Backpacking Udaipur? Here’s How to Choose the Right Hostel Room

You can plan your Udaipur trip down to the last café, bookmark every sunset point, and still end up with a forgettable experience if you choose the wrong place to stay.

Because in Udaipur, your hostel room isn’t just where you sleep. It’s where you swap itineraries over chai, find someone to split a boat ride with, or meet fellow travellers who convince you to wake up at 5 a.m. for a sunrise walk you’ll remember long after the trip ends.

The City of Lakes rewards travellers who slow down. Choosing the right dormitory in Udaipur can make all the difference between simply visiting the city and genuinely experiencing it.

Why Your Hostel Choice Shapes Your Udaipur Experience

Udaipur is not a destination you rush through.

Sure, you will tick off City Palace, Lake Pichola and the famous ghats. But the moments that stay with you are usually the unplanned ones—a rooftop conversation with strangers, stumbling upon a folk music performance or discovering a tiny café because another backpacker recommended it.

That’s why where you stay matters.

A good hostel connects you with the city. A great one connects you with the people exploring it alongside you.

Dormitory or Private Room? Choose Based on Your Travel Style

There’s no universal “best” option. The right choice depends on how you like to travel.

If You’re Travelling Solo

A dormitory in Udaipur is often the easiest way to meet people without forcing conversations.

Dorms naturally create opportunities to exchange recommendations, join walking tours, or simply find someone who’s also heading to Sajjangarh Palace for sunset.

For first-time solo travellers, that’s surprisingly reassuring.

If You’re Working While Travelling

Workations aren’t just a trend anymore.

If your mornings involve meetings before your evenings involve lakeside cafés, look for hostels that offer:

  • Reliable high-speed Wi-Fi
  • Comfortable common workspaces
  • Quiet corners when you need to focus
  • Flexible long-stay options

That balance lets you finish your workday before stepping straight into Udaipur’s vibrant evenings.

If You Are Travelling as a Couple or with Friends

Private rooms offer extra privacy without losing access to the social atmosphere.

You get your own space while still being able to spend evenings in shared lounges, cafés, rooftop spaces, or community events whenever you feel like it.

It’s the best of both worlds.

Location Matters More Than You Think

You don’t need to stay beside every attraction.

You just need to stay somewhere that makes exploring easy.

Many backpackers prefer areas around Gulab Bagh, Lake Pichola and the old city because they’re within walking distance of Udaipur’s biggest highlights.

From there, you can comfortably explore:

  • City Palace
  • Jagdish Temple
  • Ambrai Ghat
  • Gangaur Ghat
  • Local cafés
  • Street markets like Hathipole and Bapu Bazaar

Less time commuting means more time wandering.

And wandering is exactly what Udaipur is best for.

The Best Hostels Aren’t Built Around Beds

Most travellers spend surprisingly little time inside their rooms.

They’re usually out exploring—or hanging around common spaces.

That’s why it’s worth looking beyond room photos.

Ask yourself:

  • Is there a rooftop where people actually hang out?
  • Are there common areas designed for conversations?
  • Does the hostel organise local walks or community events?
  • Is there a café where travellers naturally gather?

The room gets you through the night.

The shared spaces often define the trip.

Don’t Miss Udaipur Beyond the Instagram Spots

Yes, Lake Pichola deserves every photo.

But some of the city’s best experiences happen away from the obvious landmarks.

Spend an evening at Ambrai Ghat watching the City Palace light up.

Take the ropeway to Karni Mata Temple around sunset.

Wake up early for Rayta Hills if you want panoramic views without the crowds.

Browse the colourful lanes of Hathipole Market for handmade textiles and souvenirs.

And when you are hungry, skip international chains. Order a traditional Rajasthani thali or indulge in a generous serving of dal bati churma that makes walking back to your hostel feel like cardio.

Budget Smart, Not Cheap

It’s tempting to book the lowest-priced dormitory in Udaipur you can find.

Sometimes that works.

Sometimes you end up spending more on transport, unreliable Wi-Fi, or constantly searching for places to meet people.

Instead, think about value.

A hostel that’s centrally located, social, clean and thoughtfully designed often saves both time and money throughout your trip.

Look for Experiences, Not Just Accommodation

The best hostels understand that travellers are not just looking for a bed.

They’re looking for stories.

Walking tours, heritage experiences, local food trails, workshops, and community evenings often become the highlights people remember—not the room itself.

That’s one reason many backpackers choose social stays like goSTOPS, where the experience extends well beyond check-in, making it easier to meet fellow travellers and explore the city together.

So, Which Hostel Room Should You Choose?

If you are travelling solo and want to meet people, a dormitory in Udaipur is usually the better choice.

If you are balancing work with travel, prioritise strong Wi-Fi, coworking-friendly spaces, and flexible stays .

If privacy matters more, book a private room while still choosing a hostel that encourages community outside your door.

Whatever you choose, remember this:

You’re not coming to Udaipur just to sleep.

You’re coming for sunrise over Lake Pichola, spontaneous café conversations, bustling bazaars, rooftop sunsets, royal palaces, and stories you’ll probably tell for years.

The right hostel room simply gives those stories a place to begin.

FAQs

Is staying in a dormitory in Udaipur safe for solo travellers?

Yes. Reputed hostel rooms like goSTOPS generally offer secure access, digital locks, lockers and staffed reception areas. Many solo travellers choose dorms specifically because they are social and easier to meet like-minded people.

Should I book a dormitory in Udaipur or a private room?

Choose a dorm if you’re travelling solo, backpacking, or hoping to meet other travellers. A private room is better if you’re travelling as a couple, with family, or simply prefer more personal space.

Which area is best for backpackers in Udaipur?

The Old City, Gulab Bagh, and areas around Lake Pichola are popular because they are close to major attractions, cafés, markets, and walking routes.

What is the best time to visit Udaipur?

October to March offers pleasant weather for sightseeing, heritage walks, café hopping, and outdoor experiences. The monsoon months also bring lush scenery and fewer crowds for travellers who don’t mind occasional rain.