Udaipur is called the City of Lakes and the Venice of the East. Palaces rise from the water, white havelis line the ghats and the sunsets over Lake Pichola are unforgettable. It looks like a luxury destination, and it can be. But Udaipur is also surprisingly easy to enjoy on a budget, thanks to rooftop hostels, free sunset spots and cheap local food.
This guide covers Udaipur on a budget. You will find cheap stays, free and low-cost attractions, food tips, a 3-day itinerary, a cost breakdown and money-saving advice.
Udaipur at a Glance
- Best time to visit: September to March.
- Daily budget: ₹1,200 to ₹2,000 per person.
- Railway station: Udaipur City.
- Airport: Maharana Pratap Airport (Dabok).
- Getting around: walking, autos, e-rickshaws and city buses.
How to Reach Udaipur Cheaply
Overnight trains from Delhi, Jaipur and Ahmedabad are the cheapest way to reach Udaipur. Buses from Ahmedabad take about four to five hours, and from Jaipur about six to seven hours. Overnight sleeper buses save a hotel night.
Where to Stay in Udaipur on a Budget
| Area | Stay type | Price per night |
|---|---|---|
| Lal Ghat | Hostels, guesthouses | ₹450–1,500 |
| Gangaur Ghat | Lake-view guesthouses | ₹800–2,000 |
| Hanuman Ghat (Ambrai side) | Guesthouses | ₹700–1,800 |
| Near Udaipur City station | Budget hotels | ₹600–1,200 |
- Lal Ghat is the backpacker hub, with social hostels and rooftop cafés.
- Gangaur Ghat offers lake views and easy access to the old city.
- Hanuman Ghat (across the lake) is quieter and has views of the City Palace.
Many hostels have rooftop terraces with lake views, so you get a royal view at a dorm price.
Free and Cheap Things to Do in Udaipur
Sunset at Ambrai Ghat
Ambrai Ghat gives the best free view of the City Palace and Lake Pichola at sunset. Sit on the steps with locals and watch the lights come on.
Walk the Old City and Ghats
Wander the lanes between Jagdish Temple, Gangaur Ghat and Lal Ghat. You will see painted walls, small temples, craft shops and rooftop cafés.
Jagdish Temple
A large, beautifully carved temple in the heart of the old city. Entry is free.
Fateh Sagar Lake
A large lake with a lakeside promenade, popular in the evenings. Street food stalls sell snacks, and the views are lovely.
Saheliyon ki Bari
A garden with fountains, lotus pools and marble elephants, built for royal ladies. The entry fee is low.
Bagore ki Haveli and Dharohar Show
This 18th-century haveli on Gangaur Ghat has a museum. In the evening, the Dharohar folk dance show is a fun, affordable cultural experience.
Monsoon Palace (Sajjangarh)
The hilltop palace gives sweeping views over the city and lakes. There is an entry fee to the sanctuary and a vehicle fee. Go at sunset.
Karni Mata Ropeway
A short ropeway ride up Machla Magra hill for views of Lake Pichola and sunset. It is a cheaper alternative to costly boat rides.
Activities Worth Paying For
- City Palace: the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Tickets cost more, but it is a highlight.
- Lake Pichola boat ride: the public boat from the City Palace jetty or Lal Ghat is cheaper than private boats. Sunset rides cost more.
- Cooking class: many families offer affordable Rajasthani cooking classes.
What to Eat in Udaipur on a Budget
- Dal baati churma: classic Rajasthani dish.
- Kachori and samosa: cheap breakfast options near Jagdish Temple.
- Gatte ki sabzi: gram flour dumplings in curry.
- Rajasthani thali: ₹200 to ₹400 for an unlimited meal.
- Lassi and chai: from small stalls in the old city.
Rooftop cafés with lake views are lovely but cost more. Eat one meal with a view and others at local places to keep food costs down.
Getting Around Udaipur Cheaply
The old city is small and walkable. Autos and e-rickshaws cost ₹30 to ₹100 for short trips. Agree on fares before starting. City buses run to Fateh Sagar and Saheliyon ki Bari. Ride apps work for longer trips.
3-Day Udaipur Itinerary on a Budget
Day 1: Old City and Ghats
- Check in at a Lal Ghat hostel.
- Visit Jagdish Temple and wander the lanes.
- Explore Bagore ki Haveli.
- Sunset at Ambrai Ghat.
- Evening Dharohar dance show.
Day 2: Palaces and Lakes
- Morning at the City Palace.
- Public boat ride on Lake Pichola.
- Afternoon at Saheliyon ki Bari.
- Evening walk along Fateh Sagar Lake.
Day 3: Views and Villages
- Morning ropeway ride to Karni Mata temple.
- Afternoon trip to Shilpgram, a crafts village, or a cooking class.
- Sunset at Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace).
- Overnight train or bus home.
3-Day Udaipur Budget Breakdown
| Expense | Cost per person |
|---|---|
| Train or bus (return) | ₹800–2,500 |
| 2 nights in a hostel | ₹900–1,600 |
| Food | ₹1,200–1,800 |
| Entries (City Palace, gardens, shows) | ₹600–1,200 |
| Boat ride and ropeway | ₹300–700 |
| Local transport | ₹300–600 |
| Total | ₹4,100–8,400 |
Money-Saving Tips for Udaipur
- Stay in Lal Ghat hostels with rooftop views.
- Watch sunset from Ambrai Ghat for free.
- Use the public boat instead of private boats.
- Eat at local thali places for most meals.
- Walk the old city.
- Travel in the shoulder season (September, October, February, March).
For more ideas, read Cheapest Places to Visit in Rajasthan for a Heritage Holiday and Budget Travel in India: Daily Costs for Food, Transport and Accommodation.
Best Time to Visit Udaipur
- September to March: pleasant weather; lakes are full after the monsoon.
- March: Holi celebrations, including the royal Holika Dahan.
- April to June: hot.
- July and August: monsoon; green hills and low prices.
Udaipur for Different Travellers
- Couples: sunset spots, rooftop dinners and boat rides. Read Best Affordable Places to Visit in India for Couples.
- Solo travellers: social hostels in Lal Ghat. Read Cheapest Places to Visit in India for Solo Travellers.
- Families: City Palace, gardens and the folk dance show.
- Photographers: ghats at sunrise and the lake at sunset.
Day Trips from Udaipur
- Kumbhalgarh Fort: a giant hill fort with a long wall.
- Ranakpur Jain Temple: famous for its 1,444 carved pillars.
- Chittorgarh Fort: one of the largest forts in India.
- Mount Abu: a cool hill station.
Udaipur Neighbourhood Guide
Lal Ghat
Lal Ghat sits right on Lake Pichola near the City Palace. It is the backpacker hub of Udaipur, with hostels, rooftop cafés, small shops and a lively evening scene. It is walkable to almost everything in the old city.
Gangaur Ghat and Jagdish Temple Area
This is the busiest part of the old city, with Bagore ki Haveli, the Jagdish Temple and many shops. Guesthouses here often have lake-view rooftops.
Hanuman Ghat and Ambrai
Across the lake via the Chandpole bridge, Hanuman Ghat is quieter. Ambrai Ghat gives the classic view of the City Palace. Stays here are calmer and slightly cheaper.
Fateh Sagar and Shobhagpura
The area around Fateh Sagar Lake is newer and more local. It suits travellers who want to see everyday life in Udaipur and enjoy evening walks along the lake.
A Day in the Life of a Budget Traveller
Start with a sunrise walk along the ghats as women wash clothes and pilgrims pray. Have kachori and chai near Jagdish Temple for under ₹60. Spend the morning at the City Palace. Take the public boat on Lake Pichola after lunch. Rest in your hostel during the afternoon heat. Walk to Ambrai Ghat for sunset and watch the City Palace glow. End the evening at the Dharohar dance show. A full day in Udaipur like this, including a hostel bed, can cost ₹1,800 to ₹2,500.
Udaipur in the Monsoon
The monsoon is a special time in Udaipur. The lakes fill, the Aravalli hills turn green and the Monsoon Palace looks dramatic among the clouds. Hotels offer discounts, and the city is far less crowded. If you do not mind a few showers, July to September can be the most affordable and romantic time to visit.
Shopping in Udaipur
Udaipur is known for miniature paintings, silver jewellery, block-printed textiles, leather goods and marble crafts. Visit Shilpgram, a crafts village on the edge of the city, to see artisans at work and buy directly from them. In the old city, compare prices before buying and bargain politely.
Packing Tips
Pack light cotton clothes, a scarf for sun and temples, comfortable walking shoes for steep lanes and palace stairs, a hat and sunglasses, and a warm layer for winter evenings on the rooftops.
Udaipur for Couples on a Budget
Udaipur is one of India’s most romantic cities, and couples do not need a palace hotel to feel special. Book a guesthouse room with a lake view, share sunset at Ambrai Ghat, take the public boat on Lake Pichola and enjoy one candlelit rooftop dinner. Spend the rest of your time walking the lanes, visiting gardens and sipping chai by the ghats. A romantic three-night stay in Udaipur can cost ₹12,000 to ₹18,000 for two, including travel, which is far less than a luxury package.
Udaipur for Solo Travellers
Hostels in Lal Ghat run sunset rooftop gatherings, walking tours and cooking classes, so solo travellers in Udaipur quickly find company. The old city feels safe, though it is best to avoid deserted lanes late at night.
Lake Pichola Boat Rides: How to Save
The lake is the heart of the city, and a boat ride is on most travellers’ lists. Private and hotel boats can be costly, especially at sunset. The cheaper option is the public boat run from the City Palace complex jetty and from Lal Ghat, which offers shorter loops at fixed prices. Daytime rides cost less than sunset rides. If budget is tight, skip the boat and watch the sunset from Ambrai Ghat, Hanuman Ghat or the Karni Mata ropeway instead. You will still see the palaces reflected in the water, and it costs little or nothing.
Cooking and Craft Classes
Short cooking classes in family homes are a fun, affordable way to learn Rajasthani dishes like dal baati, gatte ki sabzi and chapatis. Many last two to three hours and include a full meal. Miniature painting workshops are also popular and give you a small artwork to take home. Both are great on hot afternoons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Udaipur on a Budget
How much does a trip to Udaipur cost?
A 3-day trip usually costs ₹4,100 to ₹8,400 per person.
Where is the cheapest place to stay in Udaipur?
Lal Ghat hostels offer the best value.
What is the best free sunset spot in Udaipur?
Ambrai Ghat, with views of the City Palace and Lake Pichola.
Is the City Palace worth the ticket?
Yes. It is one of the highlights of Udaipur.
How many days are enough for Udaipur?
Two to three days are ideal.
Final Thoughts
Udaipur on a budget feels royal without the royal bill. Stay on a rooftop by the lake, watch free sunsets from the ghats and enjoy simple Rajasthani food. For more Rajasthan ideas, read Cheapest Places to Visit in Rajasthan for a Heritage Holiday and Jaipur on a Budget: How to Explore the Pink City for Less.