Saheliyon Ki Bari often called the “Garden of Maidens” is a beautiful and historic garden located in Udaipur, Rajasthan. This stunning garden reflects the grandeur and elegance of Udaipur’s royal past. Saheliyon Ki Bari was built by Maharana Sangram Singh II in the early 18th century to honour the royal ladies of the court where they can find peace beauty and relaxation.
Quick Information
- Location – Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
- Type – Historical garden
- Established – 18th century
- Entry Fee – Nominal (varies; check local rates)
- Opening Hours – Typically 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
History of Saheliyon Ki Bari
Saheliyon Ki Bari was built by Maharana Sangram Singh II in the early 1700s. This beautiful garden was part of the dowry that came from the royal house of Marwar along with the queen and her 48 maids. This garden was a quiet refuge where the queen and her servants enjoyed peace away from the stressful etiquette of the aristocrats.
The grandeur of the royal era of Udaipur is also visible in this garden. The design layout and architecture reflect the grandeur of this glorious era. Here is proof of how much he loved his queen who served him all those years despite being his friend. It has been beautifully maintained over time and is still one of the main attractions of Udaipur today.
Architecture and Design
About 4.5 acres of land belong to Sahelion Ki Bari. The garden reflects an extraordinary combination of Mughal and Rajput architectural styles. The plan includes green grasslands tree-lined avenues fountains and marble kiosks.
Fountains and Pools
Sahelion ki Bari is famous for its multicoloured fountains and water bodies. This garden has four major sound pools which are very popular with many fountains. In this scene, fountains with lotus flowers and birds, along with marble.
The water is via pipes beneath the ground from Fateh Sagar Lake to these fountains. A calm and cool atmosphere fills the air as the sound of the cascading water mixes with the mist droplets rising from the fountains. Visitors are often mesmerized by what they see and hear, so peaceful is this garden.
Marble Pavilions and Elephant Statues
The marble pavilions in the garden were shady sitting areas for the queen and her maids. These pavilions have elaborate designs and display the remarkable craftsmanship of that period. Located in the lush green expanse these white marble structures alone exude picturesque beauty.
Apart from the pavilions, the Saheliyon ki Bari has life-size elephant statues made of marble. The statues around the central fountain add a royal feel to the ambience of the garden. Each elephant has elaborate patterns which add to their magnificent features and set them apart from all the rest.
Lotus Pool
Another thing that catches my attention is the lotus pond found in Sahelion ki Bari. This is the place where there are natural lotus flowers as well as lotus flowers made of marble. There is greenery all around this pond which makes it one of the main attractions of this garden. The calm atmosphere created around the lotus pond provides a good place to relax and meditate.
Bird Fountain
The Bird Fountain of “Sahelion Ki Bari” attracts the attention of visitors due to its uniqueness. This fountain has stone birds resting on its edges all of which have their mouths open for the water to flow out. It gives the impression as if the birds are bathing in the pond making the garden look more lively and playful.
Floral Gardens
The exterior of the garden has neat grass, flower beds and trees as well as shrubs. Seasonal flowers bloom in all months of the year and add brightness as well as a refreshing fragrance to it. The abundance of foliage and flowering plants helps create an ambience that is calm and welcoming to visitors.
Significance of Saheliyon Ki Bari
Saheliyon Ki Bari holds cultural and historical significance. Reflecting the lifestyle of the luxurious royal women of Udaipur this place also exemplifies the importance of relaxation and play for the members of the royal family. Here music dance and poetry could take place behind closed doors away from the eyes of the people present.
Moreover, it reflects how much love and affection they had for their wife or Saheli as well as her friends. Its design suggests that it is for them to relax and have fun when they visit Udaipur; hence it has become a prized asset associated with the city’s past.
Best Time to Visit Saheliyon Ki Bari
The best time to visit Sahelion Ki Bari is from October to March as these are the cooler months; thus the weather in Udaipur is great for touring around this garden. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when there is enough light to take pictures and it is also comfortable. Also at such times, the fountains in the garden are working so that they can contribute to its overall beauty.
How to Reach Saheliyon Ki Bari
The northern region of Udaipur is home to Sahelion Ki Bari which is located along the Fateh Sagar Lake. This garden can be easily reached from various parts of the city.
- By Air – Maharana Pratap Airport is the nearest airport located about 24 kilometres away from the CBD of Udaipur. One can book a taxi or board a bus from this airstrip to reach Sahelion Ki Bari.
- By Train – Major towns and cities across the Indian borders are well connected to the Udaipur Railway Station. The park is located at a distance of about 4 kilometres from the train terminal; therefore it is easy to reach Sahelion Ki Bari by using a cab or an auto-rickshaw.
- By Road – Udaipur has good public modes of transport to places like Jaipur, Jodhpur or Ahmedabad. You can take a bus or taxi or drive to Udaipur and then visit Sahelion Ki Bari. The garden is conveniently located within the limits of the city centre and can be best reached through local transport modes.
Nearby Attractions
After Sahelion ki Bari many tourist places around Udaipur are worth visiting. Some of these attractions are below:
- City Palace – It has a lot of gardens courtyards and museums. The City Palace of Udaipur is one of the largest palaces in Rajasthan, with a spectacular view of Pichola Lake behind it. For history lovers or architecture enthusiasts, this is a place you must visit.
- Jagadish Temple – This famous religious place is to Lord Vishnu; it has intricate carvings and amazing architecture all around. Being close to the City Palace this temple attracts a lot of devotees and tourists as well.
- Pichola Lake – This second beautiful lake in Udaipur is full of peace with a symbolic Lake Palace built over it. A boat ride on this unique waterway offers a pleasant view of sloping hills and aesthetically pleasing structures.
- Sajjangarh Palace – Situated on the highest hill Sajjangarh Palace offers a wide view of the city of Udaipur and the surrounding lakes. The palace initially served as an astronomical observatory but is currently known as a famous landmark from where one can witness beautiful sunsets.
- Bagore Ki Haveli – Bagore Ki Haveli is an ancient mansion located on the banks of Lake Pichola. It has been converted into a museum showcasing traditional Rajput art culture and costumes. Cultural programs can also be enjoyed in the evenings.
- Shilpgram – Shilpgram is a rural arts and crafts complex located in the suburbs of Udaipur. The place showcases what village life looks like in Rajasthan and other regions of India beyond. You will get a chance to wander around traditional huts watch artisans complete their work and buy handmade items.
Travel Tips
When you set out to visit Sahelion Ki Bari there are a few things you should keep in mind while travelling.
- Always Wear Comfortable Clothes And Shoes – The park is quite extensive so a lot of hiking is required to explore it completely. Wear light clothes and comfortable shoes so that you feel comfortable during your visit.
- Also, Carry Some Water And Snacks – There are many shops outside the park, but make sure you have a container of water and some snacks with you in case you are spending a lot of time here.
- Respect Nature – Sahelion Ki Bari has historical importance so its cleanliness and intact state should never be compromised. Do not throw garbage here so do not touch or climb on any marble statue or platform in the area.
- Hire A Guide – It can be ideal to take the help of a local guide to fully understand the significance and traditions of the place. Also, such guides give interesting stories about the park which they share with tourists.
- Photography – There are many pictures to take in this garden. However, while clicking pictures be mindful of the people who are walking around so as not to obstruct their activities by standing in the way while clicking pictures.
- Plan Your Trip Around Festivals – Visiting Udaipur during festivals like Mewar Mahotsav or Diwali means that tourists will get to see many unique experiences along with seeing the flowers decorated on the canopy of the garden.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It is a nominal amount but it is better to check recent prices before visiting.
Generally yes taking photos is allowed though you need to be careful about the rules or restrictions.
There are toilets and sitting areas in this park but there is nothing else; so make sure you pack accordingly.
Sure there are local guides who will tell you informative stories about the architecture and history of this place.
While an average visit lasts between one to two hours you can stay longer if you want to explore the area and take photos.
Conclusion
Sahelion Ki Bari is a remarkable representation of Rajasthan’s royal history full of luxury beauty and charm. The serene gardens exquisite design and historical significance of Sahelion Ki Bari make it a place you must visit when you are in Udaipur. Whether you are interested in history fond of architecture or just want to escape from the world for a while this garden is perfect. When planning to visit Sahelion Ki Bari visit during the winter months to enjoy its infinite beauty and serenity.