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 Saheliyon ki Bari, a garden built by Maharana Sangram Singh for his queen and her maids. The garden is also known as the Garden or the Courtyard of Maidens. Visit during One day trip Udaipur Local sightseeing
As the name suggests, it was made for the maidens who accompanied the Princess after her marriage to Maharana Sangram Singh. The garden is located on the banks of the Fateh Sagar Lake in Udaipur. It has beautifully landscaped lush green lawns, canopied walking lanes and magnificent fountains.
Overview of Saheliyon ki Bari
The Saheliyon ki Bari is a 18th-century garden that covers an area of about 6.5 acres. The garden was built by Maharana Sangram Singh II from 1710 to 1734 AD as a gift for his queen and her 48 maids. The garden was designed by the king himself and he presented this garden to his queen. The queen with her maids and female companions used to come here for a stroll and spend their time in leisure.
The garden has four pools with delicately carved kiosks and fountains. The fountains are fed by the water of the lake through a unique system of pipes and ducts. The fountains create a soothing sound of water and a cool breeze in the garden. The garden also has a lotus pool, a marble pavilion, a bird fountain and an elephant fountain.
Location of Saheliyon ki Bari
The Saheliyon ki Bari is located at Lake City, Near Science Museum, 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 Saheliyon ki Bari
The Saheliyon ki Bari is open for visitors every day from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. There is an entry fee of INR 5 per person for visiting the garden. Visitors are required to remove their shoes before entering the garden premises and dress modestly and respectfully. Photography and videography are allowed inside the garden.
How to Reach Saheliyon ki Bari
The nearest airport to Saheliyon ki Bari 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 Saheliyon ki Bari is Udaipur Railway Station, which is about 5 km away from the garden. From there, one can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the garden.
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 Saheliyon ki Bari
Apart from visiting the Saheliyon ki Bari, 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 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.
- Visit the Bagore Ki Haveli, which is a 18th-century mansion built by a prime minister of Mewar. 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.
Significance of Saheliyon ki Bari
The Saheliyon ki Bari is significant for many reasons. Some of them are:
- It is a garden built by Maharana Sangram Singh for his queen and her maids. The garden was designed by the king himself and he presented this garden to his queen. The queen with her maids and female companions used to come here for a stroll and spend their time in leisure.
- It is also a symbol of the royal lifestyle and culture of the Mewar kingdom. The garden showcases the art and architecture of the 18th century, as well as the love and respect for nature and women.
- It is also a place of peace and tranquility, where visitors can enjoy the beauty of the garden and the fountains. The garden has a soothing and relaxing atmosphere, where visitors can experience the essence of Udaipur.
FAQ’s
Q: Why is Saheliyon ki Bari called “the Garden or the Courtyard of Maidens”?
A: Saheliyon ki Bari is called “the Garden or the Courtyard of Maidens” because it was made for the maidens who accompanied the Princess after her marriage to Maharana Sangram Singh. The garden was a gift from the king to his queen and her 48 maids.
Q: What are the main attractions of Saheliyon ki Bari?
A: The main attractions of Saheliyon ki Bari are:
The four pools with delicately carved kiosks and fountains.
The lotus pool, a marble pavilion, a bird fountain and an elephant fountain.
The lush green lawns, canopied walking lanes and flower beds.
The museum that displays artifacts and photographs from the royal era.
Q: What are the rules and regulations for visiting Saheliyon ki Bari?
A: The rules and regulations for visiting Saheliyon ki Bari are:
One has to pay an entry fee of INR 5 per person for visiting the garden.
One has to remove their shoes before entering the garden premises.
One has to dress modestly and respectfully, covering their shoulders and knees.
One has to maintain silence and decorum inside the garden.
One has to refrain from smoking, drinking or eating inside the garden.
One has to follow the instructions of the staff and security personnel.
Conclusion
The Saheliyon ki Bari is a garden built by Maharana Sangram Singh for his queen and her maids. It is also a symbol of the royal lifestyle and culture of the Mewar kingdom. It is also a place of peace and tranquility, where visitors can enjoy the beauty of the garden and the fountains. Visiting the Saheliyon ki Bari is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that should not be missed by anyone who wants to explore the essence of Udaipur.
