Saheliyon Ki Bari Udaipur: EVERYTHING You Need To Know

Are you thinking of adding Saheliyon Ki Bari to your Udaipur itinerary? This post will detail everything you need to know, including the history, architecture, entry fee, and timings, updated for 2023.

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Located in the heart of Udaipur, this garden oasis is a botanical wonder and a refreshing respite from the hustle and bustle of the city center.

A visit to Saheliyon Ki Bari is one of the best things to do in Udaipur. It garden is a paradise for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.

Lush greenery and vibrant flower beds, perfectly manicured lawns, and blooming lotus pools. Traditional grand pavilions, delicately painted fountains, and intricately carved marble elephants and statues.

A harmonious unification of the natural world and the man-made, this is one of the most picturesque spots in Udaipur.

Whilst this garden can be enjoyed purely aesthetically, the garden is also a unique heritage site and provides a historical glimpse into a bygone era.

If you want to appreciate the garden on a deeper level, this post will detail the historical and cultural significance of the garden and its architecture.

In this post, we will cover everything you need to know about Saheliyon Ki Bari, updated for 2023.

History of Saheliyon Ki Bari Udaipur

Saheliyon Ki Bari represents a token of love in its purest form. According to legend, Rana Sangram Singh of the Mewar dynasty designed the garden as a gift for his future Queen around 1710.

Also known as the Garden of Maidens, the King designed this lush garden oasis as a recreational spot for the Queen and her 48 maidens.

These ladies accompanied the Queen to Udaipur as part of the dowry when she married.

The garden was built as a green retreat and refuge in nature. The oasis offered a momentary respite from the harsh dry summers and high temperatures in Rajasthan.

Not only this, but the garden also functioned as an escape from political matters for the royal ladies. It was designed as a place where they could relax, socialise and bask in the tranquility.

As per the story, the Queen adored the sound of rain. The fountains were therefore designed to replicate this auditory sensation and to please her wishes all year round.

Saheliyon Ki Bari harmoniously blends nature and history. The deep historical significance behind each feature gives a cultural richness to the experience making this one of the best places to visit in Udaipur.

Why is it called Saheliyon Ki Bari?

Saheliyon Ki Bari translates to Garden of Maidens. The garden was designed as an oasis for the Queen and her 48 royal ladies, which is where it earned its name.

Saheliyon Ki Bari Timings

Saheliyon Ki Bari Udaipur is open every day 9 AM – 7 PM.

What is the best time of day to visit Saheliyon Ki Bari?

The best time of day to visit would be either earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon.

This means that you would not only avoid the harsh midday sun but also the majority of tourists, allowing you to better appreciate the serene atmosphere.

We visited before midday in the morning. However, I have heard that visiting around dusk is a beautiful experience, as the pastel colours of the sky shimmer and bounce off of the water.

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How much time is required for Saheliyon Ki Bari?

I would recommend dedicating about 1 hour to visit Saheliyon Ki Bari. This is not a garden to be rushed, so be sure to leave ample time to enjoy the tranquility and explore at a slower pace.

The perfectly mowed green lawns also create a picnic-like atmosphere. If you benefit from time, you could bring a picnic and spend hours people-watching or relaxing in the shade with a good book.

Saheliyon Ki Bari Entry Fee

The entrance fee for Saheliyon Ki Bari is 20 INR for Indians and 100 INR for foreigners. This allows access to the gardens and the small museum.

However, if you want to learn more about the history and the stories behind each feature, I would recommend talking to a local guide at the entrance for an extra fee.

Architecture of Saheliyon Ki Bari Udaipur

Saheliyon Ki Bari is an architectural gem and represents a cultural crossroads in history. A unique heritage site, it displays a fusion of different types of architecture.

As you arrive, the entrance is lined with small fountains and vibrant flowers. There is a real sense of grandeur as you enter, like stepping foot into a bygone era of royalty and splendor.

Saheliyon Ki Bari is organised as a four-quartered garden. It includes four different pools inspired by Mughal architecture and layout structures.

Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan developed these techniques when designing the Taj Mahal a century earlier.

Furthermore, it is worth mentioning the ingenious design of the fountains. Utilising water pressure instead of pumps, Saheliyon Ki Bari does not rely on electricity for power.

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Rasleela Fountain

One of the most beautiful features is the Rasleela Fountain.

A marble-white pavilion sits in the middle, surrounded by four black pavilions with intricately carved designs. On top sit four birds with spurts of water coming from their beaks.

The white pavilion in the middle is where the queen would have sat, to enjoy the sounds of the rain. According to legend, the Queen’s ladies would dance around this fountain, which is where it acquired its name.

Sawan Bhado Fountain

Another one of the most spectacular features is the Sawan Bhado Fountain which creates the illusion of heavy rains during monsoon season. This was our favourite fountain.

The sounds of the water here are so soothing and it is a perfect spot for photo opportunities. The camera reflects on the water and creates a beautiful rainbow effect.

Interestingly, these fountains were imported from the UK, showing the growing inter-cultural exchange and colonial influence of the era.

Lotus Pond

Arguably the most beautiful and iconic feature is the Kamal Talai Fountain, also known as the lotus pool.

Here you will find a pond totally covered with blooming lotus flowers, with a vibrantly painted fountain in the middle surrounded by four lions standing guard facing in all directions.

This picturesque spot is surrounded by beautifully carved marble elephants spraying water into the center from their trunks. This creates a mesmerising effect.

Is Saheliyon Ki Bari worth visiting?

Without a doubt! A delightful escape into nature from the hustle and bustle of the city center, this garden also has deep historical and cultural significance.

Located just 10 minutes north of the old city, this garden does not take a lot of time to visit. It is therefore well worth adding to your Rajasthan itinerary when visiting India.

When is the best time to visit Saheliyon Ki Bari?

This garden oasis is well-maintained and beautiful to visit all year round. However, the best time of year to visit Saheliyon Ki Bari coincides with the best time to visit Udaipur in general.

This would be between September – March.

After March, the weather starts to get significantly hotter and can feel a little suffocating at times. When visiting India, it is also best to avoid the monsoon season which is June – August.

However, if you do happen to visit Udaipur during the hot summer months, Saheliyon Ki Bari is a refreshing escape from the oppressive heat of the city.

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Where to stay in Udaipur?

When visiting the extraordinary City of Lakes, you cannot miss a chance to stay in Shalom Backpackers.

With luxurious 5-star rooms but the social vibe of a hostel, this Udaipur accommodation offers the best of both worlds.

Modern amenities with a traditional aesthetic make this the perfect place to stay in Udaipur for solo travellers, couples, or groups.

Located in the heart of the city by Gangaur Ghat with views of Lake Pichola, the location could not be better.

Shalom Backpackers offers a stunning terrace, shared lounge, restaurant, and even a swimming pool!

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What is Udaipur best known for?

Udaipur is well-known for its historic forts, luxurious palaces, and extraordinary architecture. Known as the Venice of the East, it is also famed for its breathtaking lakes, natural beauty, and serene atmosphere unparalleled in India.

Located in Rajasthan, Udaipur is the perfect city for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and those looking for an oasis of tranquility.

Udaipur is so rich in culture and history that walking the streets transports you to another era entirely, a bygone era of royalty and luxury.

There are many unique things to do in Udaipur, as well as many delicious restaurants to try.