Known as the “City of Lakes,” Udaipur is one of the most charming and romantic cities in India. With its beautiful palaces, colorful bazaars, and scenic lakes, Udaipur can be explored wonderfully even on a tight budget. Here’s a simple 2 day travel plan to help you experience the best of Udaipur without spending too much.
Day 1: Explore the Royal Heart of Udaipur
Morning: City Palace and Lake Pichola
Start your day early with a visit to City Palace, Udaipur’s crown jewel. Entry fees are around ₹300 for Indian visitors. The architecture, with its courtyards, balconies, and museums, tells stories of the glorious Mewar dynasty. Don’t miss the view of Lake Pichola from the palace windows — it’s magical!
After exploring the palace, head towards Lake Pichola. A budget boat ride (group boat) costs around ₹200–₹300 per person. Sailing on the calm lake with views of Jag Mandir and the Lake Palace feels like a dream.
Lunch: Local Rajasthani Meal
After a busy morning, enjoy a delicious thali at a local restaurant like Natraj Dining Hall or Gordhan Thal. For around ₹250–₹300, you can feast on unlimited dal baati churma, ker sangri, and other Rajasthani specialties.
Afternoon: Jagdish Temple and Old City Walk
Post lunch, take a short walk to Jagdish Temple, a beautiful 17th-century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Entry is free, and the temple’s intricate carvings are worth admiring.
Spend your afternoon exploring the narrow streets of the Old City. You’ll find colorful handicrafts, miniature paintings, leather journals, and silver jewelry at reasonable prices. Remember to bargain!
Evening: Sunset at Ambrai Ghat
As the day winds down, walk towards Ambrai Ghat. It’s one of the best places to catch the sunset with the Lake Palace and City Palace glowing in the golden hour. It’s a peaceful, picture-perfect spot — and absolutely free!
Dinner: Lakeside Dining
For dinner, you can pick a budget lakeside café like Jheel’s Rooftop Café or Upre by 1559 AD. You can enjoy pasta, pizzas, and Indian dishes for ₹300–₹500 with a stunning lake view.
Day 2: Nature, Culture, and Local Vibes
Morning: Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace)
Begin your second day with a trip to Sajjangarh Palace (popularly called the Monsoon Palace). It’s located atop a hill and offers a panoramic view of Udaipur and its lakes. Entry fee is about ₹60, and you can hire a shared cab or scooty to reach the palace.
Pro Tip: Visit early to avoid the heat and the crowds.
Mid-Morning: Saheliyon Ki Bari and Fateh Sagar Lake
Next, visit the beautiful garden of Saheliyon Ki Bari (entry ₹20). It’s a calm spot with fountains, lotus pools, and marble pavilions — a refreshing break from sightseeing.
Afterward, head to Fateh Sagar Lake nearby. It’s a popular hangout spot for locals. Grab a cup of masala chai at one of the lakeside stalls and enjoy the cool breeze.
Lunch: Street Food at Sukhadia Circle
Head to Sukhadia Circle, a street food paradise. Try local favorites like pav bhaji, dosas, golgappas, and kulfi. You can have a full meal here under ₹200!
Afternoon: Vintage Car Museum or Shilpgram
Depending on your interest:
- Vintage Car Museum: For automobile lovers (entry around ₹250).
- Shilpgram: A crafts village showcasing traditional Rajasthani arts (entry ₹50). Shilpgram is best if you enjoy handicrafts and cultural performances.
Evening: Ropeway to Karni Mata Temple
Wrap up your Udaipur trip with a ropeway ride to Karni Mata Temple. A round-trip ticket costs about ₹150. From the top, you’ll get an amazing aerial view of Udaipur as the city lights start to twinkle.
Dinner: Affordable Restaurants
End your journey with a cozy dinner at a budget-friendly restaurant like Millets of Mewar (for healthy Rajasthani fusion food) or Krishna Dal Bati Restro, where you can enjoy a filling meal within ₹300–₹400.
Budget Tips for Udaipur:
- Stay: Budget hostels or guesthouses are available for ₹400–₹700 per night near Lake Pichola or Fateh Sagar area.
- Transport: Auto-rickshaws, shared cabs, and renting a scooty (around ₹300–₹400 per day) are affordable options.
- Entry Tickets: Keep small cash ready; many places have low entry fees.
- Shopping: Always bargain politely; prices can drop 30–50%!
Final Thoughts:
Udaipur is a city that welcomes travelers warmly, whether you’re splurging or saving. With two well-planned days, you can soak in the beauty of its lakes, palaces, temples, and vibrant markets — all while staying within a modest budget of ₹3000–₹4000. All you need to carry is a light backpack, an open heart, and a love for timeless charm
