Udaipur travel guide

India

A city of lakes and palaces in the Aravalli hills of southern Rajasthan. Udaipur is gentler than Rajasthan's larger cities, with rooftop sunsets over Lake Pichola and an old town made for wandering.

Essentials

Language
Hindi and Mewari; English is spoken in hotels and tourist areas
Currency
Indian rupee (INR)
Plugs
Type C, D and M, 230 V
Emergency number
112
Tipping
Around 10% in restaurants if no service charge is included; small tips for drivers and guides are customary.

Rough daily budget

Approximate spend per person per day, in US dollars:

Last reviewed: October 2026

Where to stay in Udaipur

Getting around Udaipur

The old city is compact and walkable, though its lanes are steep and shared with motorbikes. Auto-rickshaws cover longer distances, so agree the fare first, and boats run on Lake Pichola.

Best time to visit Udaipur

October to March, when the days are warm and the lakes are usually full after the monsoon.

Top things to do in Udaipur

What to eat in Udaipur

Day trips from Udaipur

Local etiquette

Remove your shoes and cover your shoulders and knees at temples; leather items are not allowed in Jain temples. Bargaining is normal in markets, but keep it friendly.

Staying connected

Jio and Airtel SIMs need a passport and photo to register, and nearly every hotel and rooftop café has Wi-Fi.

Staying safe

Udaipur is relaxed, but drivers and guides may steer you to shops that pay them commission, so shop where you choose. Summer heat from April to June is severe, so carry water and rest at midday.

A local tip

Ride the ropeway up to the Karni Mata temple in the late afternoon for a view over the whole city and Lake Pichola.

Visas:rules depend on your nationality and change often – check your own government's official travel advice before you go.

Meet people in Udaipur on Waypacker

Waypacker is a free travel community: stay with ID-verified local hosts, join meetups and city groups, and ask people who live in Udaipur for advice. We are new here, so if you live in Udaipur, you could be one of the first hosts.

Questions about Udaipur

What currency is used in Udaipur?
Udaipur uses the Indian rupee (INR).
What is the emergency number in Udaipur?
In Udaipur, call 112.
When is the best time to visit Udaipur?
October to March, when the days are warm and the lakes are usually full after the monsoon.
How much does a day in Udaipur cost?
Roughly $25-40 a day in US dollars on a backpacker budget (a hostel or shared room, street food and public transport), and $60-110 mid-range (a private room and restaurants). These are broad estimates, last reviewed October 2026.
Is Waypacker free to use in Udaipur?
Yes. Joining is free and stays with hosts carry no nightly rate or booking fee.
Are Waypacker hosts ID-verified?
Every host's ID and selfie are checked by hand by a real person before they can host. Nothing is sent to an AI service.
Can I meet locals in Udaipur without staying with anyone?
Yes. You can join meetups and city groups, or ask locals for tips, without booking a stay.
Will anyone see my exact location?
No. Hosts and meetups appear as a neighbourhood-sized area about a kilometre wide, and exact addresses are never stored.

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