Heritage Walks, Handcraft & Temple Trails: Unique Experiences in Old City, Udaipur

It’s not just the palaces or the shimmering lakes, it’s the soul of Udaipur that lives in its Old City. Here every lane has a story of royalty to tell and every corner makes you realise why Udaipur is not just a city, but a living canvas of art, tradition, and timeless beauty.

From the temple bells echoing in the morning to the quiet magic of the ghats glowing in the evening light, the Old City of Udaipur offers something that captivates your soul.

In this following blog, we will take you through the unique experiences in Old City, Udaipur.
And don’t be surprised if you’re packing your bags for Udaipur by the time you finish reading these unforgettable experiences.

Discover the Real Udaipur Through a Heritage Walk in the Old City: 

Want to explore Udaipur from its roots? There’s no better way than taking a heritage walk through the Old City where every lane reveals the history, culture, and charm of the city.

Here are the curated experiences you’ll discover during the heritage walk:

• Historical Sites: Walk through the centuries of history as you explore iconic landmarks such as the City Palace, the Jagdish Temple, and Bagore ki Haveli.
• Ghats: Udaipur doesn’t just exist in its palaces and lakes, it lives in its ghats. As you walk through the heritage sites, you’ll find yourself at Gangaur Ghat, Amrai Ghat, Lal Ghat, Hanuman Ghat, and Dudh Talai. Each ghat has a different view, yet all are equally magical, enough to take your heart away. Simply sitting by the ghat brings a calm so deep, it feels like the city is sharing its silence with you.
• Bazaars: The Old City bazaar of Udaipur is renowned as Hathi Pol Bazaar, also known as the “Elephant Gate Market” and is famous for a wide variety of Rajasthani handicrafts, textiles, and clothing.
  More places to shop from: City Palace Street, Ghanta Ghar Market, Bada Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar. Each bazaar has something unique to offer.
• Architectural Gem: Rajasthan is full of beautiful old buildings from detailed havelis to historic landmarks that show the rich art and design of the past. While many still remain as heritage sites, some have been carefully restored and turned into boutique stays. And staying in one of these is a chance to experience the beauty and history of Rajasthan from up close.

Where Can You Experience Traditional Handicrafts in Udaipur?

• The Old City, Udaipur is a paradise for handmade art lovers. At every street of the Old City, you find artisans working on miniature paintings, leather Mojaris, and silver jewellery. Artisans give live workshops on your request where you can also try your hand at local crafts.
• Buying handmade crafts from these local artisans not only keeps the roots of Rajasthan alive but also supports their livelihood.

What Makes Udaipur’s Temple Trails So Special? 

• The Old City, Udaipur is famous for its temples that reflect both devotion and heritage. One of the most significant temples is Jagdish temple, a 17th-century marvel. It’s known for its intricate architecture and is a famous tourist destination.
• Here, you also come across smaller temples hidden in the narrow lanes, each with its own local story. A guided temple trail helps you to understand not just the history, but also the meaning behind the rituals and the symbols carved into the temples.

Unique Experiences with Kaladwas Lal Haveli in Udaipur

1. Mewari Jewellery Workshop

• In Rajasthan jewellery is not just part of a woman’s adornment but, it’s a reflection of culture, tradition, and identity. To let you in on this tradition, Kaladwas Lal Haveli organizes Mewari jewellery making workshops, led by local artisans. Here, you get a unique chance to see traditional designs like the Borla, Rakhdi, and Jhumkas and even try your hands on them.
• The best part about these workshops is that each piece carries a story, and by the end, you don’t just leave with jewellery, but a memory handcrafted by you.
• We host these workshops exclusively on special request, making each session a personalised and memorable experience for our guests.

2. Miniature Painting Workshops

• At Kaladwas Lal Haveli, our Miniature Painting Workshop opens a window into a royal past. This delicate art form, once created in the courts of Mewar for royalty, is now shared with you by local artisans who keep the tradition alive.
• With this workshop, guests also get to take home a piece of Udaipur’s legacy with them on canvas.
• These guided workshops not only bring your inner hidden talent out on canvas, but also bring you closer to the heritage of Rajasthan, which makes your experience at Kaladwas Lal Haveli unforgettable.

3. Sigligars: The Art of Sword Making

• Away from the overcrowded tourist spots, the Sigligars community, traditional sword makers are still keeping their age-old handcraft techniques alive in the streets of the old city. In our workshop at Kaladwas Lal Haveli, we invite you to experience this traditional wisdom.
• During this workshop, you get a chance to witness how swords are made using ancient methods, and even try a bit of the process by yourself.

4. Discover Udaipur’s Unexplored Heritage Walks

• Exclusive heritage walks led by the local staff at Kaladwas Lal Haveli take you through the unexplored places of the city that are not even on any map or guidebook.
• During this heritage walk guests get to discover hidden lanes, old stepwells, faded wall paintings, and local stories. It’s perfect for people who are curious to explore the real side of the city. These walks offer a meaningful and relaxed way to experience the city’s heritage, as the places visited are often quiet and less crowded.

5. Experience Sacred Temple Walks Through the Old City, Udaipur

• At Kaladwas Lal Haveli, we offer guided sacred temple trails through the hidden lanes of Udaipur’s Old City. It is a journey into the city’s spiritual heart led by local staff who know the stories behind every step.
• It is a visit to ancient temples behind colorful doors, beside ghats, and in quiet courtyards. From the grandeur of Jagdish Temple to secret shrines only a few know about how each stop is filled with peace, history, and devotion. With the soft sound of bells and centuries-old carvings around you.
• Temple trail feels like stepping into a living prayer simple, soulful, and deeply moving.

6. A Folk Music Dinner Under the Stars

• As the evening falls, the rooftop of Kaladwas Lal Haveli turns magical. The soft glow of candlelight flickers against ancient red stone walls and the only light that guides the night is the gentle shimmer of the moon. The folk music fills the air, bringing the music of Rajasthan alive.
• At Kaladwas Lal Haveli, we create a beautiful setting, where every cold breeze coming from the Lakes of Udaipur touches you gently, carrying the sweet scent of flowers decorated beautifully in every corner of our heritage haveli.
• When you enjoy your dinner under the open sky, it feels like you’re in a royal haveli, dining like royalty, surrounded by music, warmth, and the timeless charm of our heritage haveli.

7. Mewari Cooking Classes Turn a Meal into a Memory

• The aim behind restoring our heritage haveli is to give you the real essence of Rajasthan and what would be the better way to experience it through the rich flavours of Mewari cuisine? Our Mewari cooking classes are guided by local staff, who have inherited recipes passed down through generations, straight from the royal kitchens of Mewar.
• When you grind the fresh spices by hand and give “tadka” in the dal the entire area fills with the aromas that have been part of Rajasthan’s land’s cooking for years.
• During these culinary sessions every ingredient tells a story and every dish connects you with the soul of Rajasthan. Here, cooking isn’t just about food it’s about feeling, learning, and creating.

Conclusion: 

In the heart of Udaipur, the Old City has different experiences to offer. From heritage walks to temple trails, each has its own unique story behind it. To unfold these stories Kaladwas Lal Haveli invites you to experience Rajasthan with all senses. From learning Mewari jewellery making and miniature painting to discovering the handmade craft of Sigligars, every activity connects you to centuries of tradition.