Best Photo Spots in Udaipur
Udaipur is one of the easiest cities in India to photograph well. White palaces, blue water, old ghats and the Aravalli hills all sit within a few kilometres of each other, and the lakes add a reflection to almost every view.
Whether you like palaces, lake views, street scenes or sunsets, these are the best photo spots in Udaipur, from the balconies of the City Palace to the hilltop terrace at Sajjangarh.
Medium crowdEntry ₹100 (Indian) / ₹200 (foreign); show extra
Bagore Ki Haveli
- Best timeLate afternoon, when soft light fills the courtyards and the lake glows through the windows; evening for the folk-dance show.
- ColorsBandhani brightsMustardTeal
High crowdEntry ₹300 (museum entry) + ₹250 camera
City Palace, Udaipur
- Best timeMorning, soon after opening, for soft light on the balconies and fewer people in the courtyards; sunset from the lake for the whole façade.
- ColorsWhitePastel blueCoral
Medium crowdEntry Free (promenade); boat ride ₹150–300
Fateh Sagar Lake
- Best timeLate afternoon into sunset, when the hills turn gold and the promenade lights come on.
- ColorsWhiteSky blueCoral
Medium crowdEntry Free
Jagdish Temple
- Best timeEarly morning, before the old-city lanes fill up and while the light is soft on the carved stone.
- ColorsTraditional brightsYellowRed
Medium crowdEntry Boat + entry ₹400–700
Jag Mandir
- Best timeLate afternoon, when the marble turns warm and the water is calm; stay for sunset over the lake.
- ColorsWhiteIvoryPowder blue
Medium crowdEntry Boat ride ₹400–700 (sunset slot higher)
Lake Pichola
- Best timeGolden hour and sunset, when the palaces glow and the water turns orange; early morning for calm water and clear reflections.
- ColorsWhiteBlushSky blue
Medium crowdEntry ₹110 (Indian) / ₹300 (foreign)
Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace)
- Best timeLate afternoon into sunset, when the sun drops behind the Aravalli hills and the lakes below catch the light.
- ColorsWarm earth tonesRustWhite
Why Udaipur Is Great for Photography
Udaipur gives you two kinds of photos in one small area. The old city has carved temples, painted doorways, havelis and busy bazaars, while the lakes give you wide, open views of palaces, islands and hills.
Water changes the light here. In the late afternoon the palaces turn cream and gold, and after sunset their lights reflect in Lake Pichola. How full the lakes look depends on the last monsoon, so views can be quite different after a dry year.
Photography Tips for Udaipur
- Shoot from the water: A boat on Lake Pichola gives you the full length of the City Palace, which you cannot see from the land.
- Use the ghats: Ambrai Ghat and Gangaur Ghat face the palaces across the water and work well at sunset.
- Go early for the old city: Jagdish Temple and the lanes around it are quiet and cool in the first hours of the morning.
- Plan around the midday sun: White marble and pale stone look flat and too bright between late morning and mid-afternoon.
- Respect temple rules: Photos are not usually allowed inside the shrines at Jagdish Temple and Eklingji, so shoot the outside.
- Get up high: Sajjangarh, the Karni Mata hill and rooftop cafés near Lal Ghat show how the lakes and city fit together.
Best Time for Photography in Udaipur
October to March usually gives clear skies and comfortable days for walking between spots. After a good monsoon the lakes are fuller and the hills are still green in September and October. From April to June the heat and haze make early mornings and evenings the only good times to shoot.
Check photography rules and camera tickets at the City Palace and other museums before you go, as they can change.
Questions
Udaipur — FAQ
What are the best photo spots in Udaipur?
The best photo spots in Udaipur are the City Palace, Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir, Jagdish Temple, Bagore ki Haveli, Fateh Sagar Lake and Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace). Together they cover palace architecture, lake views, a carved temple and a hilltop sunset.
Where can I photograph the City Palace from across the lake?
Ambrai Ghat, on the west bank of Lake Pichola, is the best-known spot for a view of the City Palace across the water. A boat ride from the City Palace jetty also gives you close views of the palace from the lake.
Where is the best sunset view in Udaipur?
Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace) gives the widest sunset view over the hills and lakes. For a sunset over the water, try a Lake Pichola boat ride, Ambrai Ghat or the promenade at Fateh Sagar.
Is Udaipur good for Instagram photos?
Yes. Palace balconies, Lake Pichola from a boat, the steps of Jagdish Temple and the arches of Bagore ki Haveli are some of the most recognisable backdrops in Rajasthan and work well for photos and reels.
Can I fly a drone in Udaipur?
Not without permission. Drones need clearance under India's drone rules, and palaces, museums and the area around the airport are usually off limits. Check the current rules before you bring one.