Udaipur Holidays
A historic and cultural province in Rajasthan, Udaipur - the City of Lakes - is all romance and royalty. Set on shimmering Lake Pichola, surrounded on all sides by the purple tips of the Aravalli Mountains, Udaipur winds and bends in a tangle of lanes, temples and bazaars brimming with colour. Once you embark on your Udaipur holiday, it won’t be long before you understand why the city’s nickname is the “Venice of the East.”
The ancient province of Udaipur was much vyed over by Indian dynasties, seen in the abundance of royal splendour. The remarkable City Palace, a vast palace complex still partly occupied by the respected Maharana, was built over 400 years by a series of Mewar rulers. Join a tour to explore the leafy courtyards, exquisite mosaics, plush suites and ornate balconies.
Just across from the City Palace, a dreamy boat ride takes you to the magical Lake Palace - seemingly floating on the lake, and giving the scene an enchanting, other-worldly feel. Built as a pleasure palace for royalty, it is now a luxury hotel. Similar opulence can be found at the palace (and hotel) on Jagmandir Island, the Lake Garden Palace. With the city lights twinkling across the water at night, these palaces offer incredibly beautiful settings.
Live like Indian royalty on a holiday in Udaipur
When you’re not relaxing in lavish palace-hotels or feasting on world-class cuisine, spend your Udaipur holiday exploring the city. Like the rest of Rajasthan, here exist vibrant traditions in art, fashion and culture. Expect to return home with a bounty of treasures - including Udaipur’s exquisite miniature artwork, hand-crafted souvenirs and colourful garments. During the evenings, marvel at breathtaking sunsets from one of the lakeside ghats.
Whether you’re looking for a little romance on your India adventure or the perfect place for a honeymoon, we’ll craft you a holiday in Udaipur that will leave you feeling like royalty. Get in touch with a Destination Specialist to start planning.
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Claire
Destination Specialist
“A walking tour of the Old City in Udaipur is a great way to explore all of the city’s best landmarks, including the City Palace, famous Bagore-ki-Haveli Hindu temple and Gangaur Ghat by Lake Pichola. Expert local guides will teach you all about the city’s fascinating history. Udaipur is a famous Indian city, partly due to its role in the James Bond film Octopussy - the Palace and streets of the city were used as settings for scenes in the film, and every rickshaw driver will tell you he was James Bond’s driver!”
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Barbara
Destination Specialist
“Udaipur is renowned for its unique art forms, particularly the incredible miniature paintings - when you’re in Udaipur make sure you visit the Mewar School of Art.”
Events & Festivals in Udaipur
A holiday in Udaipur is a wonderful time to join one of Rajasthan’s annual events and festivals. Gain insights into the colourful culture and elaborate traditions of one of India’s most vibrant states.
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Mewar Festival
Mewar Festival in March or April in Udaipur marks the coming of spring and is an integral part of local culture and tradition. The city is flooded in colour and people celebrate with fervour in Udaipur. A procession is led through the city streets with idols carried aloft to Lake Pichola and then sunk into the depths of the lake. Cultural shows, dancing, singing and fireworks also mark this time of year.
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Shilpgram Art Fair
Held annually in Udaipur, the Shiplgram Fair promotes the unique art and crafts of the local people of Rajasthan. Skilled craftsmen and artists come to Udaipur to showcase their wares, and there are an abundance of beautiful handicrafts and artworks on sale.
Local Cuisine in Udaipur
As well as the delights of Udaipur’s architecture and settings, the city is home to some excellent cuisine. There are countless premier restaurants, found at the hotels and within the city streets.
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Kachori
Kachori is a spicy snack, dipped in sugar syrup - and one of India’s favourite street snacks. It consists of a round ball made of flour and dough, filled with a stuffing of yellow dahl, black pepper, red chilli powder and ginger paste.
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Dal Baati Churma
Rajasthan’s signature dish, Dal Baati Churma, is a popular three-in-one delicacy. The platter consists of a sweet fried Churma, a spicy Dal curry and a deep-fried Baati bread. It is typical of the Rajasthani sweet and savoury cuisine combinations.
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Laal Maas
Laal Maas is a fiery Rajasthani meat curry, prepared with mutton, a yoghurt sauce, lots of garlic and a variety of chillies, such as red Mathania chillies. This is a rich and spicy curry, typically enjoyed with chapatis or rice.
