Puppet Show in Udaipur: A Magical Cultural Experience for Kids and Parents
If you’re traveling to Udaipur with kids, there’s one experience you shouldn’t skip—the puppet show in Udaipur. Trust me, as a parent traveling with little ones, I wasn’t sure if this would hold their attention or just be another “cultural” activity that sounds great in theory. But let me tell you—we were all captivated.
It was fun, colorful, lively, and surprisingly easy for even toddlers to enjoy. And in a city like Udaipur, where history, art, and charm live on every corner, this show just fits.
Let me walk you through everything you need to know so you can make the most of it—without the guesswork we had going in!
What Makes a Puppet Show in Udaipur So Special?
The city of Udaipur feels like it was made for this. With its lakeside palaces, miniature paintings, bustling bazaars, and historic temples—it’s a place full of artistry. So when you sit down for a puppet show here, surrounded by centuries of tradition and creativity, it just clicks.
Before we went, we honestly didn’t know much about the show other than that it was something people said we had to see. We tried to go one night but it was already sold out—so we knew it was popular. That told us everything we needed to know. We came back earlier on a weekday, skip the weekends (its too busy) and I’m so glad we did.
What stood out the most? The details. The outfits, the props, the coordination, the talent. It wasn’t just a puppet show—it was a full-blown performance with music, dance, balance acts, and vibrant traditional Rajasthani dress. Even though we couldn’t understand all the narration (most of it was in Hindi), the entertainment spoke for itself.
Where to Find the Best Puppet Show in Udaipur
We went to the puppet show at Bagore Ki Haveli, which sits right by Gangaur Ghat—a beautiful area by the lake. That venue was closest to us and easy to get to on foot. It’s a historic haveli (mansion) that’s been turned into a cultural museum and performance space, and the setting itself is just stunning.
There’s only one show per day, so don’t wait till the last minute like we did the first time! The show is popular with both tourists and locals, and the line forms before the ticket counter even opens.
Pro tip: Book online ahead of time, and once you arrive, don’t just linger around the ticket booth—go directly to where the line forms for entry into the performance area upstairs. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
What to Expect at a Puppet Show in Udaipur
The show runs about an hour, and while it’s technically “outdoors,” it’s inside an open-air courtyard surrounded by high haveli walls—like a cozy little amphitheater under the stars.
To get in, you’ll climb a set of stairs, flash your tickets, and then it’s open seating—so again, get there early. The front rows are rugs on the ground, which are great for kids… but only if you can actually get a spot. People will try to push past you, so if you’ve got small kids, stand your ground if you want these seats.
The acts rotate every few minutes, which is perfect for young attention spans. You’ll see:
- Traditional puppetry
- Dancers balancing objects on their heads
- Live folk music throughout
The host introduces each act, sometimes in Hindi and in English, but honestly—language didn’t matter. The visuals and music told the story.
How Much Does a Puppet Show in Udaipur Cost?
When we visited the Bagore Ki Haveli puppet show in Udaipur, we were honestly surprised by how affordable it was—especially considering how detailed and popular the performance is.
Here’s exactly what we paid:
- ₹250 per adult
- ₹75 per child
- ₹125 for a camera pass (And yes—they check. Multiple times.)
The camera fee might feel like a strange add-on, but believe me, you’re going to want to take pictures or videos. The costumes, the music, the balancing acts—it’s a visual experience, and you’ll be glad you documented it.
As of now, there aren’t any free or donation-based puppet shows in Udaipur that compare to this one. You might stumble upon a small roadside puppeteer here or there, especially near larger monuments or tourist-heavy areas, but these are usually very short, informal acts. Some are wonderful for a quick stop, but they don’t have the same structure, variety of acts, or quality of performance as what you get at Bagore Ki Haveli.
So yes—it’s budget-friendly. And honestly, they could raise the price, and it would still be worth it. Between the atmosphere of the haveli, the traditional Rajasthani music and dress, and the fact that it holds even little kids’ attention for a full hour, it’s one of those rare experiences that delivers far more than it costs.
How to Prepare Your Kids for the Experience
I brought my almost 3-year-old and 5-year-old to the puppet show at Bagore Ki Haveli, and they both genuinely enjoyed it. If your kids can sit for about 45 to 60 minutes without too much fuss, this is a great activity to include in your Udaipur itinerary.
To be honest, we didn’t do any kind of cultural prep beforehand. There’s no deep storyline or long narration that kids need to follow—it’s more of a series of short performances featuring puppetry, folk dancing, balancing acts, and traditional music. So, we just told them we were going to see puppets, and that alone was enough to spark their curiosity.
We didn’t bring any snacks, water bottles, or distractions with us, and we didn’t need them. The kids were fully engaged. But if you think your child might need something to keep them comfortable or calm while waiting for the show to begin, it’s not a bad idea to bring a small toy or a quiet snack for before it starts. Once the show is going, they likely won’t touch it.
Just a heads up—seating is on the ground in the front rows, and you’re sitting cross-legged on thin rugs, packed in pretty tightly with other people. If you’re not used to sitting like that for a full hour, it can get a bit uncomfortable. You can opt for the benches farther back, but keep in mind that if you’re not near the front, small kids may have a hard time seeing the stage clearly.
There are no backrests, no assigned seats, and once you’re in, you’re staying for the full duration. So if your little one is particularly wiggly or needs to move around a lot, this might be something to consider before committing.
Also worth noting—there are stairs to reach the performance area, so strollers aren’t practical. We used a child carrier and left it off to the side, which worked well. If you do bring a stroller, be prepared to carry it up or find a place to leave it downstairs.
What the Puppet Show Taught Our Family About Rajasthan
While there wasn’t a specific moral lesson or storyline that stood out to us during the puppet show at Bagore Ki Haveli, the experience still offered something deeper—especially through the visual and cultural elements woven into every act.
Rajasthani puppetry, known as Kathputli, is one of India’s oldest forms of folk entertainment. It’s believed to date back over a thousand years and was traditionally used not just to entertain, but to share stories about local legends, kings, and village life.
The costumes were stunning—bright, intricate, and clearly hand-crafted with care. The movements were precise, whether it was a puppet dancing across a stage or a performer balancing multiple pots on her head.
Our kids might not have understood the historical background or caught every detail, but they were seeing a kind of artistry they don’t normally get to witness.
Tips for Visiting with Young Children (and Staying Sane)
Here’s what helped us:
- Sit near the front so kids can see clearly
- Book tickets ahead and arrive early
- Skip the stroller—there are stairs, and the space is tight
- Bring your camera (and get the camera pass!)
We brought our child carrier and left it off to the side. It worked out great.
Our kids didn’t need to leave or take breaks during the show. The flow of entertainment was enough to keep everyone engaged.
Nearby Family-Friendly Spots to Explore After the Show
Once the show ends, you’re right near Gangaur Ghat, which is especially lovely at night. We walked around a bit and took in the lights reflecting off the lake—so pretty.
There are food vendors around, and several restaurants nearby. That said, prices near the venue are pretty touristy. We skipped the pricey spots and just walked a block or two out of the main area for better deals.
If you time it right, this whole evening—dinner, a walk by the water, and the show—can turn into a memorable night out with the kids.
What to Pack (and What to Leave at Home)
You don’t need much:
- Water for the walk
- Warm-weather clothes (you’ll be outside and close to others)
- A child carrier if needed
- A camera!
No need for snacks, toys, or distractions—your kids won’t need them once the show starts. Just make sure they’re dressed comfortably for sitting on the ground or squeezed between folks on benches.
Final Thoughts: Why Every Traveling Family Should See a Puppet Show in Udaipur
If you’re wondering whether this is “worth it” with kids, I get it. Not everything on the road is kid-friendly—or attention-span approved. But this puppet show in Udaipur? Totally worth it.
It’s affordable, unique, and honestly, one of the most memorable things we did as a family in the city. It’s not flashy or high-tech. It’s simple, raw, cultural entertainment—done right. And something about watching your kids’ faces light up as puppets twirl and dancers balance pots on their heads? That’s just pure travel magic.
