Skip to content

A Walk Through Hathi Pol and Bada Bazaar

A self-guided walk through Udaipur's old markets: Hathi Pol, Bada Bazaar, Clock Tower and Jagdish Chowk, with what to buy and what to eat along the way.

A crowded old-city market lane
A crowded old-city market lane. Photo by Zoshua Colah on Unsplash
Quick answer

Start at Hathi Pol, the 'Elephant Gate', for paintings and textiles; walk south through Bada Bazaar for silver, saris and spices; stop at the Clock Tower for snacks; and finish at Jagdish Chowk for crafts. The walk is about 2 km and takes 2–3 hours with shopping. Go in the late afternoon, when it's cooler and the lights come on.

Key facts

  • Route: Hathi Pol → Bada Bazaar → Clock Tower → Jagdish Chowk
  • Distance: about 2 km
  • Time: 2–3 hours with shopping and snacks
  • Best time: 4–8 pm

This is the Udaipur that lives behind the palaces: noisy, crowded, colourful and very much in use.

1. Hathi Pol

Hathi Pol, the Elephant Gate, was one of the old city’s gates. Today the street around it is lined with shops selling miniature paintings, textiles, leather and crafts.

2. Bada Bazaar

Walk south into Bada Bazaar, the big market. Locals shop here for:

3. Clock Tower

The Ghanta Ghar square is the place for a snack: kachori, mirchi vada and sweets. See our street food trail.

4. Jagdish Chowk

Finish at Jagdish Temple, with lanes full of puppets, paintings and clothes. End with sunset at Gangaur Ghat.

Tips

  • Go after 4 pm; it’s cooler and livelier.
  • Wear comfy shoes; lanes are narrow and busy with scooters.
  • Bargain politely. See our shopping guide.

Prefer a local guide? Try our heritage walk.

A clock tower in a busy square
A clock tower in a busy square. Photo by Garv Chaplot on Unsplash

Frequently asked questions

What is Hathi Pol famous for?

Miniature paintings, textiles, leather goods and handicrafts.

What can I buy in Bada Bazaar?

Silver jewellery, saris, bandhani, bangles, utensils and spices.

Is the old market safe in the evening?

Yes, it's busy and well lit. Watch your bag in crowds.

More on shopping

All posts