Lake Pichola presents options for entertainment away from the busy streets of Udaipur. Various companies and private individuals run boat trips around the shores of the lake and out to the islands. You get to take in the city from another perspective and you can also head for Jag Niwas Island to dine at the restaurant there.
You can also take in Lake Pichola and the other lakes by hiring a bicycle and cycling around the banks. This is best done in the cool, winter season, however. There are also many unique entertainment options in Udaipur, including the Udaipur Ropeway - a high cable car between two hills.
In addition, you can enjoy cultured evenings with traditional music and dance or take the kids to a traditional puppetry show in town. Elephant polo is also an unusual pastime.
Udaipur's main attraction is a must for boat enthusiasts and you can take trips from a number of locations to take in the city. Top sights to see include the City Palace on the eastern banks and the islands in the middle with their private palaces. Jag Niwas is the larger of the two and has a fancy restaurant. Boat trips are best done outside of the wet season and are fun for the whole family.
This lofty cable car (Karni Mata Ropeway) goes between Dudh Talai garden and Ropeway Junction on a hill where there is a restaurant and the Temple of Karnimata Godess. The ride is particularly spectacular at night for taking in the city lights and the food at the restaurant is excellent.
Elephant Polo is held at various times of the year in Udaipur and is lots of fun for the family. It is essentially the same as horse polo, yet not quite as fast-paced. You will, however, be surprised at the agility of the large beasts while they attempt to get their rider to the ball.
To see a traditional local puppetry show, head for Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal - a folk-art museum that has daily performances. It is entertaining for all ages, and particularly kids, with the elaborate dolls' costumes and masks.
Meera Kala Mandir stages another look into the traditions of the Rajasthan region with ancient folk music and dance. Meera Kala Mandir is situated on City Station Road and has shows nightly, with beautiful, costumed dancers and enchanting music.
There's not much in the way of nightlife in Udaipur but if you're specifically after a drink in a bar atmosphere, head for the historic part of town. Much of the action of a night is contained in the markets and bazaars, while many elaborate restaurants offer all sorts of extras, including the likes of the Lake Palace and Rooftop restaurants.
