Saheliyon Ki Bari
Saheliyon Ki Bari, literally translated as the 'Courtyard of the Maidens' or the 'Garden of Friends', is one of Udaipur's most beautiful and historical gardens. It was constructed in the 18th century (circa 1710 to 1734) by Maharana Sangram Singh II as a luxurious green retreat for the royal ladies, specifically for the Queen and the 48 young women (Maidens) who accompanied her as part of her wedding retinue. The Maharana himself is said to have designed the garden, keeping in mind the Queen's love for the sound of rain, aiming to create a lush, pleasant environment in the otherwise arid state of Rajasthan. The garden is famous for its delightful fountains, beautifully landscaped lawns, marble art, and a serene lotus pool. A unique aspect of the garden is that the fountains operate solely on the principle of water pressure, fed from the nearby Fateh Sagar Lake, with no pumps used. This ancient engineering feat is a marvel to behold even today. The garden features four main water pools, fountains shaped like birds and marble elephants, and beautiful kiosks (chatris) that served as resting points. The entire garden complex provides a tranquil sanctuary, featuring a museum of royal household items, which are housed in an outbuilding. Saheliyon Ki Bari is a symbol of the exquisite taste and opulence of the Mewar rulers, dedicated to the leisure and comfort of the royal women, and remains one of the most popular places to visit in Udaipur.
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General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 to 1. 5 HoursPlace Type:
Garden, Historical Monument, Architectural FeatEntry Fees:
Entry Ticket: Saheliyon Ki Bari requires an entry ticket, which is very modest compared to the palaces.
The fees typically are:
Indian Tourists: Around Rs.10 to Rs.30 per person.
...Entry Ticket: Saheliyon Ki Bari requires an entry ticket, which is very modest compared to the palaces.
The fees typically are:
Indian Tourists: Around Rs.10 to Rs.30 per person.
Foreign Tourists: Around Rs.50 to Rs.100 per person.
Camera Charges: There is usually no separate fee for carrying a still camera or mobile phone for photography, but it's always advisable to confirm at the ticket counter.
Other Charges: The small museum located within the premises usually has its entry fee included in the main ticket, but occasionally there might be a very nominal, separate ticket. The overall visit remains highly inexpensive.Timing:
Regular Timings: The garden is generally open to the public from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM every day. The fountains and water features are typically in operation throughout the day, although the flow might vary based on water levels and maintenance.Regular Timings: The garden is generally open to the public from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM every day. The fountains and water features are typically in operation throughout the day, although the flow might vary based on water levels and maintenance.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is the Early Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM) or the Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM).
Morning: The air is cool, the crowds are minimal, and the soft light is perfect for photography, emphasizing the tranquil nature of the garden.
Afternoon: The heat has started to subside, making for a pleasant stroll, and the garden is often bathed in a beautiful golden light.Special Events:
Annual Flower Show: While not a traditional Mewar royal festival, the city of Udaipur often hosts a significant Annual Flower Show at the Saheliyon Ki Bari, typically held during the winter months (December or January) when the weather is at its peak for flowering and the g...Annual Flower Show: While not a traditional Mewar royal festival, the city of Udaipur often hosts a significant Annual Flower Show at the Saheliyon Ki Bari, typically held during the winter months (December or January) when the weather is at its peak for flowering and the garden is at its most vibrant. The show brings in diverse varieties of exotic and native flowers, transforming the already beautiful garden into an even more spectacular kaleidoscope of colours and fragrances. This event draws horticulture enthusiasts and provides an enhanced visual experience beyond the usual architectural and water features.Best Photo Spots:
The Central Lotus Pool and Elephant Fountains: The centerpiece is the best spot. Capture the symmetrical arrangement of the lotus pool with the four marble elephant statues spouting water towards the center. Frame the shot low to the ground to include the pool's reflectio...The Central Lotus Pool and Elephant Fountains: The centerpiece is the best spot. Capture the symmetrical arrangement of the lotus pool with the four marble elephant statues spouting water towards the center. Frame the shot low to the ground to include the pool's reflection and the surrounding green hedges.
Marble Pavilions (Chatris) with Water Jets: The small, intricately carved marble pavilions are excellent for architectural detail shots. Capture the chatris with the water jets operating, showcasing the serene retreat aspect of the garden. The white marble provides a beautiful contrast to the green lawns.
Canopied Walkways and Greenery: Capture the long, straight, canopied walking lanes, often lined with tall trees and lush greenery. These pathways create a sense of depth and are great for environmental portraits or wide shots that emphasize the 'green oasis' feel of the garden in Rajasthan.
Overview from the Entrance/Raised Areas: Standing at a slightly elevated point near the entrance or along the main walkway allows you to capture the entire geometric layout and symmetry of the garden, including the straight channels and multiple water features flowing into one another.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Enjoy a Leisurely Stroll: The main activity is to take a slow, leisurely walk through the perfectly manicured lawns and the canopied lanes. The garden is designed for relaxation, and simply walking amidst the greenery, listening to the soothing sounds of the fountains, is a rejuvenating experience.
Admire the Water Engineering: Spend time observing the various fountains, especially those at the lotus pool and the marble pavilions. Try to understand the ingenious system of gravity and water pressure that makes them work without any machinery, a testament to the 18th-century engineering skill of the region.
Photography and Scenery: Saheliyon Ki Bari is a delightful place for photography. Capture the symmetrical beauty of the garden, the reflection of the marble pavilions in the water pools,...
Information
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Why Famous:
The Garden of Royal Maidens: Saheliyon Ki Bari is famous for its romantic and historical association with the royal ladies of Mewar, particularly the Queen and her 48 maidens. It was conceived and built specifically for their enjoyment and leisure, providing a secluded, gr...The Garden of Royal Maidens: Saheliyon Ki Bari is famous for its romantic and historical association with the royal ladies of Mewar, particularly the Queen and her 48 maidens. It was conceived and built specifically for their enjoyment and leisure, providing a secluded, green escape from the rigours of court life.
Unique Water Engineering: It is internationally renowned for its sophisticated, ancient water engineering. The fountains operate purely by gravity and natural water pressure from the adjacent Fateh Sagar Lake without the use of any modern pumps. This 18th-century marvel of hydraulic science and ingenuity is a major draw for tourists.
Picturesque Beauty: The garden is celebrated for its sheer picturesque beauty. The perfectly manicured lawns, the shaded walking lanes, the sparkling lotus pool, and the elegant marble pavilions with their constant fountains create a cool, serene, and photogenic environment, standing out as a lush oasis in Rajasthan. -
Architecture:
Mughal Garden Influence with Rajput Elements: The design of Saheliyon Ki Bari is heavily influenced by the structured, symmetrical layout of the Mughal Gardens, featuring geometric patterns, straight channels, and raised walkways, yet it incorporates distinct Rajput element...Mughal Garden Influence with Rajput Elements: The design of Saheliyon Ki Bari is heavily influenced by the structured, symmetrical layout of the Mughal Gardens, featuring geometric patterns, straight channels, and raised walkways, yet it incorporates distinct Rajput elements like the elaborately carved marble pavilions (chatris) and the traditional use of local stone and intricate carving. The garden exemplifies a beautiful balance between formal Persian-style gardens and the native aesthetics of Rajasthan.
Fountain and Water Engineering Marvel: The key architectural and engineering feature is the complex system of fountains and water channels. The water supply is drawn from Fateh Sagar Lake via a sophisticated network of pipes, using only gravity and water pressure to run the fountains and jets.
Lotus Pool: The central lotus pool is famous for its four fountains, with water spouting from the trunks of four carved marble elephants, directed towards the centre.
Fountains and Pavilions: There are numerous fountains strategically placed throughout the garden, mimicking the sound of rain as desired by the Queen. The pavilions, built of marble, are intricately carved with figures of birds and animals.
Dimension: The garden is a fairly large, rectangular enclosure, though specific dimensions vary. It is meticulously planned with a clear geometrical symmetry.
Key structures include:
Main Courtyard: The central area is dominated by the lotus pool and its surrounding marble pavilions.
Marble Kiosks: There are several finely carved marble kiosks (chatris) that served as cooling rest spots, often having water jets or fountains directly inside or adjacent to them. The use of marble adds elegance and helps to keep the area cool. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Fly to Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR), 21 KMS away. From the airport, a taxi or cab can take you directly to the garden, located near Fateh Sagar Lake. The journey is about 40-50 minutes.
By Train: Arrive at Udaipur City Railway ... -
Near Tourist Places:
Other Places Distance (in KMS) from Saheliyon Ki Bari Fateh Sagar Lake 0. 5 Maharana Pratap Memorial (Moti Magri) 1. 0 Nehru Garden (Island on Fateh Sagar) 1. 5 (Via Boat) Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary 5. 0 Sajjangarh Fort (Monsoon Palace) 6. 5 Ahar Museum 8. 0 Shilpgram (Artisan's Village) 5. 5 City Palace 5. 5 Jagdish Temple 5. 0 Bagore Ki Haveli Museum 5. 0
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety:
Footwear: Comfortable shoes are essential for walking across the paved and grassy areas.
Bees/Insects: As it is a garden with many flowers and pools, be mindful of bees and other insects, ...
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