Udaipur Street Art Trail - A Guide to the Old City's Murals

Udaipur, RajasthanCULTURALOffbeat Gems

Discover a vibrant open-air gallery in the historic lanes of Udaipur's Old City, featuring murals of local culture and contemporary designs.

iHighlights

Info

CULTURAL

Info

Offbeat Gems

Info

1-2 hours

Accessibility

Not Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

Parking Available

Photography

Photography Allowed

About the Destination

Overview

Scattered throughout the narrow, winding lanes of Udaipur's Old City, you'll find an open-air art gallery on the city's walls. This collection of street art brings a modern touch to the historic surroundings, with murals painted on buildings, ghats, and hidden corners. The experience is about exploration; there isn't a single designated path. As you walk through areas like Hanuman Ghat, Gangaur Ghat, and the lanes around Lake Pichola, you will discover a variety of artwork. The subjects range from detailed portraits of local Rajasthani people in traditional attire to abstract designs and depictions of regional wildlife and culture. The art is not confined to one area but is integrated into the daily life of the city. You might see a large-scale mural on the side of a guesthouse or a small, intricate piece near a local tea stall. This makes wandering through the Old City an interactive discovery tour. The contrast of contemporary art against the backdrop of centuries-old havelis and temples provides a unique visual experience, offering a different perspective on the 'City of Lakes' beyond its famous palaces and forts.

Why This Place is Special

• Large-scale portraits of local Rajasthani men and women
• Murals depicting traditional puppets, camels, and elephants
• Artistic interventions on the walls of ghats by Lake Pichola
• The contrast between modern art and ancient haveli architecture
• Hidden artworks in narrow, winding alleyways
• Community-driven art projects that beautify public spaces

Ideal For

Solo travelersCouplesPhotographersArt loversGroupsAdventure seekers

Facilities & Amenities

• Food stalls
• Cafeteria
• Restrooms
• Seating areas
• Information center

Visitor Tips

• Explore on foot in the early morning (7-9 AM) when the lanes are quiet and the light is soft for photography.
• Wear very comfortable walking shoes as the lanes are cobbled, uneven, and often steep.
• Look up and down side-alleys; some of the best pieces are hidden away from the main paths.
• Combine your art walk with a visit to the ghats like Gangaur Ghat and Ambrai Ghat, where many murals are located.
• Be respectful when taking photos, as many murals are on private homes and buildings.
• Carry a water bottle and some cash for local tea stalls you'll find along the way.
• Don't rely solely on a map; the best way to find the art is by wandering and getting a little lost in the Old City.

Safety Information

• The lanes can be narrow and crowded with people and two-wheelers; stay alert while walking.
• Watch your step on uneven cobblestone paths and steep staircases, especially near the ghats.
• Carry a map or use a GPS on your phone, but be prepared for it to be inaccurate in the narrowest alleys.
• Keep your valuables secure, as with any busy tourist area.
• Inform someone about your general route if you are a solo traveler.
• Be cautious of stray dogs, though they are usually harmless.

Discover Events in Udaipur

Explore upcoming events, concerts, expos and experiences near you

Loading events...

Location & Address

Various locations in the Old City, concentrated around Gangaur Ghat, Hanuman Ghat, and the lanes near Jagdish Temple., Old City, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India

View on map

Best Time to Visit

The best months to explore are from October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant for walking. Temperatures range from 12°C to 28°C. The winter light is also ideal for photography. Avoid the summer months of April to June when temperatures can exceed 40°C, making walking uncomfortable. The monsoon season (July to September) can be pleasant but intermittent rain might interrupt your walk.
Peak Crowd: November-January, especially during weekends and the Christmas-New Year period, when tourist traffic in the Old City is at its highest.
Moderate Crowd: February-March and October, as the weather is still good but the peak season crowds have thinned.
Low Crowd: April-September, due to the extreme heat of summer and the monsoon rains, which deter extensive walking tours.

How to Reach

Air

Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR) is the nearest airport, located about 22 km from the Old City. A taxi from the airport takes around 45-60 minutes.

Train

Udaipur City Railway Station (UDZ) is about 3 km from the Old City. It is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Agra. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available at the station.

Road

Udaipur is well-connected by National Highway 48. Regular government and private bus services run from nearby cities like Jaipur (400 km), Jodhpur (250 km), and Ahmedabad (260 km).

Local Transport

Within the city, auto-rickshaws are the most common mode of transport to reach the Old City. Ride-hailing apps like Ola and Uber are also available. Once in the Old City, walking is the best way to explore the narrow lanes.