Is Udaipur Safe for Tourists in 2026?

Strangers approach tourists — often near ghats, rooftop restaurants, or on trains — and offer snacks, beverages, or cigarettes laced with sedatives. Once the victim is incapacitated, accomplices rob them of cash, phones, and passports. The UK FCDO and Canadian government both issue specific warnings about this tactic across Indian tourist destinations including Rajasthan. Victims often have no memory of what occurred.

How to avoid: Never accept food, drinks, gum, or cigarettes from strangers regardless of how friendly or trustworthy they appear. At restaurants and cafes, do not leave your drink unattended. Be particularly cautious of people who approach you at transport hubs or ghats and quickly try to establish rapport.

Where: Lake Pichola ghats, Jagdish Temple area, Udaipur Railway Station, and rooftop restaurants in the Lal Ghat neighbourhood

A taxi driver or well-dressed local approaches tourists and offers to pay them — or give deeply discounted goods — in exchange for carrying gems, carpets, or small parcels through Indian customs or international airports on their behalf. The pitch claims the items attract high import duties if sent commercially but can be exported duty-free in tourist luggage. The Canadian government advisory specifically warns of this tactic in Indian tourist cities. Tourists who agree risk customs detention and serious criminal charges for smuggling.

How to avoid: Refuse any offer to carry goods through customs for a third party, no matter how small or harmless the package appears. Do not accept payment or discounts in exchange for transporting items. Report the approach to your hotel or the nearest tourist police post.

Where: Udaipur craft markets, taxi stands near Udaipur City Railway Station, and approaches made near Hathi Pol Bazaar and Bada Bazaar