Crowned as Udaipur's most beautiful lakes, Lake Pichola is named after the charming village Pichola, it once surrounded. This remarkable water body houses two islands - Jagniwas and Jagmandir. The eastern banks of the lake is adorned by the City Palace. As you circle around the lake, you will spot a sparkling-white 18th-century palace now converted into the Taj Lake Palace Hotel.

A romantic boat ride around the lake is a beautiful experience. Boats are easily available from Rameshwar Ghat within the City Palace complex. The boat ride lasts about half an hour, and the boatman will show you the different historical sites as you ride past them. Don’t forget to check out some of the cool restaurants around Lake Pichola.

Opening hours: Boat rides from 9 am to 6 pm
Distance from the hotel: 6.5 km (20 min)

The road that winds its way to Pichola Lake has another must-visit lake – the Doodh Talai Lake. The lake snuggles between two hillocks. The architecture of Doodh Talai Lake is beautified by the presence of Manikya Lal Verma Garden, also known as Doodh Talai Garden. This garden provides an amazing view of Lake Pichola and Doodh Talai Lake.

Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Park is another small garden located on the adjacent hillock. There is a musical fountain here that mesmerizes visitors every evening, where synchronised water jets dance to an array of soundtracks. A ropeway connects the tops of these two hillocks and takes tourists to the Karni Mata temple. The Karni Mata ropeway is Rajasthan’s first ropeway and offers a panoramic view of the city.

Opening hours: 9 am to 10 pm
Distance from the hotel: 7.1 km (25 min)

Fateh Sagar Lake was originally built by Maharana Jai Singh in 1678 AD as a part of a water supply system for Udaipur. In 1884-1930 AD, during the reign of Maharana Fateh Singh, it was reconstructed after the earthen bund (dam) was washed away in floods. As a tribute to the Duke of Connaught's visit, the Maharana built Connaught Dam. The lake was renamed Fateh Sagar Lake after Maharana Fateh Singh.

One of the fascinating features of Fateh Sagar Lake are the three small islands that surround it. The largest island is Nehru Island (named after Jawaharlal Nehru), which has many photographic corners to explore. The second island houses a public park and a water-jet fountain. The third island houses the Udaipur Solar Observatory. Motorboats, available on rent can take you to the different islands, from different points around the lake.

Opening hours: 10 am to 5 pm
Distance from the hotel: 3.9 km (10 min)

This Ghat provides the best views of luxury hotel Taj Lake Palace and the beautiful Aravalli mountains.

Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Distance from the hotel: 5.7 km (18 min)

Located atop Pearl Hill (Moti Margi), the Maharana Pratap Memorial overlooks the beautiful Fateh Sagar Lake. The memorial is dedicated to Maharana Pratap, the great Rajput idol and his loyal horse Chetak. Maharana Pratap was a great warrior prince who ruled over Udaipur for 27 years and one of his most tumultuous battles was the Battle of Haldighati, where he displayed remarkable courage against the Mughals.

Opening hours: 9 am to 6 pm
Distance from the hotel: 5.1 km (13 min)

Bagore ki Haveli is situated in the Gangaur Ghat Marg, along Lake Pichola. It was built in the 18th century by Amar Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar.

The haveli is decked up with more than 100 rooms with elaborate exhibits and mirror work. The Haveli serves as a beautiful museum during the day and a cultural show venue in the evening. One can catch performances by the Dharohar Folk Dance Company every evening, which features traditional dance performances like Ghoomar, Kalbelia and Katputli.

Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm
Distance from the hotel: 5.3 km (16 min)

Ghats or steps leading down to the water are popular in Udaipur. The most famous one is Gangaur Ghat which is surmounted by a massive triple-arch gateway, topped by two levels of intricate windows and screens. The Ghat area is popular for cultural celebrations.

Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Distance from the hotel: 5.3 km (16 min)

A must visit temple for Lord Shiva devotees. It is one of the most famous temples of Rajasthan, also known for its remarkable architecture.The temple's name, Eklingji, is derived from one of Lord Shiva's 108 names and its design features intricate carvings, sculptures, and paintings that reflect the bygone era.

Opening hours:
4:30 am to 7:00 am
10:30 am to 1:30 pm
5:00 pm -7:00 pm
Distance from the hotel: 17 km (22 min)

City Palace is Rajasthan's largest palace, and lies in the heart of the Old City, along the banks of Lake Pichola. The outer wall of the palace was built by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1624, but the different palace buildings (moti mahal, dilkush mahal and mor chowk) have been built over the years.

This grand edifice is a delightful combination of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms, and hanging gardens. The main section of the City Palace is open as the City Palace Museum, with rooms beautifully decorated with mirrors, paintings, sculptures and royal artefacts. Consider hiring a guide to show you around the palace.

Opening hours: 9 am to 9 pm
Distance from the hotel: 5.6 km (18 min)

Perched atop the Bansdara Hills, Sajjangarh Palace also known as Monsoon palace was named after Maharana Sajjan Singh. Maharana Sajjan Singh designed it to be an astronomical centre, a testimony to his passion for science and innovation. However, post his premature death, the plan was cancelled. It is one of the best places to view the Udaipur skyline, particularly at sunset.

Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm
Distance from the hotel: 11 km (30 min)

Jagmandir is a palace built on an island on the Lake Pichola. Often referred to as the ‘Lake Garden Palace’, it was constructed in 1620. The palace was once used by the royal family as a summer getaway.

Shahjahan, often referred to as Prince Khurram, the Mughal emperor, is a prominent figure in Jagmandir's past. Khurram revolted against his father Jahangir in 1623 because he wanted to rule the country. Khurram sought asylum in Maharana Karan Singh's Mewar kingdom of Udaipur. He resided at Gul Mahal which was later renamed as Jag Mandir. Khurram later went on to become Emperor Shah Jahan, who built the magnificent Taj Mahal.

Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm
Distance from the hotel: 6.5 km (18 min)

This Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is an architectural marvel with carved pillars and painted walls. The temple was built in 1651 and is popular for its Lord Vishnu in black stone. This three-storied temple was built by Maharana Jagat Singh I. It is located 150m from City Palace's Badi Pol entrance and has a steep flight of steps to the top. The evening aarti (prayer) is a mesmerising experience.

Opening hours:
5 am - 2:30 pm
4 pm - 10 pm
Distance from the hotel: 5.4 km (17 min)

Saheliyon ki Bari also known as the Courtyard of Maidens is a fountain park commissioned by Maharana Sangram Singh II for his queen. It was designed for the queen’s 48 maiden attendants as a place to get away from the main court. It takes an hour to explore the different fountain exhibits and gardens adorned with seasonal flowers. The marble elephants that stand inside the garden is a visual delight.

A small museum in the garden offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Mewar dynasty.

Opening hours: 9 am - 7 pm
Distance from the hotel: 2.3 km (7 min)

Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal is a cultural centre that preserves folk art, culture, songs and festivals of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

A museum inside the premises exhibits folk articles from Rajasthan like rural-dresses, ornaments, puppets, masks, dolls, folk musical instruments, and folk paintings. Don’t forget to catch a puppet show at the puppet theatre (Kathputli).

Opening hours: 9 am - 8 pm
Distance from the hotel: 3 km (7 min)

This vintage car museum showcases vehicles once used by rulers of the Mewar dynasty. Some of the cars date back to 70 years.

Opening hours: 9 am - 9 pm
Distance from the hotel: 5.2 km (14 min)

Shilpgram is a famous Rural Arts and Crafts Complex, spread over 70 acres showcases the unique lifestyles of the folk and tribal people of Western India. Here, visitors can explore the traditional arts and crafts ranging from artwork, textiles and pottery. The complex also showcases live demonstrations by regional artisans who work hard to keep ancient arts and crafts alive.

Opening hours: 11 am - 7 pm
Distance from the hotel: 4.4 km (10 min)

Ahar Museum is in close proximity to an impressive cluster of cenotaphs of the Maharanas of Mewar. The museum has rare collection of earthen pottery. Browse through sculptures and archaeological find dating back to 1700 BC. A 10th century metal figure of Buddha is a must see here.

Opening hours: 10 am - 4:30 pm
Distance from the hotel: 4.3 km (10 min)

Located on the outskirts of the magnificent Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, the Sajjangarh Biological Park is spread over 36-hectares and is home to many animals. You can explore the park on foot or enjoy a more leisurely tour on a golf cart.

Opening hours: 9 am - 4.30 pm
Distance from the hotel: 7.2 km (17 min)

Bird Park at Gulab Bagh is a wonderful bird park in Udaipur spread over 5.11 hectares and adorned with landscaped gardens and calming water bodies. The park's twelve enclosures is a haven for birds, and you will spot everything from brightly hued parrot, elegant macaws and majestic pelicans.

The Parrot House houses a diverse collection of parrots, while the Macaw and Cockatoo Courtyards showcases these graceful birds. The Galliformes Runway is where you will find fowls prancing around and the Flightless Birds Section is an abode to many flightless wonders. The Aquatic Avifauna is home to myriad aquatic birds. Avian enthusiasts can spot interesting bird species like the green Munia, the Great White Pelican, and many other varieties of exquisite birds of the region.

Opening hours: 9 am - 5.30 pm
Distance from the hotel: 5.9 km (17 min)

Some of the best places for shopping in Udaipur include Hathi Pol Bazaar for handicrafts and artwork, Chetak Circle for brassware and handicrafts, Bapu Bazaar for crockery, gadgets, and khadi products, Lake Palace Road for traditional fabrics and apparels, and Bada Bazaar, for jewellery, footwear, and camel leather bags.

Kumbhalgarh Fort is the world’s second-longest man-made wall and is often referred to as the Great Wall of India. The wall was built by Rana Kumbha in 1854, and serves as a historic divider between the regions of Marwar and Mewar in Rajasthan. Kumbalgarh Fort has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and in the evenings its gates and ramparts are washed in an orange glow. Hire a guide to show you around this magnificent fort, which takes about three hours to explore.

Opening hours: 9 am - 5 pm
Distance from the hotel: 81 km (145 min)

Haldighati was the place where the legendary battle between Maharana Pratap and Man Singh I of Amber took place. Fought on June 18th, 1576, the battle of Haldighati is one of the most famous battles fought in Indian history. It was a blood-stained battle of power between the mighty Mughals and the local Rajput rulers. Despite having a weak stash of weaponry, the Rajput army managed to destroy the Mughals. Haldighati pass derives its name from the turmeric (haldi) colour of the soil. Today, the region is also known for its vibrant cottage industries like the Molela terracotta craft and the region’s unique rose products produced from the local Chaitri rose.

Distance from the hotel: 43 km (55 min)

A day trip to Chittorgarh is a must when in Udaipur. Located 110kms from Udaipur, Chittorgarh is is famous for the imposing Chittorgarh Fort which was popularised in the film Padmaavat, starring Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor. The fort was the residence of King Ratan Singh and witnessed heroic battles against Alauddin Khilji, Bahadur Shah of Gujarat, and Akbar’s forces. The fort is a testament to the region’s rich history and takes about two hours to explore.

Distance from the hotel: 116 km (130 min)

This is a famous 15th century Jain temple known for its serene atmosphere. 1444 pillars support the dozens of shikharas, domes, cupolas and turrets, all carved in attractive white marble.

Opening hours: 6 am - 8.30 pm
Distance from the hotel: 90 km (155 min)