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Badi Lake Udaipur: Morning Ride, Bahubali Hills and Timings
When the city starts to feel busy, ride out to Badi: a quiet lake ringed by the Aravallis, a short climb for the best view around Udaipur, and an open road there and back.
Badi Lake surrounded by the Aravalli hills near Udaipur · Photo via Wikimedia Commons
- Badi Lake is about 12–14 km from the old city, an easy ride on an open road.
- Free to visit, open roughly 7 AM to 6 PM.
- Leave by 8 AM and climb Bahubali Hills first. There’s almost no shade after 10.
- Carry water and fill petrol in the city. There’s little out there.
01Badi Lake at a glance
| Where | Badi village, about 12–14 km north-west of the old city |
|---|---|
| Also called | Jiyan Sagar, and Tiger Lake by some guides |
| Built | 17th century, by Maharana Raj Singh I |
| Open | Roughly 7 AM to 6 PM |
| Entry | Free |
| Time needed | 3 to 4 hours from the old city and back |
02Timings and costs
| What | Timing | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Badi Lake | About 7 AM to 6 PM | Free |
| Bahubali Hills walk | Daylight only | Free |
| Boating, when running | Daytime | About ₹30 for a rowing boat, more for a motor boat |
Checked October 2026. Boating doesn’t always run, especially outside the season and when the water is low.
03The ride from Udaipur
- Old city
- Fateh Sagar
- Badi village
- Badi Lake
- Old city to Fateh SagarOut through Chandpole to the lake. Fill petrol before you leave the city.
- Fateh Sagar to BadiThe road leaves the city behind and runs through open country with low hills on both sides. Light traffic in the morning and an easy ride.
- Bahubali HillsClimb first, while it’s cool. Details below.
- The lake and the embankmentWalk along the dam wall and sit by the water.
- Back to the cityThe same road back. You’re home before the midday heat.
04At the lake
Badi is a freshwater lake held back by a stone dam, with the Aravallis on every side. Maharana Raj Singh I built it in the 17th century and named it Jiyan Sagar after his mother, Jana Devi. It still matters to the city: during the drought of 1973, its water helped keep Udaipur going.
There are three small chhatris on the embankment. Walk along the dam for the view across the water. On a weekday morning you may have the place almost to yourself. Weekends get busier, with families and a few snack stalls.
Don’t swim. The water gets deep quickly, and there are no lifeguards.
05Bahubali Hills
- What it is: the hill beside the lake, named after the film. From the top you look down over the whole lake and the hills around it, and it is the picture most people come for.
- The climb: 20 to 30 minutes up a rocky, uneven path with no railings. It is steep in parts.
- Wear proper shoes. Sandals and slippers slip on the loose stones.
- Go early. There is no shade on the hill, and after 10 AM it gets hot for most of the year.
- Skip it with small children or if you’re not steady on your feet. The view from the embankment is lovely too.
06Before you go
- Fill petrol in the city. There’s no pump near the lake.
- Carry water. There’s little shade and few shops.
- Be back before dark. The road is open country with no street lights.
- Want more? Join this with the Fateh Sagar and Saheliyon ki Bari ride on the way back. The garden opens at 9 AM.
07Which scooty for this ride
Solo, any scooty will do. With two riders, take a Suzuki Access 125 or TVS Ntorq for the gentle climbs on the way. See all our scooties and prices on the scooty on rent in Udaipur page.
Written by Rajkumar Singh, co-founder of Udaipur Ride. He has spent more than 20 years exploring Udaipur and every corner of Rajasthan, and checks the timings and fees in our guides with our team on the ground. Timings and fees were last checked in October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us on WhatsApp.
Badi Lake: FAQs
Short answers to what riders ask us before this ride.
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How far is Badi Lake from Udaipur?
About 12–14 km from the old city, roughly 40 minutes by scooty via Fateh Sagar.
What are Badi Lake timings?
Roughly 7 AM to 6 PM. Early morning is best, before the heat.
Is there an entry fee at Badi Lake?
No, the lake and Bahubali Hills are free. Boating, when it’s running, is paid.
How long does the Bahubali Hills climb take?
20 to 30 minutes up a rocky path. Wear proper shoes and go before 10 AM.
Is Badi Lake good for sunset?
The light is lovely, but you ride back in the dark on an open road with no street lights. We suggest mornings.
Can I combine Badi Lake with other places?
Yes. Ride Badi early, then stop at Saheliyon ki Bari and Fateh Sagar on the way back.
