Bahubali Hills, also known as Badi Hills, is a natural rocky viewpoint located beside Badi Lake, on the outskirts of Udaipur. Unlike the city’s palaces and forts, this spot offers a short hike, peaceful surroundings, and beautiful panoramic views of the lake and Aravalli Hills.

It is especially famous for its sunrise, when the morning light creates stunning views over the hills and water. This guide covers the hike, timings, entry fee, what to see, and how to plan your sunrise visit for the best experience.

🌅 What is Bahubali Hills, and why is it famous?

Bahubali Hills, also known as Badi Hills, is a natural rocky viewpoint located beside Badi Lake (Jiyan Sagar) on the outskirts of Udaipur. The lake was built by Maharana Raj Singh I between 1652 and 1680 and was named after his mother, Jana Devi. It was originally created to help provide water during periods of drought. (Wikipedia)

The hill itself is a natural rock formation reached by a short hike. Its name is believed to have been inspired by the rocky landscape’s resemblance to scenes from the Bahubali films.

Today, Bahubali Hills is famous mainly for its beautiful panoramic views. From the top, you can see Badi Lake surrounded by the Aravalli Hills, creating a peaceful and photogenic landscape. The spot is particularly popular at sunrise, when the first golden light falls across the lake and hills.

It is a great choice for photographers, nature lovers, couples, and anyone looking for a quiet outdoor experience away from Udaipur’s busy palace circuit.

Bahubali Hills Udaipur sunrise view over Badi Lake and the Aravalli Hills

🥾 The Hike Up Bahubali Hills

The hike to Bahubali Hills is short but adds a little adventure to the sunrise experience. From the parking area near Badi Lake, the walk to the viewpoint usually takes around 15–20 minutes.

The trail is natural, rocky, and uneven rather than a paved staircase, so comfortable closed shoes with a good grip are recommended. The climb is manageable for most visitors, but take your time, especially if you’re not used to walking on rocky terrain.

🎒 What to Carry

If you’re visiting for sunrise, it’s best to carry:

🔦 Torch or phone flashlight – the trail is dark before sunrise
💧 Drinking water
👟 Comfortable shoes with good grip
🧥 Light jacket during cooler months
📱 Phone or camera for photographs

There are no regular shops or major facilities on the hilltop, so make sure you carry everything you need before starting the hike.

🌄 Bahubali Hills – Timings & Best Time to Visit

Bahubali Hills is a popular viewpoint overlooking Badi Lake near Udaipur. It is essentially an open hill area rather than a tourist attraction with a formal entrance gate, so there are no fixed opening and closing hours. You can generally visit at any time.

Best times to go:

🌅 Sunrise: Reach about 20–30 minutes before sunrise. This is the best option if you want fewer people, cooler weather, and peaceful views.
🌇 Sunset: Visit in the late afternoon and stay through sunset. The hills and lake look especially beautiful in the warm evening light, although it can be more crowded.

A visit usually takes around 1.5–2.5 hours, including getting there, walking/hiking up, spending time at the viewpoint, and returning.

From Udaipur city, Bahubali Hills is roughly 12–15 km away, depending on your starting point and route.

🌅 Sunrise or Sunset — Which Is Better?

Sunrise 🌅	Sunset 🌇
Usually quieter	Usually more crowded
Cooler weather	Warmer, more comfortable later in the day
Peaceful atmosphere	More lively atmosphere
Soft, natural light	Beautiful golden-hour light
Great for photography	Great for photography
Requires an early start	Easier to fit into a sightseeing day

My recommendation: If you want the most peaceful experience and fewer people, choose sunrise. If you’re already spending the day exploring Udaipur and want to finish with a beautiful viewpoint, choose sunset.

One important point: sunrise and sunset times change throughout the year, so check the exact time for your travel date and plan to arrive about 20–30 minutes beforehand.

Hiking the rocky trail to Bahubali Hills viewpoint near Badi Lake Udaipur

How to Reach Bahubali Hills

🚕 Car/Taxi: Best option, especially for sunrise. It takes around 25–35 minutes from central Udaipur.
🛺 Auto-rickshaw: Possible, but arrange your return ride in advance, especially for an early-morning visit.
🛵 Scooter/Bike: A convenient and flexible option. Ride to the trail area, park nearby, and walk up to the viewpoint.

Best choice: Taxi/car for sunrise; scooter for flexibility.

🌅 How to Plan Your Bahubali Hills Visit

A sunrise visit can be easily completed in around 2–3 hours:

🚗 Travel: 30–45 minutes from Udaipur to the Badi Lake area.
🥾 Hike: Around 15–20 minutes to reach the viewpoint.
🌅 Sunrise: Spend 30–45 minutes enjoying the views and taking photos.
🚶 Return: Walk back down in about 15–20 minutes.
🚗 Back to Udaipur: Allow another 30–45 minutes.

If you have extra time, you can also explore the Badi Lake embankment, where you’ll find three traditional chhatris.

⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind

Bahubali Hills is a natural viewpoint, so don’t expect toilets, restaurants, or developed facilities at the top.
The trail is rocky and uneven, so wear comfortable shoes.
Do not swim in Badi Lake; treat it as a sightseeing spot only.
October to March is generally more comfortable for hiking. During the monsoon, the hills become greener but the trail can be slippery.

⭐ Why Visit Bahubali Hills?

Bahubali Hills is worth visiting if you want a peaceful sunrise, beautiful views of Badi Lake and the Aravalli Hills, a short hike, and great photography opportunities without spending much money.

You can combine it with Fateh Sagar Lake later in the day, or visit Monsoon Palace for sunset instead.

Quick tips before you go

Book your cab the night before if you’re heading out pre-dawn, since drivers can be harder to find that early.
Wear layers. Mornings can be cool even when the day turns warm quickly.
Don’t rely only on sunrise time. Factor in travel and parking too.
Check our places to visit in Udaipur guide to build this into a longer trip.

If early starts and DIY logistics aren’t your thing, you can browse our Rajasthan trip itineraries and have transport and timing planned for you.