6 Must-Do Things in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India for Backpackers

1. Motorbike tour organized through Hostel Mantra Udaipur 

Early morning wake-up call to catch the sunrise atop a hill, explore Badi Lake from Bahubali Hill, and check out FatehSagar Lake from the open air seat of a motorbike through winding roads. As a motorbike novice, the roads were easy to navigate and surprisingly calm.

2. Sunset at Lake Pichola

Take a boat ride, or simply sit on the ghats (like Gangaur Ghat and Ambrai Ghat) as the sun dips behind the Aravalli Hills. Marvel at the Jagmandir Island Palace.

3. Explore City Palace

Wander through this architectural marvel, discovering its intricate courtyards, balconies, and the stunning views over Udaipur.

4. Take a city walking tour 

Learn about Hindu (Jagdish Temple) and Jain (Shree Sheetal Temple) Temples, try different foods, shop at the street markets, and maybe even buy a basket from the women weaving on Mochiwada Road.

5. Hang out at Hillusion

Grab a beer and pizza and stay for a while at this outdoor bar/restaurant (very close to Badi Lake). I watched a cricket match on a projector screen, saw a live guitarist, and listened to a live traditional kirtan all in one night. It’s a go-with-the-flow establishment.

6. Escape the city to Ahar Musuem

15 minutes by car (or maybe by rented motorbike) to see the Ahar Cenotaphs. Alternatively, check out the Bagore Ki Haveli Musuem (I heard they may also have a traditional Rajasthani folk music and dance show here called Dharohar Dance Show).

Where to Stay

Hostel Mantra Udaipur - I strictly listened to a recommendation from a travel friend before booking. Best decision ever.

It’s safe, comfortable, clean, within walking distance of everything, has the most beautiful rooftop cafe, and has incredible staff. Additionally, it’s extremely budget-friendly.

[coming from a 25-year-old solo female traveler who had been in India one month by the time I flew to Udaipur]

How to get here

Train or bus: Take a rickshaw, taxi, or bike taxi from the station.

Plane: Take a taxi or Uber/Ola from the airport.

Upon Arrival

I had been in India for over one month at this point, but stepping into Udaipur gave me my first taste of Rajasthan. From a traveler’s point of view, Rajasthan is one of the more well-known states for foreign tourists in India because of its opportunity for epic road trips combing historical forts, palaces, art and culture. However, I didn’t know if it would be difficult or easy to navigate alone.

The “free airport wifi” was, shocker, not working. If only there were such things as SIM cards. Alas, as I struggled to call a ride through Uber or Ola (avoiding a taxi by myself at all costs), I was instead interrupted by a man with a German accent.

“Where are you sleeping tonight?” he said.

“Why do you ask?” I replied defensively. It was 9:00pm and I had little energy to deal with this situation. Traveling alone is a constant switch between opening your heart and mind to strangers and also knowing when there is something fishy.

He could sense I had my guard up and said, “Well, you’re a backpacker too, right? Maybe you have a recommendation for me because it’s late and I haven’t booked a hostel.”

Great. A man who wants to follow me to my accommodation.

After many more questions back and forth, he opened up in his German-ways and I felt like I could trust him. Sharing a cab sounded finally seemed like a good idea by this point. But I had to say one more thing.

“Next time, start with a ‘Hello, how are you? What are you doing here?’ before you jump into asking a woman where she is sleeping.”

“Understood,” he agreed with a laugh.

Mattias and others we met at the hostel became incredible travel buddies during our stay here. This is the magic of backpacking.

Udaipur: A Royal Affair with Lakes and Legacy

Udaipur is poetry draped in marble, reflected in lakes, and sung in the whispers of ancient walls. Nicknamed the “City of Lakes,” it feels so different than any other part of India I had seen by this point —a harmonious blend of water, hills, and heritage that pulls at your soul.

Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II as a strategic decision during the kingdom of Mewar. It is now a sanctuary of beauty; its palaces and temples rise gracefully against the rugged Aravalli mountainous backdrop.

The heart of Udaipur beats at City Palace, where a maze of ornate halls, delicate mosaics, and antique relics offer a glimpse into royal life. Outside, Lake Pichola mirrors the grandeur, its surface dotted with dreamlike islands like Jagmandir, where you can sip chai and imagine the royal festivities of past centuries.

And the food—every bite feels like an embrace of Udaipur’s spirit. Rooftop restaurants offer a bonus: meals served with panoramic views of illuminated palaces and lakes under a starlit sky.

Udaipur is an invitation to enjoy walks along the streets and markets, stunning nature and tranquil waters, and rich food and culture. This city is not to be missed on your next adventure.