Udaipur, the dreamy City of Lakes, might look like a luxury-only getaway with its grand palaces, the enchanting “City of Lakes,” has long been painted as a luxury playground — palaces by the water, rooftop dining, and boutique hotels. But that’s only one version. The truth is, Udaipur budget travel can be just as magical, often even more authentic, if you know the right hacks.
This cheap & cheerful Udaipur budget travel guide is packed with smart tips to help you spend less and experience more — because exploring this royal city doesn’t have to drain your wallet.
1. Cheap & Cheerful Stays for Udaipur Budget Travel
- Hostels & Dorms: Hostels around Gangaur Ghat or Jagdish Temple start at just ₹300 per night. They’re perfect for solo travelers looking to meet new people.
- Family Guesthouses: Small guesthouses offer cozy rooms and often include home-cooked Rajasthani meals. For ₹500–₹700, you get both comfort and local warmth.
- Budget Hotels: If you want a private room, you’ll find decent options under ₹1000 a night — especially outside the main tourist hotspots.
Staying cheap doesn’t mean sacrificing. Budget-friendly stays give you a closer connection to local life.
2. Eating Local: Cheap Food, Big Flavor
- Street Snacks: Udaipur is known for kachoris, mirchi vadas, and samosas. You’ll find these for ₹20–₹30 at roadside shops.
- Affordable Thalis: A hearty Rajasthani thali at a local eatery can cost as little as ₹120–₹150. These meals are filling, authentic, and perfect for travelers on a budget.
- Chai by the Lake: Instead of pricey café lattes, grab a ₹10 cup of chai at Fateh Sagar Lake or Gangaur Ghat and enjoy the view.
Cheap food is a highlight of Udaipur budget travel, proving flavor doesn’t need a big price tag.
3. Free & Low-Cost Attractions in Udaipur
- Temples & Ghats: Jagdish Temple and Ambrai Ghat offer cultural experiences without any entry fee.
- Lakeside Views: Fateh Sagar Lake and Lake Pichola are breathtaking, and strolling by their banks is absolutely free.
- Budget-Friendly Tickets: Save your money for one or two big-ticket attractions like City Palace (₹300) or Sajjangarh Fort (₹80).
Some of Udaipur’s best experiences come without a price tag, making it a dream for budget travelers.
4. Smart Transport for Udaipur Budget Travel
- Walk Everywhere: The old city is compact, and most sights are within walking distance.
- Shared Autos: For ₹10–₹20 a ride, shared autos are cheaper than private rickshaws.
- Bikes & Cycles: Rent a cycle for under ₹100 or a scooter for around ₹300 a day for more freedom.
Using these options keeps your Udaipur budget travel cheap & cheerful while letting you explore like a local.
5. Cheap & Cheerful Shopping
- Local Bazaars: Hathi Pol and Bada Bazaar are packed with miniature paintings, handicrafts, and colorful textiles.
- Bargaining Tips: Always start at half the quoted price. Bargaining is expected and part of the fun.
- Small Souvenirs: Hand-painted bookmarks, puppets, and trinkets can cost under ₹100 — great keepsakes without overspending.
Shopping in Udaipur is budget-friendly if you know how to haggle with a smile.
6. Sunset Views That Cost Nothing
- Ambrai Ghat: Offers one of the best views of the City Palace, free of charge.
- Karni Mata Temple: Reach it by a quick hike or ropeway (₹100 ticket) for panoramic views.
- Gangaur Ghat: Watch the palaces glow in golden light while locals gather by the lake.
These cheap & cheerful sunset spots prove that the most memorable views don’t need expensive tickets.
7. Budget Day Trips from Udaipur
- Badi Lake: Quiet, scenic, and completely free — a hidden gem for nature lovers.
- Sajjangarh Fort (Monsoon Palace): Small entry fee, but unmatched sunset views over the Aravallis.
- Shilpgram Village: For ₹30, explore Rajasthani crafts, folk art, and performances.
Day trips expand your Udaipur budget travel experience without burning through your cash.
Final Word: Cheap & Cheerful Udaipur Budget Travel
Traveling Udaipur on a budget doesn’t mean missing out. It means discovering the city in its rawest, most authentic form. From ₹300 hostels and street snacks to free lakeside sunsets and bargaining bazaars, Udaipur budget travel is about spending less and experiencing more.
