The Story Behind the Name
The name 'Bahubali Hills' is colloquial and has no known connection to Mewar history or any local dynasty. It became popular because the hill’s rocky cliffs and sweeping views over Badi Lake reminded visitors of the dramatic landscapes seen in the Baahubali films.
At the top, the hill opens into a broad, flat rock plateau overlooking Badi Lake, with the Aravallis stretching across the horizon. There is no elaborate attraction to discover here; the setting itself is the draw. The combination of rocky terrain, open skies, lake views, and surrounding hills gives Bahubali Hills a character all its own.
Trekking in Udaipur: The Bahubali Hills Trail
Trekking in Udaipur often means short hill walks rather than multi-day routes, and Bahubali Hills is a good example. The climb takes roughly 15 to 30 minutes along an uneven, unpaved trail, with the landscape opening up as you make your way towards the viewpoint. Shoes with good grip are recommended for the rocky surface.
There are no formal railings around the plateau edge, so take extra care if you are visiting with young children. It is also worth carrying water with you, as stalls are located along the trail rather than at the top. If you prefer to experience the surroundings at a gentler pace, cycling and nature walks around Badi Lake offer another way to take in the landscape without making the climb.
Badi Lake, Udaipur: The History Behind the View
The view from Bahubali Hills begins with Badi Lake, but the lake itself has a story that goes back centuries. Maharana Raj Singh I built the lake between 1652 and 1680 to help Udaipur cope with the effects of famine and drought, naming it 'Jiyan Sagar' after his mother, Jana Devi. Its 180-metre-long, 18-metre-wide embankment is marked by 3 chhatris, or domed pavilions.
Badi Lake proved its value again during the drought of 1973, when it supplied water to the people of Udaipur. Today, its quieter setting beyond the city gives Bahubali Hills much of its character: from the summit, the historic lake sits directly below, framed by the surrounding Aravallis. While Fateh Sagar Lake is closer to the heart of the city and more familiar to many visitors, Badi Lake, Udaipur, offers a more open and tranquil landscape to take in from above.
The Bahubali Hills Sunrise & Sunset Point, Udaipur
The first and last light of the day bring a different character to Bahubali Hills. If you are planning to catch the sunrise or sunset, arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow time for the climb and to settle in before the light changes. Early morning brings cooler air and softer light, while late afternoon casts warmer tones across Badi Lake and the surrounding Aravallis.
During the monsoon, mist and fog often settle across the hills, adding a magical quality to the landscape and making this sunset point, Udaipur visitors find especially atmospheric. If you are planning a sunset visit, check the current access timings beforehand, as opening hours may vary.
Recommended Visiting Windows: 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM | 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Planning Your Visit: Bahubali Hills, Udaipur Timings & More
- Timings: Generally open during daylight hours, with guides listing a closing time around 6:30 PM. Confirm locally before a late visit.
- Entry Fee: The Bahubali Hills, Udaipur entry fee varies by source, from free entry to around INR 10 per person. Confirm locally.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March, since the Badi Lake is full & the scenery is simply elevated by the cosy weather.
- Refreshments: Small stalls are available along the trail, but not at the plateau.
- Facilities: There is no formal shelter at the top, so carry water and avoid the hot afternoon.
- Where to Stay: Essentia Luxury Resort & Spa, Udaipur, in Umarda, offers a peaceful base for exploring Bahubali Hills and other quieter attractions around Udaipur.
Bahubali Hills, Udaipur Distance & How to Reach
Bahubali Hills can be reached from central Udaipur, Essentia Luxury Resort & Spa, Udaipur in Umarda, or Badi Lake. You can also check the Google Maps listing for Bahubali Hills for directions and the latest route information.
- Central Udaipur to Bahubali Hills: Approximately 15 km and around 40+ minutes by road.
- Essentia Luxury Resort & Spa, Udaipur to Bahubali Hills: Approximately 27 km and around an hour by road.
- Badi Lake to Bahubali Hills: You can drive approximately 1 to 2 km from Badi Lake towards the parking area near the base of the hill. Larger vehicles may find this drive challenging, so they are not recommended.
- Final Walk: From the parking area, the viewpoint is a short 10- to 20-minute rocky hike along an uneven footpath.
Beyond Bahubali Hills: What to See Nearby
Sajjangarh and its wildlife sanctuary lie on the same side of the city, making them easy to combine with Bahubali Hills on a half-day outing. After the lake views and open landscapes at Bahubali Hills, you can continue towards Sajjangarh, the Monsoon Palace, for its hilltop setting and sweeping views over Udaipur. A 2-day Udaipur itinerary gives you enough time to fit both into a wider exploration of the city's lakes, viewpoints, and other attractions without rushing between stops.
Stay Close to Udaipur's Quieter Side
For travellers exploring the Bahubali Hills and Badi Lake, staying away from the busier centre of Udaipur puts you closer to the city's quieter landscapes. Essentia Luxury Resort & Spa, our 5-star resort in Udaipur, Rajasthan, offers a convenient base beneath the Aravalli Hills, with 181 rooms designed for a comfortable stay. Explore our offers for more savings during your stay!
The resort also brings together the spaces you may want between outings, including an outdoor swimming pool, gym, playroom, and yoga room. For dining, Blue Salt & Coffee serves guests throughout the day, while poolside Splash Bar & Grill offers another setting to unwind.
