Saheliyon Ki Bari, Udaipur

Saheliyon Ki Bari, translating to "Garden of the Maidens," is an exquisite 18th-century garden in Udaipur. Built by Maharana Sangram Singh II (who ruled from 1710-1734) as an exclusive recreational space for the royal ladies and their companions, it is one of the top tourist attractions in Udaipur.

Situated near Fateh Sagar Lake, this well-maintained garden is renowned for its specific architectural features: numerous fountains, several of which are ingeniously gravity-fed without the need for pumps; elegant marble pavilions, including the central "Sawan Bhado" pavilion designed to mimic monsoon rain; and charming marble elephants.

The garden also boasts beautiful lotus pools like the "Kamal Talai" with its distinct elephant-trunk fountains, and intricately carved kiosks, all set amidst lush green lawns. It served as a serene sanctuary where the royal women could unwind, socialize, and enjoy nature's tranquility, offering a unique insight into their private leisure life within the Mewar dynasty. It stands as one of the best places to visit in Udaipur for its serene beauty and historical charm.

History Saheliyon Ki Bari

Saheliyon ki Bari, conceptualized and built by Maharana Sangram Singh II between 1710 and 1734, holds a unique place in the history of Udaipur's royal leisure. It was meticulously designed not just as a garden, but as an exclusive and secluded haven for the royal ladies of the Mewar court. The Maharana gifted this garden to his queen and her 48 maids, or sahelis, who accompanied her as part of her dowry. The garden was specifically created to provide a tranquil and private space where the royal women could relax, enjoy nature, and escape the formalities of court life.

Successive Maharanas also contributed to its beauty and maintenance, ensuring it remained a pristine sanctuary for generations of royal women to unwind, socialize, and enjoy outdoor activities away from public view. This historical context imbues the garden with a sense of regal privacy and feminine charm, making it a unique stop among Udaipur tourist places.

Architectural Design and Unique Features

The design of Saheliyon ki Bari is a marvel of 18th-century landscape architecture and hydraulic engineering, setting it apart from many other gardens of its era. Its primary allure lies in its innovative water features:

Gravity-Fed Fountains: The most remarkable aspect is the ingenious system of fountains that are entirely gravity-fed, drawing water from Fateh Sagar Lake. This sophisticated engineering allowed for continuous water flow without the need for mechanical pumps, creating a mesmerizing visual and auditory experience.

Central Pavilions: The garden boasts elegant marble pavilions, each with its own charm. The most notable is the Sawan Bhado Pavilion, designed with a unique system that mimics the sound and feel of monsoon rain through its strategically placed spouts, offering a cool respite during hot weather. Another pavilion houses the five charming marble elephants, from whose trunks water spouts into the lotus pool, adding a playful and artistic touch.

Lotus Pools: The garden features several beautiful lotus pools, like the Kamal Talai, which are adorned with water lilies and lotus flowers, contributing to the serene ambiance. The elephant-trunk fountains in these pools are particularly distinctive.

Intricately Carved Kiosks: Small, decorative kiosks are scattered throughout the lush green lawns, providing shaded seating areas and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the garden.

Lush Greenery: The meticulously manicured lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and carefully chosen trees provide a refreshing contrast to the arid Rajasthan landscape, offering a verdant oasis.

The harmonious blend of natural elements with man-made structures, all designed for comfort and aesthetic pleasure, showcases the refined taste and engineering prowess of the Mewar period.

Interesting Facts

The garden's fountain system is entirely dependent on gravity, utilizing water from the nearby Fateh Sagar Lake without any pumps.
The "Sawan Bhado" pavilion is designed to simulate the sound and feel of monsoon rain, providing a cooling effect.
The marble elephants with their spouting trunks are one of the most iconic and photographed features of the garden.
The garden is an early example of a planned recreational space emphasizing natural elements and water features for royal leisure.

Nearby Attractions

Saheliyon ki Bari's location near Fateh Sagar Lake is conveniently close to several other noteworthy attractions in Udaipur, making it an excellent spot to include in a broader sightseeing itinerary.

Fateh Sagar Lake
Maharana Pratap Memorial
Nehru Park
Sukhadia Circle
Moti Magri

Other Information

Opening Hours: Daily: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Entry Fee- Indians: ₹20 per person | Foreign Tourists: ₹100 per person
ADDRESS- JSaheliyon ki Bari, Saheli Marg, Near Fateh Sagar Lake, Udaipur, Rajasthan - 313001, India

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