Memories of the City of Lakes: Top 6 Souvenirs to buy in Udaipur
From the usual suspects — stunning lehriya scarves, leather diaries and string puppets — to rare, personalized gifts that’ll make your loved ones and friends feel special, we list Udaipur’s most coveted souvenirs.
Lay your hands on everything you see at Hathipole Bazaar
Rajasthan is the mother lode for Indian souvenirs. Whether you’re travelling domestically or internationally, Rajasthani puppets, colour textiles and exquisite handicrafts represent some of India’s finest artisans and the country’s vibrant, diverse culture. Udaipur in particular is an artistic hub, home to the state’s most skilled craftspeople and smartest traders. One glimpse of the ‘City of Lakes’ and you’re already making plans to carry back miniature versions of its beauty. Like most souvenirs, you hope they’ll capture the spirit of the city that you’ve experienced and serve as lifelong memories. If picking up souvenirs for colleagues, friends and family members is an art, Udaipur makes you a master artist yourself. Put these items on your next Udaipur holiday itinerary and expect amazing reactions when you gift them. Spoiler alert: We’ve reserved our best for last
- Miniature paintings
A miniature painting is more than a keepsake; it’s a mesmerising glimpse into the world of Rajput artistry. These small-scale, highly detailed paintings trace back to the 9th century CE, and are a living tradition. Invented during the 1500-year rule of Guhil and later Sisodia rulers, the Mewari style of miniature painting reached its zenith under the reign of Maharana Jagat Singh I in the 16th century, with bold vivid colours taking centre stage. Practised by families across centuries, they have now acquired a contemporary flourish. The cost of miniature paintings in Udaipur varies widely, with smaller pieces priced at ₹300 ($4) and intricate, larger artworks going up to ₹10,000 ($135) or more, depending on factors such as size, detail, and artist reputation. We suggest you head to Mewar Art Gallery and Vinayak Art & Crafts to choose from the best. You’ll also get the opportunity to create your own miniature masterpiece under the guidance of skilled craftsmen.
2. Leather Diaries
The legacy of Udaipur’s leather industry and craftsmanship stretches back centuries, resonating with the city’s artistic prowess. Local artists use ancient techniques of tanning, stitching and crafting to produce beautiful leather artefacts. Their leather diaries make the best souvenirs, thanks to the use of natural fabric, durability, exquisite detailing and water resistance. Our favourite shops for leather souvenirs include Salim Finest Works, Craft Shades Inc, and Leather Panache. Prices average between ₹300 to ₹1500 ($4 to $18) or more, depending on quality and design.
3. Block printed fabrics
The art of block printing is believed to have originated in China, spreading rapidly to East Asia. The art flourished in India during the Mughal empire. Across styles like Ajrakh, Batik, Baghru, Pipad, Sanganeri and Kalamkari, it produces some of the most coveted natural fabrics. Udaipur’s specialty is a style called Dabu/Akola, which uses block printing patterns derived from natural forms. You can shop these mesmerising textiles from Hathipole Bazaar or Bada Bazaar. Basic cotton prints are priced between ₹200 to ₹800 ($3 to $11) per metre, while silk or more elaborate designs can range from ₹1000 to ₹3000 ($14 to $40) or more.
4. Kathputlis
Puppets for sale at Chetak circle
Every puppet isn’t a kathputhli! The name refers to the stylistic traditional string puppets, manoeuvred by puppeteers called Nats or Bhats, a wandering community from Rajasthan. With a strong belief in the divine origins of their art, this tribe traces itself back to times of King Vikramaditya in the 1st century. Traditionally crafted in Sawai Madhopur and Bassi, the charming kathputlis’ heads and headgears are carved from mango wood with large ‘expressive’ eyes and vintage Rajasthani costumes.
From intricately designed attire to expressive faces, each puppet narrates a story of the region’s rich folklore. These charming keepsakes are available in various sizes and styles, making them perfect for gifting or decorating your space. Prices for Rajasthani puppet dolls typically range from ₹200 to ₹800 ($3 to $11)
5. Pottery
Carving clay
Udaipur’s pottery is an exquisite souvenir capturing the city’s artistic heritage. Crafted with skilful hands, you’ll find an array of pottery items like ornate vases, intricately designed platters, and charming figurines. Incidentally, the Rajasthani (and Hindi) name for a potter is kumhar/kumbhar, but Rajasthani potters have adopted the honorary surname Prajapat, alluding to their generational profession. There’s a wide variety on offer when you’re out to buy ceramics. Vases may range from INR 500 to 3000, platters from INR 800 to 2500, and figurines from INR 300 to 1500, offering a diverse selection priced between $6 to $40.
7. Self-made Sculptures and Jharokhas
Create your own sculpture with Strode
Souvenirs acquire greater emotional depth and value when you make them with your own hands, investing time, purpose and passion — even if it’s for a few hours — into a product is priceless! We are suckers for self-made souvenirs, and the wealth of learning they bring by way of interacting with master craftsmen. If you’re looking for unique gifts from Udaipur, sign up for self-made souvenir workshops. Interact with local artists at their own studios, learning the art and crafts that have been passed down generations. Immerse into the life experience and knowledge of one of Udaipur’s finest hand block printing experts, create your own little jharokha — the city’s signature motif, the scalloped arched window — or spend a few hours enveloped in all manner of fragrances at a local perfumer’s to create your personalised perfume vial. We can’t think of a more exciting way to embrace the art, history and culture of Udaipur. Come home with one of your own creations, and a part of Udaipur stays with you forever, etched in your memory, heart and hands.
