Leave Ahmedabad early on Saturday for the 260 km, 4–5 hour drive, spend Saturday afternoon and evening on Lake Pichola, Sunday at the City Palace, Fateh Sagar and Sajjangarh, and drive back on Monday morning or Sunday night.
Key facts
- Distance: about 260 km via the Ahmedabad–Udaipur highway
- Drive time: 4–5 hours, longer on Friday evenings
- Best stop: Shamlaji, about halfway, for the Vishnu temple and a break
Udaipur is Ahmedabad’s favourite weekend escape, and every Friday evening the highway shows it. Here’s how to do it well in two nights.
The drive
It’s about 260 km and 4 to 5 hours on a good highway. Leave by 6 or 7 am on Saturday to avoid the Friday-night rush and arrive for lunch. Shamlaji, roughly halfway, is a good break: an 11th-century Vishnu temple and tea stalls. The last hour climbs gently into the Aravalli hills, and you’ll know you’re close when the air cools.
Don’t drive into the Old City lanes. Park at your hotel or outside and walk. See getting around Udaipur.
Saturday: the lake
- Lunch: A thali to reset after the drive. See our Rajasthani thali guide.
- Afternoon: Check in, rest, then walk to Gangaur Ghat and across the Daiji bridge.
- Sunset: The Lake Pichola boat. Book the sunset slot in the morning in season.
- Evening: The Dharohar dance show at Bagore Ki Haveli at 7 pm, then dinner on a rooftop.
Sunday: palace, gardens and a hilltop sunset
- Morning: The City Palace at opening time, then Jagdish Temple.
- Lunch: Near Fateh Sagar.
- Afternoon: Saheliyon Ki Bari, then the Fateh Sagar pal.
- Sunset: Sajjangarh. Leave by 4:30 pm in winter.
Monday or Sunday night: home
If you can take Monday morning, go up Bahubali Hills at sunrise before driving back. Otherwise leave after Sajjangarh and you’ll be home by midnight.
Weekend tips
- Hotels fill up on long weekends and around Diwali. Book two weeks ahead.
- Sunday evening on the Fateh Sagar pal is very busy with local families. It’s fun, but parking is hard.
- Carry snacks; highway dhabas are fine but spaced out after Shamlaji.
Prefer someone else to drive? We can arrange a car with driver from Ahmedabad.
Frequently asked questions
Is Udaipur good for a weekend from Ahmedabad?
Yes. It's the most popular weekend escape from Ahmedabad: close enough to drive, and different enough to feel like a holiday.
Should I drive or take the bus?
Driving gives you flexibility to reach Sajjangarh and Fateh Sagar easily. Overnight sleeper buses are a good option if you want to save a hotel night.
Where should I stay for a weekend?
Stay in the Old City or near Lal Ghat to walk to the palace and ghats, or near Fateh Sagar for easier parking and a quieter base.
