Udaipur is called the City of Lakes for good reason. Everywhere you look, there is water, royalty, and romance in the air. White-washed havelis, flower-draped balconies, the shimmering surface of Lake Pichola, and the distant glow of the City Palace — Udaipur has a beauty that photographs can barely capture. And while the city has its share of luxurious palace hotels, it is very much possible to enjoy Udaipur on a budget without compromising on the experience.
Budget hotels in Udaipur are some of the most charming in India. Many are family-run guesthouses tucked into the lanes of the old city, with rooftop terraces that offer views most luxury hotels would charge five times more for. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to find a great budget stay in Udaipur.
Quick Answers About Budget Hotels in Udaipur
What is the average price of a budget hotel in Udaipur? Budget hotels in Udaipur typically range from ₹700 to ₹2000 per night. Hostels offer dorm beds from ₹400 to ₹700 per person.
Can budget travellers enjoy lake views in Udaipur? Yes. Many budget guesthouses in the old city area have rooftop terraces or rooms with partial or full views of Lake Pichola and the City Palace. Always ask specifically about this when booking.
Is it safe to stay in old city guesthouses in Udaipur? Yes, the old city is generally very safe for tourists. The lanes can be confusing at first but locals are always willing to help. Most guesthouses have 24-hour staff.
Are there budget hotel options near Udaipur City Palace? Yes. The area around City Palace Road and Gangaur Ghat has several budget and mid-range options within walking distance of the City Palace.
Why Udaipur is a Great Destination for Budget Travellers
Udaipur is one of those rare destinations where the atmosphere does most of the heavy lifting. You do not need a luxury hotel to feel the magic — just sitting by the ghats at sunset costs nothing. The city’s old quarter is compact and walkable, which saves on transport costs. Street food is delicious and incredibly cheap. Most major attractions have reasonable entry fees, and many of the most beautiful spots like the ghats, the gardens, and the lakeside promenades are free to enjoy.
The city has also become popular among digital nomads and long-stay travellers because of its relatively low cost of living and the large number of budget guesthouses willing to offer monthly or weekly discounts.
Best Areas to Stay on a Budget in Udaipur
The old city near Jagdish Temple and the Lake Pichola ghats is the most popular area for budget travellers. This is where you will find the highest concentration of guesthouses, rooftop cafes, and heritage lanes. It is noisy and busy but full of life and character.
The area around Fateh Sagar Lake is slightly less touristy and tends to have a quieter vibe with some good budget options. If you are willing to stay a little further from the main tourist zone, you can find even cheaper accommodation in localities like Hiran Magri and Shastri Circle, though you will need an auto or cab to get around.
Top Budget Hotels in Udaipur – Price Comparison Table
| Hotel / Guesthouse Name | Location | Price Range (Per Night) | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zostel Udaipur | Old City | ₹400 – ₹900 (Dorm/Private) | Hostel | Solo Backpackers |
| Hotel Gangaur Palace | Gangaur Ghat | ₹1000 – ₹1800 | Budget Hotel | Couples, Families |
| Nukkad Guesthouse | Old City Lanes | ₹700 – ₹1200 | Guesthouse | Long-stay Travellers |
| Hotel Sarovar | Lake Pichola Area | ₹1200 – ₹2000 | Budget Hotel | Couples, Heritage Seekers |
| Shiv Niwas Bunkhouse | City Palace Road | ₹500 – ₹800 (Dorm) | Hostel | Solo Travellers |
| Hotel Mewar Inn | Fateh Sagar Area | ₹900 – ₹1500 | Budget Hotel | Families, Couples |
| Lake Palace View Guesthouse | Gangaur Ghat Road | ₹800 – ₹1400 | Guesthouse | Rooftop Lake Views |
Prices are indicative and vary by season. Peak season (October–March) will see higher rates. Book early for the best deals.
What to Expect When Staying in a Budget Hotel in Udaipur
In Udaipur’s old city, budget hotels are often heritage-style buildings with thick stone walls, carved wooden furniture, and inner courtyards. Rooms can be small but are usually clean and well-maintained. Hot water is generally available though it may come from a geyser. Air conditioning is available in most places, even at budget rates, because of the hot Rajasthani summers.
Many guesthouses have rooftop restaurants or common areas where you can enjoy meals while looking out over the city. This is one of the great joys of staying in Udaipur — a simple dinner on a rooftop with lake views is an experience you will not forget regardless of how little you paid for the room.
Things to Do Near Budget Hotels in Udaipur
Jagdish Temple, just a short walk from most old-city guesthouses, is open from early morning and is a great place to start your day. The City Palace complex is nearby and offers one of the finest museum experiences in Rajasthan. Boat rides on Lake Pichola are popular and reasonably priced. Fateh Sagar Lake and Saheliyon ki Bari garden are lovely for evening strolls.
The evening arti at the Ambrai Ghat is free, spiritual, and deeply moving. The local Hathi Pol bazaar is excellent for textiles, handicrafts, and silver jewellery at fair prices. Puppet shows and folk music performances are often free or low-cost and give you a real taste of Rajasthani culture.
How to Get to Udaipur on a Budget
Udaipur has its own Maharana Pratap Airport with connections to major Indian cities. From the airport, an auto-rickshaw or cab to the old city costs between ₹200 and ₹400. Train connectivity from Jaipur, Delhi, and Ahmedabad is excellent and is the most affordable way to reach Udaipur. From Jaipur, buses and trains run frequently and the journey takes around 6 to 7 hours depending on the route.
Food Scene Around Budget Hotels in Udaipur
Udaipur’s food scene is a delight for budget travellers. The rooftop cafes along the lake charge slightly more than local dhabas but are still very affordable by any standard. Dal bati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and laal maas are Rajasthani dishes you must try. A full thali meal at most local restaurants costs between ₹100 and ₹200. Sheela Restaurant near Jagdish Temple and Natraj Dining Hall near Hathi Pol are local favourites for genuine Rajasthani food at honest prices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the cheapest area to stay in Udaipur?
The old city area near Jagdish Temple and the ghats of Lake Pichola has many budget guesthouses. This area is also the most atmospheric part of Udaipur and is walkable to most major sights.
Can I find a hotel in Udaipur with lake view under ₹2000?
Yes, several rooftop guesthouses near Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar offer lake-view rooms or terraces for under ₹2000 per night, especially outside peak season.
Is Udaipur affordable for budget travellers?
Udaipur can be done on a modest budget. Food at local dhabas and rooftop cafes is affordable. Entry to most heritage sites costs between ₹50 and ₹200. Budget accommodation starts from ₹500.
Which is the best time to visit Udaipur for low hotel rates?
April to June and September are typically the off-peak months for Udaipur, which means lower hotel prices. The peak season is October to March.
Are there good hostels in Udaipur?
Yes, Udaipur has a growing number of quality hostels particularly in the old city area. Many offer dorm beds with rooftop seating areas and great lake views.
Is it possible to negotiate hotel rates in Udaipur?
Yes, especially during off-season or for longer stays. Calling the hotel directly rather than booking through an app can sometimes get you a better rate.
What kind of food is available near budget hotels in Udaipur?
Rajasthani thalis, street food stalls, and rooftop cafes are all widely available near most budget accommodation areas. Prices are very reasonable and quality is generally good.
About Musafir Diary: We are a travel blog run by passionate travellers who believe great trips don’t require big budgets. Visit us at https://musafirdiary.in/ for more travel guides, hotel reviews, and budget travel tips across India.
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Disclaimer: Hotel prices and availability mentioned in this article are approximate and subject to change. Always verify current rates directly with the hotel or the booking platform before finalising your reservation. Musafir Diary is not responsible for discrepancies in pricing or services offered.
