Rajasthan invites a travel exploration laden with historical monuments, desert landscapes vibrant cultural experiences and royalty of the princely states. Udaipur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and Jodhpur are the top cities covered by every Rajasthan tour. But for those planning a more relaxed vacation to get a genuine feel of the royal cities, Jaipur or Udaipur are equally captivating. But if you were to make a choice, not sure which to choose? This blog brings you a detailed comparison of Jaipur vs Udaipur. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking for a nice luxury getaway, this guide will unravel the distinct charms of each city, making your choice a little bit easier.
Jaipur, popularly called the Pink City has stunning architecture, majestic forts and palaces that give a peek into the royal lifestyle. Founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 16th century, a great patron of arts, science and astronomy.
Udaipur tagged as the City of Lakes, represents the kingdom of the Mewar dynasty. It was founded in the 15th century by Udai Singh II on the banks of Lake Pichola. It presents a picturesque and serene landscape with about 7 lakes surrounding the city. And there are beautiful palaces that echo the regal past.
The distance between Jaipur and Udaipur is about 400 km. Both the cities have airports, which makes reaching here very convenient.
If you are travelling from Delhi via a drive, Jaipur is about a 5-hour drive. It is thus closer than Udaipur. On the other hand, for people visiting from Central or Southern states, Udaipur is closer in terms of distance and flight duration.
Being in the same state, the peak tourist season in both cities overlaps. The period from November to March is the best time to visit Jaipur and Udaipur. The winters see a pleasant temperature, with the mercury dipping to as low as 8-10 degrees in the nights. The clement weather in the daytime makes it perfect to set out and explore.
A major part of choosing a travel destination is to make a list of places to visit there. Here are must-visit places in Jaipur to beguile in the royal aura:
A stunning example of the royal residence, this fort is made out of pink and yellow sandstones and white marble. Also called Amber Palace, this UNESCO heritage site is set atop a hill overlooking a lake. It acquaints you with a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture in the extensive fort complex.
If science and astronomy interest you, pay a visit to the world’s largest stone astronomical observatory. Featuring a collection of nearly 20 astronomical instruments, it is one of the best places to visit in Jaipur on a family getaway. These instruments help measure time, track celestial movements, and predict astronomical events with accuracy.
Among its defining structures, the Palace of Winds or Hawa Mahal is a must-visit place in Jaipur. An extension of the City Palace, it is a five-storey curved wall with 953 Jharoka windows, which looks exquisite. The best way to enjoy this view is to sit in the rooftop cafes around the location.
A famous spot serving vibrant aesthetics to your Instagram feed, this is a place to visit in Jaipur for capturing beautiful memories on your trip. This extensive gate reflects the rich architectural and cultural legacy of Rajasthan. Its pillars and columns with motifs and colourful paintings depict history beautifully. Stand between the colourful pillars and get yourself some stunning photos at this most photogenic place in Jaipur.
On a family trip to Udaipur here are some spots to explore around the lake city:
The grandeur of City Palace built over 400 years, this monument is a must-visit place in Udaipur. Surrounded by a lakeside, this former residence of the Mewar dynasty is now a museum drawing visitors from all around the world. The colourful window panes, archways, courtyards and city views from the top offer a beautiful exploration through a royal lens.
This hilltop palace overlooks the Fateh Sagar Lake, a sight to behold. It is also called the Monsoon Palace, as it served as a vantage point to watch the onset of monsoon clouds. Today, the spot is famous for watching stunning sunsets.
Over 250 cenotaphs of the Maharanas of Mewar, this is a complex of royal memorials. The beautiful architecture of Chattris with intricate carvings and design are worth visiting to get to know more about the royal culture. There is a museum here with some artefacts that back to the 10th century!
There are so many palace stays in Rajasthan, given the beautiful heritage properties from the rich royal past. What if we told you, you could book a stay in Jaipur or Udaipur that promises exclusivity of the entire property to yourself?
Srinivas – The Royal Residence is a former residence of Jodhpur’s royal family. If you are on a romantic getaway in Jaipur, you can book a single room here and celebrate the rich heritage with our tailormade experiences and hospitality.
Morbaugh is our luxury villa in Jaipur with 6 bedrooms, a pool, outdoor dining courtyards, private terraces and more. If you want to have a palace stay in Jaipur, this is the best private vacation home.
Our villa in Udaipur outdoes any other stay in the lake city. Located on an island in Jaisamand Lake, Villa Habu is a 7-bedroom villa with mountain and lake views. Spread over 50 acres, this is undoubtedly the most luxurious stay in Udaipur. With all modern amenities and comforts, you can just have the time of your life here.
We have laid out the best of both cities, from their popular tourist spots to luxury stays. So Jaipur or Udaipur, which is better, is a choice that we leave it up to you. If you want to immerse more in the royal ambience and explore diverse historical monuments, Jaipur could be an apt choice. Udaipur harbours a more peaceful, serene ambience, with more lakesides and opulent spaces.
But whichever city you choose, if you book a stay with us, be assured of hospitality that matches the royals.
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