If you're based in Ahmedabad and looking for a weekend trip that combines history, palaces, lakeside sunsets, and some of India's best Rajasthani cuisine — Udaipur is your answer. At 260 km via NH-27, it's close enough for a Friday evening departure and a Sunday evening return.
This guide covers the complete road trip: route details, driving tips, what to see in Udaipur, where to eat, accommodation options, and how to book your cab at a fixed fare.
The Drive: Ahmedabad to Udaipur via NH-27
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Distance | 260 km |
| Drive time | 5–6 hours (normal traffic) |
| Route | NH-27 via Himmatnagar, Shamlaji, Dungarpur, Udaipur |
| Toll cost (approx.) | ₹180–₹230 |
| Best departure from Ahmedabad | 5–7 AM (arrive by noon) |
The Route in Stages
- 1.Ahmedabad to Himmatnagar (0–75 km): NH-27 exits Ahmedabad through Memnagar and Naroda. The road to Himmatnagar is 4-lane and well-maintained. Good road, moderate speed.
- 2.Himmatnagar to Shamlaji (75–115 km): The Shamlaji temple town marks the Gujarat–Rajasthan border area. The highway becomes more scenic here as the terrain starts to change.
- 3.Shamlaji to Dungarpur (115–195 km): You're now in Rajasthan. The road narrows in places and passes through tribal villages and forested hills. Slower pace but spectacular scenery.
- 4.Dungarpur to Udaipur (195–260 km): NH-8 (old alignment) through the Aravalli foothills. The Dungarpur–Udaipur stretch is winding but well-maintained. The last 30 km before Udaipur passes through Dabok where the airport is located.
The Dungarpur–Udaipur stretch offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in Rajasthan — rolling Aravalli hills, tribal villages, and glimpses of ancient step-wells. Even if you're not a photography enthusiast, slow down and enjoy this section.
Cab Fare: Ahmedabad to Udaipur
| Vehicle | One-Way Fare |
|---|---|
| Sedan (Dzire / Etios) | ₹3,199 |
| SUV (Ertiga / XL6) | ₹3,799 |
| Premium SUV (Innova Crysta) | ₹4,699 |
For a weekend trip with 4 people, a Sedan at ₹3,199 works out to ₹800 per person each way — making the total cab cost per person for the round trip just ₹1,600. Comparable to a budget bus ticket but infinitely more comfortable.
Book your Ahmedabad to Udaipur cab — fixed fare, verified driver, 24×7 support.
Book Ahmedabad → Udaipur CabWhat to See in Udaipur: A 2-Day Plan
Day 1 — Lakes and Palaces
- ✓City Palace Complex: The largest palace complex in Rajasthan, overlooking Lake Pichola. Allow 3–4 hours. Entry fee ₹300/adult.
- ✓Lake Pichola boat ride: A 30-minute boat ride to Jag Mandir and the island — the sunset views are extraordinary. Cost ₹700–₹1,200 per person.
- ✓Jagdish Temple: A 17th-century Indo-Aryan temple just north of City Palace. Free entry. Stunning carvings.
- ✓Bagore Ki Haveli: A heritage mansion on the lake with a museum of royal costumes and a nightly folk dance show (7:30 PM). Entry ₹100.
Day 2 — Beyond the Lakes
- ✓Fateh Sagar Lake: Udaipur's second major lake, quieter and less touristy than Pichola. Nehru Island in the lake has a garden and restaurant.
- ✓Saheliyon Ki Bari (Garden of Maids): A beautiful 18th-century garden with fountains and lotus pools. Entry ₹15.
- ✓Vintage Car Museum: Maharana Pratap's collection of vintage Rolls-Royces and classic cars. Entry ₹250.
- ✓Shilpgram (Craft Village): 5 km from city centre, a rural arts complex showcasing Rajasthani and tribal crafts, music, and dance.
Where to Eat in Udaipur
- ✓Ambrai Restaurant: Stunning lakeside setting. Rajasthani thali and continental options. Reserve in advance for dinner.
- ✓Millets of Mewar: Organic, health-focused menu — great for travellers who want lighter food after highway driving.
- ✓Banjara Rooftop Restaurant: Panoramic views, good dal baati churma.
- ✓Jagat Niwas Rooftop Café: Inexpensive, great lake view, popular with backpackers.
Where to Stay
- ✓Budget (₹1,500–₹3,000/night): Zostel Udaipur, Moustache Hostel, Ratan Haveli Guest House
- ✓Mid-range (₹3,000–₹7,000/night): Hotel Mahendra Prakash, Udai Kothi (rooftop pool with palace views)
- ✓Luxury (₹7,000+): The Leela Palace Udaipur, Trident Udaipur, Taj Lake Palace (if budget allows — it's spectacular)
Best Time to Visit
- ✓October–March: Best weather. Cool, pleasant days perfect for sightseeing.
- ✓April–June: Hot but manageable with early morning and evening activities.
- ✓July–September: Monsoon. Lakes are full and the hills are lush green. Spectacular photography but some activities limited.
- ✓Avoid: Long weekends (Diwali, New Year) — hotels are 3× the normal price and the route from Ahmedabad gets very congested.
Return: Udaipur to Ahmedabad
Book your return Udaipur to Ahmedabad cab in advance — especially if you're travelling on a Sunday evening. Depart by 3–4 PM on Sunday to reach Ahmedabad by 9–10 PM.
Quick Packing List
- ✓Comfortable walking shoes (Udaipur's old city has cobblestone streets)
- ✓Sunscreen and sunhat (even in winter, the Rajasthan sun is strong)
- ✓Cash (many old city shops and dhabas are cash-only)
- ✓Light jacket or shawl for evenings (October–February)
- ✓Camera — Udaipur is genuinely one of India's most photogenic cities
