How to Visit Udaipur on a Budget Under ₹15,000

TL;DR Summary

• Explore Udaipur affordably with a ₹15,000 budget.
• Budget travel via sleeper trains or buses.
• Cheap stays in hostels under ₹500/night.
• Free lakeside views and local markets.
• Affordable 5-day itinerary with insider hacks.
• Save big on food with street eats.

Introduction to Budget Travel in Udaipur

I still remember my first backpacking trip to Udaipur over a decade ago. With just ₹5,000 in my pocket, I wandered through the narrow lanes near Lake Pichola, sipping chai for ₹10 while watching the sunset paint the City Palace gold. I was struck by how a city so steeped in royal charm could be so kind to a frugal traveller like me. Often called the "Venice of the East," Udaipur offers stunning palaces, serene lakes, and vibrant markets without breaking the bank. Unlike pricier destinations like Jaipur, here you can haggle for souvenirs, eat hearty meals for under ₹100, and find dorm beds for peanuts. In this guide, you'll discover how to plan a memorable 5-day trip to Udaipur on a budget of ₹15,000 or less, packed with personal tips, cost breakdowns, and local hacks to stretch every rupee.

Why Visit Udaipur on a Budget?

• Udaipur's entry fees for major attractions like City Palace are as low as ₹30 for Indians if you skip guided tours.
• Street food like kachoris and dal baati churma costs under ₹50 per meal at local stalls.
• Public transport, including shared autos, charges ₹10-20 for short distances within the city.
• Many scenic spots like Lake Pichola offer free walking paths with no entry cost.
• Budget accommodations near key areas start at ₹400 per night for clean dorms.
• Local markets like Hathi Pol sell handmade souvenirs for as little as ₹100 after bargaining.
• Off-season travel (May-September) slashes hotel rates by up to 40% compared to peak winter months.

Top Budget Things to Do & See

1. Lake Pichola

Gaze at the tranquil waters reflecting the majestic City Palace at sunset.

Budget Tip: Skip expensive boat rides (₹400+) and enjoy free views from Gangaur Ghat.

2. City Palace

Marvel at this sprawling royal complex showcasing Rajput architecture and history.

Budget Tip: Opt for the basic entry ticket (₹30 for Indians) without museum access.

3. Jagdish Temple

Admire the intricate carvings of this 17th-century Hindu temple near City Palace.

Budget Tip: Entry is free; visit early morning to avoid donation-seeking guides.

4. Saheliyon-ki-Bari

Stroll through this serene garden with lotus pools and elegant fountains.

Budget Tip: Entry is just ₹10; carry your own water to avoid overpriced stalls.

5. Bagore Ki Haveli

Experience Rajasthani culture through evening dance shows at this historic haveli.

Budget Tip: Book tickets in advance for ₹100 instead of ₹150 at the gate.

6. Monsoon Palace

Catch panoramic views of Udaipur from this hilltop palace perched above the city.

Budget Tip: Take a shared auto (₹20-30) instead of private taxis to reach the base.

How to Reach Udaipur on a Budget

Udaipur is well-connected by air, rail, and road, with plenty of low-cost options for budget travellers. The nearest airport, Maharana Pratap Airport, is 20 km from the city center. However, flights are often expensive (₹3,000+ one-way from Delhi or Mumbai). For savings, opt for trains or buses. Udaipur City Railway Station connects to major cities like Delhi (7-8 hours, sleeper class ₹250-₹350), Jaipur (7 hours, ₹200-₹300), and Mumbai (15 hours, ₹400-₹500). Book tickets on IRCTC well in advance for the cheapest fares. Buses are another frugal choice—state-run RSRTC buses or private operators like Neeta Travels offer overnight services from Jaipur (6-7 hours, ₹250-₹400) or Ahmedabad (5-6 hours, ₹200-₹350). Once in Udaipur, use shared autos or walk short distances to save on local transport. A hack from my travels: always check redBus for last-minute bus deals, and avoid AC coaches unless it’s peak summer.

Best Time to Visit for Budget Travellers

For budget travellers, the off-season of May to September is ideal for visiting Udaipur. Hotel rates drop by 30-40%, with hostels and guesthouses offering deals as low as ₹300-₹500 per night compared to ₹800+ in peak season (October to March). Monsoon months (July-September) bring lush greenery and fewer crowds, though occasional rain may limit outdoor plans—carry a cheap umbrella from local markets (₹50). Winters (November-February) are pleasant with temperatures of 10-25°C, but prices and crowds peak, especially during festivals like Diwali. Avoid this unless you’re okay with splurging a bit. My tip: aim for late September or early October for a sweet spot of decent weather, thin crowds, and slashed rates.

Where to Stay – Cheap Homestays & Hostels

Udaipur has a range of budget stays under ₹1,500 per night, especially around Lake Pichola and Old City areas like Lal Ghat and Hanuman Ghat. These spots keep you close to major attractions while saving on transport. Hostels like Zostel Udaipur (₹400-₹600/night for dorms) offer clean beds, free Wi-Fi, and a social vibe—perfect for solo travellers. For a local experience, guesthouses like Mewargarh Palace (₹800-₹1,200/night) provide private rooms with lake views. Another gem is Dream Heaven Guest House near Gangaur Ghat (₹600-₹900/night), known for rooftop views and friendly hosts. Book directly or via platforms like Hostelworld to snag discounts, and always ask for off-season rates. Browse budget-friendly stays on Unpaqd: Browse Unpaqd stays in Udaipur

Trip Cost Breakdown (5-Day Trip for 1 Person Under ₹15,000)

Category	Cost (₹)	Notes
Transport (Round Trip)	1,000	Sleeper train/bus from Jaipur/Delhi
Stay (5 nights)	2,500	Hostel dorm at ₹500/night
Food	2,500	Street food & budget eateries (₹500/day)
Activities/Entry Fees	500	City Palace, gardens, dance shows
Local Transport	500	Shared autos & walking
Miscellaneous	500	Souvenirs, extra snacks
Total	7,500	Well under ₹15,000 budget

*Note: Costs are approximate and based on 2023 prices. Adjust based on your starting city and travel style.

Suggested Budget Itineraries

3-Day Quick Trip

• Day 1 (Arrival & Lakeside Charm): Arrive by morning train/bus (₹500 round trip). Check into a budget hostel near Lal Ghat (₹500/night). Spend the afternoon at Lake Pichola for free views from Gangaur Ghat. Evening at a local eatery for dal baati (₹80).
• Day 2 (Palaces & Culture): Morning visit to City Palace (₹30 entry) and Jagdish Temple (free). Afternoon at Saheliyon-ki-Bari (₹10). Evening cultural show at Bagore Ki Haveli (₹100). Dinner at street stalls (₹50).
• Day 3 (Quick Exploration & Departure): Morning trip to Monsoon Palace via shared auto (₹30). Return by noon, shop at Hathi Pol (₹200 budget), and catch an evening bus/train back (included in ₹500).

5-Day Full Experience

• Day 1 (Arrival & Settle In): Arrive via overnight train/bus (₹500 round trip). Check into hostel (₹500/night). Relax at Lake Pichola with free views. Dinner at a local dhaba (₹80).
• Day 2 (Historical Core): Morning at City Palace (₹30) and Jagdish Temple (free). Afternoon at Saheliyon-ki-Bari (₹10). Dinner with street food like kachoris (₹50).
• Day 3 (Cultural Deep Dive): Morning exploring local markets like Bada Bazaar (free, budget ₹200 for souvenirs). Evening dance show at Bagore Ki Haveli (₹100). Budget meal (₹70).
• Day 4 (Scenic Heights): Day trip to Monsoon Palace (shared auto ₹30). Afternoon chilling at Ambrai viewpoint (free). Dinner at a cheap eatery (₹80).
• Day 5 (Wrap-Up & Departure): Morning stroll at Gulab Bagh (free). Last-minute shopping at Hathi Pol (₹100). Depart by evening bus/train (included in ₹500).

Ideal For

• Backpackers looking for affordable cultural experiences.
• Solo travellers seeking safe and social hostels.
• Budget couples wanting romantic views without splurging.
• History buffs eager to explore palaces on a shoestring.
• Students planning low-cost weekend getaways.

Safety, Permits & Local Etiquette on Budget

Udaipur is generally safe for budget travellers, even solo women, if you stick to crowded areas and avoid late-night wanderings in isolated spots. No special permits are needed for tourist sites, but always carry ID for hostel check-ins. For mobile connectivity, grab a local SIM (Airtel or Jio, ₹200 for 1GB/day plans) at the station—don’t rely on airport counters charging double. Dress modestly, especially near temples like Jagdish; cover shoulders and knees to avoid unwanted attention. Bargain politely in markets but don’t push too hard—building rapport with vendors often gets better deals. Avoid touts promising “cheap tours”; they often overcharge. My go-to safety hack: keep small change handy for autos and street food to avoid flashing large notes.

Hidden Budget Tips from 20+ Years of Travel

• Walk between attractions in Old City—most are within 1-2 km, saving auto fares.
• Buy snacks from local grocery stores (₹20-50) instead of tourist cafes near lakes.
• Visit during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds and inflated entry fees at shows.
• Use Google Maps offline to navigate narrow lanes without burning data.
• Bargain for souvenirs at Hathi Pol—start at 50% of the quoted price.
• Join free walking tours organized by hostels like Zostel for insider stories.
• Carry a reusable water bottle—refill at hostel filters instead of buying (₹20/bottle).
• Eat at “thali” joints for unlimited meals under ₹100 near Clock Tower.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Udaipur affordable for budget travellers?

Absolutely, Udaipur is a haven for budget travellers. With hostels starting at ₹400-₹500 per night, street food under ₹50 per meal, and low entry fees (₹10-₹30 for major attractions), you can explore comfortably. Even transport within the city via shared autos costs just ₹10-20. My trips here have always stayed under ₹10,000 for 5 days with careful planning.

Q: How much does a budget trip to Udaipur cost?

A 5-day budget trip to Udaipur can cost as little as ₹7,500-₹10,000 per person. This includes round-trip transport (₹1,000), cheap stays (₹2,500), food (₹2,500), and activities (₹500-₹1,000). You can keep costs lower by walking, eating street food, and skipping pricier extras like boat rides. My breakdown above shows how to stay under ₹15,000 easily.

Q: What's the best time for cheap travel to Udaipur?

The best time for cheap travel to Udaipur is during the off-season, from May to September. Accommodation prices drop significantly, often by 30-40%, and crowds are thinner, making bargaining easier. Monsoon (July-September) adds scenic beauty, though light rain gear is handy. I’ve saved hundreds by visiting in late September with pleasant weather and low rates.

Q: How to reach Udaipur cheaply?

The cheapest way to reach Udaipur is by train or bus. Sleeper class trains from Delhi or Jaipur cost ₹200-₹350 (7-8 hours), while overnight buses start at ₹250-₹400 via RSRTC or redBus. Avoid flights unless you snag a rare deal under ₹2,000. Booking early and opting for non-AC options have saved me tons over the years.

Q: Are there safe budget stays in Udaipur?

Yes, Udaipur has plenty of safe budget stays, especially hostels and guesthouses near Lal Ghat and Hanuman Ghat. Options like Zostel (₹400-₹600/night) and Dream Heaven Guest House (₹600-₹900/night) are secure with good reviews and central locations. Stick to well-rated places and avoid isolated areas. I’ve stayed in these spots multiple times without issues.

Q: Which is better for budget — Udaipur or Jaipur?

For budget travellers, Udaipur often edges out Jaipur due to lower accommodation and food costs. Hostels in Udaipur start at ₹400/night compared to ₹600+ in Jaipur, and street food is cheaper by ₹20-30 per meal. Udaipur also has more free scenic spots like lakeside ghats, while Jaipur’s major forts charge higher entry fees. From my experience, Udaipur feels more intimate and wallet-friendly for a short trip.