How to Experience Udaipur Like a Local Traveler

Udaipur—the City of Lakes, the Venice of the East, and one of the most romantic cities in India—is a place that often dazzles tourists with its royal palaces, serene lakes, and luxury heritage hotels. But beyond the grandeur and postcard-perfect scenes lies a different Udaipur—one known intimately by locals. It’s a city of chai conversations, rooftop sunsets, age-old temples, bustling bazaars, and lakeside walks at dawn.

To truly experience Udaipur like a local traveler is to slow down, look beyond the tourist maps, and immerse yourself in the rhythm of daily life. Here’s your guide to discovering the heart of Udaipur from a local’s perspective.

Start Your Morning with a Lakeside Walk

One of the most peaceful ways to begin your day in Udaipur is with a walk along Fatehsagar Lake. Locals often gather here in the early morning hours for jogging, yoga, and catching up over chai. Join them on the wide promenade that encircles the lake and take in the sight of the first light falling over the Aravalli hills.

You can stop at one of the small tea stalls, like the famous Sai Sagar Tea Stall, for a spicy masala chai with views of the still waters. For a slightly livelier atmosphere, head to Ambrai Ghat near Lake Pichola, where you’ll see families feeding fish, friends chatting, and students soaking up the morning calm.

Eat Like a Local: Breakfast to Dinner

To experience Udaipur through your taste buds, skip the hotel buffets and go local:

Breakfast: Try a plate of Poha topped with crunchy sev and pomegranate seeds from street vendors near Surajpole or Shastri Circle. Accompany it with a glass of fresh sugarcane juice or chai in a clay cup.

Lunch: Head to a thali joint like Natraj Dining Hall or Krishna Dal Bati for an authentic Rajasthani spread—dal bati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and ker sangri served with warm hospitality and endless refills.

Snacks: In the evening, join locals in devouring kachoris, mirchi vadas, and pyaaz ki kachori at stalls near Jagdish Temple or Bapu Bazaar.

Dinner: Skip the touristy restaurants and go for Best Rooftop Restaurant In Udaipur or Jheel’s Ginger Coffee Bar, where young locals gather over pizza, Indian fusion dishes, and conversation, all with views over Lake Pichola.

Visit Lesser-Known Temples and Local Shrines

While Jagdish Temple is a tourist favorite, locals frequent several smaller and equally beautiful temples. Pay a quiet visit to:

Neemach Mata Temple, perched on a hill near Fatehsagar, for sunset views and a moderate hike that’s popular with locals.

Mahalaxmi Temple, tucked away in the old city, where flower vendors and faithful devotees line up in the early hours.

Eklingji Temple, about 22 km from Udaipur, a sacred site for locals and one of the most revered shrines in the region.

These places offer an authentic spiritual experience without the crowds.

Wander the Old City Alleys

The soul of Udaipur lies in its narrow, winding lanes of the Old City. Forget GPS—just walk and explore:

Admire the vintage havelis with painted facades and intricate jharokhas.

Stop at hidden art galleries and craft shops like Shreenath Art Gallery, where locals create miniature paintings in centuries-old styles.

Pop into a local tailor’s shop, where artisans still hand-stitch Rajasthani garments, or chat with cobblers and metal workers who carry on family trades.

Don't hesitate to sit on a bench and strike up conversations with friendly shopkeepers or locals sipping chai. These interactions often lead to insider tips and lifelong memories.

Experience Udaipur’s Art and Music Scene

Udaipur has a thriving local art scene that’s often missed by typical tourists. If you’re an art lover, explore:

Bharti Lok Kala Mandal – a museum and performance center showcasing folk art, puppetry, and tribal crafts. They also host traditional dance performances.

Bagore Ki Haveli – stay after sunset for the Dharohar dance show, a local favorite featuring authentic Rajasthani folk music and dances like ghoomar and bhavai.

Street musicians often play Rajasthani instruments like the ravanhatha and algoza at city corners or ghats. Sit and listen—sometimes, these are the most moving performances.

Shop Where the Locals Do

Skip the flashy souvenir shops and visit markets where locals actually shop:

Hathi Pol Bazaar: Best for buying miniature paintings, wooden handicrafts, and handmade juttis at fair prices.

Bapu Bazaar: For affordable clothes, bags, and accessories. You’ll find locals bargaining for daily wear and household items.

Shastri Circle Night Market: On certain evenings, this market transforms into a vibrant space with street food, local wares, and live music.

Ask around for local artisans or cooperatives—many Udaipurites are proud to direct you to their favorite weavers, jewelers, or painters.

Join a Local Festival or Ceremony

If your timing is right, experiencing a local festival can be the most memorable part of your trip:

Gangaur Festival (March-April): Watch the colorful processions of beautifully dressed women carrying goddess idols through the streets, especially near Gangaur Ghat.

Hariyali Amavasya: A monsoon celebration that brings out local music, swings, and green-themed fairs.

Navratri & Diwali: Dance to traditional music during Navratri Garba nights or see the entire city lit up during Diwali with diyas, lanterns, and fireworks.

Even if your visit doesn’t align with a major event, keep an eye out for local weddings or temple rituals—you might be invited to witness or even participate in one!

Catch a Rooftop Sunset

No local day in Udaipur ends without watching the sun dip behind the Aravalli hills. Skip the touristy spots and head to lesser-known rooftops like Cafe Edelweiss, Brew Villa, or Rang Sagar Café, where locals come to relax after work or classes.

Bring a book, order a coffee, or just watch the lake change colors—this is the everyday magic that makes Udaipur so special to its residents.

Where to Stay Like a Local

Instead of luxury hotels, choose Boutique Hotel in Udaipur, homestays or heritage guest houses run by local families. You’ll get home-cooked meals, local advice, and a deeper cultural connection. Areas like Chandpole, Hanuman Ghat, or Ambamata are great for budget-friendly, local-style stays.

Conclusion: Slow Down and Connect

To experience Udaipur like a local traveler is to slow your pace, open your senses, and let the city reveal its quieter charms. It's in the aroma of street food, the soft tunes of a folk instrument echoing through a narrow lane, the stories told by an old merchant, or a spontaneous invite to a family puja.

Udaipur isn’t just about what you see—it’s about what you feel when you live it like a local. So ditch the itinerary, talk to people, eat what they eat, walk where they walk, and let Udaipur’s soul embrace you.