Udaipur, often dubbed the “City of Lakes,” is celebrated for its opulent palaces and iconic waterbodies. While places like City Palace, Lake Pichola, and Jag Mandir top most tourist itineraries, there’s a quieter, more intimate side of Udaipur waiting to be discovered. This guide is designed especially for international travelers who wish to explore the essence of Udaipur beyond the standard attractions. With practical insights and cultural sensitivity, here are the lesser-known corners of Udaipur worth your time.
Step Back in Time at Ahar Cenotaphs
Just 2 kilometers from the city center lies Ahar, a lesser-visited site steeped in royal legacy. The Ahar Cenotaphs, also known as Mahasatiya, are a group of over 250 cenotaphs commemorating the rulers of Mewar. The quiet ambiance and remarkable architecture offer a stark contrast to the busier tourist hubs. Ahar is not just a historical site; it’s a visual storybook of Udaipur’s noble lineage.
Travelers can explore without crowds, observe local rituals, and gain insight into Mewar’s funeral traditions. It’s a tranquil place to reflect on Udaipur’s deep cultural roots.
Sajjangarh Biological Park – A Walk with Wildlife
While the Sajjangarh Palace (Monsoon Palace) is well known, most tourists skip the Sajjangarh Biological Park, located right below the hill. This eco-conscious wildlife park offers a clean and safe environment for seeing Indian and exotic animals in natural enclosures.
Ideal for eco-tourists and families, this park encourages conservation awareness while allowing visitors to connect with nature. You can spot tigers, panthers, ostriches, and more — all while supporting a sustainable tourism model.
Shilpgram: A Living Craft Village
Located just a few kilometers west of Fateh Sagar Lake, Shilpgram is an ethnographic museum and crafts village that celebrates rural artistry and culture. Visitors can watch artisans from across India create pottery, textiles, paintings, and more, all in real-time.
Unlike commercial shopping areas, Shilpgram offers genuine engagement with India’s traditional crafts and folk performances. If you happen to visit during the annual Shilpgram Utsav in December, you’ll witness a vibrant display of folk dances, music, and cultural programs.
Bahubali Hills: Panoramic Views Without the Crowd
For those seeking postcard-perfect views of Udaipur without the tourist rush, Bahubali Hills is the spot. Situated near Badi Lake, this viewpoint remains relatively undiscovered by mass tourism. The short trek up the rocky trail rewards you with panoramic views of the Aravalli range, peaceful waters, and golden sunsets.
It’s a serene destination for yoga enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone looking for spiritual stillness. The peaceful silence of Bahubali Hills allows you to experience Udaipur as a meditative retreat.
Badi Lake: Udaipur’s Untamed Beauty
While Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar dominate postcards, Badi Lake is where the real beauty hides. Built by Maharana Raj Singh I to counter droughts, this lake offers a raw, uncommercialized natural setting. Locals often swim here in the morning or enjoy lakeside walks.
There are no ticket counters or boat rides — just pure, uninterrupted nature. For international travelers who wish to observe authentic rural Udaipur, this is an ideal morning stop.
Old City Walks: Streets That Tell Stories
Skip the tuk-tuks and explore Udaipur’s Old City on foot. Wander through narrow alleys filled with colorful murals, hidden temples, centuries-old havelis, and local craft stores. The streets between Jagdish Temple and Hanuman Ghat are particularly rich with heritage.
As you walk, engage with local vendors, sip masala chai in a lakeside café, or watch artisans crafting silver jewelry. Every corner here tells a story that guidebooks simply don’t capture.
Ambrai Ghat at Dawn – A Peaceful Escape
Most people visit Ambrai Ghat for sunset, but few realize how beautiful and quiet it is at dawn. Watching the early morning mist lift from Lake Pichola while locals perform yoga or bathe in the ghats offers a rare cultural window.
This is an excellent place for mindful travelers who want to start their day peacefully. It also offers a magnificent view of the City Palace bathed in golden light — ideal for photography.
Plan Wisely: Make the Most of Short Stays
For visitors who are tight on time yet want to embrace these unique spots, planning is crucial. Opting for guided Udaipur 2 days trips helps maximize your experience without missing out on both major and hidden attractions.
Using a reliable local Taxi Service in Udaipur ensures not just convenience but also cultural context, as many drivers double up as informal guides with stories of their own.
Final Thoughts
Udaipur’s beauty lies as much in its quiet corners as in its grand palaces. For international travelers looking to truly understand the soul of this city, stepping off the beaten path is essential. These hidden gems offer raw cultural insights, unfiltered human connections, and a different pace — something guidebooks rarely capture.
Let your journey in Udaipur be more than a checklist. Let it be a story, one that only you will know because you took the road less traveled.
