The Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival 2026 returns (January 9 – 11, 2026) to the City of Lakes, Udaipur, as one of India’s most enchanting and immersive cultural experiences. Dedicated to the revival and celebration of oral storytelling traditions – untainted by screens and digital distraction – this festival blends historic art forms, contemporary narratives, performance, music, community engagement and immersive experiences into a soulful three-day celebration.
Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival
Storytelling, once the heartbeat of human connection and cultural transmission across generations, has seen a revival in recent years through festivals that cherish the spoken word. The Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival, first launched in 2017 by founders Sushmita Singha and Salil Bhandari, has steadily grown into one of the most acclaimed storytelling festivals in India. With its 7th edition scheduled for January 2026, the festival continues its mission of making stories the pulse of experience, emotion, memory and imagination.
2026 Dates & Venue: The Magic Of Shilpgram
Planning for Udaipur Tales 2026 dates and venue is essential for those looking for the best things to do in Udaipur in January 2026.
- Dates: January 9 – 11, 2026 (Friday to Sunday)
- Primary Venue: Park Exotica Resort Udaipur, conveniently located opposite the Shilpgram artisan village.
- Ambiance: The venue offers an open-air, rustic setting that perfectly mirrors the festival’s goal of reviving oral storytelling traditions in India.
What To Expect: Udaipur Tales 7th Edition Lineup
The Udaipur Tales 7th edition lineup features an eclectic mix of Bollywood veterans, folk maestros, and international narrators.
- Celebrity Performers: National Award winner Divya Dutta, theatre icon Rajit Kapur, actor Arif Zakaria, and singer-actor Meiyang Chang (performing with his band).
- Diverse Narratives: Expect everything from Dastangoi (Persian storytelling) by Danish Husain to contemporary satires, mystery, and historical epics.
- Unique Highlight: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, inmates from the Udaipur Central Jail will perform as storytellers and musicians, sharing deeply personal stories of resilience.
- Jamghat Open Mic Udaipur Tales: An informal stage where participants – from students to homemakers – can share their own five-minute stories.
- Handmade Organic Bazaar at Udaipur Tales: A vibrant flea market featuring organic products, traditional textiles, and local handicrafts.
Tickets, Entry Fees & Registration
The festival uses a “Donor Pass” system to fund its cultural initiatives. You can find Udaipur Tales 2026 tickets on BookMyShow.
Free vs Paid Sessions at Udaipur Tales
| Ticket Type | Price (Estimated) | Access Details |
| Morning Children’s Stage | Free / Registration | Focuses on fables and workshops for kids; entry is usually complimentary but requires pre-registration. |
| Evening Session Pass | INR 250 – INR 1,000 | Access to evening performance or main-stage sessions of one particular day. |
| 3-Day Season Pass | INR 1,500 – INR 3,000 | The best value for money, providing unlimited access to all three days of storytelling and music. |
Note: Evening sessions are designed for adults (12+) and may contain mature themes. Morning slots are children’s sessions and are free, but you need to register.
Where to Stay: Hotels Near the Venue
Choosing hotels near Udaipur Tales festival venue allows you to walk to sessions and avoid city traffic.
| Hotel Category | Estimated Price/Night | Recommended Options |
| Luxury | INR 15,000 – INR 25,000 | Wyndham Grand Udaipur (760m away), Radisson Blu Palace Resort (2.5km). |
| Boutique/Mid-Range | INR 4,500 – INR 9,000 | Park Exotica Resort (Host venue), Amantra Shilpi Resort (480m), Daulatgarh Resort. |
| Budget/Homestay | INR 1,500 – INR 3,500 | Serenity Hill Resort, The Rukmani Homestay, or guesthouses in the Shilpgram area. |
Logistics: How to Reach Park Exotica
- From Airport: The venue is ~25 km from Maharana Pratap Airport. A taxi costs roughly INR 800 – INR 1,200.
- From the Railway Station: Located ~9 km away. A local auto-rickshaw costs INR 200 – INR 300, while app-based cabs (Uber/Ola) are readily available.
- Local Tip: Since it is peak season in January, it is highly recommended to know how to reach Park Exotica for Udaipur Tales via pre-booked transport to avoid surge pricing.
Summing Up
The Udaipur Tales International Storytelling Festival 2026 is an essential pilgrimage for anyone who believes in the magic of “once upon a time.” From the celebrity sessions to the grassroots Jamghat open mic, the event offers a rare opportunity to experience human connection without a screen in sight.
