Bahubali Hills Udaipur: My Badi Lake Viewpoint Guide

I reached Bahubali Hills for the view over Badi Lake, and that is exactly what made the visit worthwhile. From the rocky ridge, the lake sits between the Aravalli hills with long, open views in almost every direction. It is quieter than the palace side of Udaipur, although the viewpoint itself is no longer a secret.

The final part involves a short uphill walk. It was not a difficult trek for me, but the ground is uneven and there is very little shade. Come for the lake and the changing light, wear proper shoes and do not plan the visit as if this were a developed park with every facility available.

My quick take: Bahubali Hills is worth visiting if you like viewpoints and can manage a short rocky climb. Go early, carry water and keep well away from the exposed edges. Check current access locally because online timings and entry charges are inconsistent.

What the viewpoint actually looks like

The hill overlooks Badi Lake, also known as Jiyan Sagar. Rajasthan Tourism identifies Badi Lake as an artificial freshwater lake built by Maharana Raj Singh between 1652 and 1680 to help the city during a drought. The lake and the surrounding hills create the broad landscape people now associate with Bahubali Hills.

From the top, I could see the water curving between low hills, with rocky ledges in the foreground. The view is the whole experience. There are no palace rooms to tour and no long sequence of attractions, which is why an unhurried morning works better than a rushed stop between several monuments.

Watch my Bahubali Hills sunrise video

This short video shows the viewpoint and the lake as I saw them during the visit.

Play my Bahubali Hills Udaipur video on YouTube

Getting there from Udaipur

Bahubali Hills is on the Badi Lake side of Udaipur. The lake is around 12 km from the city, but your exact distance depends on where you start and which approach road you use.

I would use a private car, taxi or two-wheeler and save the map location before leaving the busier part of Udaipur. Public transport may take you towards Badi village, but the last connection and return journey need checking on the day. Do not assume an auto will be waiting at the trail entrance when you finish.

The approach passes through a quieter area than central Udaipur. Slow down near the village, follow local signs and ask residents if the map route becomes unclear. Parking arrangements can change as visitor numbers and local controls change.

The short walk to the top

The climb is brief, but “short” does not mean flat. Expect dirt, loose stones and exposed rock. I would avoid sandals with smooth soles, especially after rain.

Walk at your own pace. You do not need trekking equipment for an ordinary visit, but water, shoes with grip and sun protection make a real difference. If someone in your group has limited mobility, check the current approach before driving out because the viewpoint itself is not step-free.

I found the effort reasonable. The stronger concern was the exposed ridge at the top, not the length of the climb.

What I paid, and why you should verify it

The entry charge was ₹10 per person during my visit. That is a personal record from that day, not a confirmed current fee.

I could not find a live charge or opening schedule on an official government page. Take some cash, follow the authorised collection process at the site and ask for the current rules when you arrive. An old social post should not be treated as today’s ticket notice.

When should you visit?

I prefer an early morning visit because the air is cooler, the light is softer and the climb is easier before the sun becomes harsh. The viewpoint is often described as a sunrise spot, but check the opening situation before arriving in darkness.

After the monsoon, the hills can look greener and the lake setting feels especially fresh. Rain also makes rocks slippery. Winter gives you comfortable walking weather, while summer needs an earlier start and more water.

There is a trade-off. The most pleasant seasons and sunrise hours can also bring more visitors. I would rather arrive early on a weekday than fight for a photograph on a busy weekend.

The cliff edge needs respect

Many Bahubali Hills photographs are taken close to exposed rock. A wide camera angle can make a risky position look casual. It is not.

Stay on stable ground, keep children beside you and do not move backwards while framing a shot. Wind, loose gravel and wet stone can change the situation quickly. I enjoyed the view without walking to the outermost edge, and nothing was missing from the experience.

How long do you need?

Keep around one to two hours for the walk, photographs and time at the top. Add the drive from Udaipur and a little buffer for parking or a changed access point.

If you only want a quick photograph, you may finish sooner. I would not rush. The reason to come this far is to sit with the view for a while, not collect another location tag.

What to carry

• Drinking water, especially in warm weather
• Comfortable shoes with good grip
• A cap and sunscreen
• A charged phone with the route saved offline
• Cash in case digital payment is unavailable

Carry your rubbish back. A viewpoint above a lake is a terrible place to leave plastic bottles, snack packets or cigarette waste.

Can you combine it with other Udaipur places?

Yes, but keep the route sensible. Badi Lake is away from the dense palace area, so nearby choices work better than crossing the city several times.

Fateh Sagar Lake and Saheliyon Ki Bari can fit into the same side of a broader Udaipur plan. Shilpgram may also suit travellers interested in regional crafts and culture. Check each attraction’s official timing and ticket information separately because they do not share one schedule.

I would keep Bahubali Hills as the morning stop, have breakfast afterwards and then choose one or two city attractions. Stuffing every Udaipur landmark into the same day takes away the slower feeling that made this viewpoint enjoyable.

Why is it called Bahubali Hills?

The viewpoint is also called Badi Hills because it overlooks Badi Lake. The “Bahubali Hills” name appears to be a popular nickname rather than a historic official name. Stories linking it to the landscape in the Baahubali films circulate online, but I could not verify an authoritative origin for the nickname.

That uncertainty is worth keeping clear. Badi Lake has documented history. The modern viewpoint name does not have the same kind of official record.

Is Bahubali Hills worth visiting?

Yes, if you want a natural viewpoint and are comfortable with a short climb. The panorama across Badi Lake is genuinely beautiful, and it shows a quieter side of Udaipur beyond palaces, markets and hotel rooftops.

It may disappoint anyone expecting a large managed attraction with extensive facilities. I did not need those facilities, but I would have liked clearer official information about access, timing and charges. Plan for a simple outdoor stop and the place makes much more sense.

Check this before leaving

The official Rajasthan Tourism guide to Udaipur confirms Badi Lake as a recognised city attraction. Its official lakes guide provides the documented history of Badi Lake.

For more Rajasthan trip ideas, read my Garadia Mahadev viewpoint guide, Jaipur travel guide and Kishangarh Dumping Yard visit.

For an evening activity in Udaipur, read my Lok Marudhar Nritya folk-show experience.