Udaipur, famously known as the City of Lakes, transforms into a glowing jewel during Diwali. The crisp autumn air, the reflection of countless diyas on shimmering waters, and the royal grandeur of palaces create an unforgettable festive atmosphere. Whether you’re traveling for culture, photography, or pure relaxation, this season offers a magical way to experience Rajasthan’s charm. This comprehensive guide highlights the best places to visit in Udaipur during Diwali, along with travel tips for a memorable celebration.
The Magic of Celebrating Diwali in Udaipur
Diwali in Udaipur is more than a festival—it’s an expression of tradition, luxury, and light. The entire city comes alive with colorful decorations, cultural performances, and fireworks reflecting over its scenic lakes. Locals and travelers alike gather for prayers, sweets, music, and the deep joy that radiates through every ghat and bazaar. Major hotels and royal properties like the City Palace host glittering celebrations, while rooftops and ghats offer spectacular views of the illuminated skyline. If you’re planning a short getaway, a Udaipur Trip Package For 3 Days is the perfect way to enjoy the festival while exploring the city’s top landmarks.
Top Places to Visit in Udaipur During Diwali
1. City Palace: The Royal Heart of Udaipur
Standing tall on the banks of Lake Pichola, the City Palace glows radiantly during Diwali nights. Thousands of lamps and colorful lights adorn the palace’s terraces and courtyards, while fireworks burst above its domes. On Diwali evening, the royal family of Mewar performs Lakshmi Puja, followed by a visual spectacle of lights reflecting on the lake below. Visitors can tour the palace-turned-museum during the day and witness the stunning evening illumination.
2. Lake Pichola: Boat Rides Under Fireworks
Nothing defines Diwali in Udaipur more beautifully than a boat ride on Lake Pichola. As dusk falls, diyas float across the water’s surface, and the reflections of the City Palace and Jag Mandir create a mesmerizing panorama. Travelers can grab seats on the evening boat cruises to enjoy the fireworks bursting above the lit skyline—a photographer’s dream.
3. Jag Mandir: The Floating Palace of Lights
Located on an island in Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir shimmers like a golden lantern during Diwali. Traditionally built as a royal pleasure palace, it now hosts special festive dinners with live music and local delicacies. The view of the surrounding city glowing in warm yellow lights from Jag Mandir is pure magic.
4. Fateh Sagar Lake: Sparkling Reflections and Starlit Walks
The second-largest lake in Udaipur, Fateh Sagar, offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city center. On Diwali night, couples and families gather along its banks to watch diyas floating gently on the water. A walk along the promenade, lined with street food stalls and small markets, captures the true festive spirit.
5. Gangaur and Ambrai Ghats: Local Vibrance
These ghats become performance hubs during Diwali. Locals gather for folk dances, live music, and cultural shows under lantern-lit skies. From Ambrai Ghat, you can watch the entire city glitter around Lake Pichola—a view so picturesque it feels surreal. Don’t miss evening aartis (rituals) where hundreds light oil lamps at once, symbolizing unity and prosperity.
6. Jagdish Temple: Spiritual Serenity Amid Celebration
Amid fireworks and festivities, the Jagdish Temple offers a peaceful yet colorful corner of devotion. Devotees light hundreds of diyas, perform Lakshmi Puja, and decorate the temple with marigold garlands. The chants and incense create an ambience of spiritual bliss amidst the festival’s grandeur.
7. Bapu Bazaar, Hathi Pol & Bada Bazaar: Festive Shopping Havens
Markets like Bapu Bazaar, Hathi Pol, and Bada Bazaar are the heartbeats of Diwali shopping in Udaipur. The lanes burst with decorative lights and vibrant stalls selling handcrafted items, silver jewelry, traditional wear, and sweets like Malpua and Ghevar. Walking through these bustling streets during Diwali feels like stepping into a painting of colors, culture, and festivities.
8. Sajjangarh Palace (Monsoon Palace): Best Views of the City Lights
Perched on a hill overlooking the city, Sajjangarh Palace provides panoramic views of Udaipur bathed in golden light. Visitors often drive here at sunset to witness the full spectacle of fireworks over lakes and palaces below. The palace’s elevated vantage point turns it into a prime location for photography during Diwali.
9. Udaipur Lantern Festival
An exclusive highlight of recent years, the Udaipur Lantern Festival draws huge crowds to release eco-friendly lanterns into the sky. The event combines live performances, local food stalls, and music, creating a modern twist to traditional Diwali celebrations. The glowing lanterns floating into the night sky above Lake Pichola reflect hope, joy, and renewal, making it a must-experience event for visitors.
10. Neemach Mata Temple & Shilpgram
For spiritual explorers, Neemach Mata Temple atop a hill offers panoramic Diwali views of the city. It’s quieter than central Udaipur but equally enchanting when lit up during the festival. Meanwhile, Shilpgram, a rural arts and crafts village, hosts the Shilpgram Festival, where artisans showcase handmade Rajasthani treasures and live performances bring Rajasthan’s folk culture alive.
Markets, Food, and Cultural Experiences
Udaipur’s streets during Diwali are filled with the aroma of fried sweets and festive treats. Traditional dishes such as Dal Baati Churma, Ghevar, and Kachoris dominate the scene—local hotels and restaurants curate Diwali-themed buffets and candlelit rooftop dinners overlooking the illuminated lakes. If you’re visiting as a couple, some luxury hotels combine these with packages such as the Udaipur Honeymoon Package for a romantic and memorable festive escape.
Cultural performances like Ghoomar, Kalbeliya, and puppet shows are hosted around palaces and ghats, giving visitors an authentic taste of local traditions. The Diwali lights, along with soulful music and warm hospitality, make these experiences unforgettable.
Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
If you’re extending your stay during Diwali week, consider short drives from Udaipur to Kumbhalgarh Fort, Ranakpur Temple, or Chittorgarh—all beautifully decorated with lamps and traditional festivities. These heritage sites add depth to your Diwali journey, providing a broader glimpse into Rajasthan’s royal past.
Planning Your Diwali Getaway
The Diwali season witnesses a high tourist influx, so booking early is essential. Choosing from Udaipur Tour Packages or Udaipur Holiday Package options ensures a hassle-free experience with prearranged lodging, guided tours, and lake-view nights. Heritage hotels like the Leela Palace, Fateh Prakash Palace, and Trident Udaipur also offer themed packages with festive inclusions, from gourmet meals to cultural evenings.
Travelers arriving by air can fly directly to Maharana Pratap Airport, located just 22 km from the city, or reach it by train or road from Jaipur and Delhi. An ideal stay duration is three to four days during Diwali to explore both major sites and local festivals comfortably.
Experiencing Udaipur’s Diwali Spirit
Diwali in Udaipur beautifully melds spirituality and celebration. You can start your day by offering prayers at temples, shop for handicrafts in glowing bazaars through the afternoon, and end your night cruising under fireworks on Lake Pichola. Watching the reflection of floating diyas and lanterns over calm waters captures the essence of Udaipur’s charm—an emotion beyond words.
Whether you’re a solo explorer seeking serenity or a couple planning a romantic festival break, Udaipur delivers memories that sparkle long after the diyas fade. Every corner—from ancient ghats to hilltop palaces—glows with light, laughter, and the sense of togetherness that defines Diwali.
Celebrate this Diwali in the royal city of lakes, and let its reflection illuminate your heart forever.
