Lake Pichola and City Palace illuminated at night in Udaipur.

Vadodara To Udaipur Road Trip

Updated July 16, 2026

Vadodara → Udaipur | 2 Days

~345 kmTotal Distance~6.5 hoursDrive TimeOct - MarBest Time
Western IndiaHeritage & Culture

Road Trip Overview

Plan a complete Vadodara to Udaipur road trip with the best route, day-by-day itinerary, toll costs, road conditions, fuel cost, places to visit, food stops, stay options and self-drive tips. The Vadodara to Udaipur distance by road is approximately 345 km, and the drive takes around 6 hours 30 minutes depending on your departure time and traffic near Godhra.Running via NE1/NE4 and the Modasa-Godhra Highway, part of the officially designated Godhra–Shamlaji Corridor the route bypasses the Ahmedabad city belt and Godhra's town center entirely, running past Lunawada, Malpur and Modasa before easing into the forested Polo Forest region around Shamlaji and climbing gently into the Aravalli foothills as you cross into Rajasthan near Rishabhdev. It is one of the most rewarding weekend road trips from Vadodara, a shorter overall distance, no big-city traffic to fight through, and genuinely scenic small-town and forest driving for most of the way. Ideal for a 2-day Udaipur itinerary, the route pairs relaxed highway driving with royal heritage like City Palace, Lake Pichola, Saheliyon ki Bari and Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, plus lakeside cafés and old-city markets. If you are planning a longer journey, you can extend this route and explore the Udaipur to Mount Abu road trip.

BEST ROUTE

Vadodara → Udaipur via Modasa–Godhra Highway and NH48
Distance: ~345 km
Duration: ~6.5 hours

The best route from Vadodara to Udaipur follows NE1/NE4 to the Modasa-Godhra Highway (the Godhra–Shamlaji Corridor) via Lunawada, Malpur and Modasa, then NH48 past Shamlaji and Rishabhdev into Rajasthan. It is the shortest option, skips Ahmedabad's city traffic entirely, and has tolls.

Why is this the best route?

✔ Shortest distance at ~345 km, with drive time virtually tied with the fastest alternative.

✔ Skips the Ahmedabad–Gandhinagar city belt, avoiding its unpredictable traffic entirely.

✔ Scenic Aravalli hill entry into Rajasthan near Shamlaji and Rishabhdev.

ROAD CONDITIONS

Overall: Good

Vadodara – Lunawada
Excellent
Lunawada – Modasa
Very Good
Modasa – Shamlaji
Good
Shamlaji – Border
Good
Udaipur Entry
Moderate

Good to know

  • Early departure avoids Vadodara city traffic on the NE1/NE4 stretch out toward Lunawada.
  • The Lunawada–Modasa stretch passes through Malpur; fuel pumps and dhabas are frequent through Gujarat but thin out past Modasa, so top up before the border.
  • This route has tolls so keep FASTag linked and topped up.

Toll & Fuel Estimate

Vadodara to Udaipur toll charges in 2026 cover a handful of plazas along the Modasa–Godhra Highway and NH48, with the total one-way cost ranging between ₹250–₹400 depending on vehicle type.

Toll (One Way)

₹250 – ₹400
Based on average mileage
of 12-15 km/l.

Other Route Options

Alternate Route 1 — via NE1 and Udaipur-Ahmedabad Highway
~6.5 hours~360 km

Google Maps' current "fastest" pick on most checks, this alternate runs via NE1/NE4 towards Nadiad and Anand, then north past Himmatnagar. It is a longer, tolled route with a similar drive time to the main route, worth taking if it is showing a meaningfully faster estimate on the day, since the margin between the two routes fluctuates with live traffic.
 

Alternate Route 2 — via NH48
~7.5 hours~330 km

Shortest in distance but slowest overall, this option runs on NH48 for most of the way. It also avoids the road closures reported on NE4, but heavier traffic and more town interruptions add well over an hour compared to the other two routes, best used only if they are closed or heavily congested.
 

Itinerary - Day Wise Plan

Quick overview of your 2-day road trip

Day 1: Vadodara → Udaipur

Start your Vadodara to Udaipur road trip early, ideally around 6:00 AM, to clear Vadodara's morning traffic on the short NE1/NE4 stretch out of the city. The route skips the Ahmedabad city belt entirely, instead bypassing Godhra and joining the Modasa-Godhra Highway near Lunawada in Mahisagar district, a good spot for an early breakfast stop. From there the road runs along the Godhra–Shamlaji Corridor through Malpur and Modasa and into the more scenic Polo Forest belt around Shamlaji, where it narrows slightly but the surroundings turn genuinely green and hilly. Shamlaji Temple, right on the highway, is a popular quick-break stop before the border. Once you cross into Rajasthan, NH48 carries you past Rishabhdev, worth a short detour for its famous Jain temple before the final approach into Udaipur through the Hiran Magri and Ayad localities. Fuel pumps and food stops are reliable through Gujarat but sparser past Modasa, so top up before the border, this route also has tolls, so keep FASTag linked. You will typically reach Udaipur by mid-to-late afternoon, leaving enough daylight to settle in and ease into the city's lakeside pace. After checking in, start your Udaipur sightseeing at Fateh Sagar Lake for an easy evening walk, then head to Lake Pichola in time for sunset over the City Palace. Wrap up the day with dinner at a lakeside restaurant, and choose from hotels or heritage stays around Lake Pichola, Fateh Sagar or Lal Ghat for a comfortable overnight stay.

Distance~345 km
Driving Time~6.5 hours
Best Departure Time6:00 AM
HighwayNE1/NE4 + Modasa-Godhra Highway + NH48
Arrival in Udaipur after Vadodara road trip.

Places to Visit

1
Fateh Sagar Lake
Popular Udaipur lakefront known for sunset views, cafés, and relaxed evening atmosphere.
2
Lake Pichola
Iconic Udaipur lakefront known for cafés, boat views, and heritage surroundings.
3
Ambrai Ghat
The classic sunset spot on Lake Pichola's eastern bank, facing the City Palace across the water, this is where the postcard sunset photo...
4
Shamlaji Temple
11th-century Vishnu shrine right on the highway, a popular en-route darshan and photo stop.
5
Rishabhdev Temple (Dharna Vihar / Kesariyaji)
Revered Jain temple just across the Rajasthan border, a good short break before the final stretch to Udaipur.

Food Stops

Shreeji Kathiyawadi DhabaBreakfast
Natraj Dining HallLunch
Popular Udaipur restaurant known for traditional Rajasthani thali and local flavors.
Ambrai RestaurantDinner
Popular lakeside restaurant known for City Palace views and North Indian cuisine.

Stay Options

The Fern Residency
Trident UdaipurPremium
Luxury lakeside hotel known for peaceful gardens, premium hospitality, and convenient access to Lake Pichola.
Best Areas to Stay
  • Lake Pichola Area
  • Fateh Sagar Lake ·
  • Lal Ghat
  • Rani Road

Travel Tips

  • Start from Vadodara before 6 AM
  • Refuel before Modasa as fuel stops thin out on the Shamlaji/Polo Forest stretch
  • Avoid driving late night on rural stretches

Day 2: Udaipur Sightseeing

With Day 1 covering the lakes and evening walks, Day 2 of your Udaipur 2-day itinerary is built around the city's grand palaces and old town. Begin at the City Palace soon after it opens at 9:30 AM (give it 2–2.5 hours) to enjoy the Mewar courtyards, museums and lake views before the crowds build. From there, walk over to Jagdish Temple, a striking old-city landmark that is easy to combine with a stroll through the surrounding lanes. After lunch, head to Saheliyon ki Bari, Udaipur's landscaped garden with fountains and marble kiosks, before driving up to Sajjangarh Palace (Monsoon Palace), time your arrival for sunset to catch one of the finest panoramic viewpoints over Udaipur and the Aravalli hills. As the light fades, head back toward the lake and round off your Udaipur sightseeing with a relaxed dinner overlooking the water. The whole day moves on foot or short drives, making it a comfortable, well-utilized finale to the road trip.

Places to Visit

1
City Palace
Historic palace complex known for royal courtyards and panoramic lake views.
2
Jagdish Temple
Jagdish Temple is that one spot in Udaipur you’ll probably stumble upon while just walking around—but it’s totally worth stopping for. It’s...
3
Saheliyon ki bari
Okay, so Saheliyon ki Bari is one of those chill spots in Udaipur that you don’t expect but end up loving. It’s this cute little garden...
4
Sajjangarh Palace (Monsoon Palace)
Popular sunset viewpoint known for panoramic city and Aravalli views.

Food Stops

Jheel’s Rooftop CaféLunch
Popular rooftop café known for lake views and relaxed breakfast atmosphere.
Upre by 1559 ADDinner
Popular rooftop restaurant known for Lake Pichola views and evening atmosphere.

Travel Tips

  • Park outside the Old City and walk inside, parking is tight near City Palace and the ghats
  • Sajjangarh Palace is best visited late afternoon, ahead of sunset
  • Keep evenings light and unplanned
Want a printable itinerary for this trip?Download PDF version of this itinerary and keep it handy during your road trip.

Who Is This Road Trip For?

✔ Travelers from Vadodara, Anand and nearby cities planning a short Rajasthan getaway.

✔ Families and couples looking for a relaxed weekend road trip.

✔ First-time self-drive travelers crossing state borders for the first time.

✔ Travelers who want scenic driving through the Polo Forest without long highway fatigue.

Why This Road Trip Is Special?

✔ One of the most scenic drives from Gujarat into Rajasthan, through Lunawada, Modasa and the Shamlaji/Polo Forest belt.

✔ Shortest route by distance, with no need to navigate Ahmedabad's city traffic.

✔ Perfect mix of quiet highway driving, forested hill roads, a Rishabhdev temple stop, and Udaipur's royal heritage on arrival.

✔ Udaipur can also be the starting point for longer drives like the Udaipur to Mount Abu road trip.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Vadodara to Udaipur distance by road?

The Vadodara to Udaipur distance by road is approximately 345 km via NE1/NE4 and the Modasa-Godhra Highway through Lunawada, Malpur, Modasa and Shamlaji (part of the Godhra–Shamlaji Corridor), crossing into Rajasthan near Rishabhdev on NH48. The drive takes roughly 6.5 hours depending on your departure time and live traffic, making it comfortably doable as a single-day drive if you leave early.

What is the best route for the Vadodara to Udaipur road trip?

The best route runs via NE1/NE4 and the Modasa-Godhra Highway through Lunawada, Malpur, Modasa and Shamlaji, then NH48 past Rishabhdev into Udaipur (~345 km, ~6.5 hours), it is the shortest option, bypasses Ahmedabad's city traffic and Godhra's town center, and stays close to the fastest recorded time, while also avoiding the road closures reported on NE4. Note this route has tolls. The NE1 + Udaipur-Ahmedabad Highway alternate (~360 km, ~6.5 hours) runs through Nadiad, Anand and Himmatnagar and is sometimes marginally faster by the clock, but adds distance. The NH48 route (~3309 km, ~7.5 hours) is shortest in distance but slowest overall.

What are the Vadodara to Udaipur toll charges in 2026?

Total toll charges from Vadodara to Udaipur in 2026 range between ₹250–₹400 one way for a standard car, covering the plazas along NE1/NE4, the Modasa-Godhra Highway and NH48. FASTag is mandatory on all national and state highways, so ensure it is linked and has sufficient balance before starting. Toll rates may vary slightly by vehicle category.

How much fuel will the Vadodara to Udaipur drive cost?

Expect roughly ₹2,300–₹3,000 one way, assuming average mileage of 12–15 km/l. Use the on-page fuel cost calculator to estimate cost based on your own vehicle's mileage and current fuel price.

Is the Vadodara to Udaipur road trip suitable for a weekend?

Yes, it is one of the most popular weekend road trips from Vadodara. With a manageable ~6.5 hour drive and no Ahmedabad city traffic to navigate, it is ideal for a short 2-day Rajasthan getaway from Gujarat.

How many days are enough for Vadodara to Udaipur?

Two days are sufficient to cover the drive and Udaipur's main attractions like City Palace, Lake Pichola and Sajjangarh Palace. A third day allows a more relaxed pace or a scenic extension toward Kumbhalgarh or Mount Abu.

What are the popular food stops on the Vadodara to Udaipur route?

You'll find highway dhabas and fuel stations through Gujarat, with a reliable stop at Shreeji Kathiyawadi Dhaba in Lunawada and a good chai/darshan break at Shamlaji Temple further along. In Udaipur, popular choices include Natraj Dining Hall for thali, and lakeside spots like Ambrai and Jheel's Rooftop Café.

Is the Vadodara to Udaipur road trip safe for families?

Yes. The route is well-maintained through most of Gujarat, with the Shamlaji/Polo Forest belt and the Rishabhdev–Udaipur approach requiring a little extra attention. Any hatchback, sedan or SUV in good condition handles it comfortably.

Can the Vadodara to Udaipur road trip be done in one day?

Yes, but staying overnight allows better sightseeing. Given the roughly 6-hour drive time, a one-day round trip is possible for a quick visit, though most travelers prefer the 2-day plan to properly enjoy Udaipur's lakes and palaces.

Can the Vadodara to Udaipur road trip be done in summer?

Yes, the highway is drivable year-round, but Udaipur sightseeing can be uncomfortable in the April–June heat. Start very early, reach Udaipur before noon, and plan indoor or lakeside activities for the afternoon.

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