Udaipur

Eleven smaller palaces built by 22 generations of Mewar rulers, each in slightly different style — Rajput, Mughal, Chinese, European. The Crystal Gallery has tableware Maharaja Sajjan Singh ordered from F&C Osler but never used. The Manak Mahal mirror work is breathtaking.

Timings

9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Ticket

₹300 (museum), ₹600 (Crystal Gallery)

Time needed

3 – 4 hours

Best time

Morning (less crowded)

Created in 1362 by a Banjara nomad named Pichhu, this 4 km-long lake holds two of India's most beautiful island palaces — Jag Niwas (now Taj Lake Palace) and Jag Mandir. Boats leave from Rameshwar Ghat or City Palace ghat. The 5 PM and 6 PM departures hit the lake at golden hour.

Timings

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (boats)

Ticket

₹400 – ₹900

Time needed

1 hour boat ride

Best time

Last boat at sunset

Built in 1884 by Maharaja Sajjan Singh originally as an astronomical centre to track monsoon clouds. The drive up is steep and twisty (don't try at night). From the terrace you can see all three of Udaipur's lakes shimmer at once.

Timings

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Ticket

₹100 (Indian), ₹300 (foreign)

Time needed

1 – 1.5 hours

Best time

Sunset

The Dharohar dance show at 7 PM is the easiest way to see Rajasthan's folk traditions — kalbeliya, ghoomar, terah taali and the famous bhavai (woman balancing 11 pots on her head). The haveli also has 100+ rooms restored as a museum of royal life.

Timings

9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (museum), Dance show 7:00 PM

Ticket

₹60 (museum), ₹120 (show)

Time needed

1.5 – 2 hours

Best time

Evening for the dance show

A short walk from City Palace, this three-storeyed temple has intricately carved pillars, painted ceilings and a brass Garuda figure at the entrance. The evening aarti at 7 PM is intimate and powerful.

Timings

5:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Ticket

Free

Time needed

30 – 45 minutes

Best time

Evening aarti