Udaipur : The City of Lakes
Udaipur, the enchanting City of Lakes nestled in the heart of Rajasthan's Aravalli Hills, emerges like a shimmering jewel from the Thar Desert offering breathtaking panoramic views of ancient palaces reflected in pristine waters. Located at an altitude of 577m, this romantic city has evolved from the capital of the former Mewar Kingdom to a beloved destination for history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and travelers yearning for royal grandeur and timeless elegance. The city gained prominence in 1559 when Maharana Udai Singh II founded it as the new capital of Mewar, transforming the region into a cultural epicenter with a unique blend of Rajput valor, Mughal artistry, and vibrant Rajasthani traditions. What makes this city special is its distinctive aura – a magical fusion of regal splendor, architectural magnificence, and cultural richness that captivates all senses with the sounds of temple bells, gentle lake ripples, and distant aromas of dal-baati-churma wafting through ancient havelis.
Udaipur serves as the perfect gateway to multiple heritage experiences, including the majestic City Palace complex (built over 400 years), the ethereal Lake Palace floating on Pichola, and the serene Jag Mandir island palace. The city is characterized by narrow cobblestone streets and lakeside promenades rather than modern highways, encouraging visitors to explore on foot and discover hidden courtyards, rooftop terraces, and meditation corners adorned with intricate Rajasthani frescoes and mirror work.
Beyond its architectural marvels, Udaipur is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene with establishments like Ambrai, Upre, and Rainbow Restaurant serving exceptional Rajasthani cuisine (particularly the famous laal maas and ghevar), traditional chai, and even locally crafted lassi varieties. The spiritual aspect of Udaipur is anchored by ancient temples like Jagdish Temple and Eklingji, alongside numerous cultural centers hosting classical dance performances and folk music that cater to those seeking artistic and spiritual enrichment. Whether wandering through the bustling bazaars of the old city or enjoying sunset views from luxury lake-facing hotels, visitors find themselves immersed in an environment where the chaos of modern life fades away, replaced by the pure, unhurried rhythm of royal living.
Places To Visit In Udaipur
Trekking/Hiking Adventures
Sajjangarh Trek (Monsoon Palace)
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Starting point: Udaipur city center
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Distance: 12 km one way
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Altitude: 944 meters
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Difficulty: Easy to moderate
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Special features: Dense forest trail ending at the grand Monsoon Palace
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Panoramic views: 360° vista of Udaipur lakes, City Palace, and Aravalli ranges
Neemach Mata Temple Trek
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Challenging ascent through ancient Aravalli hills at 970 meters
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Multi-day adventure through scrub forests and rocky terrain
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Historical significance as an ancient pilgrimage route to the sacred temple
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Trek difficulty: Moderate to difficult, best attempted October-March
Ubeshwar Ji Nature Trail
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Starting point: Ubeshwar Ji Temple (approx. 8 km from Udaipur city center)
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Distance: 5 km one way
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Altitude: 650 meters
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Difficulty: Easy
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Special features: Serene trails beginning at the famous Ubeshwar Ji Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
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Panoramic views: Peaceful Aravalli landscapes, ancient temples, and valley vistas
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Best season: October-February and post-monsoon months
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Duration: Half-day trek
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Facilities: Temple rest areas and natural water sources along the trail
Haldi Ghati Trek
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Located 40 km from Udaipur through historically significant mountain pass
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Beginning of scenic Aravalli ridge trails with historical importance
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Spectacular views of mustard fields and traditional Rajasthani villages
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Ideal for heritage walks combined with nature exploration (seasonal)
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Trails
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Starting point: Kumbhalgarh village
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Distance: 85 km from Udaipur
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Altitude: 1,100 meters
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Special features: Day hiking through Aravalli hills near Kumbhalgarh fort and wildlife sanctuary
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Panoramic views: Ancient fort walls, dense forests, and spectacular mountain vistas
Cultural Heritage
City Palace Complex
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Distance: City center
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Features: Magnificent royal architecture with intricate mirror work and frescoes
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Historical significance: Built over 400 years by successive Mewar rulers
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Setting: Overlooking Lake Pichola with stunning lake views
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Accessibility: Walking distance from most heritage hotels
Jagdish Temple
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Distance: 0.5 km from City Palace
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Features: Exquisite Indo-Aryan architecture dedicated to Lord Vishnu
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Highlights: Intricate stone carvings, traditional temple ceremonies, spiritual ambiance
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Cultural importance: Major pilgrimage site with daily aarti ceremonies
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Accessibility: Located in old city, easily walkable from main attractions
Eklingji Temple
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Distance: 22 km from Udaipur city center
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Religious significance: Sacred temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva
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Features: Ancient 8th-century architecture with 108 temples in complex
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Cultural aspect: Regular religious ceremonies and traditional festivals
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Accessibility: 45-minute drive from city center through scenic countryside
Shilpgram Crafts Village
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Distance: 3 km from Udaipur
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Cultural significance: Living museum showcasing traditional Rajasthani arts and crafts
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Features: Authentic village setting with artisan demonstrations and folk performances
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Cultural aspect: Annual Shilpgram Fair featuring regional handicrafts and cultural programs
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Activities: Pottery workshops, textile weaving, traditional dance performances
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Accessibility: Short drive from city center with regular cultural events
Bagore Ki Haveli Museum
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Purpose: Royal residence converted into cultural center showcasing Mewar heritage
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Activities: Evening cultural shows, traditional puppet shows, and folk dance performances
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Key features: Antique royal artifacts, period costumes, and Rajasthani architecture
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Historical significance: 18th-century haveli representing royal Rajasthani lifestyle
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Location: Gangaur Ghat, Lake Pichola
Must-Visit Places
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Lake Pichola & Boat Rides: Iconic lake with floating palaces, sunset boat tours available
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Jag Mandir Island Palace: Stunning marble palace on Lake Pichola, 1.5 km boat ride from City Palace
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Fateh Sagar Lake: Scenic artificial lake with Nehru Park island, 4 km from city center
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Saheliyon Ki Bari: Beautiful garden with fountains and lotus pools, 3.5 km from City Palace
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Vintage Car Museum: Rare collection of classic automobiles, 2.5 km from city center featuring royal Rolls Royce and Cadillac cars
Adventure Activities
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Hot Air Ballooning over Lakes: Aerial views of palaces and lakes, weather permitting
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Helicopter Rides: Scenic flights over City Palace and surrounding Aravalli hills
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Lake Pichola Sunset Cruises: Romantic boat rides with palace illumination views
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Heritage Walking Tours: Guided exploration of old city lanes and traditional markets
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Photography Expeditions: Sunrise and sunset shoots at heritage locations
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Traditional Cooking Classes: Learn authentic Rajasthani cuisine in heritage settings
How To Reach Udaipur
Udaipur, the enchanting City of Lakes in Rajasthan, can be reached through the following routes:
By Air
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The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport (also known as Dabok Airport) located approximately 22-24 km from the city center
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Regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Kolkata are available with 3-4 daily flights from Delhi & Mumbai
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From the airport, you'll need to continue your journey by road via taxi or bus services
By Train
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Direct rail connectivity available with Udaipur City Railway Station and Rana Pratap Nagar Railway Station
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Well connected to major cities like Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Khajuraho and Sealdah through Adi Udz Express, Bdts Aii Udz Express, Mewar Express and Annanya Express
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The luxury trains like Palace on Wheels and Royal Rajasthan on Wheels have Udaipur as a scheduled stop
By Road
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From Delhi: Take NH48 to Jaipur, then NH58 via Ajmer and Chittorgarh to reach Udaipur (total distance approximately 650 km, 10-12 hours)
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From Jaipur: Follow NH58 via Ajmer and Chittorgarh to reach Udaipur (390 km, 6-7 hours)
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From Ahmedabad: Take NH48 via Mount Abu to Udaipur (260 km, 4-5 hours)
By Bus
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Direct buses from major cities including Delhi, Jaipur, Indore, Chittorgarh, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Kota and Mt. Abu are available
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Rajasthan Roadways operates regular services with Deluxe and AC coaches for passenger comfort
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RSRTC (Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation) operates frequent services to Udaipur
Reaching City Center from Railway Station/Airport
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City Palace is 2.2 km from Udaipur City Railway Station
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Lake Palace is 1.6 km from Udaipur City Railway Station
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Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and city buses are available for local transportation
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Airport taxi services are available just outside the terminal, or you can take a bus from Dabok which takes about 45 minutes to reach city center
Important Route Points
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Reach Udaipur Railway Station or Maharana Pratap Airport
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From either point, the main heritage area around City Palace and Lake Pichola is easily accessible
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Take reference of famous landmarks like City Palace, Jagdish Temple, or Lake Pichola for navigation
Travel Tips
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The roads within old city are narrow and not suitable for large vehicles
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Consider taking a taxi or auto-rickshaw to heritage hotel areas, then explore on foot
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During monsoon months (July-September), check road conditions as heavy rainfall may affect accessibility
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Private taxis from airport/railway station to city center hotels are readily available
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During summer months (April-June), travel during cooler hours for comfort
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The highways leading to Udaipur are in good condition, making road travel convenient
The journey to Udaipur, though varied in route options, rewards travelers with glimpses of royal Rajasthani architecture and desert landscapes, making the travel experience itself part of the royal adventure.
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Young Monk Hostel Udaipur - Jaydurg Haveli
Nestled along the picturesque Nathi Ghat beside Lake Pichola, just 1.5 km from Udaipur city center with excellent road connectivity, Young Monk Hostel Udaipur - Jaydurg Haveli offers a royal escape from the bustling markets and crowded tourist areas of the main heritage district. As Udaipur's only lakeside hostel featuring both an indoor swimming pool and rooftop bar, our thoughtfully designed property showcases varied accommodation options: premium 4-bed dormitories, comfortable 6-bed and 8-bed mixed dorms, plus a dedicated 4-bed female dormitory catering to solo female travelers. The crown jewel of Young Monk is our rooftop bar and restaurant—a unique heritage-hostel hybrid that commands stunning panoramic views of Lake Pichola and the City Palace complex, welcoming both in-house guests and outside visitors. Every floor of our haveli opens to breathtaking lake vistas, while guests enjoy exclusive access to Nathi Ghat's serene waterfront. Lake Pichola's tranquil ambiance and spectacular palace reflections have made our location a favorite among international backpackers seeking an authentic royal retreat, perfectly balancing accessibility with the regal serenity that defines this enchanting corner of Rajasthan.
Front desk
Common area
In House Cafe & Bar
Free Wi-Fi
CCTV
Indoor Swimming Poll
Air conditioner
Inhouse Store & Games
On Lake Property
Power Backup
By Cycle On Rent
Luggage Storage
OPEN YOUNG MONK HOSTEL UDAIPUR - JAYDURG HAVELI ON GOOGLE MAP HERE
Had such a great experience😍 the staff was really amazing, rooms were really neat and clean and it was such a perfect experience.
Urvashi Sinha
Excellent place to stay. Spacious rooms, the bed was really comfortable, water had good pressure, and everything was very clean. The staff was very kind and helpful, the dinning room had a beautiful view to the lake.
Paula SantiBanez
The rooms are spacious and clean with spectacular views-caught the best sunset here.
Beautiful lake view property nice lake view rooms with all facilities nice pool area . thankful to all staff.
Love Is Life KP
Awesome hospitality, perfect roof top lake side view for dinner and breakfast
Staff is very cooperative specially ravinder singh ji arranged each and everything.
Gaurav Singh
Amazing stay..... Feels like home ❤️ Our host Mr.Abdul helped us in many ways...... Cleanliness on top.... Well hygiene baathroom.... Food of restaurant is osm....
Sneha Maheshwari
Important Timings
Check In
1 PM
Check Out
10 AM
Reception
7 AM - 12 AM
Common Area
24 Hours
Cafe 1st Half
10 AM - 3 PM
Cafe 2nd Half
6 PM - 10 PM
Visitor
9 Am - 9 Pm
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Adults only (18+) - strict age policy with no exceptions
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Digital check-in via QID app - paperless system
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Self-service model with pay-as-you-go amenities
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Maximum 6 people per online booking
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Check-in: 1 PM - 11 PM; Check-out: 7 AM - 10 AM
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Valid government ID required for all guests
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Unmarried couples welcome
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100% advance payment required for online bookings
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No drugs; smoking only in designated areas
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Alcohol allowed (subject to management discretion)
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No visitors in rooms; common areas only (10 AM - 8 PM)
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No responsibility for lost belongings
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Meals not included, available at in-house cafes
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No food, drinks, or cooking in rooms
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Silent hours: 12 AM - 7 AM
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CCTV monitoring throughout the property
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Management reserves the right to cancel bookings for inappropriate behavior
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Contact via WhatsApp only: +919193191934
Please visit our General Policy page by clicking here if you wish to explore more about them.