Udaipur, founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II, is Rajasthan’s most romantic “City of Lakes,” ringed by the Aravalli Hills and laced with serene waters. Whitewashed havelis, ornate temples, and the royal City Palace complex overlook iconic Lake Pichola—best admired at sunrise and sunset.

Between palaces and ghats, you’ll find friendly markets, craft enclaves, and a kitchen culture rooted in ghee, lentils, and millets. Even on a tight budget, Udaipur delivers: street-side kachoris, thali houses, scenic rooftops, and wallet-friendly hostels keep costs low without sacrificing atmosphere.

Practical notes: Dress modestly at temples and remove shoes at sanctums. Winter (Oct–Mar) is the most comfortable season; summers are hot and dry. For getting here, consider flights or overnight trains; around town, tuk-tuks and walking work well—ideal for a relaxing pace.

Udaipur

Udaipur is a lakes-and-palaces dreamscape where time slows down. Wander the old city’s blue-and-lime facades, sip chai by the ghats, and watch boats glide past Jag Mandir as the sky turns saffron.

• Top sights: City Palace Museum, Jagdish Temple, Lake Pichola boat ride, Fateh Sagar Lake, Bagore Ki Haveli folk show, Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace), Ahar Cenotaphs, Shilpgram crafts village, Ropeway to Karni Mata Temple viewpoint.
• Local flavors: Rajasthani thali at Natraj Dining Hall, dal–baati–churma at Krishna Dal Bati, lakeside veg meals at Jheel’s Ginger, budget rooftops around Hanuman Ghat.
• Fun fact: Udaipur’s City Palace is among India’s largest palace complexes and still houses the Mewar royal lineage.

How to get there: Fly into Udaipur (UDR). From Delhi (~1h15) or Mumbai (~1h30) expect approx $40–$90 one-way on many dates. Check options on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. Trains from Jaipur (~6–7h) and Delhi (overnight) are frequent—compare on Trip.com Trains.

Where to stay (budget-first, with great value):

• Moustache Udaipur (budget hostel with a lake-view rooftop; social but chill): Check availability
• Trident Udaipur (excellent value for serene gardens and lake access; often well-priced off-peak): See rates
• The Oberoi Udaivilas (iconic splurge—consider afternoon tea if not staying): Explore rooms
• Browse more stays on Hotels.com or apartment-style options on VRBO.

Day 1: Arrival, Ghats, and a Gentle Lakefront Evening

Afternoon: Arrive and settle in. If you want a stress-free start, pre-arrange a fixed-rate taxi from the airport or railway station. Take a slow amble to Gangaur Ghat to watch locals feed pigeons and kids splashing at the steps.

Evening: Catch sunset from Ambrai Ghat—the City Palace and Lake Palace glow as lamps come on. Dinner ideas: Hari Garh Restaurant (budget-friendly Indian with lake views; try paneer tikka and veg biryani) or the classic Natraj Dining Hall & Restaurant (unlimited veg thali; fast service, exceptional value). Night chai at Jheel’s Ginger Coffee Bar & Bakery by the water.

Day 2: City Palace, Old City Lanes, and Folk Arts

Morning: Fuel up with masala chai and a vegetable puff at Jheel’s Ginger or coffee and rolls at Café Edelweiss. Head to the City Palace Museum for mosaics, courtyards, and royal rooms. Then step into Jagdish Temple (remove shoes) to admire its intricate stone carvings.

Afternoon: See more with a relaxed, no-hassle city circuit on this tour (choose tuk-tuk for budget): Private Udaipur Sightseeing Tour by Tuk-Tuk or Car with Driver.

Expect highlights like Saheliyon-ki-Bari and lake viewpoints, with time to browse Hathi Pol Bazaar for miniature paintings. Lunch: Krishna Dal Bati Restro for dal–baati–churma and garlic chutney.

Evening: If you enjoy folk culture, attend the Dharohar dance show at Bagore Ki Haveli (daily, modest ticket; arrive 30–40 minutes early). Post-show, go casual at Little Prince Restaurant (old-city rooftop; Indian and simple continental) or try O’Zen for budget North Indian classics.

Day 3: Lakeside Strolls, Boat Ride, and a Ropeway Sunset

Morning: Walk the promenade at Fateh Sagar Lake while it’s cool; grab poha or a dosa at stalls near Sukhadia Circle. Optional stop: the quirky Vintage & Classic Car Museum (short visit). Coffee break at The Artist House (artsy vibe, sandwiches, cold coffee).

Afternoon: Take a shared Lake Pichola boat (budget option) for views of Jag Mandir and the palace facades. Lunch at Millets of Mewar (affordable, wholesome Rajasthani plates and millet rotis; good for vegetarians and gluten-free).

Evening: Ride the ropeway to Karni Mata Temple for a panoramic sunset across Pichola and the Aravallis. Dinner: Jagat Niwas Palace Restaurant for candlelit lake views (book early; order laal maas if you eat meat) or keep it thrifty at Bawarchi for a hearty veg thali.

Day 4: Badi Lake Calm, Cenotaphs, and Monsoon Palace Sunset

Morning: Taxi or tuk-tuk to Badi Lake (and the gentle Bahubali Hill lookout) for a quiet, photogenic start—pack water and sun protection. Return via a coconut-water stop near Fateh Sagar.

Afternoon: Explore the serene Ahar Cenotaphs, a field of marble chhatris dedicated to Mewar rulers, then stroll Gulab Bagh for shade and a breather. Lunch options: Natraj Dining Hall (value, fast), or sandwiches and lemon soda at Jheel’s Ginger.

Evening: Head up to the hilltop Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace) for an unforgettable sunset without haggling over rides by booking this convenient option with tickets and transfers: Round Trip Transfers to Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace with tickets.

Return for a simple dinner at Hari Garh or a lakeside tandoori spread at Ambrai (splurge-worthy; reserve).

Day 5: Crafts, Markets, and a Home-Style Cooking Class

Morning: Browse the rural-arts fairground of Shilpgram (handloom, pottery, folk instruments; best in the cool hours). Break for fresh sugarcane juice or buttermilk from local vendors.

Afternoon: Light lunch near the old city—try the vegetable thali at Santosh Bhojanalaya or a budget paneer roll at a Hanuman Ghat café. Then learn to recreate Rajasthani flavors at Durga Cooking Class (vegetarian and non-vegetarian options; techniques you can use at home).

Evening: Shop for miniatures and block-printed textiles at Hathi Pol Bazaar and Bada Bazaar. Dinner: Millets of Mewar (again, great value) or try the budget-friendly Little Prince rooftops for curry and naan with twinkling lake views.

Day 6: Optional Day Trip—Kumbhalgarh Fort and Ranakpur Jain Temple

Want one big day beyond the city? Book this relaxed, private day out—cool mountain air, sweeping fort walls, and marble artistry: Private Day Tour To Kumbhalgarh Fort And Ranakpur Jain Temple From Udaipur.

Expect a scenic 2.5–3-hour drive each way. At Kumbhalgarh, stroll sections of the 36-km wall (often called India’s “Great Wall”); at Ranakpur, admire the 1,400+ exquisitely carved pillars of the main Jain temple. Pack snacks, water, and a scarf for temple modesty; return by evening. If you’d rather keep it ultra-budget, swap this day for a picnic at Neemach Mata Temple viewpoint and a free lakeside afternoon.

Day 7: Easy Mornings, Last Sips, and Farewell Views

Morning: Start slow with lakefront breakfast—eggs or paratha at Jheel’s Ginger, or chai and kachori near Chetak Circle (Paliwal-style). Browse final souvenirs—miniature art, lac bangles, and hand-block scarves—keeping some cash handy for small shops.

Afternoon: If you missed any museums or the City Palace courtyards, pop back for photos. Or unwind with an affordable Ayurvedic massage (ask your hotel for a reputable, budget-friendly spa). Lunch can be a quick thali at Bawarchi to keep things simple.

Evening: End with a golden-hour Lake Pichola stroll from Lal Ghat to Ambrai Ghat. Celebrate your week with either a modest rooftop curry at Little Prince or one last splurge on tandoori rotis and dal at Ambrai. Pack up and depart in the afternoon per your schedule.

Extra: A Flexible, Guided Udaipur Overview (Fits Any Day)

Prefer a single, stress-free day to cover the city’s highlights by car with a guide and lake boat ride options? Consider: Udaipur Sightseeing Tour Package with Guide and Private Taxi.

It’s a good fit if you want expert context, minimal haggling, and an easy pace—swap it in for Day 2 or Day 3 depending on your interests.

Money-saving tips: Use shared boats, eat thalis for lunch (great value), and hail metered taxis or negotiate tuk-tuks before boarding (most inner-city rides INR ~100–250). Carry small bills for temples and markets, and refill water at your hotel to cut costs.

Ready to lock in your stay? Compare deals on Hotels.com or browse apartments on VRBO. For flights and trains, check Trip.com and Trip.com Trains or compare on Kiwi.com.

This relaxed 7-day Udaipur itinerary balances lake-time, palaces, neighborhood eats, and scenic sunsets—easy on pace and wallet. You’ll leave with temple bells in your ears, spice notes in your notebook, and the glow of Pichola sunsets in your photos.