Frustrated, Khilji entered the city in a rage, looting and destroying much of what he saw. The massive fort encompasses the palaces of the 15th-century ruler Rana Kumbha, where Udaipur's founder Udai Singh was born, as well as tiny picturesque palace of Rani Padmini surrounded by a small lake and some pleasant gardens. Legend has it that Khilji fell in love with Padmini by gazing at her reflection in the pond in front of her palace. The magic of this fort is to visit her palace and actually visually re-create that very famous scene of history. Also worth visiting in the fort are the victory towers—the ornate Vijay Stambh and Kirti Stambh—and a huge variety of temples, including Kunbha Shyam, Kalika Mata, and the Meera temple associated with the devotional poetess Mirabai. The Fateh Prakash Mahal displays some fine sculptures. Plan to spend at least half a day in Chittaurgarh. Note that the sites are spread out and it can get quite sunny, so you may want to drive between some points and it is best to hire an auto-rickshaw to do the circuit (about Rs. 300--Rs. 500).
View Tours and Activities -
7. City Palace
The sprawling maharana's palace—the largest in Rajasthan—stands on a ridge overlooking the lake and the view of the city and Lake Palace from the top is one great reason to come here. Begun by Udai Singh and extended by subsequent maharanas, the sand-color City Palace rises five stories tall, with a series of balconies. Cupolas crown its octagonal towers, which are connected by a maze of narrow passageways—which make for perfect snapshot opportunities. The City Palace is part of a complex of palaces—two have been converted to hotels and one houses the current titular maharana, Arvind Singh of Mewar. The main entry is through the Badi Pol (Great Gate), built in the 1600s. Next head through the Tripolia Pol, a triple arched gate built in 1725, which provides the northern entry. The road between this gate and the palace is lined with shops and kiosks of big brands and small boutiques. There’s also a café. The rooms and courtyards inside the City Palace Museum contain decorative art: beautiful paintings, colorful enamel, inlay glasswork, and antique furniture. Don't be surprised if you happen upon a fashion shoot in one of the colorful quarters. One of the more interesting features is the private bathroom of the maharaja on the third floor, which has a tree growing nearby and a grand padded toilet seat. It's useful to have the explanatory site publication, available in the book shop, or get an audio guide at the admission point. The hour-long sound-and-light show held at the palace's Manek Chowk chronicles the history of the House of Mewar—check ahead as timings can change without notice.
Udaipur, Rajasthan, 313001, India0294-252–8016Sight Details
Rate Includes: From Rs. 300, Daily 9:30–4:30 -
8. Dilwara Temples
The magnificent, awe-inspiring Dilwara Temples are a complex of five buildings made of marble between the 11th and 13th centuries, and have made Mount Abu a major pilgrimage center for Jains. Enter for free and admire (but do not photograph) the stunning intricacy of the carving that covers every inch of the temples, from doorway to dome. Each temple is dedicated to a different thirthankar (enlightened ascetic). The 13th-century Luna Vasahi and the 11th-century Vimal Vasahi temples are of special note. The highlight of the Luna Vasahi is its ceilings, covered with interconnected marble carvings; the Vinak Vasahi, with its beautiful white-marble columns and dome, is equally splendid. Non-Jains can visit between noon and 6 daily. Cameras are not allowed in the temple; nor are leather items (bags, shoes, etc.).
Dilwara Rd., Mount Abu, Rajasthan, 307501, India -
9. Eklingji Temple
A pleasant and scenic drive (22 km [14 miles] north on the Nathdwara road; about an hour) from Udaipur through the Aravali Hills, Eklingji is a small village famous for its 15th-century sandstone-and-marble temple complex (some parts of the shrine date back to the 8th century) of 108 temples, which is still active with worshipers. Steps embedded with gems lead up to the unique four-sided, four-faced black-marble image of Eklingji within an enclosing silver grille, miniature replicas of which will be eagerly offered to you in the village bazaar. Look out for the large carved statue of the Nandi bull as well. This god is an avatar of Shiva and is the favorite deity of the Mewar royal family, hence the location of this temple close to Udaipur, their erstwhile seat. Every Monday evening the Maharana of Udaipur visits the temple privately. Morning and evening, devotees sing and chant hymns in praise of Shiva. Aside from religious festival times and auspicious Mondays, this is a peaceful and a good place to experience a living Hindu temple. The temple is closed many times of the day; ask for the latest timings from your hotel. Cameras, shoes, and socks are not allowed inside; lockers are available. This outing is for the temple buff and an option to consider after you have toured Ranakpur, Chittaurgarh, and Kumbhalgarh, which are more must-do side trips from Udaipur.
Eklingji, Rajasthan, IndiaSight Details
Rate Includes: Daily 4:30 am–7 am, 10:30 am–1:30 pm, 5 pm–7:30 pm, Free -
10. Guru Shikhar
Past Peace Park, on Guru Shikhar Road, is Guru Shikhar, the highest point between South India's Nilgiri Hills and the Himalayas, in the north. From here you can enjoy excellent views of the countryside. It takes half an hour to reach here from the town of Mount Abu. From the parking lot, you must climb a few hundred stairs to reach the top, and in high season it can be quite crowded. Don't venture this way after dark—the winding forest roads make for hazardous driving.
Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India -
11. Jagdish Temple
This 17-century imposing Hindu temple, the oldest in the city, was commissioned by Maharana Jagat Singh and is a major landmark in Udaipur's Old City for its architecture and height—the shikhar (or dome/spire) alone is 79 feet. It's usually abuzz with devotees and tourists, especially during the morning and evening aarti (prayer ceremony), when vendors set up makeshift flower stalls along the temple walls and sell offerings of marigolds. The temple is dedicated to Jagdish (an incarnation of Vishnu), and referred to as Jagdishji. Songs sung in his praise are often played through loudspeakers high on the temple's edifice. You're welcome to step inside, although the engravings on the temple's exterior walls are more interesting to look at. It's also one of the most central locations in the city, and an ideal location to use if you are meeting people.
Jagdish Mandir, Udaipur, Rajasthan, 313001, IndiaSight Details
Rate Includes: Daily, sunrise–sunset -
12. Karni Mata Ropeway
Udaipur is one of the few places in India with cable cars, and these colorful gems will save you a 20-minute climb up to the scenic hilltop. You can take the ropeway (as it is called locally), to the top of Machchala Hill near Karni Mata temple and feast your eyes on the view of the city lakes and palaces. While it's a local destination, it's still relatively unknown among foreign tourists.
Deen Dayal Park, Doodh Talai, Udaipur, Rajasthan, 313001, IndiaSight Details
Rate Includes: Rs. 100 -
13. Kumbalgarh Sanctuary
Surrounding the fort, the modern-day Kumbalgarh Sanctuary makes for great treks. It is home to wolves, leopards, jackals, nilgai deer, sambar deer, and various species of birds. Inquire at your hotel if you're interested in going on a morning Jeep safari here. It's a pretty part of the country, though the wildlife is nothing too out of the ordinary. Tours start at about Rs. 1,500 per person.
Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan, 313325, IndiaSight Details
Rate Includes: Closed July--Sept. -
14. MLV Tribal Research Institute
Stop in here if you're curious about Mewar's tribal communities. The institute has a compact museum of tribal culture and a good library on tribal life and issues.
Udaipur, Rajasthan, India294-241–0958Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Mon.–Sat 10–5 -
15. Nakki Lake
The sacred Nakki Lake, resting between green hills, is said to have been carved out by the gods' fingernails. Several types of boats ply the lake; rides cost approximately Rs. 300--Rs. 400 for half an hour. Around the shores of the lake are stalls selling local handicrafts. At Sunset Point, just southwest of the lake, you can take in a romantic Mount Abu sunset—but don't expect peace and quiet in the tourist high season. This is a major beauty spot, and you'll likely be joined by plenty of others.
Nakki Lake, Mount Abu, Rajasthan, India -
16. Neemach Mata
This hilltop temple in the new part of town is dedicated to the goddess of the mountain, also considered an avatar of Ambaji, and the climb to its summit (no vehicles are allowed) is rewarded by a beautiful view of the whole city and the Fateh Sagar lake. The shrine dates from the 17th century, although the building is newer. It's a steep, 20-minute climb on a paved, zigzag path, but you can pause often on the way up to take in the view (and catch your breath). Wear comfortable shoes and be respectful as it's an active temple.
Udaipur, Rajasthan, 313001, India -
17. Sahelion Ki Bari
Udaipur's famous Garden of the Maidens was founded in the 18th century by Maharana Sangam Singh for the 48 young ladies-in-waiting who were sent to the royal house as dowry. Back then, men were forbidden entrance when the queens and their ladies-in-waiting came to relax (though the king and his buddies still found their way in). The garden, on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake, is lush with exotic flowers, carved fountains, a famous lotus pool, and monolithic marble elephants. The fountains don't have pumps. Designed to take advantage of gravity, they run on water pressure from the lakes. If the fountains are not working, ask one of the attendants to turn them on.
Saheli Marg, Udaipur, Rajasthan, 313001, IndiaSight Details
Rate Includes: Rs. 50, Daily 8–7 -
18. Sajjan Garh (Monsoon Palace)
High in the Aravali Hills just outside Udaipur, this fort–palace glows golden orange in the night sky, thanks to the lights that illuminate it. Once the maharana's Monsoon Palace and hunting lodge, it's now under government control and has lost some of its former glory. The panoramic view is spectacular from the fort's lofty tower, and locals claim you can see distant Chittaurgarh on a clear day. The winding road from the city to the top of Sajjan Garh, surrounded by green forests, is best navigated by car rather than rickshaw. On foot, it's a 45-minute uphill walk from the landing to the palace (or a taxi to the top will cost you Rs. 100 per person).
Udaipur, Rajasthan, IndiaSight Details
Rate Includes: Rs. 150, Daily 9–6 -
19. Shilpgram
This rural arts-and-crafts village near Fateh Sagar lake 5 km (3 miles) west of Udaipur contains a complex with 34 re-creations of furnished village huts (authentic right down to their toilets) from various states across India, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Odisha, with tribal relics on display. The town comes alive in late December with the nine-day Shilpgram Utsav Festival, when artists and craftspeople from around the country arrive to sell and display their works. Puppet shows, dances, folk music, and handicrafts sales take place year-round, however. There is a basic dhaba (eatery) inside the compound serving Indian food and tea.
Rani Rd., Udaipur, Rajasthan, 313001, India294-243–1304Sight Details
Rate Includes: Rs. 100, Daily 11–7 -
20. Vintage and Classic Car Collection
The city's most elite wheels are found at the car museum, showcasing a small but gleaming selection of two dozen or so vintage (and still running) automobiles belonging to the local royal Mewar family. Look out for the 1939 Cadillacs, 1936 Vauxhall, and the 934 Rolls-Royce Phantom used in the Bond film Octopussy, which was largely filmed in and around the city. The museum is housed in the former Merwar State Motor Garage.
Lake Palace Rd., Udaipur, Rajasthan, 313001, IndiaSight Details
Rate Includes: Rs. 250, Daily 9–9
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