The Dharohar Folk Dance performance, held at Lok Dharohar Haveli, is one of the highlights of Udaipur, India’s so-called City of Lakes. This show celebrates the cultural heritage of Rajasthan with folk dances, music and a puppet show.
When I was in Udaipur, an expat couple told me that this is Rajasthan’s best traditional dance show, so my expectations were quite high and I can say that I wasn’t disappointed!
If you would like to attend the Dharohar Folk Dance during your visit to Udaipur, you will find everything you need to know in this guide. This includes what to expect, the entry fee and some useful insider tips.
Dharohar Folk Dance in Udaipur
Highlights of the Dharohar Folk Dance Show
The Dharohar Folk Dance Show consists of five Rajasthani dances: the Ghoomar dance, the Terah Taali dance, the Bhavai dance, the Gavri dance and the Chari dance. Apart from that, it also features a traditional puppet show.
While the Ghoomar dance is a traditional dance of royal families, the Terah Taali dance, Gavri dance and Chari dance are the dances of local tribes and communities.
Although all of the dances are incredibly colourful and beautiful, to me, the Bhavai dance was the highlight of the show. This is a traditional Rajasthani dance in which a woman elegantly balances up to nine brass pots on her head and it’s absolutely spectacular!
Another dance I loved is the Terah Taali dance. Here, the dancers tie musical instruments to different parts of their bodies and play them by moving and dancing.
As puppet shows have been the most popular form of entertainment in Rajasthan for centuries, this art form is also included in the Dharohar Folk Dance Show. This puppet show is a bit different from the traditional ones, though, as you will also be able to see the puppeteer on stage, while usually, he is hidden behind a curtain.
All in all, the Dharohar Folk Dance Show is a beautiful performance that offers a lot of variation and it’s definitely worth attending during a visit to Udaipur.
Tickets and entry fee
The Dharohar Folk Dance Show is held every evening at 7 p.m. and it lasts for one hour.
A ticket costs 150 INR for foreigners and 90 INR for Indian nationals. If you want to use a camera, you will have to pay an additional 150 INR.
Tip: Make sure to buy your ticket in advance and arrive 30 minutes before the show starts. This way, you will be able to choose your seat. You can buy tickets at the venue or online on the website of the Lok Dharohar Haveli.
How to get to Lok Dharohar Haveli
The Dharohar Folk Dance performance was previously held at the Bagore Ki Haveli, but it recently moved to the Lok Dharohar Haveli, which is close to the ticket counter of the City Palace of Udaipur.
If walking isn’t an option, the easiest way to get there is by:
- Rickshaw: Taking the rickshaw is the cheapest way to get to Lok Dharohar Haveli. Make sure to negotiate the price in advance (or use the Ola app), as Indian rickshaw drivers charge foreigners 10 times the local price.
- Private car: Alternatively, you could hire a private car to take you there, but this will be more expensive.
- Scooter: If you feel comfortable driving in India, you can rent a scooter in Udaipur. This is the most flexible way to get around the city.
Best time to visit Udaipur
The winter (from October to March) is the best season to visit Udaipur. At this time of the year, the weather will be most pleasant (read: not too hot).
I visited Udaipur in July, which is during the monsoon (from June to September) and although there were dry days too, it did rain quite a lot.
It’s best to avoid visiting Rajasthan in the summer months (April and May), as it will be scorching hot at this time of the year.
Where to stay in Udaipur
There are plenty of guesthouses, hostels and hotels in Udaipur, so it all depends on your personal taste and budget. You will find my top recommendations below:
- Little People House (⭐ 8.9/10): I stayed in this guesthouse for 3 weeks and loved the place. The location is perfect, the family that owns it is super hospitable and the rooms are very clean.
- Amet Haveli(⭐ 8.3/10): Amet Haveli is a 19th-century heritage hotel that offers beautiful views of Lake Pichola.
- The Oberoi Udaivillas (⭐ 9.6/10): If you would like to treat yourself to some luxury, The Oberoi Udaivillas is the place for you! This is one of Udaipur’s most luxurious hotels, boasting spacious rooms, elegant gardens and beautiful courtyards.
Check out my guide featuring the best lake view hotels in Udaipur if you would like to have a beautiful view of Lake Pichola from your hotel.
Dharohar Folk Dance: Final thoughts
The Dharohar Folk Dance was one of the highlights during my visit to Udaipur. This performance is full of colourful dances and spectacular performances.
It’s said to be the best cultural dance show in Rajasthan and it wouldn’t surprise me if this was true!
So, all in all, if you’re a culture or dance lover, this is a show that you cannot miss during a visit to Udaipur.
India travel planning guide
🛫 Find the cheapest flights to India on Skyscanner.
🏨 Find the best accommodation via Booking or Hostelworld.
🛺 Download the Ola app to order a rickshaw or a taxi.
🚃 Use 12GoAsia to book trains and buses in India.
🚗 Rent a car with Discover Cars to get the best rates.
💰 Get travel insurance via VisitorsCoverage, one of the best-reviewed travel insurance companies.
👘 Check out my complete India packing list for females.
📋 Don’t forget to check if you need a visa to visit India.
Read more about Udaipur and Rajasthan:
- Udaipur Itinerary: 2 Days in the White City of India
- Karni Mata Ropeway, Udaipur: A Useful Guide
- Ahar Cenotaphs, Udaipur: Complete Guide
- Best Lake View Hotels in Udaipur for Every Budget
- Historical Places in Rajasthan to Visit
- Facts About Rajasthan That Might Surprise You
- Rajasthan Itinerary for 7 or 14 Days (+ Map)
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