Udaipur. Romantic old-world charm, shimmering lakes, and splendid architecture; this fairy-tale-like city is a highlight for many visitors to Rajasthan. On a private guided tour with Indian Excursions, you can get under the skin of this unique destination by exploring Udaipur’s bustling old city on foot.
The city of Udaipur dates back to 1567 and is dominated by the enormous City Palace. Picturesque havelis (intricately carved stone townhouses), ghats (a flight of steps leading to a water body) and old temples line the banks of Lake Pichola, while the bustling bazaars of the old walled city stretch behind. The winding and hilly streets which buzz around the Jagdish Temple are teeming with shops and makeshift stalls selling all sorts; from jewellery to spices to leather-bound journals. Compared to other areas of Rajasthan, Udaipur has an easy-going, laidback vibe, so it’s ideal for winding down at the end of a tour. The lively old city of Udaipur is perfect for merely pottering about in on foot, as you navigate a labyrinth of narrow streets and soak up all the sights, sounds and smells of India’s most colourful state.
Here, in pictures, we explore the best of Udaipur’s old city on foot, accompanied by Indian Excursions’ experienced guide; Singh.
Madeleine (co-founder) is guided through the old city by a local and experienced guide, Singh
The bazaar sells anything and everything
A typical narrow lane
An elephant fresco painting adorns a house in Udaipur’s old city
A girl plays in a narrow street. As you can tell, she did enjoy having her photo taken!
We pass by a Hindu temple
Jumbles of electric wires like this one are a common sight in Udaipur’s old city
Clay pots are fired here in the old city
Small clay pots for sale. These are known as ‘diya‘. A wick and oil is placed inside to create a lamp used during the Diwali festival and other religious occasions
Red chillies drying in the sun in Udaipur’s old city
Fresco paintings are dotted on houses throughout the city. Often they mark an upcoming wedding in the family.
A lady sells bowls crafted from banyan tree leaves
Singh explains that this lady is selling a type of disposable bowl made by banyan tree leaves. It’s often used to eat food from.
The banyan tree leaf bowl is an old Rajasthani concept. The idea is very environmentally friendly!
A metalsmith’s workshop in Udaipur’s old city
Singh shows me a typical metal vessel hand-made by the metalsmith
A typical haveli in the old city
Entrance to the Jagdish Temple
The Jagdish Temple – a landmark of the old city – dates back to the 17th century. It’s just a stone’s throw from the City Palace’s north gate. The temple is carved with incredible detail and features a large black stone image of Vishnu (a Hindu god, the preserver and protector of the universe).
The Jagdish temple is carved with incredible detail
Ladies sell flowers outside the Jagdish Temple
A hawker sells fresh chickpeas in a vegetable market in Udaipur’s old city
During the tour, your guide will explain various goods on sale. Here, we explore fresh chickpeas
This stall in the bazaar sells spices and various types of Indian tea
Bamboo baskets waiting to be sold in the vegetable market.
Elsewhere in the bazaar, baskets in all shapes and sizes are formed from bamboo
A view over Lake Pichola from Gangaur Ghat to end the tour
Children cooling off with a swim in Lake Pichola
How does the Udaipur old city tour best fit within my itinerary?
To explore the best of Udaipur, we recommend beginning the day at the City Palace. This incredibly popular place to visit in Udaipur tends to get rather crowded as the day goes on, so an early start is preferable and allows you to explore its various rooms in comfort. From there, take a boat ride across Lake Pichola, passing the stunning Lake Palace to reach Jag Mandir Island. This early-17th century palace appears to float in the middle of the lake and was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in his early years. It is believed to have inspired many of his ideas for the Taj Mahal.
After lunch, we recommend continuing into the old city on foot, exploring its narrow lanes and bustling marketplaces. While in the old town, you might like to stop at the Radha Vallabh to meet a unique artist who paints on water (by appointment only).
Next, we suggest visiting Saheliyon ki Bari: a charming 18th-century garden boasting ornamental fountains, a lotus pool and a rose garden. It was built for a queen of Udaipur, whose dowry included 48 maids.
Optionally, to end the day head up to Sajjangarh (aka the Monsoon Palace) to catch stunning sunset views.
A guided walk through the old city is just one of many experiences you can have on a tailor-made tour through Rajasthan. If you’d like to begin planning, please get in touch – as specialists in private, luxury journeys through this specific region (Rajasthan), we’re the ideal match to assist with your arrangements.
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