Udaipur is a beautiful city in Rajasthan, known for its lakes, palaces, temples, and culture.
It is also a popular destination for tourists who want to explore the rich heritage and history of India. If you are planning to visit Udaipur, you might be wondering how to make the most of your trip without spending too much money.
Here are some tips on how to enjoy the famous tourist places in Udaipur on a budget:
Choose the Right Time to Visit Udaipur :
Udaipur has a tropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The best time to visit Udaipur is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and the city is less crowded. Avoid visiting Udaipur during the monsoon season (July to September), as the rains can disrupt your sightseeing plans and make the roads slippery.
Book your Accommodation in Advance:
Udaipur has a variety of accommodation options, ranging from luxury hotels to budget hostels. You can find some great deals online if you book your stay well in advance. You can also look for homestays or guesthouses that offer a more authentic and cozy experience. Some of the best areas to stay in Udaipur are near Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, or the City Palace.
Use Public Transport or Rent a Bike:
Udaipur is a compact city, and most of the famous tourist places are within walking distance from each other. You can also use public transport such as buses, autorickshaws, or taxis to get around the city.
These can be expensive and time-consuming, especially during peak hours. A better option is to rent a bike or a scooter, which will give you more freedom and flexibility to explore the city at your own pace. You can find many bike rental shops near the railway station or the bus stand.
Visit the Free or Low-cost Tourist Attraction:
Nearby places to visit Udaipur have many attractions that are free or charge a nominal fee for entry. Some of these are:
City Palace:
This is Rajasthan’s largest palace complex, built by Maharana Udai Singh II in the 16th century. It showcases the Mewar architecture and culture, with ornate halls, courtyards, gardens, and museums. The entry fee is Rs. 300 for Indians and Rs. 1000 for foreigners.
Lake Pichola:
This is one of the most scenic lakes in Udaipur, surrounded by palaces, temples, ghats, and hills. You can enjoy a boat ride on the lake and admire the views of the Jag Mandir Palace, Jagdish Temple, City Palace, and Lake Palace. The boat ride costs Rs. 400 for Indians and Rs. 700 for foreigners.
Saheliyon-ki-Bari:
This is a beautiful garden built by Maharana Sangram Singh II for his queen and her maids. It has fountains, pools, pavilions, and sculptures that create a serene and romantic atmosphere. The entry fee is Rs. 10 for Indians and Rs. 50 for foreigners.
Bagore Ki Haveli Museum:
This is an 18th-century mansion that was once the residence of the prime minister of Mewar. It has been converted into a museum that displays costumes, jewellery, paintings, puppets, and other artefacts from the royal era. The entry fee is Rs. 60 for Indians and Rs. 100 for foreigners. You can also watch the Dharohar Dance Show that is held here every evening from 7 pm to 8 pm.
Sajjangarh Palace:
Also known as Monsoon Palace, Sajjangarh Palace is located at Bansdara Mountain on the outskirts of Udaipur. It was built by Maharana Sajjan Singh as an astronomical observatory. Now it serves as one of the best places to view the Udaipur skyline and panoramic city view, particularly at sunset. The entry fee is Rs. 10 for Indians and Rs. 80 for foreigners.
These are some of the best places to visit in Udaipur City. You can also check out some of the places to visit near Udaipur, such as Kumbhalgarh Fort, Ranakpur Jain Temple, Chittorgarh Fort, Nathdwara Temple, and Eklingji Temple for more adventure and exploration.
Ambrai Ghat:
A popular spot to enjoy the sunset over Lake Pichola with the City Palace in the backdrop.
Picnic Spots near Udaipur
If you are looking for a picnic spot near Udaipur, you can try some of these options:
Ubeshwar Ji:
A religious place with immense beauty of waterfalls, greenery, mountains, pure aura, topped with a small pond. The place is crowded with locals in the monsoon season, as the rainfall turns the place heavenly.
Alsigarh:
A destination situated at a distance of 28 kilometres from the city centre. Nestled in the foothills of Aravalli range, Alsigarh is a great picnic hub near Udaipur with lush greenery on all sides, breathtaking views of nature.
Nandeshwar Ji:
Another religious pilgrimage that is also a popular picnic spot, it is mostly visited after the first few rainfalls as the water stream starts gushing near the temple leaving an alluring spot for a fine picnic.
Eat at Local Restaurants or Street Stalls:
Udaipur has a rich culinary tradition, with dishes such as dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, ker sangri, laal maas, and mirchi bada.
You can find some delicious and affordable food at local restaurants or street stalls that serve authentic Rajasthani cuisine. The best places to eat in Udaipur are Natraj Dining Hall, Millets of Mewar, Jaiwana Haveli Rooftop Restaurant, Ambrai Restaurant, and Jagat Niwas Palace Restaurant.
Shop at Local Markets or Bazaars:
Udaipur is a shopper’s paradise, with markets and bazaars that sell handicrafts, textiles, jewellery, pottery, paintings, leather goods, and souvenirs.
You can find some unique and cheap items at local markets such as Bada Bazaar, Hathi Pol Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, Chetak Circle Market, and Shilpgram Market. You can also bargain with the vendors to get the best prices.
Also Read:
Hawa Mahal, Jaipur: History, Ticket Price, Location!
Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan: Best Time to Visit, How to Reach, Must-See Attractions
By following these tips, you can have a wonderful and budget-friendly trip to Udaipur. You can also check out some of the places to visit near Udaipur for more adventure and exploration.