Edited 29 March 2024 in Winter wandering

Here’s why you should plan a winter vacation in Udaipur

The city of Udaipur, nestled in the lap of the Aravalli ranges, is one of the prominent tourist destinations in Rajasthan. Udaipur was discovered by Maharana Udai Singh in 1553. In the year 2009, Udaipur was named the best city in the world by a magazine. Udaipur is famous for its lakes, beautiful palaces, mountains, rooms and tiger gardens. There are also many royal palaces here that have been converted into luxurious hotels today.

Udaipur, often known as the Eastern Venice, is a captivating place filled with stunning lakes, peaceful temples, majestic palaces, and enormous temples. Because of its position within Rajasthan's desert plains, the region has a warm and semi-arid climate with three primary seasons: summer, rainy season, and winter.

Nonetheless, the city's greenery and rivers make it stand among the most attractive monsoon getaways in India. However, Udaipur sees an increase in tourists during the winter seasons. Get ready for an ultimate adventure by booking flight tickets now. Therefore, in this article, we are going to discuss the top reasons to plan a winter tour of Udaipur.

Reasons to visit Udaipur in winter?

Do you want to know why winter is the greatest season to visit Udaipur? Well, here is your answer. Because of its closeness to the Thar Desert, Udaipur has exceptionally warm and dry seasons. During summers, temperatures can reach 45°C or even more, with the average temperature hovering approximately 30°C. Summer time isn't the greatest season to visit Udaipur because of the lack of rain as well as the burning summer heat.

Here are the top reasons to visit Udaipur during winter:

1. Pleasant weather

Udaipur's winter weather is distinguished by bright, sunshine hours and cool evenings. Temperatures range between 10 to 25°C all through this time. The climate is excellent in October, November and February, the town has a chilly spell in December as well as January.

2. Festival celebrations

Dussehra and Diwali usually fall in winters, so being there during winters offers many opportunities to explore and discover about the rich culture of Rajasthan, especially during festivals. The Mewar Festival falls in March, offering glimpses of Rajasthani culture with pleasant temperatures.

3. Get the best of scenic beauty

Winter is undoubtedly the finest season to explore Udaipur. Set amidst the beautiful Aravalli hills and Machla Magra, you get the best photographs in winters.

4. Reconnect with your soul by cycling

Cycling can be enjoyed in cool weather and not when it is scorching outside. Explore the hidden gems of the city located deep inside via cycle. It is an exciting experience, witnessing and admiring the village plantations.

5. Enjoy good food during winters

The winter may be striking cold but you can have hot scrumptious dishes in Udaipur. Among the mouth-watering dishes served in Udaipur during winters is the Dal Baati, which is world-renowned for its richness and flavour. Additionally, Mewar has a variety of other winter-specific specialities that are worth trying. Food is one of the top reasons to plan a winter Udaipur tour.

6. Ideal places to shop

In Udaipur, there are numerous markets and malls to choose from when it comes to shopping. For those who want to visit the city of Udaipur in December, the Shilpgram Utsav is a must-see. There is a bustling bazaar at this cultural event that features a wide variety of traditional clothing and accessories during winters.

The best things to do in Udaipur?

Udaipur offers experiences for all kinds of travellers. You can indulge in a series of activities, excursions, and more. So, if you are wondering what to do, here are some of the best things to do in Udaipur:

Visit the City Palace: A visit to the City Palace is a must when in Udaipur. Explore the stunning architecture and marvel at the intricate design that has a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. Don’t forget to take pictures in the beautiful courtyards, and soak in the panoramic views of Lake Pichola.
Boat ride on Lake Pichola: Take a boat ride on the picturesque Lake Pichola and soak in the mesmerising views of the surrounding palaces, including the Lake Palace and Jag Mandir. Sunset boat rides are particularly enchanting.
Explore the Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas: Feel spiritually lifted by visiting the Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas (Lake Palace). These two iconic landmarks are set amidst Lake Pichola making it even more stunning.
Visit Saheliyon ki Bari: Take a break from the city life and breathe in at the beautiful Saheliyon ki Bari. It is a historic garden adorned with fountains, marble pavilions, and lush greenery. It is a tranquil retreat ideal for leisurely strolls and picnics.
Discover the Fateh Sagar Lake: Spend a moment surrounded by water by the Fateh Sagar Lake, another scenic attraction in Udaipur. Here, you can enjoy boating, relax by the lakeside, or visit the Nehru Garden situated on an island within the lake.
Visit the Vintage Car Museum: Explore the Vintage Car Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of classic cars belonging to the erstwhile rulers of Udaipur. Admire the vintage Rolls Royce, Cadillac, and other luxury vehicles.
Go shopping in Udaipur: One of the best things to do in Udaipur is shopping. Explore the vibrant markets of Udaipur, such as Hathi Pol Bazaar and Bada Bazaar, to shop for traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, textiles, jewellery, and souvenirs.
Enjoy Rajasthani cuisine: Visiting Rajasthan and not trying out the food is a sin. So while here, make sure to indulge in the rich flavours of Rajasthani cuisine at local eateries and restaurants. Don't miss specialties like Dal Baati Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, and Laal Maas.
Visit the Monsoon Palace: Take a trip to the Monsoon Palace, perched atop a hill overlooking the city. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Udaipur and its surroundings, especially during sunset.

What are the best lakes in Udaipur?

The picturesque environment of Udaipur is enhanced by the presence of lakes. Udaipur is well-known for its magnificent lakes and waterways. It’s no wonder they call Udaipur ‘The City of Lakes’. Udaipur is indeed a traveller's ideal destination due to its magnificent lakes and breathtaking views of the Himalayas. These lakes have indeed been giving water to the city people for centuries.

Lake Pichola

Pichola Lake, situated in the middle of the town, is Udaipur's largest and most famous lake. During the reign of Maharana Lakha, Pichhu Banjara constructed the lovely lake in 1362 and was expanded by Rana Udai Singh II in the 16th century. The lake is surrounded by magnificent palaces, temples and there is a bathing ghat, which further enhances its beauty.

Lake Fateh Sagar

Fateh Sagar Lake is Udaipur's second manmade lake, the very first was Jaisamand Lake. Fateh Sagar Lake was named after Maharana Fateh Singh, who subsequently added to its design after it was constructed in 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh. There are 3 small islands located in this lake, out of which Nehru Park is the largest and most famous island. Tourists also come to enjoy boating in Fateh Sagar.

Lake Jaisamand

Jaisamand Lake is famous for being Asia's second-biggest man-made lake. Jaisamand Lake, popularly known as Dhebar, is situated 48 km away from Udaipur.

Lake Palace

Lake Palace is considered to be synonymous with Udaipur tourism and is also known as a famous wedding venue. Lake Palace is also known as Jag Niwas. It is located on Jag Niwas Island in Lake Pichola and is dedicated to Maharana Jagat Singh II. It was built in the year 1746. But it was converted into a luxury hotel in the 1960s and is now a part of Taj Luxury Resorts. If you are looking for Udaipur’s tourist places, then Lake Palace is a great choice.

Best time to visit Udaipur

Winter, summer, and monsoon are the three most common seasons in the city. Every season has its unique mix of benefits, drawbacks, and precautions to keep in mind. Here's a breakdown of the best time to visit Udaipur:

Winter: Winter is the peak tourist season in Udaipur between October and March due to its pleasant weather and clear skies. The cool weather allows visitors to explore attractions comfortably, including the City Palace, Lake Pichola, and Jag Mandir. You can also take a road trip to nearby attractions and cities.
Spring: Spring is an excellent time to visit Udaipur as the weather remains pleasant before the onset of summer. You can book flights to Udaipur between February and March. During this time, the gardens and parks are in full bloom, adding to the beauty of the surroundings. It's also an ideal time for outdoor activities like boating on Lake Pichola and visiting nearby attractions.
Summer: The months between April and June are hot, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 40°C or higher. So it is best to avoid coming here during summer. But if you do, it’s advisable to plan outdoor activities early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the peak heat.
Monsoon: Besides bringing relief from the scorching summer heat, the lush greenery and fresh air make Udaipur look even more picturesque. While the rain can disrupt outdoor activities, visitors can still enjoy the pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Monsoon in Udaipur is between July and September.

How to reach Udaipur?

Travelling via flights: Maharana Pratap Airport, located around 20 km from Udaipur, serves numerous major Indian cities, including Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata, and Mumbai. The nearest international airport is in Jaipur, meaning visitors from outside India must travel to Delhi. The convenient IndiGo flights to Udaipur route makes the trip memorable, filled with thrill and joy.
Travelling via road: Many tourists to Udaipur arrive through the picturesque National Highway 8, which connects the city to Delhi and Mumbai. The 700-km journey from Udaipur to Mumbai or Delhi takes around 10 to 11 hours. Road trips may be rather enjoyable if you're travelling with your family due to the lovely weather. Using Google Maps, the journey is rather easy and enjoyable. The route is lined with several places to shop and dine, ensuring that the journey never grows dull. The ideal way to go to Udaipur is in an air-conditioned SUV.
Travelling via train: From Udaipur, railways connect to many important cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Indore, and Jaipur. The City Palace is situated around 2.5 km southeast of the city's station. Additionally, it is only a short walk from the city's main bus station. The Mewar Express, the Bandra-Udaipur SF Express, the Chetak Express, and the Gwalior-Udaipur Express are just a few of the daily trains that operate between Udaipur and Mumbai. It is also suggested to go by train through the Palace on Wheels, which makes a stop in Udaipur. The common modes of commuting in the city are cabs and auto rickshaws which are easily available. The cost of a journey is determined by the distance travelled. Before you dig into them, make sure to have an idea of what you'll be paying for.
Travelling via bus: Udaipur is connected by bus to a variety of cities, including Delhi, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad. Buses are a common means of transportation for residents in neighbouring cities due to their convenience and affordability. Numerous transportation options are available, including deluxe air-conditioned buses and state government buses.

Note: The bus terminal in Udaipur is conveniently positioned in the centre of the city. The best feature of bus travel is that it is inexpensive for anyone.

Accommodation in Udaipur

Consider staying at a Royal Palace in Udaipur, India, which is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Staying at a lakeside budget hotel in Udaipur is the ideal way to maximise your holiday. Home-cooked meals provided by a hostel or homestay might be an excellent option for solo travellers. If you want to try some of Rajasthan's famous cuisine, this is the place to go.

You may stay in a lakeside villa or a woodland cottage for the best view of the animals in the area. Hotels and vacation homes near the city's most renowned tourist attractions are the best places to stay in Udaipur, India. Guests may pick from a variety of entertainment options while staying in the most luxurious hotel palaces.

Takeaway

Artificial lakes and palaces in Udaipur are among the world’s finest. Since it is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, it is a popular spot for romance. The following suggestions will help you see Udaipur from the perspective of a local. Consider making a trip to Udaipur a part of your Rajasthan holiday if you want to see the region's natural splendour without having to worry about the weather.