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First Time in Udaipur? 15 Things Locals Wish You Knew

Fifteen practical Udaipur travel tips from locals: timings, autos, temples, boats, touts, closing days and the mistakes most first-timers make.

By the Shades of Udaipur team Published Updated 2 min read
People walking down a sunlit street in an Indian old city
People walking down a sunlit street in an Indian old city. Photo by yash rai on Unsplash
Quick answer

Reach the City Palace at opening time, book the sunset boat in the morning, don't drive into the Old City, agree auto fares before you sit, cover shoulders and knees at temples, and spend at least one evening on the Fateh Sagar pal like locals do.

Key facts

  • Most sights open around 9 am; the City Palace is busiest from 11 am
  • Sunset boats sell out in October to March
  • Sajjangarh's last entry is around 5:30 pm
  • Non-Jain visitors are usually allowed into Ranakpur from noon

We’ve watched a lot of people fall in love with Udaipur, and make the same small mistakes on their first day. Here’s what we’d tell a friend.

Timing

  1. Be at the City Palace when it opens. Tour groups and the heat both peak around noon. See our City Palace guide.
  2. Book the sunset boat in the morning. From October to March the last slot sells out. Details in Lake Pichola boat ride.
  3. Don’t miss Sajjangarh’s last entry. It’s around 5:30 pm. Leave the city by 4:30 in winter.
  4. Ranakpur opens to non-Jain visitors from noon. Plan the day trip around it.
  5. Plan for the heat from April to June: out early, rest at midday, out again after 5.

Getting around

  1. Don’t drive into the Old City. The lanes are narrow and one-way. Park outside and walk.
  2. Agree the auto fare before you get in. Most rides in the city are ₹80–250. See getting around.
  3. Most of the Old City is walkable. Jagdish Temple, the palace, Gangaur Ghat and Ambrai are minutes apart via the Daiji bridge.

Temples and etiquette

  1. Cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes at temples. Carry socks for hot marble.
  2. Phones aren’t allowed inside Eklingji or Nathdwara. Use the lockers.
  3. Ask before photographing people, especially at ghats and temples. A smile and a gesture is enough.

Money

  1. UPI works almost everywhere, but carry some cash for tickets, autos and small shops.
  2. Bargain gently outside fixed-price shops. Compare two or three shops first. Our shopping guide explains how.
  3. Be polite but firm with commission guides near the palace who offer “free” tours of painting schools or shops.

Live like a local

  1. Spend one evening on the Fateh Sagar pal. Corn, coffee carts, families and a lake breeze. It’s where Udaipur actually goes in the evening. See our Fateh Sagar guide.

For more, read travel like a local, or ask us anything before you come.

A motorcycle passing through a busy market lane
A motorcycle passing through a busy market lane. Photo by Ravi Sharma on Unsplash

Frequently asked questions

Is Udaipur safe for tourists?

Yes. Udaipur is one of the safest and friendliest cities in Rajasthan. Use normal care at night and in crowds, and agree prices before rides and services.

How many days do I need in Udaipur?

Two to three days covers the city well. Add one or two more for day trips to Kumbhalgarh, Ranakpur or Chittorgarh.

Do people speak English in Udaipur?

In hotels, restaurants and shops around the lakes, yes. A few words of Hindi, like 'kitna' (how much) and 'dhanyavaad' (thank you), are always appreciated.

Written by the Shades of Udaipur team, who have been sharing Udaipur's food, festivals and hidden corners since 2016. Prices and timings change; if something here is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it.

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