Udaipur, the storied capital of the Mewar kingdom, was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II and is famed as India’s “City of Lakes.” Around its serene waters rise marble palaces, ornate havelis, and temples echoing with centuries of Rajput valor and artistry.

Across just two days, you can experience the essentials: the grand City Palace, sunset on Lake Pichola, panoramic views from Monsoon Palace, and vibrant bazaars filled with miniature paintings and silverwork. Between sights, refuel on Rajasthani classics like dal baati churma and laal maas, or sip coffee along the ghats.

Practical notes: October–March offers the most pleasant weather; summer afternoons can be hot. Dress modestly for temples, carry small bills for tips and autos, and note that digital payments (including UPI) are widely accepted. Expect modest camera fees at major attractions.

Udaipur

Udaipur’s beauty is a mosaic of mirror-bright lakes, palace silhouettes, and living traditions. The City Palace complex terraces over Pichola like a marble ship, while the old city’s lanes hide ateliers for Pichwai and miniature painters.

Food is a highlight: thali halls serving ghee-kissed Rajasthani spreads, rooftops with lake breezes, and sweet shops turning out jalebis at dawn. Evenings bring folk dance at Bagore Ki Haveli or a gentle boat ride as lamps kindle along the ghats.

Where to stay

• Search stays on VRBO Udaipur or Hotels.com Udaipur.
• Splurge: The Oberoi Udaivilas — lakeside domes, peacock-dotted lawns, and regal service.
• Upscale value: Trident Udaipur — serene gardens and private jetties on Pichola.
• Budget/hostel-chic: Moustache Udaipur — social vibes, rooftop views, and easy old-city access.

Getting there & around

• Fly into Udaipur (UDR). Typical nonstop times: Delhi ~1h15, Mumbai ~1h35, Jaipur ~1h. Check fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Domestic fares often range ~$30–$120 USD when booked early.
• Prefer trains? Overnight Delhi–Udaipur takes ~11–13h; Jaipur–Udaipur ~6–7h; Ahmedabad–Udaipur ~7–9h. Compare classes and times on Trip.com trains.
• Airport to old city is ~35–45 minutes by taxi; expect roughly ₹700–1,200 depending on vehicle/time. Autos within town typically run ₹100–300 for short hops; confirm fare before riding.

Day 1: City Palace, Old-World Alleys, and a Lake Pichola Sunset

Afternoon: Arrive and drop bags at your hotel. For a light bite and lake views, stop by Jheel’s Ginger Coffee Bar & Bakery on Lal Ghat for cold coffee, pesto bruschetta, or a masala omelet with a front-row seat to Pichola. Then explore the City Palace Museum (plan ~2 hours): peer into mirrored rooms, courtyards like Mor Chowk, and galleries that tell Mewar’s story. Step into Jagdish Temple to see its ornate shikhara and carved pillars before wandering the lanes toward Gangaur Ghat.

Evening: Glide into golden hour on a shared Lake Pichola sunset cruise (the city’s most magical hour). Book it here:

Evening Elegance – Shared Sunset Boat Cruise on Lake Pichola — pass the City Palace, pavilions of Jag Mandir, and island palaces glowing at dusk.

Night: For a regal meal, dine on Jag Mandir Island: arrive by boat, dine amid marble elephants, and gaze back at the palace skyline. Reserve via:

Udaipur: Jag Mandir Island Dinner with Boat Ride transfers. Prefer to stay in town? Try Ambrai (Amet Haveli) for tandoori river sole and laal maas with postcard views, or Upré by 1559 AD for rooftop North Indian plates and mocktails. Culture lovers can also catch the Dharohar folk dance show at Bagore Ki Haveli (typically early evening shows; arrive 30–45 minutes early for tickets).

Optional foodie add-on: If you’d rather graze than go formal, a guided tasting is a delicious plunge into local flavors—think kachoris, rabdi, and crisp mirchi vada:

Udaipur Street Food Crawl: 2-Hour Guided Local Tasting.

Day 2: Monsoon Palace Vistas, Gardens, and One Last Feast

Morning: Beat the heat and drive up to Sajjangarh (Monsoon) Palace for sweeping views over Aravalli hills and lakes. Save time and tickets with this:

Round Trip Transfers to Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace (with tickets). Afterward, stroll the fountains of Saheliyon-ki-Bari, then swing by Fateh Sagar for a lakeside coffee—locals love the frothy cold coffee at Vinod or a plate of poha at roadside stands.

Afternoon (departure day): Fit in last-minute shopping near Hathi Pol and Jagdish Chowk for miniature paintings, brassware, and silver. Lunch before you go: Natraj Dining Hall (beloved veg thali with unlimited refills), Krishna Dal Baati Restro (classic dal baati churma), or Royal Repast (Bedla family recipes—try the safed maas). Transfer to the airport or station; check schedules on Trip.com flights or Trip.com trains.

Evening: If your flight is late and you’ve time to spare, toast the city one last time on a rooftop—Jagat Niwas Palace Restaurant has mellow views, while The Sunset Terrace at Fateh Prakash Palace feels tailor-made for a farewell lassi or mocktail.

Insider tips

• City Palace lines are shortest at opening; carry cash for small camera/boat fees.
• Bargain gently at markets; for paintings, ask about natural versus synthetic pigments.
• Festivals worth noting: Mewar Festival (spring) and Shilpgram Utsav (December) energize the city with performances and crafts.

Handpicked Viator experiences featured above (with images):

• Evening Elegance – Shared Sunset Boat Cruise on Lake Pichola
• Jag Mandir Island Dinner with Boat Ride transfers
• Round Trip Transfers to Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace (with tickets)
• Udaipur Street Food Crawl: 2-Hour Guided Local Tasting

In two days, Udaipur reveals its essence: reflective lakes, resilient history, and a hospitable table laden with spice and story. You’ll depart with the glow of sunset on stone and the scent of cardamom on the breeze—already plotting a longer return.