Often referred to as the “City of Lakes,” Udaipur is one of Rajasthan’s most romantic and visually stunning destinations. With its shimmering lakes, grand palaces, rich history, and vibrant culture, Udaipur offers something for every kind of traveler — except, in this list, we’re skipping the temples altogether. If you’re more into architecture, history, nature, and leisure than religious tourism, this guide is for you.
Let’s dive into the Top 10 non-pilgrimage places to visit in Udaipur:
City Palace
Perched on the banks of Lake Pichola, the City Palace is the most iconic structure in Udaipur. Built over 400 years ago by Maharana Udai Singh II, this architectural marvel blends Rajasthani and Mughal styles and houses numerous palaces within.
From intricately designed balconies and towering domes to antique furniture and royal artifacts, every corner of the palace echoes royal grandeur. Don’t miss the Crystal Gallery and Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace) for a true taste of opulence.
Highlights:
Panoramic views of Lake Pichola
Museum displaying royal memorabilia
Entry to several sub-palaces
Lake Pichola
Artificial yet breathtaking, Lake Pichola is the heart and soul of Udaipur. Surrounded by heritage buildings, ghats, and hills, this 14th-century lake is best experienced by boat. As you glide through its calm waters, you’ll spot magnificent structures like the Lake Palace and Jag Mandir.
The sunset boat ride is particularly magical — the golden hues bouncing off the lake and palaces create an unforgettable visual spectacle.
Highlights:
Boat rides from City Palace dock
Sunset views
Proximity to major attractions
Jag Mandir
Often mistaken for the Lake Palace, Jag Mandir is another stunning island palace in Lake Pichola. Built in the 17th century, it served as a summer retreat and even hosted Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.
Accessible only by boat, Jag Mandir is ideal for relaxing strolls in its well-kept gardens or sipping coffee by the water at the in-house restaurant.
Highlights:
Tranquil island setting
Historical importance
Elegant architecture
Bagore Ki Haveli
For a deep dive into Udaipur’s artistic and cultural heritage, visit Bagore Ki Haveli. Located at Gangaur Ghat, this 18th-century haveli has been transformed into a museum showcasing Rajasthani lifestyle, costumes, art, and more.
Don’t miss the Dharohar Dance Show held in the evenings — a vibrant cultural performance featuring folk music, traditional dances, and puppetry.
Highlights:
Cultural exhibits
Evening dance show
Historic architecture
Fateh Sagar Lake
While Lake Pichola gets most of the attention, Fateh Sagar Lake offers a quieter yet equally scenic experience. Surrounded by hills and connected to Lake Pichola via a canal, it’s perfect for boating, picnicking, or simply enjoying a peaceful lakeside walk.
The lake also houses Nehru Garden, an island park, and the Udaipur Solar Observatory, one of the best in Asia.
Highlights:
Speedboat and pedal boat options
Serene surroundings
Great for early morning walks
Saheliyon Ki Bari
Translating to “Garden of the Maidens”, Saheliyon Ki Bari is a lush garden built for the royal ladies of Udaipur. This 18th-century garden is known for its beautiful fountains, marble pavilions, lotus pools, and charming elephant statues.
It’s a peaceful escape from the city buzz and a great place for photography enthusiasts.
Highlights:
Fountains that work on gravity alone
Landscaped gardens and lotus ponds
Mini-museum inside
Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh Fort)
If you’re looking for sweeping panoramic views of Udaipur, the Monsoon Palace, perched atop a hill, is the place to be. Originally built to track monsoon clouds, the palace also served as a royal lookout.
While the palace itself is relatively modest, the vistas of lakes, forests, and the Aravalli range more than make up for it — especially during sunset.
Highlights:
Breathtaking sunset views
Elevated vantage point
Scenic drive through Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Vintage & Classic Car Museum
Auto lovers will find this place a hidden gem. The Vintage & Classic Car Museum, located near Gulab Bagh, displays the private collection of the Maharanas of Mewar.
From Rolls-Royces and Cadillacs to quirky 1930s convertibles, each vehicle tells a story of royal grandeur and timeless elegance.
Highlights:
Vintage Rolls-Royce used in James Bond film Octopussy
Well-maintained models from the early 1900s
On-site heritage restaurant
Shilpgram
Located about 3 km west of Udaipur, Shilpgram is a rural arts and crafts complex that promotes traditional art, craft, and lifestyle of the region. Spread over 70 acres, it showcases huts from various Indian states, live demonstrations by artisans, and cultural performances.
It’s best visited during the Shilpgram Utsav (held in December), but even off-season, the vibe is creative and immersive.
Highlights:
Authentic handicrafts and souvenirs
Artisan workshops and performances
Insight into rural life
Karni Mata Ropeway & Viewpoint
For a bird’s eye view of the city without a temple-focused visit, you can still take the Karni Mata Ropeway for the sheer experience of the cable car ride. While it technically leads to the Karni Mata temple, many visitors simply enjoy the panoramic views from the top and skip the religious site itself.
From the hilltop viewpoint, you get unparalleled views of Lake Pichola, City Palace, Jag Mandir, and the Aravalli hills, especially at sunset.
Highlights:
Cable car ride
Panoramic city views
Scenic photo opportunities
Final Thoughts
Udaipur isn’t just about palaces and temples — it’s a city of lakes, legends, art, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture vulture, a nature lover, or a photography enthusiast, Udaipur has layers waiting to be explored.
This list captures the essence of Udaipur without stepping into the pilgrimage circuit, making it ideal for those who seek travel without religious elements.
So pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready to fall in love with the Venice of the East — beyond its temples.
