Udaipur has always enchanted us with its beauty and it becomes next to impossible to forget once you have been here. Such is the charm of the city that people often refer to this place as the ‘Kashmir of Rajasthan’ or ‘Venice of the East’. No wonder why this city is compared with some of the most beautiful places on the planet.
Visiting this majestic city surely is one-of-a-kind experience but what really strengthens this experience are the memories of Udaipur and more so in the form of collectibles, antiques, handicrafts, jewelry, wearables and many more items. Udaipur has been gifted with a rich history and unlike any other place, puts it on with pride, in the form of some famous intricate artworks and keepsakes that have since long, become the popular choice for reviving the royal Rajputana feel and a chance to reanimate the luxurious lifestyle of the ancestors of Mewar. And not just this, these things are nowadays used to decorate houses and other places as well.
But ‘the paradox of choice’ is as true as it gets and Udaipur is filled up to the brim with loads of varieties of items to take and one often gets confused as to what to buy and what to leave behind. Additionally, a substantial amount of money is what it usually costs to buy these items because things can get really expensive sometimes.
But as they also say, ‘Hakuna Matata’, or simply, ‘Don’t worry!!!’ because we have got your back and here we are with the list of some of the best items to take away from our beautiful city of lakes and what else, when you just have ₹500 to shell!? Wait, what!? Yes!
Here’s the list of items you can check out and take away without having to make a hole in your pocket:
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Refrigerator Magnets:
These are one of the best things you can take when you travel to a new city. It makes all the more sense if you are an avid traveler and love to see how many places you have visited yet! Have a look at some of these available here. Aren’t they beautiful?
Estimated cost – ₹20/- onwards
Shop at – Taiyabi Handicrafts Emporium, 123-G, Pannadhay Marg, Hathipole, Udaipur
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Marble items:
Udaipur, apart from its palatial beauty and grandeur, is known for Marbles and you can easily find items made out of them in the local markets here. The marble industry employs a large population of the city and is one major business of Udaipur. Some really popular ones are mortar, pestle, lamp stand, incense stick holder and God idols. Have a look at some of these!
Estimated cost – ₹50 onwards/-
Shop at – Jharokha, Rajasthan Art Industries, 123-J, Hathipole, Udaipur
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Wall hanging:
These are the popular choice for tourists visiting Udaipur as they provide a distinctive look to your house and have a Rajasthani feel to it. These are made out of copper, wood, etc. They are often considered good for Vastu too. Have a look at some these here.
Estimated cost – ₹100/- onwards
Shop at – Taiyabi Handicrafts Emporium, 123-G, Pannadhay Marg, Hathipole, Udaipur
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Wooden Handicrafts:
The most popular item of choice for tourists and commonly available at Hathipole bazaar are the wooden handicrafts that have a range of objects from key chains to sculptures and mannequins. These are locally produced in and around Udaipur employing a large rural population which has now become professionally skilled and have passed this on to the succeeding generations. Take a look at some of these here! (These are available in different sizes and can be as small as the palm of the hand and as big as your height.)
Estimated cost – ₹50/- onwards (for mannequins and handicrafts) ₹10/- onwards (for keychains)
Shop at – Taiyabi Handicrafts Emporium, 123-G, Pannadhay Marg, Hathipole, Udaipur
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Ittar (Perfume):
‘Ittar’, ‘Attar’, or ‘Itra’ is known world-over for its aroma and largely believed to treat numerous health disorders. It has been a part of the cultural lifestyle of our predecessors for decades. These are made by plants and flowers or a mixture of oil and herbs. Udaipur is famous for Gulaab Ittar (Rose perfume), Mogra (Arabian Jasmine) and Harsingar Ittar (Night Jasmine) and is commonly available in small bottles. Take a look!
Estimated cost – ₹50/- onwards
Shop at – Prince Perfume Centre, Opp. Hathipole, Udaipur
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Rajasthani dresses:
Any trip to Rajasthan is incomplete without at least a photo in our local attire. Rajasthani traditional dresses are available at Hathipole market and are in major demand as they give a unique look to a person. Take a look at this Kedia dress here!
Estimated cost – ₹200/- onwards
Shop at – Satyam Shivam Sundaram, Opp. Hathipole Gate, Udaipur
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Bandhani saris and dupatta:
If you were thinking how all the dresses are only meant to be worn by men then you are mistaken. We have something in store for all the females too. The ‘Bandhani’ is a type of tie-dye textile whose origin dates back to the 6th century where Bandhani dots can be seen in paintings and are extremely popular among Rajasthanis. Commonly known as Bandhej, it involves dyeing a fabric and tying it tightly with threads at several points which results in patterns like Chandrakala, Shikari, Bavan Baug, etc. The main colors used are yellow, red, blue, green and black. Take a look at some pieces from Udaipur’s local market here.
Estimated cost – ₹100 onwards/- (available at different costs for different fabrics)
Shop at – Bandhej Art Plaza, 76, Behind Urban Bank, Hathipole, Udaipur
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Jewellery:
Rajasthan is one of the culture capitals of India and the jewelry here is drool worthy! Locally crafted jewelry can be found in shops at the old city market in Udaipur and are quite a choice among women as they provide a gorgeous look and have pretty unusual designs. Popular options include bajubandh, nath and long, rakhdi, bangadi or acrylic kade (bangles), surliya or earrings with kundan work, etc. Here’s an example!
Estimated cost – ₹50/- onwards (for earrings) ₹200 onwards (for bangles and other items)
Shop at – Gujarat Jewelers, Hathipole, Udaipur
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Pagri and other Rajasthani accessories:
Traditionally, the turban is called ‘Pagri’, ‘Paag’ or ‘Saafa’ and it was then worn by Rajput families at rituals and special occasions. The way of tying a turban changes every few kilometers in Rajasthan and varies from tribe to tribe! Nowadays this tradition has been reduced to villagers but still remains an amazing experience for the tourists. Also, delicately designed women’s handbags (or jholas) and purses are some popular choice among tourists with varied Rajasthani designs of elephants, horses, depict the rich cultural heritage with colorful details. Here, take a look!
Estimated cost – ₹120/- onwards (pagris) ₹50/- onwards (purse and handbags)
Shop at – Hathipole market, Udaipur
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Jootiya/Mojari:
Jootiya/Mojari is a traditional footwear ethnic to Rajasthan and is a hot favorite among both men and women. They symbolize the royal culture of Rajasthan since they were worn by Rajput kings and queens. Here’s how beautiful they look!
Estimated cost – ₹200/- onwards
Shop at – Mojri Collection, Panna Dhay Marg, Hathipole, Udaipur
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Earthen clay items:
They are commonly available in the old city market and also at Shilpgram. The utensils made with usually depict the old-style cooking and are usually considered better than food cooked in the utensils we use nowadays. They are made up of earthen clay and can be still seen in use in villages. There are other items available as well. Here’s how they look!
Estimated cost – ₹50/- onwards
Shop at – Shilpgram, Udaipur
These things would surely make your confusion a little less confusing and you take the best of things you can without digging your pocket! We hope your stay in Udaipur becomes a memorable one for life.
All the best!
We hope you liked the collection of items and we would love to see more such things. Please comment down below with your suggestions and anything that you think we might have forgotten!
Have a great day. Thank you!
