A Complete Guide to Bahubali Hills & Lake Badi, Udaipur in 2026
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If you are looking for the best nature sunset or sunrise spot in Udaipur then Bahubali Hills is absolutely perfect. Located just 12km northwest of the Old City, this impressive viewpoint features dramatic, rocky ridges dropping straight over the beautiful Lake Badi, surrounded by the Aravalli hills.
Originally called Badi Hill or Badi Lake viewpoint, it was later nicknamed the Bahubali Hills due to the resemblance to dramatic mountain landscapes in the movie Baahubali: The Beginning.
In this guide you’ll find everything you need to know to plan your visit, including how to get there, the hike, timings and helpful travel tips.
Contents
How to Get to Bahubali Hills
Lake Badi is located outside of the city and there is no public transport connecting the two, you will need to either rent a scooter, arrange a round-trip auto-rickshaw/taxi, or hire a private driver for the day.
Rent a Scooter: The easiest, most convenient way to make the journey is to rent a scooter in the Old City. They typically rent for 300 to 500 INR per day so you can you use for other stops too.
Important: As a foreigner, you MUST have the relevant motorbike license from your home country AND an International Driving Permit. Do not rent a scooter if you’re not confident or experienced on Indian roads.
Auto-Rickshaw or Taxi: The most common choice for foreigners, it is simple and easy. Use the Uber app or hail a driver. Ensure you negotiate a price beforehand and include a return journey as well as wait time (1 to 2 hours is typical). Expect to pay an inclusive price of 800 to 1,000 INR for an auto-rickshaw or 1,000 – 1,400 INR for a private car.
Full-Day Private Driver: The most relaxing, comfortable way to get to the hills if you’re combining a visit here with other out of the city stops like the Monsoon Palace. They can be easily booked before hand with your accommodation or directly with a taxi service. Expect to pay around 2,000 to 2,500 INR ($21 to $26) for 8 hours.
The Hike to the Viewpoint
The trail to the viewpoint begins at the makeshift parking lot near Lake Badi. If you travel by auto, taxi or private driver then they will know exactly where to drop you off and wait for you. Here’s a few things to know about the hike:
Entry Fee: At the base of the hill there will be an individual with a small ticket book, get your ticket from them here. It’s only 10 INR for a ticket and a small additional charge for parking if you have your own vehicle.
Trail Difficulty: The path is moderately steep and follows an unpaved, natural terrain of loose gravel, rocks and dirt. Depending on your pace, the hike takes around 10 to 15 minutes from the base to the top.
What to Expect at the Summit
Reaching the top ridge opens up to impressive wide span views of Lake Badi’s turquoise inlets cut into the rugged Aravalli mountains. The summit area isn’t just a single lookout, it stretches along a rocky ridge line with plenty of space to explore, sit, and take in the scenery.
Photo Spots: As there are plenty of layered edges, the photo opportunities are endless. You don’t need to wait in a queue for ages to get that one perfect photo here.
Tip: Drop down to the lower levels for a quieter view of the surrounding landscapes.
Food, Drink & Ice Cream Stalls: As well as at the base, you’ll find plenty of local stalls selling bottled water, chai, cold drinks, and snacks at the top of the hike too. Enjoy sitting down with a drink and taking in the views.
Safety Note: There are no guardrails or fencing along the cliff edges so be extra cautious on the uneven surfaces.
Best Time to Visit Bahubali Hills
Sunrise (Best for Peace & Quiet):
Arriving around 6AM is ideal if you want cool mountain air, a quiet hike and soft morning light over Lake Badi. It is considered the best choice for early-risers, photographers and anyone who wants a peaceful atmosphere.
Mid-Afternoon (Bright Light & Warm Hike):
I visited mid-afternoon around 3PM. The sun is direct and bright, making the water look incredibly clear and vibrant, although the direct sun makes the hike up quite intense with zero shade. It is fairly crowded at this time and the crowds start building more during this time as people start arriving for sunset.
Sunset (Best for Golden Hour Light):
Late afternoon, around 5-6PM, offers incredible warm lighting as the sun sets behind the Aravalli hills. However, sunset is by far the most popular time for visitors, meaning the summit gets heavily crowded, chaotic and loud so avoid this time if you’re looking for a peaceful visit.
An Honest Note of My Own Experience
While the views over Lake Badi are undeniably breathtaking, I want to share my honest personal experience so you know what to expect. During my time at the summit, I experienced a really uncomfortable level of unwanted attention, specifically by young Indian men, involving constant staring, people following me along the ridge, recording videos directly of me and persistently asking for photos.
Even after explicitly saying no, people stood right next to me for their friend to snap a quick photo regardless. At one point, someone even asked my boyfriend to kiss him on camera, which is completely out of line.
I don’t wish to share this to scare anyone or create a negative image of local culture as India has plenty of warm, friendly people. However, as a traveller this was the single worst experience I’ve had like this during my four months travelling around India and it left me feeling very uncomfortable.
With that said, this was simply my personal experience and at no fault of the location itself. Bahubali Hills is still an absolutely incredible spot with views well worth seeing. If you want to visit and enjoy the landscape in peace, I strongly recommend planning your trip during off-peak hours like sunrise.
Essential Travel Tips
Wear Sturdy Shoes: The path up and the summit ridge are made up of loose gravel, dirt, and sharp rock. A good pair of comfortable trainers or sturdy hiking sandals will make the climb much easier and safer than flip-flops or loose sandals.
Be Careful on the Cliff Edges: There are no fences or guardrails anywhere along the top and the rocky ledges drop straight down into the lake below. Always watch your footing, don’t stand too close to rock edges, and be extra cautious when moving around. The photos are not worth your life.
Bring Small Cash Notes: Stalls at both the base and the summit operate on cash only so keep small cash notes (₹10, ₹20, and ₹50) handy for entry fees and buying water or snacks.
Take Your Rubbish With You: Lake Badi is a major freshwater reservoir for the surrounding area. There are limited rubbish bins along the trail, so make sure to carry all plastic wrappers, water bottles, and ice cream sticks back down the hill with you and dispose of them when you find a bin.
Stay Hydrated: Carry a standard bottle of water with you at all times. Even in the early hours when the sun is barely out, it’s important to stay hydrated. There are plenty of stalls to grab a cold bottle from if you forget.
Summary
Bahubali Hills is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking natural viewpoints in Udaipur, offering a quiet, rugged contrast to the city’s grand architecture and vibrant bazaars. While the landscape is spectacular, planning your transport in advance and timing your visit around off-peak hours will make all the difference in having a peaceful, memorable trip.
And… if you’re currently planning your India trip, check out some of my other helpful travel guides below!
Hi, I'm Kelly!
Welcome to The Untold Journeys, a travel blog with a focus on raw, authentic travels and finding those exciting hidden gems.
I’m here to share my experiences and stories to give you everything you need to explore the world and head on your own adventures.
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