Udaipur, a city in Rajasthan, India, is known for its scenic beauty and royal heritage. It is home to the City Palace, one of the largest and most splendid palaces in India, which overlooks the Lake Pichola and the Jag Mandir island. But apart from the palace, there is another attraction in Udaipur that attracts many visitors every year. It is the Bagore ki Haveli, a historic mansion that was built by a prime minister of Mewar kingdom. Visit during One day trip Udaipur Local sightseeing
The haveli is located on the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangori Ghat. The haveli has a museum that displays costumes, jewellery, paintings and other artifacts from the royal era. The haveli also hosts cultural shows such as puppet shows, folk dances and music in the evening. In this article, we will explore the overview, location, timing/entry fees, how to reach, things to do/must see, significance, FAQ’s and conclusion of this haveli.
Overview of Bagore ki Haveli
The Bagore ki Haveli is a 18th-century mansion that was built by Amarchand Badwa, who was the prime minister of Mewar from 1751 to 1778. He served under four Maharanas of Mewar: Pratap Singh II, Raj Singh II, Ari Singh and Hamir Singh. The haveli has 138 rooms, as well as numerous corridors & balconies, courtyards and terraces. The interiors of the haveli are embellished with intricate and fine mirror work. While strolling in the haveli, you can also see the private quarters of the royal ladies, their bath rooms, dressing rooms, bed rooms, living rooms, worship rooms and recreation rooms.
The haveli was neglected for almost forty years after India’s independence and later in 1986, it was handed over to the West Zone Cultural Centre for restoration. The West Zone Cultural Centre converted the haveli into a museum, while retaining the royal look in the same old architectural style. The museum showcases the art and culture of Mewar kingdom through various exhibits and displays.
Location of Bagore ki Haveli
The Bagore ki Haveli is located at Gangaur Ghat Marg, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001. Udaipur is a city in Rajasthan state, which is about 400 km south-west of Jaipur city. Udaipur is one of the oldest cities in India and has a rich history and culture. It is also known as “the City of Lakes” or “the Venice of the East” for its numerous lakes and palaces.
Timing/Entry Fees Bagore ki Haveli
The Bagore ki Haveli is open for visitors every day from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. There is an entry fee of INR 60 per person for domestic adults, INR 30 per person for domestic children (age between 5 to 12), INR 100 per person for foreign adults and INR 50 per person for foreign children. There is an additional fee of INR 50 for camera or video. Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the haveli premises and dress modestly and respectfully. Photography and videography are allowed inside the haveli.
The Dharohar Dance Show timings are from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm and the show tickets are available from 6:15 pm. The show features various folk dances and music of Rajasthan such as Bhavai dance (balancing pots on head), Chari dance (dancing with fire pots), Ghoomar dance (spinning dance), Terah Taali dance (dancing with cymbals) and more. The show fee is INR 90 per person for Indians, INR 45 per person for children, INR 150 per person for foreign adults and INR 75 per person for foreign children. There is an additional fee of INR 150 for any camera.
How to Reach Bagore ki Haveli
The nearest airport to Bagore ki Haveli is Jaipur International Airport, which is about 250 km away from Udaipur city. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Udaipur city. The nearest railway station to Bagore ki Haveli is Udaipur Railway Station, which is about 5 km away from the haveli. From there, one can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the haveli. There are also regular buses available from Jaipur, Ajmer, Jodhpur and other cities to Udaipur city. Alternatively, one can also drive to Udaipur city by taking the National Highway 48 or 58.
Things to Do/Must See Bagore ki Haveli
Apart from visiting the Bagore ki Haveli, there are many other things to do and see in Udaipur city. Some of them are:
- Visit the City Palace, which is one of the largest and most splendid palaces in India, which overlooks the Lake Pichola and the Jag Mandir island. The palace has several structures inside its premises, such as Sheesh Mahal (palace of mirrors), Durbar Hall (royal court), Jagdish Temple (dedicated to Vishnu), Crystal Gallery (displaying crystal objects) and more.
- Visit the Lake Pichola, which is another beautiful lake in Udaipur city, which has two islands: Jag Niwas (where the famous Lake Palace Hotel is located) and Jag Mandir (where the Jag Mandir Palace is located). The lake also offers boat rides, sunset views and romantic ambience.
- Visit the Saheliyon ki Bari, which is a garden built by Maharana Sangram Singh for his queen and her maids. The garden has fountains, pools, pavilions, statues and flowers.
- Visit the Sajjangarh Palace or Monsoon Palace, which is a hilltop palace built by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1884. The palace offers a panoramic view of the Udaipur city and the surrounding hills.
Significance of Bagore ki Haveli
The Bagore ki Haveli is significant for many reasons. Some of them are:
- It is a historic mansion that was built by Amarchand Badwa, who was the prime minister of Mewar from 1751 to 1778. He served under four Maharanas of Mewar: Pratap Singh II, Raj Singh II, Ari Singh and Hamir Singh.
- It is also a museum that displays costumes, jewellery, paintings and other artifacts from the royal era. The museum showcases the art and culture of Mewar kingdom through various exhibits and displays.
- It is also a cultural centre that hosts folk dances and music shows in the evening. The shows feature various folk dances and music of Rajasthan such as Bhavai dance (balancing pots on head), Chari dance (dancing with fire pots), Ghoomar dance (spinning dance), Terah Taali dance (dancing with cymbals) and more.
FAQ’s
Q: Why is Bagore ki Haveli called “the Haveli of Mirrors”?
A: Bagore ki Haveli is called “the Haveli of Mirrors” because it has intricate and fine mirror work on its walls, ceilings, pillars, doors and windows. The mirror work reflects light and creates a dazzling effect in the haveli.
Q: What are the main attractions of Bagore ki Haveli?
A: The main attractions of Bagore ki Haveli are:
The 138 rooms, as well as numerous corridors & balconies, courtyards and terraces inside the haveli.
The private quarters of the royal ladies, their bath rooms, dressing rooms, bed rooms, living rooms, worship rooms and recreation rooms.
The museum that displays costumes, jewellery, paintings and other artifacts from the royal era.
The cultural shows such as puppet shows, folk dances and music in the evening.
Q: What are the rules and regulations for visiting Bagore ki Haveli?
A: The rules and regulations for visiting Bagore ki Haveli are:
One has to pay an entry fee for visiting the haveli and an additional fee for camera or video.
One has to remove their shoes before entering the haveli premises.
One has to dress modestly and respectfully, covering their shoulders and knees.
One has to maintain silence and decorum inside the haveli.
One has to refrain from smoking, drinking or eating inside the haveli.
One has to follow the instructions of the staff and security personnel.
Conclusion
The Bagore ki Haveli is a historic mansion that was built by Amarchand Badwa, who was the prime minister of Mewar from 1751 to 1778. It is also a museum that displays costumes, jewellery, paintings and other artifacts from the royal era. It is also a cultural centre that hosts folk dances and music shows in the evening. Visiting the Bagore ki Haveli is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that should not be missed by anyone who wants to explore the essence of Udaipur.
