Exploring Udaipur’s Lakes and Palaces by Car – A Perfect Day Out
Have you ever wondered how the royal families in erstwhile India lived amidst grandeur and elegance? If you want to feel the luxuries that the royals enjoyed in their daily lives, visit their palaces and museums. Udaipur is one such city in India, boasting some of the finest palaces, where you can catch a glimpse of the opulent lives of the Indian aristocracy. Renowned for its palaces and lakes, Udaipur offers a wonderful mix of ornate palaces, stately havelis, intricately built temples, and picturesque lakes.
If you want to explore the beautiful lakes in Udaipur, book a car rental service from Revv to make your trip hassle-free and to explore all the palaces across the city smoothly.
Top Lakes & Palaces in Udaipur
Here is a list of the most beautiful lakes and palaces in Udaipur:
| Attraction | Approx. Distance from City Centre | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| City Palace | 0 km (city centre) | The largest palace complex in Rajasthan, offering panoramic views of Lake Pichola and Udaipur city |
| Lake Pichola | 1 km | An iconic lake with palaces on its islands. Breathtaking views of palaces, ghats, and sunset. |
| Ambrai Ghat | 1 km | Best evening spot to view the illuminated City Palace and Lake Palace across the water |
| Dudh Talai | 1.5 km | Known for its ropeway to the Karni Mata Temple, offering aerial views of Udaipur and its surrounding lakes. |
| Jagmandir Palace (island Palace on Lake Pichola) | 1.5 km | Located on an island in Lake Pichola. Highlights are a beautiful garden, marble courtyards, and serene architecture. |
| Badi Lake | 12 km | Peaceful, less-crowded lake surrounded by hills, perfect for offbeat travelers. |
| Sajjangarh Palace | 6-7 km | Hilltop palace offering the most spectacular sunset and monsoon views over the city. |
| Saheliyon ki Bari | 3 km | Royal garden with fountains and lotus pools built for the queen and her companions |
| Taj Lake Palace (Heritage Hotel in Lake Pichola) | 1 km (via boat from jetty) | Looks like floating palace in Lake Pichola built by Maharana Jagat Singh II. Now, a luxury heritage hotel. |
| Fateh Sagar Lake | 4 km | A serene lake with Nehru Garden Island Park, popular for boat rides and evening strolls. |
| Jaisamand Lake | 50-60 km | One of Asia’s largest artificial lakes, with scenic islands and a wildlife sanctuary nearby. |
Top Lakes and Palaces to Explore in Udaipur by Car
- City Palace
- Lake Pichola
- Ambrai Ghat
- Dudh Talai
- Jagmandir Palace (island Palace on Lake Pichola)
- Badi Lake
- Sajjangarh Palace
- Saheliyon ki Bari
- Taj Lake Palace (Heritage Hotel in Lake Pichola)
- Fateh Sagar Lake
- Jaisamand Lake
1. City Palace
The City Palace, situated along the banks of Lake Pichola, is one of the largest palaces in Rajasthan. A portion of the palace is home to the City Palace Museum, which is open to visitors for exploration. You will love to explore the grand halls and intricately designed courtyards, and you will wonder in amazement how luxurious it once was. The lush central garden, the Zenana Mahal, which housed the Mewar royalty and other portions of the grand palace, represents the distinctive taste and grandeur of Mewar.
2. Lake Pichola
Lake Pichola is one of Udaipur’s oldest and largest lakes, surrounded by grand palaces, peaceful temples, and ancient ghats all along its shores. A boat ride is certainly a must-do experience in Lake Pichola and probably the most resonant with experiencing the city’s grandeur. You can catch a boat from Rameshwar Ghat, located near the City Palace, or from Lal Ghat, which is also nearby. The place is worth experiencing.
3. Ambrai Ghat
Ambrai Ghat, also known as Manjhi Ghat, is situated on the banks of Lake Pichola and is one of the main ghats in the Old City of Udaipur. This is a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike, who come to enjoy the relaxing ambience and the sunset here. You can soak in the serene environment or grab your favorite Rajasthani cuisine in the popular restaurants in this ghat.
4. Dudh Talai
Dudh Talai Lake is a serene water body that serves as a jewel, captivating visitors with its pure beauty and significance. Dudh Talai literally translates to ‘milk pond’ and is a small but beautiful lake with a royal history. According to local legend, Dudh Talai used to supply water for the cows kept in the royal enclosure, and the milk was used in the palace’s culinary preparations. A place of sustenance and nurture, Dudh Talai remains a point of convergence between history and lore in Udaipur’s cultural landscape.
5. Jagmandir Palace (island Palace on Lake Pichola)
Jagmandir Island Palace is a 17th-century architectural gem set on an island in Lake Pichola. Once a royal retreat, it has been restored into a heritage destination, featuring elegant courtyards, a lakeside café, fine dining, and serene spa experiences. The palace hosts a large number of guests, including both corporate and leisure travelers.
6. Badi Lake (Badi Talab)
Badi Lake, also known as Jiyan Sagar, was constructed by Maharana Raj Singh during the 17th century and named for his mother, Jana Devi. Spanning an impressive 155 square kilometers, this large artificial lake is situated to the east of Udaipur. A beautiful and scenic spot, it offers a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of Udaipur.
7. Sajjangarh Palace
Sajjangarh Palace, or the monsoon palace, served as the monsoon abode for the royals in Udaipur. The white marble palace was built to watch the monsoon clouds and enjoy panoramic city views. It features intricate carvings, domes, fountains, and elegant jharokhas. Once a royal retreat of the Mewar dynasty, it remains a striking example of Rajasthani grandeur.
8. Saheliyon ki Bari
Saheliyon Ki Bari, or the Garden of the Maidens, is an elaborate garden complex that serves as a testament to royal beauty and the harmonious blend of nature. The history of Saheliyon Ki Bari is deeply rooted in the indulgences of the royal family. Built in the 18th century by Maharana Sangram Singh, the garden was designed for a leisurely escape for the Queen of Udaipur and her maidens.
9. Taj Lake Palace (Jag Niwas Palace)
The Taj Lake Palace is a high-end hotel situated on an island in the middle of Udaipur’s Lake Pichola. Originally built between 1743 and 1746 as Jag Niwas, it served as a summer home for royalty. Taj Hotels now operate the all-white, 18th-century marble palace. It offers a bespoke, heritage experience with private butlers, a spa, and dining, all set within a luxurious environment surrounded by striking views of the lake and mountains.
10. Fateh Sagar Lake
Fateh Sagar Lake is another famous lake in Udaipur. This artificial lake, surrounded by hills and walkways, is renowned for its tranquil blue waters and stunning scenic beauty. Visitors can enjoy boat rides to its three small islands or relax by the shore, making it a peaceful retreat in Udaipur. A must-visit place for nature lovers.
11. Jaisamand Lake
Jaisamand Lake, also known as Dhebar Lake, is a stunning lake to visit in Udaipur, located approximately 58 kilometres from the city centre. The term ‘Jaisamand’ translates to ‘Ocean of Victory,’ referring to its size and the ambition behind the creation of this lake. It is one of the largest artificial lakes in Asia, with a maximum depth of 102 feet. The lake is remarkable in its engineering and vision.
Takeaway
Not just lakes and palaces, Udaipur has several other attractions, including museums, handicraft centres, temples, and more. A visit to Udaipur should comprise all the fantastic places and things to do in the city. If you are planning to travel to Udaipur soon from Delhi NCR, be sure to book a car rental in NCR from Revv to reach your destination safely and enjoy a smooth travel experience across your favorite attractions in Udaipur.
