Best Budget Hostels in Udaipur That Are Actually Worth Staying In
Words by
Anirudh Sharma
Hostels in Udaipur can be hit or miss, but the best budget hostels in Udaipur are the ones where you actually sleep well, meet people who know the city, and wake up to something better than a concrete wall. I’ve spent months bouncing between backpacker hostel Udaipur lanes, from old havelis near Lake Pichola to guesthouses tucked behind Jagdish Temple, and I still come back to a handful of places that feel more like homes than hostels. If you’re trying to figure out where to stay cheap Udaipur without ending up in a damp dorm and broken Wi‑Fi, this list is the one I’d hand you in person.
1. Zostel Udaipur – The Backpacker Hub Near Lake Pichola
Zostel Udaipur sits on the narrow lane behind Chandpole, a short walk from the old city and close enough to Lake Pichola that you can wander down to the water before the auto-rickshaws start honking. It’s one of the first names that pops up when people search for cheap accommodation Udaipur, and it still holds up if you know how to use it right.
The building itself is a mix of traditional arches and modern hostel design, with a rooftop that looks straight out at the lake and the City Palace silhouette. Inside, you’ll find both dorms and private rooms, a common room that actually gets used, and a cafe where travelers swap stories over cheap beer and overpriced pasta. The crowd skews young, digital nomads and first-timers to India, so it’s easy to find someone to walk to Bagore Ki Haveli with or share an auto to Sajjangarh.
The Vibe?
Social, slightly chaotic, and very “first hostel in India” energy.
The Bill?
Dorm beds usually land between ₹400–₹700 per night, while private rooms hover around ₹1,200–₹1,800 depending on season and room type.
The Standout?
The rooftop at sunset, when the lake turns gold and the City Palace lights start to glow.
The Catch?
The dorms near the common area can get noisy late at night, especially on weekends when the cafe stays busy.
Most tourists don’t realize that if you ask at reception, they can point you to a side staircase that leads to a quieter terrace. I like going up there with a cup of chai from the stall outside Chandpole and watching the city shift from day to night. It’s a small detail, but it changes the whole experience of staying in a backpacker hostel Udaipur.
Zostel connects to Udaipur’s history in a subtle way. You’re staying in the old city’s orbit, where merchants once built havelis along trade routes and the lake was the center of everything. When you walk out in the morning, the same narrow lanes that led to palace darbars now lead to your cheap accommodation Udaipur and your chai stop.
Local tip:
If you’re on a tight budget, skip the in-house cafe breakfast and walk five minutes to the small stalls near Chandpole for a ₹30–₹40 pyaaz katha. You’ll eat better, cheaper, and with locals who’ve been feeding this lane for decades.
2. Moustache Udaipur – The Social Backpacker Hostel Udaipur Near Gulab Bagh
Moustache Udaipur is on a quiet street near Gulab Bagh, close enough to the main tourist trail that you can walk to Jagdish Temple, yet far enough that the lane still feels residential. It’s one of the names that keeps coming up when people ask for the best budget hostels in Udaipur, especially if they want a social backpacker hostel Udaipur with a bit more calm than the party-heavy spots.
The hostel itself is a whitewashed building with simple rooms, a lively common area, and a rooftop that catches the evening breeze. Dorms are clean, with sturdy bunks and curtains for privacy, and the staff are used to fielding questions about treks, buses, and how to avoid overpriced guides. There’s a small in-house cafe where you can grab a thali or a beer, but the real draw is the crowd. You’ll meet solo travelers, couples, and small groups from all over, many of them returning to Udaipur after Rajasthan’s bigger cities.
The Vibe?
Friendly, relaxed, and easy to settle into even if you’re new to hostels.
The Bill?
Dorm beds usually range from ₹450–₹800, while private rooms can be around ₹1,300–₹2,000 depending on season and occupancy.
The Standout?
The rooftop at dusk, when you can see the dome of Jagdish Temple and the outline of the City Palace in the distance.
The Catch?
Hot water can be inconsistent in the mornings during peak season, so shower early if you want a fully warm one.
One detail most tourists don’t know is that the hostel can arrange a walking tour of the old city with a local student who knows the back lanes behind Jagdish Temple. It’s not heavily advertised, but if you ask, they’ll set it up for a fraction of what a formal tour costs. That walk changed how I saw Udaipur, because it shifted the focus from palace facades to the living city.
Moustache fits into Udaipur’s character as a city that quietly balances tourism and everyday life. You’re staying near Gulab Bagh, once a royal garden, now a park where families picnic and kids ride the toy train. From your cheap accommodation Udaipur, you can walk past old havelis, tiny shrines, and chai stalls that have been there long before the first backpacker hostel Udaipur opened its doors.
Local tip:
If you’re heading to Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace) for sunset, leave from Moustache around 4:30 pm and take a shared auto from the main road near Gulab Bagh. You’ll avoid the worst of the rush and still get there before the viewpoint turns into a selfie scrum.
3. Banjara Hostel Udaipur – Cheap Accommodation Udaipur Near Lake Fatehsagar
Banjara Hostel is tucked into a lane near Lake Fatehsagar, not far from the old city but with a slightly more local feel than the hostels right on the tourist strip. It’s one of those places that quietly delivers some of the best budget hostels in Udaipur value, especially if you want a backpacker hostel Udaipur that doesn’t feel like a branded chain.
The building is simple and functional, with clean dorms, basic private rooms, and a rooftop that looks out toward the Aravalli hills. The common area is where the hostel comes alive, travelers playing cards, swapping tips, and occasionally joining the staff for a spontaneous chai session. The crowd is a mix of long-term backpackers, volunteers, and people who came for three days and stayed for three weeks.
The Vibe?
Low-key, community-driven, and easygoing.
The Bill?
Dorm beds usually fall between ₹400–₹700, while private rooms can be around ₹1,100–₹1,700 depending on season and demand.
The Standout?
The rooftop at night, when Fatehsagar is quiet and the hills fade into a dark silhouette.
The Catch?
The Wi-Fi can be patchy in the private rooms at the back, so if you’re working online, stick to the common area.
Most tourists don’t know that Banjara can help arrange a half-day trek into the nearby hills with a local guide from a village outside the city. It’s not a polished tour, more like walking through farmland and small shrines with someone who grew up there. That kind of experience is what turns cheap accommodation Udaipur into something more than just a bed.
Fatehsagar has always been part of Udaipur’s quieter side, a lake where you see more locals than selfie sticks. Staying near it gives you a different angle on the city, one that’s less about palace tours and more about how Udaipur lives when the day-trippers leave. From Banjara, you can walk along the water in the early morning, past small tea stalls and fishermen mending nets, and feel like you’ve stepped into a slower version of the city.
Local tip:
If you want a proper local breakfast, walk toward the Fatehsagar road in the morning and look for a small stall making pooha and sabudana kheer. It’s not on any menu, but if you ask at the hostel, they’ll point you in the right direction.
4. The Hosteller Udaipur – Backpacker Hostel Udaipur Near Chandpole Bazaar
The Hosteller Udaipur is on a narrow street near Chandpole Bazaar, right in the thick of the old city’s commercial life. It’s one of the more popular names when people search for where to stay cheap Udaipur, and it’s easy to see why. The hostel blends the usual dorm-and-common-room setup with murals, bean bags, and a rooftop that gives you a clear view of the City Palace and the lake.
Inside, the dorms are clean and functional, with reading lights and charging points for each bed. The common room is where the hostel earns its reputation, it’s always full of people planning day trips, sharing stories, or just hanging out with a cup of chai. The staff are young, energetic, and usually full of suggestions that go beyond the standard tourist script.
The Vibe?
Colorful, social, and very “hostel in Rajasthan” in aesthetic.
The Bill?
Dorm beds typically range from ₹450–₹800, while private rooms can be around ₹1,200–₹1,900 depending on season and room type.
The Standout?
The rooftop at sunset, when the City Palace glows and the lake reflects the changing colors of the sky.
The Catch?
The street outside gets busy in the evenings, so if you’re in a front-facing room, expect some noise from the bazaar until late.
One detail most tourists don’t know is that the hostel sometimes organizes a “local night” where they invite a street artist or a folk musician from the area. It’s not guaranteed, but if it happens, it’s one of the best parts of staying there. You get a glimpse of Udaipur’s living culture without paying for a staged show.
Chandpole has always been a gateway to the old city, a place where traders and pilgrims once entered Udaipur’s core. Staying at The Hosteller puts you right in that flow. From your cheap accommodation Udaipur, you can walk out and immediately be surrounded by textile shops, sweet sellers, and small temples that have been there for centuries. It’s a reminder that Udaipur’s tourism is built on layers of older economies and older stories.
Local tip:
If you’re heading out early for a day trip, ask the staff to pack you a simple paratha instead of the usual cafe breakfast. It’s cheaper, more filling, and they’re usually happy to do it if you book it the night before.
5. Go Slow Hostel Udaipur – Quiet Cheap Accommodation Udaipur Near Ambrai
Go Slow Hostel is on a quieter lane near Ambrai, close enough to Lake Pichola that you can walk down to the waterfront, but far enough back that the street feels more residential than touristy. It’s one of the best budget hostels in Udaipur if you want a backpacker hostel Udaipur that leans more toward calm than constant socializing.
The building is simple and clean, with a small garden area, a few hammocks, and a rooftop that looks out toward the lake and the City Palace. Dorms are basic but comfortable, with good mattresses and enough space between bunks. The common area is smaller than at some of the bigger hostels, but that’s part of the appeal. You get conversations without the constant buzz.
The Vibe?
Chill, slightly introverted, and restful.
The Bill?
Dorm beds usually range from ₹500–₹800, while private rooms can be around ₹1,300–₹2,000 depending on season and availability.
The Standout?
The garden area in the late afternoon, when you can sit with a book and actually hear yourself think.
The Catch?
The hostel is a bit further from the main market lanes, so if you want late-night street food, you’ll need to walk or take an auto.
Most tourists don’t know that Go Slow can connect you with a local family that runs a small home-kitchen a few lanes away. For a modest fee, you’ll eat a simple Rajasthani thali at their dining table, dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and all. It’s not a fancy experience, but it’s the kind of meal that makes cheap accommodation Udaipur feel like a doorway into the city rather than just a place to sleep.
Ambrai and the surrounding lanes have always been part of Udaipur’s quieter, more residential side, where the lake is a daily backdrop rather than a photo op. Staying near here gives you a sense of how people live with the water, washing clothes, walking kids to school, and stopping for chai by the ghats. Go Slow fits into that rhythm, offering a backpacker hostel Udaipur that doesn’t try to turn the city into a theme park.
Local tip:
If you’re up for a morning walk, head toward the Ambrai ghat around 6:30 am. You’ll see the lake at its calmest, with locals doing yoga, feeding birds, and going about their day before the first tourist bus arrives.
6. Hostel Laziz – Budget Stay Near Suraj Pol
Hostel Laziz is on a small street near Suraj Pol, one of the main entry points into Udaipur’s old city. It’s not as famous as some of the bigger names, but it’s a solid option for where to stay cheap Udaipur if you want something simple, central, and a bit more personal than a large backpacker hostel Udaipur.
The building is modest, with a few private rooms and a small dorm setup. The rooftop is the main highlight, offering a view of the surrounding rooftops and a slice of the City Palace in the distance. The owner is often around, and the vibe feels more like staying in a family-run guesthouse than a full-scale hostel. It’s a good choice if you want cheap accommodation Udaipur without the constant turnover of a big backpacker place.
The Vibe?
Homely, straightforward, and low-pressure.
The Bill?
Dorm beds usually range from ₹350–₹600, while private rooms can be around ₹900–₹1,500 depending on season and room type.
The Standout?
The rooftop in the evening, when the city lights start to flicker on and the air cools down.
The Catch?
The common areas are limited, so if you’re looking for a big social scene, this isn’t it.
One detail most tourists don’t know is that the owner can arrange a drop-off at the base of the Sajjangarh road early in the morning, then you can walk up through the fields to the palace. It’s not a formal service, more a favor for guests, but it saves you both time and money compared to taking an auto all the way up.
Suraj Pol has historically been one of the main gates into Udaipur, a place where traders and travelers once entered the city. Staying near it connects you to that older flow. From Hostel Laziz, you can walk out and immediately be in the middle of the old city’s life, metalworkers, sweet shops, and small temples tucked between houses. It’s a reminder that cheap accommodation Udaipur doesn’t have to mean staying on the edge of everything.
Local tip:
If you’re heading to the City Palace, go as soon as it opens in the morning. The light is better, the crowds are thinner, and you’ll have more time to explore before the tour groups arrive.
7. Cheaper Dorms at Hotel Sheela – Old City Cheap Accommodation Udaipur
Hotel Sheela is on a small lane in the old city, not far from Jagdish Temple. It’s not a hostel in the modern sense, but it offers some of the cheapest beds in Udaipur, making it a practical option for where to stay cheap Udaipur if you’re more focused on location than on rooftop parties.
The building is basic, with simple rooms, a few dorm-style setups, and a rooftop that gives you a view of the surrounding lanes and temple spires. The decor is dated, and the bathrooms are functional rather than fancy, but the location is hard to beat. You’re within walking distance of the City Palace, Jagdish Temple, and the main market lanes, which means you can cut transport costs almost entirely.
The Vibe?
No-frills, practical, and very central.
The Bill?
Dorm-style beds can be as low as ₹300–₹500, while basic private rooms might be around ₹800–₹1,300 depending on season and demand.
The Standout?
The location, you’re right in the heart of the old city without paying boutique prices.
The Catch?
The rooms are basic, and don’t expect much in terms of aesthetics or extra services.
Most tourists don’t realize that if you’re traveling solo and don’t mind sharing, you can negotiate a lower rate for a bed in a multi-person room if you’re staying more than a few nights. It’s not advertised, but if you ask politely and in person, they’ll often agree. That kind of flexibility is what makes cheap accommodation Udaipur work for long-term travelers.
The old city around Jagdish Temple has always been a crossroads, a place where pilgrims, traders, and locals intersect. Staying at Hotel Sheela puts you in the middle of that. From your room, you can hear temple bells in the morning, the call of vendors in the afternoon, and the distant sound of a shehnai at night. It’s not a curated experience, but it’s an honest one, and it connects you to Udaipur’s everyday life in a way that more polished hostels sometimes miss.
Local tip:
If you’re on a tight budget, skip the in-house restaurant and eat at the small stalls near Jagdish Temple. A thali for ₹80–₹100 is easy to find, and the food is often better than what you’ll get in a basic hotel.
8. Moustache Private Rooms & Workspaces – Backpacker Hostel Udaipur With a Work-Friendly Twist
While Moustache Udaipur is already on this list for its dorms, it’s worth mentioning separately for its private rooms and work-friendly setup. If you’re trying to figure out where to stay cheap Udaipur while still getting some work done, this branch near Gulab Bagh offers a backpacker hostel Udaipur that understands the laptop crowd.
The private rooms are simple but solid, with decent Wi-Fi, a small desk, and a chair that won’t destroy your back after a few hours. The common area doubles as a co-working space during the day, with people on calls, editing videos, or writing. It’s not a formal co-working center, but it’s functional, and the vibe is more productive than party.
The Vibe?
Work-hard, chill-hard, with a side of travel stories.
The Bill?
Private rooms usually range from ₹1,300–₹2,000, while dorm beds remain around ₹450–₹800 depending on season.
The Standout?
The ability to work during the day and socialize at night without changing locations.
The Catch?
The Wi-Fi can slow down during peak evening hours when everyone is streaming or video calling.
One detail most tourists don’t know is that if you’re staying more than a week, you can often negotiate a lower monthly rate for a private room. It’s not guaranteed, but the staff are open to discussion, especially in the off-season. That kind of flexibility makes it one of the best budget hostels in Udaipur for long-stay travelers.
Udaipur has slowly become a quiet hub for remote workers, drawn by the lake, the slower pace, and the availability of cheap accommodation Udaipur. Moustache fits into that shift, offering a backpacker hostel Udaipur that bridges the gap between tourism and actual living. From your room, you can walk to the lake, the old city, or a local market, and still be back in time for a meeting.
Local tip:
If you need a break from screens, walk over to the nearby Gulab Bagh and sit near the old fountain. It’s not a secret spot, but it’s rarely crowded, and it’s a good place to reset your head between tasks.
When to Go / What to Know
Udaipur’s hostels fill up fast between October and March, when the weather is cooler and the city is at its busiest. If you’re looking for the best budget hostels in Udaipur at their calmest, consider visiting between April and June, when prices drop and you’re more likely to have a dorm almost to yourself. The trade-off is the heat, which can be intense, so plan your days around early mornings and late evenings.
Most backpacker hostel Udaipur places are concentrated in the old city, around Lake Pichola, Chandpole, and Fatehsagar. That’s where you’ll find the highest concentration of cheap accommodation Udaipur, along with street food, guesthouses, and small travel agencies. If you’re staying during festival time, like Mewar Festival, book at least a few weeks in advance, because even the budget options fill up.
A few practical things to keep in mind. Many hostels will ask for a copy of your passport at check-in, so have one handy. Hot water timings can be limited, especially in older buildings, so ask about that when you book. And while most places accept cards or online payments, it’s smart to carry some cash for small purchases, auto ricksaws, and local stalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest and most reliable way to get around Udaipur as a solo traveler?
Auto-rickshaws and app-based cabs are widely available and generally safe during the day, with most short trips within the old city costing between ₹50 and ₹150. For longer distances, pre-booked taxis or local buses are reliable, and walking is perfectly safe in most central areas until late evening.
Are credit cards widely accepted across Udaipur, or is it necessary to carry cash for daily expenses?
Cards are accepted at many hotels, larger restaurants, and some shops, but small eateries, street stalls, and auto-rickshaws mostly operate on cash. Carrying at least ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 in small notes is practical for daily expenses like food, local transport, and minor purchases.
What is the standard tipping etiquette or service charge policy at restaurants in Udaipur?
Many mid-range restaurants include a service charge of around 5 to 10 percent, but in smaller places tipping is not mandatory. Leaving 5 to 10 percent of the bill is appreciated for good service, especially at local thali places and small cafes.
What is the average cost of a specialty coffee or local tea in Udaipur?
A cup of local chai at a roadside stall usually costs between ₹10 and ₹30, while a specialty coffee in a cafe can range from ₹100 to ₹200 depending on the location and style.
Is Udaipur expensive to visit? Give a realistic daily budget breakdown for mid-tier travelers.
A mid-tier traveler can manage comfortably on around ₹2,000 to ₹3,500 per day, including a private room or higher-end dorm, two meals at modest restaurants, one or two attractions, and local transport. Sticking to street food, public transport, and budget hostels can bring that down to roughly ₹1,200 to ₹1,800 per day.
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