Imagine a garden where you can stroll through lush green lawns, admire magnificent fountains and pools, and relax in elegant pavilions. A garden where you can feel the romance of the Rajput era and the charm of the City of Lakes. A garden where you can witness the marvels of nature and the maidens who once enjoyed them.
This is Saheliyon Ki Bari Udaipur, one of the most beautiful and popular tourist places in Rajasthan. Also known as the Garden or the Courtyard of Maidens, this garden was built by Maharana Sangram Singh in the 18th century for his queen and her 48 maidens who accompanied her in her marriage. It was a gift of love and a symbol of royal women’s empowerment and leisure.
In this article, we will take you on a journey through this garden and its features. We will tell you about its history, architecture, and attractions. We will also give you some tips on how to visit and explore this garden and the nearby places. If you are looking for a unique and enchanting destination for your next trip, Saheliyon Ki Bari Udaipur is the place for you.
History of Saheliyon Ki Bari
Saheliyon Ki Bari Udaipur has a fascinating history that dates back to the 18th century. It was built by Maharana Sangram Singh II, also known as Rana Sanga, who ruled the Mewar kingdom from 1710 to 1734. He was one of the most powerful and respected rulers of Rajasthan, who fought against the Mughals and expanded his territory.
He was also a loving husband who wanted to please his queen. According to legend, he met his queen when he was on a hunting expedition. He saw her bathing in a lake with her friends and fell in love with her at first sight. He asked for her hand in marriage and she agreed on one condition: she would bring along her 48 maidens who were her childhood friends.
The king agreed and built a special garden for them on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake. He designed the garden himself and made sure it had everything they could wish for: fountains, pools, pavilions, statues, flowers, trees, etc. He also imported rain fountains from England to create an illusion of rain for them. He wanted them to enjoy their time away from the political intrigues of the court and have fun like they used to.
The garden became their favorite spot and they spent many hours there. They played games, sang songs, danced, read books, etc. They also celebrated festivals and occasions there. The king often joined them and entertained them with his stories and jokes. The garden became a symbol of their friendship and love.
Architecture of Saheliyon Ki Bari
Saheliyon Ki Bari Udaipur is a masterpiece of architecture that reflects the Rajput style and culture. It covers an area of about 6 acres and has four water pools with different themes. The main pool is called Sawan Bhado and has four marble pavilions in each corner. The pavilions have carved figurines of birds that spout water from their beaks, creating a rain effect.
The second pool is called Kamal Talai or Lotus Pool and has a marble lotus-shaped fountain in the center. The fountain has four elephant statues around it that spray water from their trunks. The pool is surrounded by marble platforms where visitors can sit and enjoy the view.
The third pool is called Rang Mahal or Color Palace and has colorful glass windows that reflect the sunlight in different hues. The pool also has a marble chhatri or canopy that adds to its beauty.
The fourth pool is called Bin Badal Barsaat or Rain without Clouds and has five fountains that create an artificial rain shower. The pool also has marble statues of maidens holding pots that pour water into the pool.
Apart from these pools, the garden also has several other features such as:
- A museum that displays some of the royal artifacts and paintings.
- A rose garden that has various types of roses and other flowers.
- A bird house that has different species of birds such as peacocks, parrots, pigeons, etc.
- A nursery that grows plants and saplings for sale.
- A cafeteria that serves snacks and beverages.
The garden is adorned with intricate carvings, motifs, patterns, etc., that showcase the craftsmanship and skill of the Rajput artisans. The garden also has a blend of Indian and European influences, such as the rain fountains, the glass windows, etc. The garden is a feast for the eyes and a delight for the senses.
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Attractions of Saheliyon Ki Bari
Saheliyon Ki Bari Udaipur is not just a garden, but a destination that offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors. Here are some of the things you can do in this garden:
Boating:
You can enjoy a boat ride in the Fateh Sagar Lake and admire the scenic views of the garden and the surrounding hills. You can also visit the Nehru Park, which is an island park in the lake that has a zoo, a restaurant, and a fountain.
Strolling:
You can take a leisurely stroll in the garden and explore its different sections. You can also walk along the canopied lanes and feel the cool breeze and the mist from the fountains.
Relaxing:
You can relax in one of the elegant pavilions or platforms and soak in the beauty and tranquility of the garden. You can also meditate or practice yoga in the peaceful atmosphere of the garden.
Photography:
You can capture some stunning photos of the garden and its features. You can also take selfies or group photos with your friends or family. The garden is a perfect backdrop for any occasion or mood.
Learning:
You can learn about the history and culture of Rajasthan and Udaipur by visiting the museum and reading the information boards. You can also learn about the flora and fauna of the garden by visiting the rose garden, the bird house, and the nursery.
Best Way To Reach Saheliyon Ki Bari
The best way to reach Saheliyon Ki Bari depends on your starting point and your preferred mode of transportation. Here are some of the options you can choose from:
If you are coming from outside Udaipur, you can take a flight to the Maharana Pratap Airport, which is about 22 km from the city center. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Saheliyon Ki Bari, which is about 8 km from the airport1.
If you are coming from within Udaipur, you can take a local bus, an autorickshaw, a taxi, or a tonga to reach Saheliyon Ki Bari. The garden is located on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake, near Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal. It is about 4 km from the City Palace and 5 km from the Udaipur Railway Station.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can also rent a bicycle or a scooter and explore the city on your own. You can enjoy the scenic views of the lake and the hills along the way. However, be careful of the traffic and the weather conditions.
Saheliyon Ki Bari is open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm every day. The entry fee is INR 10 for Indians and INR 50 for foreigners. You can spend about 1-2 hours in the garden and admire its beauty and attractions.
Best Time To Visit Saheliyon ki Bari
The best time to visit Saheliyon Ki Bari is during the winter season, which lasts from October to March. During this time, the weather is pleasant and cool, and the garden looks fabulous with its greenery and flowers. You can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the garden without worrying about the heat or the crowds.
The summer season, which lasts from April to June, is very hot and dry in Udaipur, and the garden may not be as appealing or comfortable. The monsoon season, which lasts from July to September, is humid and rainy, and the garden may be flooded or muddy. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid these seasons if you want to have a memorable experience in Saheliyon Ki Bari.
However, if you do visit the garden in the summer or monsoon season, you can still enjoy some of its attractions such as the rain fountains, the lotus pool, and the bird house. You can also visit the garden in the early morning or evening hours when the temperature is lower and the crowd is lesser.
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Other Attractions to Visit Nearby
There are many other attractions to visit near Saheliyon Ki Bari that will make your trip to Udaipur more enjoyable and memorable. Here are some of the top ones:
Fateh Sagar Lake:
This is the lake on the banks of which Saheliyon Ki Bari is perched upon. It is a popular tourist location that offers scenic views, boating, and island parks. You can also visit the Nehru Park, which is an island park in the lake that has a zoo, a restaurant, and a fountain.
Lake Pichola:
This is another beautiful lake in Udaipur that has a few islands that are quite attractive as well. You can visit the Jag Mandir, which is an island palace that has a museum, a garden, and a restaurant. You can also visit the Jag Niwas, which is another island palace that houses the famous Lake Palace Hotel.
City Palace:
This is one of the most magnificent and grand palaces in Rajasthan that was built by the Mewar rulers over 400 years. It has several palaces, courtyards, gardens, temples, and museums within its complex. You can admire the architecture, art, and culture of the Rajput era and learn about the history and heritage of Udaipur.
Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal:
This is a cultural institution that showcases the folk art and culture of Rajasthan. It has a museum, a puppet theater, a library, and a craft shop. You can see various exhibits of folk paintings, costumes, jewelry, musical instruments, etc. You can also watch puppet shows and folk dances that are performed regularly.
Jagdish Temple:
This is one of the largest and oldest temples in Udaipur that was built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1651. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has a beautiful idol of him carved from black stone. The temple also has intricate carvings of various deities, scenes from Hindu mythology, and floral motifs on its walls and pillars
Saheliyon Ki Bari Udaipur is a garden of marvels and maidens that will enchant you with its history, architecture, and attractions. It is one of the best places to visit in Udaipur and Rajasthan. It is also one of the best places to experience luxury in India, as you can stay in one of the extraordinary hotels near the garden that offer a royal treatment.
Don’t miss this opportunity to visit this garden of marvels and maidens. Saheliyon Ki Bari Udaipur awaits you with open arms. Come and discover its charm and magic. Come and make memories that will last a lifetime.
