Hathi Pol market shopping
Hathi Pol Market is a vibrant, historic bazaar located in Udaipur's old city near the City Palace. Famous for traditional Rajasthani handicrafts, textiles and miniature paintings, it's an atmospheric maze of narrow lanes, artisan shops and local food stalls. The market is ideal for shoppers looking for authentic souvenirs, hand-block printed fabrics, silver jewelry, puppets and colorful Rajasthani decor.
Location
Hathi Pol Bazaar (Old City), near City Palace, Udaipur, India
Duration
1–3 hours (typical); half-day if combined with City Palace and local sightseeing
Best Time to Visit
October to March (cool, pleasant). Evenings (late afternoon to early night) are lively; mornings are quieter for relaxed browsing.
Pricing
Browsing: Free. Goods: Prices vary widely — expect 100–500 INR for small trinkets and souvenirs, 500–5,000+ INR for quality textiles, paintings or silverwork. Bargaining: Common and expected; start ~30–50% below the quoted price. Some shops accept cards, but cash (INR) is preferred.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Traditional Rajasthani textiles: bandhani, block-printed fabrics and embroidered garments
Miniature paintings and Pichwai art
Handmade silver and bijouterie jewelry
Wooden toys, puppets and lacquerware
Marble inlay items and decorative homeware
Local street food stalls — kachori, samosa, masala chai and local sweets
Picturesque narrow lanes and old havelis offering great photo opportunities
Itinerary
Morning stroll and browsing
Shops open; quieter lanes make it easier to inspect goods and photograph items without crowds.
Shop for textiles, paintings and souvenirs
Compare prices across stores; ask about materials and provenance. Prefer shops that display certificates for silver items.
Lunch break at a local eatery
Try local Rajasthani dishes or light street food. Avoid uncooked salads from unhygienic stalls.
Evening shopping and bargaining
Market livens up; ideal time to test bargaining strategies. Visit stores you noted earlier for final purchases.
Evening tea/snack and photo walk
Enjoy masala chai and snacks; capture the market ambiance and decorated facades.
Safety Requirements
Keep valuables, passport and large amounts of cash in a hotel safe; carry only needed cash and a photocopy of ID
Watch for pickpockets in crowded lanes and during peak hours
Negotiate prices politely; be aware of aggressive sellers and step away if uncomfortable
Agree on packaging for fragile items and inspect goods before paying
Be cautious with street food if you have a sensitive stomach; drink bottled water
Tips
Always bargain — vendors expect it. Start low and meet in the middle.
Carry small denomination INR notes and coins for easier transactions.
Check fabric quality and request to see the product in natural light for color authenticity.
Ask for 'bill' or receipt for expensive purchases, especially silver and paintings.
Prefer buying from established shops for higher-value items; look for visible shop fronts rather than street hawkers.
If shipping items home, confirm packaging and courier options with the seller — many shops can arrange shipping.
Wear comfortable shoes — narrow, sometimes uneven lanes require walking.
Respect local customs: dress modestly and ask permission before photographing people.
Plan visits during cooler months (Oct–Mar) and avoid midday heat in summer.
Try local snacks such as 'kebabs', 'kachori' and 'jalebi' from busy stalls (a proxy for safer food).
