Feet on the Ghat, Head in the Clouds
Udaipur is located in the Indian state of Rajasthan and feels extremely different from most places I’ve visited so far. My initial trip to Rajasthan was supposed to last two weeks, but I’ve now budgeted a full month. What I love about Udaipur specifically is how tourist-friendly it is. This is the only place I’ve ever visited where I would recommend paying for all the tourist attractions. Even Indian tourists are paying for the same events and experiences as foreigners.
The last census measuring Udaipur’s population was in 2011; the 2021 census was paused. Current estimates suggest about 644,000 people live in the city. Despite that large number, the city feels surprisingly small and intimate. It’s extremely walkable thanks to its beauty. A couple of hours can slip by without you even noticing—whether you’re watching sunrises, exploring cafes and shops, meeting amazing people, or soaking in the energy. Udaipur is classy, rich with heritage, and full of charm.
Yesterday morning, I witnessed a beautiful sunrise at Ambrai Ghat, one of the city’s most cherished and iconic waterfront spots. Ambrai Ghat is located opposite the historic Gangaur Ghat, near Jagdish Chowk. During sunrises and sunsets, it offers iconic, unobstructed views of the royal City Palace. The ghat opens directly onto Lake Pichola, the Taj Lake Palace, and Jag Mandir. They glimmer like something out of a fairy tale. The eerie yet peaceful feeling Udaipur gives is one of timeless serenity. For a millennium, people have witnessed these same sights and felt this same peace. That’s why so many tourists—myself included—are clamoring for the same social-media shots.
In my personal opinion, the best time to view any sunrise or sunset is an hour before and an hour after the official time. That’s too much time for some people, though. If you give yourself half an hour before and half an hour after, you should be good. As of January 27, 2026, sunrise in Udaipur was at 7:20 AM. I arrived at Ambrai Ghat around 6:45 AM and stayed until about 8:00 AM. Many articles I read mentioned a cover charge, but I paid no such fee. I also read that the ghat opens around 6:00 AM, which didn’t happen for me. After waiting about 15 minutes, Ambrai opened at 7:00 AM.
My best recommendation: Don’t get stuck in one spot. Many people pick a single sunrise location and stay glued to it. I want to throw a monkey wrench in that plan. Pick your sunrise spot, but once you’re done, keep walking and keep capturing photos and videos. If you witness the sunrise at Ambrai, just keep going! By 8:00 AM, the picturesque sun rising behind the City Palace may be over, but the light is still hitting different parts of the city and illuminating temporary, peaceful beauty that won’t appear again until the next morning. I absolutely love walking, and Udaipur gives me the chance to witness one beautiful moment and then stumble upon many more impromptu ones. Indian architecture is very different from Western styles—the buildings are often taller. The light bounces and reflects off these structures, literally letting you have your head in the clouds.
