Udaipur India – often called the City of Lakes and the "Venice of the East" – is one of the most romantic India destinations, famous for the iconic Lake Palace, shimmering lakes, and atmospheric old-city lanes overlooking the Aravalli hills.[1] For Singapore-based travelers, expats, and international investors, Udaipur is not only a dreamy holiday spot but also a useful benchmark when thinking about lifestyle, cost of living, and regional property opportunities in Asia.
As a Singapore-focused real estate and lifestyle platform, Homejourney approaches Udaipur with the same lens we use for Singapore neighbourhoods: safety, verified information, transparent costs, and practical logistics. This guide combines first-hand travel insights with up-to-date data and Singapore-specific tips to help you plan a safe, memorable trip – and understand how it might fit into your broader life and investment journey in Asia.
Table of Contents
- 1. Udaipur India Overview: City of Lakes and Romance
- 2. Best Time to Visit Udaipur
- 3. Getting to Udaipur from Singapore
- 4. Currency, Costs & Money Tips for Singapore Travelers
- 5. Top Udaipur Attractions & Romantic Experiences
- 6. Food, Dining & Local Flavours
- 7. Where to Stay in Udaipur: Areas & Hotels
- 8. Suggested 3-Day & 5-Day Udaipur Itineraries
- 9. Practical Travel Tips: Visa, Transport, Safety
- 10. Day Trips & Excursions Around Udaipur
- 11. From Udaipur to Singapore: Real Estate, Lifestyle & Investment
- 12. Udaipur Travel FAQ for Singapore Travelers
1. Udaipur India Overview: City of Lakes and Romance
Founded in 1553 by Maharana Udai Singh II as the new capital of the Mewar kingdom, Udaipur is set in a fertile valley ringed by the Aravalli hills and punctuated by shimmering lakes such as Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar Lake, and Jaisamand Lake (one of Asia’s largest artificial lakes).[1] Its whitewashed havelis, rooftop restaurants, and heritage hotels have made it one of the most romantic India destinations for weddings and honeymoons.[1][2]
The city’s visual centrepiece is Lake Pichola, framed by the sprawling City Palace on the eastern bank and the iconic Lake Palace (now a Taj luxury hotel) seemingly floating in the middle of the lake.[1][2][4] At sunset, the combination of palace facades, ghats, and boats gives Udaipur a cinematic atmosphere that many Singapore visitors liken to a cross between a European old town and an Asian lakeside hill station.
Why Singapore Travellers Love Udaipur
From a Singapore perspective, Udaipur appeals because:
- Cooler, drier climate than coastal Indian cities during peak season (Nov–Feb).
- Walkable old town with compact lanes – similar to exploring Tiong Bahru or Kampong Glam, but with centuries-old palaces instead of shophouses.
- Good value compared with Singapore or major Indian metros – mid-range lakeside hotels can cost less than a single night in a CBD business hotel.
- Rich cultural immersion through festivals, folk performances, and artisan clusters like Shilpgram.[1][2]
2. Best Time to Visit Udaipur
Climate Overview
Udaipur has a semi-arid climate with distinct seasons:
- October–February (Peak / Cool): Pleasant days (~18–28°C) and cooler nights. Ideal for sightseeing, weddings, and outdoor dining.
- March–June (Hot): Daytime can exceed 35–40°C; mornings and evenings are manageable, but midday sightseeing can be tiring.
- July–September (Monsoon): Intermittent rain, greener landscapes, and dramatic lake views; humidity is higher but crowds are thinner.
Best Time for Different Types of Travellers
Insider tip (from a Singapore timing perspective): If you are bound by school holidays, late November–mid December or March are usually good compromises – cooler than Singapore, but avoiding peak Christmas/New Year surcharges.
3. Getting to Udaipur from Singapore
Flight Options
There are currently no direct flights from Singapore to Udaipur. The most common route is via major Indian hubs like Delhi or Mumbai, then a domestic connection to Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR) in Udaipur.
- Typical routing: Singapore (SIN) → Delhi (DEL) / Mumbai (BOM) → Udaipur (UDR).
- Flight time: SIN to DEL/BOM about 5–6 hours; DEL/BOM to UDR around 1–1.5 hours (excluding transit time).
- Airlines: Singapore–India sectors are often served by Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Vistara, and Air India; domestic legs by Vistara, IndiGo, or Air India (routes may change seasonally).
Insider tip: From Singapore, morning departures to Delhi or Mumbai often connect more conveniently with early evening flights to Udaipur, allowing you to arrive in time for a first-night lake-view dinner.
Airport to City Transfers
Udaipur’s airport is about 22–25 km from the old city. Travel time is roughly 35–45 minutes by car depending on traffic.
- Prepaid taxis: Available at the airport counter with fixed fares to main city zones.
- Rideshare apps: Services like Uber/Ola may be available but can be inconsistent at smaller airports; always have a backup plan.
- Hotel transfers: Many mid-range and luxury hotels offer private transfers – safer and easier if you are arriving late at night, especially with children or elderly parents.
4. Currency, Costs & Money Tips for Singapore Travellers
Currency & Exchange
India’s currency is the Indian Rupee (INR). Udaipur is tourist-friendly, but cash is still handy for tuk-tuks, small shops, and street food.
- Change a portion of your budget into INR before leaving Singapore or at major airports in India.
- ATMs are widely available in the city; choose machines attached to major banks for security.
- Many mid-range restaurants, hotels, and larger shops accept international credit/debit cards, but always ask about card surcharges.
Homejourney tip: On the property side, Homejourney supports multi-currency insights, allowing users from Udaipur and across India to view Singapore property search results in their home currency for clearer affordability comparisons. Explore options with Property Search and estimate financing with Bank Rates .
Indicative Costs (for Singapore Travellers)
Exact prices change with FX rates and season, but as a ballpark for Udaipur:
Money-saving tip: Just like avoiding peak F1 or NDP periods in Singapore, you can keep Udaipur costs down by avoiding key Indian public holidays and major wedding seasons (often Nov–Feb weekends).
5. Top Udaipur Attractions & Romantic Experiences
Udaipur’s core attractions are clustered around its lakes and hilltop viewpoints, making it easy to plan each day around a particular lake or palace.[1][2][3][4][6]
5.1 City Palace Udaipur
The City Palace is Udaipur’s signature landmark – a sprawling complex of palaces, courtyards, balconies, and museums overlooking Lake Pichola.[1][2][3][4][6][7] Built over several centuries, it showcases traditional Rajasthani architecture with marble, mosaics, and intricate mirror work.
- Highlights: Peacock courtyard, mirrored rooms, panoramic lake views, royal artefacts and paintings.
- Time needed: 2–3 hours for a relaxed visit.
- Insider tip: Go early (around opening) to avoid group tours and heat. If you’ve done the Singapore National Museum or Asian Civilisations Museum with a guided tour, you will appreciate a local guide here for context.
5.2 Lake Pichola & Boat Rides
Lake Pichola is the heart of Udaipur’s romance – a man-made lake framed by palaces, ghats, and heritage houses.[1][2][4][6] Sunset boat rides are especially popular, offering views of the Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, and the old city skyline.[2][4][6]
- Best time: Late afternoon or sunset for golden-hour photos.
- Departure points: Commonly from City Palace dock or nearby ghats.
- Romantic tip: Book a slightly later slot to see the city lights come on – similar to timing a Marina Bay Sands skywalk visit around sunset.
5.3 Lake Palace (Taj Lake Palace)
The Lake Palace, now managed by Taj Hotels, sits literally in the middle of Lake Pichola and is one of India’s most photographed heritage hotels.[1][2][4] Non-guests generally cannot freely wander the property, but staying here offers an ultra-romantic India experience with private boat transfers and views of the City Palace by night.
Note: Availability is limited and pricing can be substantial – think of it as the Udaipur equivalent of staying at an integrated luxury resort in Singapore, but with a 400-year-old palace as your hotel.
5.4 Jag Mandir
Jag Mandir is another island palace on Lake Pichola, reachable by boat.[1][2][4][6] It has gardens, courtyards, and lakefront views, and is sometimes used for weddings and events.
5.5 Fateh Sagar Lake & Solar Observatory
Fateh Sagar Lake, another major lake, is popular for evening strolls, street snacks, and boat rides, and it hosts India’s only solar observatory located on an island, modelled after Big Bear Lake in California.[1][3] For a more local evening vibe than Lake Pichola, this is where many residents hang out.
5.6 Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace) & Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace) is a hilltop palace overlooking the lakes, known for panoramic sunsets and views of the Aravalli range.[1][2][6][7] Nearby, the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary
