Rajasthan · India
Udaipur
"The City of Lakes"
About Udaipur
Udaipur is the most romantic city in India — and the competition is stiff. Set around a chain of mirror-still lakes in the southern Aravalli Hills, it is a city of cream-coloured palaces, flower-lined ghats, rooftop restaurants with sunset views over the water, and a pace of life that invites you to linger. The City Palace — the largest palace complex in Rajasthan — rises in a tiered cascade above Lake Pichola, and its marble island hotel, the Lake Palace (one of the world's most photographed hotels), floats ethereally in the centre of the lake. Udaipur was used as the principal location in the James Bond film Octopussy (1983), and scenes filmed here remain some of the most visually distinctive in the franchise. Budget from $50 USD (₹4,200) per day; luxury hotels on the lake from $300–800 USD (₹25,000–67,000) per night.
Top Attractions
6 must-visit sights in Udaipur
PalaceCity Palace
The largest palace complex in Rajasthan — 400 years of construction by successive Maharanas, with stunning lake views from its upper terraces. Entry ~$4.80 USD (₹400).
OtherLake Pichola Boat Ride
A 1-hour boat ride on Lake Pichola takes you past the floating Lake Palace hotel, Jag Mandir island, and the City Palace ghats — the most iconic view in Rajasthan. ~$4.80 USD (₹400).
PalaceSajjangarh (Monsoon Palace)
A hilltop 19th-century palace perched 944m above sea level, built to watch monsoon clouds — and used in the Bond film Octopussy. Sweeping 360° sunset views. ~$3.60 USD (₹300) + jeep.
TempleJagdish Temple
A magnificent Indo-Aryan temple built in 1651, dedicated to Lord Vishnu — with intricate carvings covering every surface and a constant stream of devotees. Free entry.
MuseumVintage & Classic Car Museum
The private collection of the Maharana of Udaipur — 22 Rolls-Royces, vintage Mercedes, and a 1934 Cadillac convertible used in Octopussy. Entry ~$3 USD (₹250).
LakeFateh Sagar Lake
A beautiful artificial lake north of the city with a hillside promenade, boat rides to Nehru Island, and spectacular evening light — far less crowded than Lake Pichola. Free entry.
How to Reach Udaipur
Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR) has direct flights from Delhi (~1h40) and Mumbai (~1h15). Fares from $25–60 USD (₹2,000–5,000) booked in advance on IndiGo, Air India, or SpiceJet.
Compare Flights to UdaipurAffiliate link · SkyscannerThe Chetak Express connects Jaipur to Udaipur in ~5–6 hours. Scenic journey through the Aravalli Hills. Book 3AC class at $5–15 USD (₹450–1,300) on IRCTC.
~260km via NH27 — 5 hours by private taxi or car. Beautiful drive through the Aravalli foothills. A private driver for the day costs $35–55 USD (₹3,000–4,500).
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