Experience Udaipur in the Off-Season: A Complete Guide to the Best Places to Explore in Udaipur
Udaipur, often called the “City of Lakes,” is one of Rajasthan’s most celebrated destinations. Most people think of visiting in winter when the weather is crisp and cool, but there’s another side to the city that unfolds during the off-season months—summer and monsoon. While summer in Rajasthan can be hot, it comes with fewer crowds and excellent hotel deals. The monsoon, on the other hand, transforms the city into a lush, romantic landscape with brimming lakes and green hills. Traveling to Udaipur during these less-popular months can be a smart choice if you plan your days well. This guide explores why the off-season is worth considering and highlights the top places to explore in Udaipur, which remain enjoyable, sometimes even better, during this time.
In this Blog
Why Visit Udaipur in the Off-Season?
1. Lower crowds and better prices
During peak season (October–March), the city’s palaces, ghats, and lakes are packed. In summer and monsoon, you’ll often find yourself enjoying popular places in Udaipur with fewer tourists around. Hotels and tour operators usually offer reduced rates, making luxury stays far more affordable.
2. A greener, softer city in monsoon
From July to September, the rains bring a refreshing change. The Aravalli hills turn green, the lakes fill up, and the air feels cooler. Udaipur in September is especially magical, with brimming lakes and misty mornings creating a romantic atmosphere.
3. A different pace of travel
The off-season lets you slow down. Without the rush of peak tourism, you can linger at viewpoints, talk to artisans, or sit by the lakeside in peace. The city feels more personal and immersive, letting you discover hidden places to explore in Udaipur beyond the usual itinerary.
Top Places to Experience in Off-Season
Here are eight places to visit in Udaipur that remain rewarding in the heat of summer and the showers of monsoon.
1. City Palace & Lake Pichola
The City Palace Udaipur is the city’s crown jewel, overlooking the shimmering waters of Lake Pichola Udaipur with its grand courtyards, balconies, and museum galleries. Indoors, the palace offers relief from both heat and rain, making it a reliable stop year-round. The museum houses royal artifacts, ornate rooms, and stunning views across the lake.
Pair the palace with a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Boats ferry visitors around the water, with optional stops at Jagmandir Island—a picturesque palace in the middle of the lake. Summer sunsets here glow golden, while Udaipur September weather often brings dramatic cloudscapes reflected in the water.
Off-season tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid mid-day heat in summer. In monsoon, check weather conditions before scheduling a boat ride, as heavy rain can pause services.
2. Sajjangarh (Monsoon) Palace
True to its name, the Monsoon Palace Udaipur was built for enjoying the rains. Perched on a hilltop, it gives sweeping views of the city, the lakes, and the Aravallis stretching into the horizon. During monsoon, it becomes one of the most atmospheric places to explore in Udaipur, with drifting clouds and mist rolling over the hills.
In summer, evenings here are breezy and cooler than the city below, making it an ideal escape just before sunset.
Off-season tip: Road access can be restricted during heavy downpours, so plan your visit when conditions are stable. Late afternoon is often the best time for clear views.
3. Fateh Sagar Lake & Under The Sun Aquarium
Fateh Sagar is one of Udaipur’s favorite leisure lakes, popular with locals for evening walks, boating, and lakeside snacks. The surrounding hills look particularly beautiful during monsoon when greenery replaces the summer browns.
Right by the lake is Under The Sun Aquarium, India’s largest public aquarium, with more than 180 species of fish. It also offers interactive experiences like VR setups and trick-art corners, making it an excellent rainy-day fallback.
Off-season tip: In summer, visit around sunset when the promenade is lively but not sweltering. In monsoon, plan for boating only if the weather looks steady—otherwise duck into the aquarium until the rain clears.
4. Mansapurna Karni Mata Ropeway
For panoramic views without a steep climb, the ropeway ride to Karni Mata Temple is unbeatable. It connects Doodh Talai with a ridge-top temple and viewpoint, offering clear views of places in Udaipur like Lake Pichola, City Palace, and the Aravalli hills.
During summer, evenings here provide cooler air and golden-hour views. In monsoon, catching a clear break in the clouds makes the experience unforgettable, with palaces glowing against fresh greenery.
Off-season tip: Ropeway operations can be suspended in high winds or heavy rain, so keep your timing flexible. Sunset slots are particularly rewarding when the sky cooperates.
5. Ambrai Ghat
Ambrai Ghat is one of the simplest yet most rewarding places to go in Udaipur. Located opposite the City Palace, it gives postcard-perfect views of the palace, Jagmandir, and the shimmering waters of Lake Pichola.
Monsoon evenings are magical here, with reflections dancing on freshly filled waters. Summer nights are quieter, and sitting by the ghat with a gentle breeze can feel surprisingly cool. Restaurants nearby make it easy to combine a lakeside stroll with dinner.
Off-season tip: The stone steps can get slippery after rain. Comfortable, non-slip footwear makes the visit safer.
6. Shilpgram Crafts Village
If you want a more cultural, hands-on experience, Shilpgram is a must. This crafts village showcases traditional Rajasthani huts, artisans at work, and a daily haat bazaar. You’ll find pottery, textiles, paintings, and other handicrafts directly from local makers.
The village is especially pretty during the monsoon when the surroundings turn lush. In summer, it’s best explored early or late in the day to avoid the heat.
Off-season tip: Unlike the famous Shilpgram Festival in December, the off-season offers a quieter experience. You’ll have more time to interact with artisans without festival crowds.
7. Bahubali Hills (Badi Lake)
Bahubali Hills has quickly gained popularity among photographers and hikers. A short climb above Badi Lake rewards visitors with sweeping 360° views of water and hills. It’s one of the most photogenic places to explore in Udaipur, especially at sunrise.
Monsoon paints the entire landscape in vivid greens, while Udaipur weather in September provides the perfect backdrop for moody yet breathtaking photographs.
Off-season tip: Paths can get muddy and slippery during rains. Go with sturdy shoes and avoid venturing too close to the edges when rocks are wet.
8. Vintage & Classic Car Collection
For something different—and comfortably indoors—the Vintage & Classic Car Collection is a treat. Housed in the former royal garages, this museum displays Rolls-Royces, Cadillacs, and other regal vehicles once used by Udaipur’s maharajas.
This is a particularly good stop on a hot afternoon in summer or a rainy spell in monsoon. It doesn’t take too long to cover, making it easy to pair with other places to explore in Udaipur nearby.
Off-season tip: Plan this visit for mid-day, when outdoor sightseeing is less comfortable.
Two More Cultural Add-Ons
- Bagore-ki-Haveli: In the evening, the Dharohar folk dance show here is a lively introduction to Rajasthani music and dance. Tickets sell out quickly, so plan ahead. It’s an excellent way to spend a rainy evening.
- Sajjangarh Biological Park: Located at the base of the Monsoon Palace, this park is a green escape with shaded paths and wildlife enclosures. It’s family-friendly and best visited in the morning.
How to Plan Days in Off-Season
In Summer (April–June):
- Do outdoor spots like Ambrai Ghat or Bahubali Hills early in the morning.
- Use mid-day for indoor museums such as City Palace or the Car Collection.
- Return outdoors in the evening for the ropeway or Fateh Sagar.
- Carry water, sun protection, and plan sit-down meals to stay cool.
In Monsoon (July–September):
- Keep plans flexible; swap outdoor spots for indoor ones when it rains.
- Prioritize Sajjangarh, ropeway rides, and lake boating during clear weather windows.
- Evenings are excellent for cultural shows or lakeside strolls.
- Wear sturdy shoes and carry compact rain gear.
Practical Travel Tips
- Check local timings daily. Entry hours and boat operations may shift with weather.
- Keep backup options. Pair every outdoor plan with an indoor alternative in case of sudden showers.
- Hydrate smartly. Drink bottled water and opt for hot, freshly cooked meals during monsoon.
- Footwear matters. Comfortable, non-slip shoes make a big difference on wet ghats and trails.
- Book evening shows early. Folk dance tickets at Bagore-ki-Haveli sell out quickly.
Where to Stay: Charming Stays by StayVista
For a comfortable and memorable off-season stay in Udaipur, consider these handpicked StayVista properties—each offering a blend of local charm, privacy, and thoughtful amenities:
1. Udaikot
A peaceful retreat featuring traditional architecture and tranquil surroundings—perfect for unwinding after exploring all the places to explore in Udaipur.
2. Prathaniya Villa
A stylish home with modern comforts and tasteful interiors, conveniently located for accessing top places to visit in Udaipur.
3. Arna Villa
A serene villa with lush gardens and an inviting ambiance—an ideal base to relax before heading out to places in Udaipur like City Palace or Fateh Sagar.
4. The Earthen Boutique
A boutique-style villa with earthy aesthetics and cozy corners, offering both peace and easy access to key places to go in Udaipur.
5. Ikebana
A contemporary, art-inspired villa that balances calm interiors with thoughtful design—perfect for returning to after visiting the places to explore in Udaipur.
Each of these stays lends its own flavor to an off-season visit—whether you’re chasing early-morning hikes at Bahubali Hills, monsoon mist at Monsoon Palace, or evening boat rides on Lake Pichola.
Why Udaipur’s Off-Season is Worth Exploring
Visiting Udaipur in the off-season is not a compromise—it’s a chance to see the city differently. In summer, travelers can enjoy quieter palaces, early morning hikes, and luxury stays at better prices. In monsoon, Udaipur truly becomes the “City of Lakes,” with overflowing waters, green hills, and dramatic skies.
With the right mix of indoor and outdoor plans, some flexibility, and a readiness to embrace the weather, places to explore in Udaipur during the off-season can feel even more personal and rewarding than a peak-season trip.
Banner Image Credit: Freysteinn G. Jonsson via Unsplash
