The best area for where to stay in Udaipur is around Lake Pichola, either in the Old City near the City Palace and Lal Ghat or across the water at Hanuman Ghat and Ambrai, where many rooftops look straight at the palaces. Luxury travellers can choose heritage palace hotels on or beside the lake, while Fateh Sagar Lake offers quieter, more modern stays. This guide compares Udaipur’s main areas for Canadian travellers, with budgets, the best season and tips for adding the “City of Lakes” to a Rajasthan trip.
Udaipur at a Glance
Udaipur, in the Indian state of Rajasthan, is famous for its lakes, palaces, havelis and romantic sunsets. Founded as the capital of the Mewar kingdom, it is often called the “Venice of the East.” Most visitors spend two to four nights, exploring the City Palace complex, taking a boat on Lake Pichola, wandering the bazaars and visiting temples and gardens. It pairs naturally with Jaipur, Jodhpur and the Golden Triangle.
Udaipur’s Maharana Pratap Airport has domestic flights from Delhi, Mumbai and other Indian cities, and trains and highways connect it to the rest of Rajasthan. From Canada, travellers usually fly to Delhi or Mumbai first; our guide to flights from Canada to India covers routes and airlines.
Where to Stay in Udaipur: Areas Compared
| Area | Vibe | Best for | Indicative nightly rate (2026, CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old City and Lal Ghat | Historic lanes, ghats, rooftop restaurants, near City Palace | First-timers, culture lovers | $30 to $180 |
| Hanuman Ghat and Ambrai (west bank) | Calmer, lakefront, postcard views of the palaces | Couples, photographers | $40 to $220 |
| Lake Pichola palace hotels | Heritage luxury on or beside the lake | Honeymoons, special occasions | $300 to $1,200 and up |
| Fateh Sagar Lake | Modern hotels, promenade, less touristy | Families, longer stays | $50 to $250 |
| Outskirts and Aravalli hills | Resorts with space, pools and views | Relaxation, weddings, groups | $80 to $400 |
Rates are indicative and rise sharply during peak season, holidays and the wedding season.
Old City and Lal Ghat: In the Heart of It All
Staying in the Old City puts you within walking distance of the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, the ghats and Bagore Ki Haveli, which hosts evening cultural shows. Many small hotels are restored havelis with rooftop terraces overlooking the lake. Streets are narrow and busy with motorbikes and cows, so check how close a car can get to your hotel if you have heavy luggage. This is the most convenient choice for a short visit.
Hanuman Ghat and Ambrai: The View Side
Across a small footbridge from the Old City, the west bank around Hanuman Ghat and Ambrai Ghat is quieter and offers some of the most famous views of the City Palace, especially at sunset. Guesthouses and boutique hotels here often have lake-view rooms at reasonable prices. It is a great compromise between atmosphere and calm, and still walkable to the main sights.
Things to do near the lake
Whichever side of the lake you choose, plan time for a boat ride on Lake Pichola, ideally in the late afternoon, when the light turns golden on the palaces and ghats. Inside the City Palace complex, museums display royal portraits, glasswork and courtyards with views across the water. In the evening, Bagore Ki Haveli hosts traditional dance and puppet performances. For quieter moments, walk to Sajjangarh, the hilltop Monsoon Palace, for sunset views, or explore the gardens of Saheliyon-ki-Bari. Shopping for miniature paintings, textiles and silver jewellery in the Old City bazaars is part of the fun, but compare prices and take your time before buying.
Palace Hotels and Fateh Sagar
Udaipur is one of the best places in India to splurge. Heritage palace hotels on and around Lake Pichola offer an unforgettable experience, often with boat transfers, historic interiors and fine dining. If you are celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary, these are worth considering. North of the Old City, Fateh Sagar Lake has a pleasant lakeside promenade, newer mid-range and upscale hotels, and more space, making it convenient for families and travellers with a car and driver.
Udaipur is also one of India’s favourite wedding destinations. During the wedding season, typically in the cooler months, some palace and lakeside hotels may be fully booked for private events. If you are travelling at that time, book early and confirm that the hotel’s public areas and restaurants will be open to regular guests.
Best Time to Visit Udaipur
The most comfortable months are roughly October to March, when days are warm and nights cool. Winter evenings can be chilly, so bring a layer. April to June is very hot, and the monsoon, roughly July to September, brings rain and greener landscapes, with lake levels depending on the season’s rainfall. Diwali and the winter holidays are festive but busy and expensive. For a month-by-month overview of the whole country, read our guide to the best time to visit India.
Booking a Hotel in Udaipur: Checklist
- Choose lake-view rooms early; they sell out first in peak season.
- Check whether the hotel is reachable by car or only via narrow lanes.
- Ask about rooftop restaurants and sunset views.
- Confirm hot water and heating for chilly winter nights.
- Look for hotels that can arrange boat rides, drivers and guided tours.
- Verify cancellation policies around Diwali, Christmas and New Year.
- Before travelling, review your entry requirements in our India e-Visa guide for Canadians and on Travel.gc.ca.
Adding Udaipur to Your Rajasthan Itinerary: Step by Step
- Fly into Delhi and explore the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur; see our Golden Triangle itinerary.
- Spend two to three nights in Jaipur, using our guide to where to stay in Jaipur.
- Continue to Udaipur by domestic flight, train or private car, with a stop at the Ranakpur Jain temple or Kumbhalgarh Fort if driving from Jodhpur.
- Stay three nights in Udaipur to enjoy the lakes, palaces and day trips at a relaxed pace.
- Fly back to Delhi or Mumbai for your international connection to Canada.
Money tip: carry Indian rupees in small notes for tuk-tuks, temple donations and street snacks, and use cards or digital payments at hotels and larger shops where accepted. Let your Canadian bank know about your travel dates before you leave, and keep receipts for larger purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days should I spend in Udaipur?
Two to four days are ideal to see the City Palace, enjoy Lake Pichola and visit nearby forts, temples and gardens.
Which side of Lake Pichola is better?
The Old City side is closer to the main sights, while the Hanuman Ghat and Ambrai side is quieter and offers better views of the palaces.
Is Udaipur expensive?
Udaipur suits every budget. Guesthouses and haveli hotels are affordable, while heritage palace hotels are among the most expensive in India.
Can I visit Udaipur in summer?
You can, but April to June is very hot. Most travellers prefer October to March for comfortable sightseeing.
How do I get to Udaipur from Delhi?
Domestic flights are the fastest option. Overnight trains and long drives are also possible, often combined with other Rajasthan stops.
Compare Udaipur hotels on BookingHotel.ca, from lakeside havelis to palace stays, and lock in the best rooms for your dates.