What is the best time for this walking tour Udaipur?

The best time is late afternoon, starting around 3:30 PM. This allows you to see the architecture in the golden hour light and finish your walk just as the sun sets over Lake Pichola.

Is the route difficult to walk?

It is considered moderate. The streets in the Old City are narrow, often steep, and can be uneven. You will also need to navigate around local traffic like scooters and cows.

Can I enter all the havelis on this route?

Bagore Ki Haveli is a museum open to the public for a fee. Others, like Jagat Niwas and Amet Haveli, are heritage hotels; you can usually enter the courtyards or restaurants, but guest rooms are private.

What exactly is a Haveli?

A Haveli is a traditional townhouse or mansion in India, usually with historical and architectural significance. They are characterized by central courtyards, intricate stone carvings, and Jharokha balconies.

Is this walk suitable for children?

Older children may enjoy the museum at Bagore Ki Haveli, but the narrow, busy streets of the Old City can be challenging for very young children or those in strollers.

Do I need to book tickets in advance for any stops?

No advance booking is required for the walk itself. However, if you wish to see the evening folk dance at Bagore Ki Haveli, it is recommended to buy tickets at the venue an hour before the show starts.

Are there places to eat along the way?

Yes, several stops like Jagat Niwas and Amet Haveli have excellent rooftop restaurants. There are also many small cafes in the Brahmpuri area near Gangaur Ghat.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Udaipur, the City of Lakes, is famed for its grand palaces, but its true architectural soul resides in the narrow, winding alleys of the Brahmpuri district. This self-guided walk invites you to look beyond the surface of the main tourist hubs and discover the 'Havelis'—traditional Indian mansions that define the city's heritage. On this neighborhood stroll, you will encounter a tapestry of stone carvings, lime-plastered walls, and the iconic Jharokha balconies that have overlooked Lake Pichola for centuries. The route begins at the spiritual and social heart of the waterfront, Gangaur Ghat, before weaving through the historic residences of Mewar nobles and wealthy merchants. As you follow this walking route, you will observe the transition of these grand structures from private family homes to meticulously restored heritage hotels and museums. You will see the intricate mirror work of Bagore Ki Haveli and the stunning white-washed facades of Jagat Niwas, which exemplify the 'Udaipuri' style of architecture. This explore-at-your-own-pace journey is perfect for photography enthusiasts and history buffs who want to understand the craftsmanship behind the city's famous silhouette. Beyond the stone and mortar, this self-guided adventure offers a glimpse into the daily life of Udaipur’s oldest quarters, where ancient traditions meet modern preservation. Whether you are admiring the hand-painted frescoes or the panoramic views from rooftop terraces, this walking tour Udaipur provides a deep dive into the artistic legacy of Rajasthan. By the time you reach the final stops, you will have moved from the bustling lakeside to the quieter, more elevated reaches of the city, gaining a comprehensive perspective on how Udaipur's elite once lived. Discover the secrets hidden behind heavy wooden doors and find the best vantage points for the lake that most travelers miss.

Highlights

Marvel at the 18th-century mirror work and glass mosaics inside Bagore Ki Haveli.

Observe the iconic 'Jharokhas' and traditional Mewari masonry at Jagat Niwas Palace.

Explore the spiritual atmosphere of Gangaur Ghat, the center of local festivals.

See how historic noble residences have been transformed into luxury heritage hotels.

Enjoy panoramic views of Lake Pichola and the City Palace from hidden rooftop vantage points.

Wander through the narrow, atmospheric alleys of the Brahmpuri neighborhood.

Tour Stops (6)

Gangaur Ghat Marg

Begin your self-guided adventure at Gangaur Ghat, one of the most significant waterfront landmarks in Udaipur. This ghat, or series of steps leading to the water, serves as a primary location for the Gangaur Festival, where locals celebrate the goddess Gauri. As you stand here, look at the Bagore ki Haveli gateway; its massive triple-arched gate is a masterpiece of stone masonry. The ghat is the perfect place to observe the local relationship with Lake Pichola, from morning rituals to evening social gatherings. The architecture here is designed to be both functional for water access and grand enough for royal processions.

Bagore Ki Haveli

Just steps from the ghat sits Bagore Ki Haveli, built in the late 18th century by Amar Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar. This massive structure contains 138 rooms and is a premier example of Haveli architecture. Notice the intricate 'Jali' or latticed stonework, which allowed women of the court to observe the outside world while remaining in 'purdah' or seclusion. The haveli features stunning glasswork and murals that depict the royal lifestyle of the 1700s. It was painstakingly restored over several years to preserve the original lime-mortar techniques that allow these buildings to breathe in the Rajasthani heat.

Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel

Continue your neighborhood stroll to Jagat Niwas, a 17th-century haveli that has been converted into a heritage hotel. This building is famous for its classic white-washed facade and its traditional 'Jharokhas'—overhanging enclosed balconies. These architectural features are not just decorative; they are designed to catch the lake breezes and provide natural cooling. As you look at the structure, note the 'Gokhdas' (sitting nooks) built into the windows. This stop highlights the successful adaptive reuse of heritage buildings in Udaipur, maintaining the aesthetic of the Mewar era while serving modern travelers.

Amet Haveli

Now, head toward Amet Haveli, located on the western banks of the lake. Built during the reign of Maharana Jagat Singh II (1734-1752), this was the town palace for the Rawji of Amet, one of the major nobles of the Mewar court. The architecture here is more robust, reflecting the martial heritage of the Amet family. The stone used in its construction was sourced locally and treated with traditional lime washes. The haveli’s position offers a unique 'reverse' view of the City Palace and the Lake Palace, showing how royal architects strategically placed these residences to maximize views and prestige.

Karohi Haveli

Further up the shoreline is Karohi Haveli, once the home of the Karohi royal family. Situated on a slight elevation, this haveli showcases a blend of defensive and residential architecture. The thick walls and narrow entranceways are typical of Rajasthani homes built to withstand both the elements and historical sieges. From this vantage point, you can see the layering of Udaipur’s urban fabric: the water's edge, the merchant houses, and the towering palaces above. Pay attention to the 'Chhatris' or dome-shaped pavilions on the roof, which are a signature element of Rajput architectural style.

Chunda Palace

Conclude your walk at Chunda Palace. While many havelis in Udaipur are centuries old, this structure is a modern tribute to traditional craftsmanship. It took 16 years to build, using hand-painted frescoes, intricate bone inlay work, and hand-sculpted marble. It serves as a living museum of Mewari art forms that are otherwise at risk of disappearing. The palace is named after Prince Chunda, who famously relinquished his throne for his father's happiness. The interiors here represent the pinnacle of Rajasthani luxury, proving that the heritage of the haveli continues to inspire contemporary builders and artists in Udaipur.

Frequently Asked Questions

The total walk is approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) and takes 90 to 120 minutes depending on how long you spend at each stop. The route covers the Brahmpuri and Haridas Ji Ki Magri areas.