Udaipur – City of Lakes

Also famous as the setting for the James Bond movie Octopussy, Udaipur has embraced its claim to fame. Nearly every restaurant and hotel screens the film each evening—yes, every evening.

Udaipur, the capital of the former princely state of Mewar, is a jewel of Rajasthan, renowned for its shimmering lakes and grand palaces. It has become a favorite destination for travelers, particularly up-market Westerners seeking both beauty and history.

The magnificent City Palace, overlooking the enchanting Lake Pichola, is one of Rajasthan’s most striking palatial structures. Originally built by Maharana Uday Singh II, it rises 30 meters above the lake and stretches 244 meters across. Constructed entirely of granite and marble, its interior dazzles with ornate balconies, towers, and cupolas, all adorned with mirror work, marble inlay, murals, wall paintings, silver filigree, and colored glass mosaics. From the palace’s upper terraces, the view of the lake and the city is breathtaking.

When we visited, the palace was undergoing a refresh of paint and decoration, preparing for a princely wedding. Yellow drapes fluttered across tented pavilions, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Arriving in Udaipur by bus, I didn’t immediately grasp the city’s famous lake setting—the station sits several kilometers away. But once we reached the lakefront, it all clicked. Udaipur is a wonderful place to spend three or four days, wandering through its lakeside neighborhoods, palaces, and temples.

We stayed mostly near the lake and in the “back lot,” a few blocks inland. Evenings were best spent enjoying the lively restaurant scene. One favorite was O’zen Restaurant, a welcoming spot with Indian, Italian, Chinese, and Continental dishes—along with, of course, another nightly screening of Octopussy. Great food, great service, and great people.

One regret was not buying one of the beautiful carved stone sculptures created by local street artists. We saw them only here and in Pushkar. One artisan in particular impressed me with his abstract depictions of Ganesha and elephants—unique works of art I wish I had brought home.

As you’ll notice from my photos, I went a little “sunset crazy” in Udaipur. The lake, the palaces, the colors of the evening sky—every view begged to be captured. Well, almost every view. Enjoy Udaipur.