You can push the boat out as Udaipur is again making us proud!
Our city is making us as well as our country proud at the global level this time. The City of Lakes has been named amongst 2017’s top urban destinations getting itself featured in the list of ‘The World’s Top 15 Cities’ in a survey done by the famous magazine Travel and Leisure.
Source: @wartnderlust
The city has secured its position at the number fourteen. The magazine, Travel and Leisure- known for its Awards, conducts a survey every year for the World’s Best Awards asking readers to evaluate cities on travel experiences around the globe, to share their opinions on the top cities, their sights and landmarks, culture, cuisine, friendliness, shopping etc.
Here is the list of all the 15 cities:
15. Barcelona, Spain
14. Udaipur, India
13. Siem Reap, Cambodia
12. Rome, Italy
11. Santa Fe, New Mexico
10. Luang Prabang, Laos
9. Ubud, Indonesia
8. Cape Town, South Africa
7. Hoi An, Vietnam
6. Oaxaca, Mexico
5. Florence, Italy
4. Kyoto, Japan
3.Chiang Mai, Thailand
2. Charleston, South Carolina
1. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
Udaipur has always been the apple of the eye of travelers across the globe. A lot of tourists flock to the city every year. While this is a great thing for us to celebrate, we must thrive to get ourselves listed down as the Best City to travel. This has to be a collective effort of the administration and people belonging to the City of Lakes.
About Travel and Leisure Magazine:
Travel and Leisure magazine is known for its World’s Best Awards survey. People follow Travel + Leisure for travel inspiration and information on the best destinations and properties to visit around the world.
These Places are the Perfect Escape for Shutterbugs This Monsoon in Udaipur
Love nature-Got a camera- Thinking where to go for clicking? Well, we are at your rescue.
Udaipur is indeed picturesque, and with the onset of Monsoon, the city is drenched with colors of the Mother Nature. The lush green hills surround the city; the small brooks flowing making the peaceful sound of the water. Udaipur is at its best in Monsoons and there no doubt about it.
While you want to capture every little detail about this beautiful season in Udaipur, you ought to be aware of the places where you can get the perfect shot. Here is a list of locations in and around Udaipur where you can practice taking matchless snaps! Check out the list!
Purohito Ka Talab
Source: Kuldeep Singh
Among the picturesque mountains of Aravali, ‘Purohito ka Talab’ is being developed as a new destination for tourists. It is located at a distance of about 12 kilometers from Udaipur, in Amberi Panchayat which is also known as Mini Jaisalmer.
The work to develop it as a new destination for Udaipur is being carried out by UIT and Forest Department here. The Reddish-Orange Chattris are a major clicking muse!
Peepliya Ji
Source: Siddharth Nagar
This one place is all over the internet for Udaipur. Peepliya village gets flooded with nature lovers and photographers all round the year. But when it comes to the Monsoon season, the place becomes not anything less than Heaven. The clouds come down to touch you and height at which you are, gives a superb view of the hillocks surrounding you.
Peepliya ji is a must for any shutterbug loving nature photography.
Karni Mata
Source: Madat Brahma
To view Udaipur from a different angle, one can travel to Karni Mata which is the sunset point of Udaipur as well. Your camera will surely love what it’s capturing! Motor boats running on one side, and a view of the whole city with misty sun setting is like a dream landscape. Karni Mata should be on your list this Monsoon.
Ambrai Ghat
Source: Abhimanyu
Famous for its panoramic view of the Lake Pichola, Ambrai Ghat is seriously a place to be considered when going for a clicking session in Monsoons. Go there, chill, capture some vibrant colors and bring home a card full of excellent environs.
Badi Lake
Source: Gajendra Kumawat
This is somewhat a new place discovered in Udaipur near Badi. Although not many people know about it, many people have taken breathtaking photos of the Badi Lake from this location. The heightened point gives you a full view of the Lake making it irresistible, admirable to capture in your camera.
Sajjangarh
Source: Abrar Ahmed
Yet another place on a hillock is the Monsoon Palace. The name of the place itself is enough to make you aware why going up to Sajjangarh is a must in Monsoons. Cold breeze on a rainy day, clearing and washing away every bit of dust giving you a canvas full of the color green! The view of the city from Sajjangarh is not less than a painting.
Nimach Mata
Source: Ruhaan Khan
Nimach Mata Temple is situated near Lake Fatehsagar, on a small Hill. It gives an ultimate view of the Lake and is a great option in Monsoon for clicking. One must visit this place, situated in the heart of the city.
Chirwa Ka Ghata
Source: MyCityMyAngle
Want to go a little out, away from the hustle-bustle of the city? Then Chirwa ka Ghata is your destination. It shall offer a fantastic view of the city from a distance, and the lush green hills will take your breath away!
Raita
Source: Shubham Chouhan
A series or range of hills will surround you as you enter the road that leads to Raita. The famous Snake road is where you wanna take your pictures. The Place has immense beauty and must be on your checklist this monsoon.
Loved our list? Tell us about your experiences at these places and also let us know if we have missed any location that is ideal for photography in Monsoons in Udaipur. Your suggestions are valuable to us!
Udaipur is famous for its lakes and the scenic beauty these lakes hold. But have you ever wondered by these lakes are called by the names they have? Let us find out the hidden reasons behind the names of our lakes.
Fatehsagar Lake
Fatehsagar or FS is one favorite lake of the people of Udaipur. The reason why the lake is called Fatehsagar is here. In 1687, Maharana Jai Singh constructed the lake, but after two hundred years the earthen pit which formed the lake was washed away during floods in Udaipur.
Then in 1889, Maharana Fateh Singh built the “Connaught Dam,” the one which we cross before the Dewali area, to mark the visit of King of Connaught. The dam enlarged the lake, and it was later renamed after the King as Fateh Sagar Lake.
Pichola Lake
Lake Pichola has an unmatched view. Most of the luxurious hotels are in this area and give a panoramic view of the City Palace. Pichola is an artificial freshwater lake and has two legends behind its unusual name.
One, it was created in the year 1362 AD and is named after the nearby Picholi village. It was enlarged by Maharana Udai Singh II, by flooding Picholi village, which gave the lake its name.
Two, in 1362, the beautiful lake was built by Pichhu Banjara during the ruling period of Maharana Lakha, after whom the lake is named as ‘Pichola.’
Isn’t this interesting!!!
Badi Lake
Why the lake has the name as ‘Badi’ has two legends again!
First, because it is near the village called Badi.
Second, as it’s also known as Jiyan Sagar, it was named after Jana Devi. She was the mother of Maharana Raj Singh who built the lake Badi.
Jaisamand Lake
The Maharana following his father (Maharana Raj Singh I who built Rajsamand Lake) created the lake Jaisamand.
He did it by damming a small river, the Gomati, and building a massive embankment. Jai Singh named this lake Jaisamand after himself. The meaning of the name is supposed to be ‘Ocean of Victory’ (Jai- His name and ‘mand’ meaning ‘ocean’). The lake is also known as Dhebar Lake and is India’s second-largest artificial lake.
Udai Sagar Lake
It has a simple story; in 1559, Maharana Udai Singh constructed a dam on Berach River to make sure that his kingdom has an adequate supply of water. Udai Sagar Lake was developed as an outcome of this dam and is named after the king who built it.
Swaroop Sagar Lake
Swaroop Sagar is an artificial lake. Swaroop Sagar Lake was built by Maharana Swaroop Singh (1842-1861) after whom the lake is named as Swaroop Sagar.
The lake is also known as Kumhariya Talab, which serves as the connecting body between Lake Fateh Sagar and Pichola. It was built to avoid flood situations in the city and maintain a high water level in the adjoining lakes.
It’s summer, why not take a trip to our favorite ice cream destination and satisfy our cravings for some ‘Thanda.’ Here are the 6 best places in Udaipur to feast on the yummy combination of Ice cream.
Gujarat Ice-Cream
No doubt this is one of the oldest outlet or ice-cream parlor in Udaipur that has charmed all of us since childhood. Gujarat Ice-cream is a famous name in Udaipur and gives the best combination of ice creams.
I tried their best, Gujarat Special, a combo of 5 flavors of ice cream which can get anyone drooling.
Gujarat Special
Location:Surajpole
What I tried: Gujarat Special
Price: 80 Rupees
Standard Kulfi
Rabdi Kulfi
It is famous for its Rabdi kulfi. The taste is mouthwatering, and I could not believe that I could get a kulfi for rupees 5, yes, he sells Mawa Kulfi for just rupees five.
Location: Jhini Ret
What I tried: Rabdi Kulfi
Price: Ranges from 10, 20, 25, 35 rupees
Live Tawa Ice-Cream
This is a new outlet near town hall opposite the petrol pump. Well, he makes ice cream in front of you and serves with tasty garnishing. The menu started from rupees 79.
Ferrero Rocher Rolls
Location: Near Town Hall
What I tried:Ferrero Rocher
Price: 129 rupees
Shiv Sagar Ice-Cream Shake
A sober outlet, just apt to relinquish your ice cream hunger pangs. It serves a variety of ice creams and shakes and every little bit and sip is exceptionally delectable.
Anjeer Scoop
Location: Bank Tiraha
What I tried: Anjeer Scoop
Price: 30 rupees
Happinezz
It is one of the well-known ice cream parlors in Udaipur and no doubt why it’s famous. The presentation of the triple sundae I had was pretty striking and the taste did utmost justice to my sweet cravings.
Happinezz marine
Location:New Fatehpura, Panchwati
What I tried: Happinezz Marine (triple sundae)
Price:250 rupees
Utsav Ice-Cream
It is one of the oldest ice cream parlors and serves some of the best ice creams. Good in taste, great in price. I had their specialty, Gotala and it was a mix of 5-6 flavors of ice cream topped with cashew nuts, raisins, and jelly; sumptuously delicious. MUST-TRY!!!
Gotala
Location: Opposite Town Hall
What I tried: Gotala
Price:60 rupees
Drooling? Aren’t You? These super-yum utterly delicious ice creams are sure to satisfy your sweet-tooth.
Know any other place to replenish? Mention in the comments, I would be glad to know!
Rajasthan is distinguished for its famous style of paintings which include murals and miniature paintings. The wall murals found in Udaipur are truly marvelous- from graffiti to traditional- everything can be found on the street walls of the city. Palaces, Havelis, streets, buildings, all are covered with these amazing arts. Multitudes of murals greet you, and many of them vary from being painted recently, to those which are quite old found within the beautiful interiors of the palaces, temples, etc.
These exquisite murals found adorning the walls of the city are a thing to watch. Well, these are specifically found in the ‘Old-City’ of Udaipur. Some are modern arts made by the travelers who come to Udaipur while some of them are made by the city dwellers. Many of them are also made under the ‘Beautification’ process of the city.
Know about the StreetArt in Udaipur:
The Traditional Rajputana Art: The Decorative Wall Paintings
Ever thought why these elephants, men, and women are made on our streets? Just to look beautiful? No, there is also some significance behind the traditional art form.
There are a plethora of Rajputana paintings in which a common theme is found throughout. Rajputana artwork is a great manipulation of space. The insertion of fuller spaces is meant to emphasize the lack of boundaries and inseparability of characters and landscapes. In this way, the individuality of physical characters is almost rejected, allowing both the portrayed backgrounds and human figurines to be equally vivid.
In ancient times Mewar rulers wanted paintings and wall murals to portray their determination, establishing their heritage. Hence, paintings were often indicative of a king’s legacy or their changes made to better the society.
As a mark of beautification, whether during festivals or marriage ceremonies or simply otherwise, these paintings are done on the outside walls of houses and buildings. They display colorful and elaborate portraits of men, women, elephants, horses, riders and deities.
Both recent and historical paintings can be seen on the walls of the city. Walking down narrow streets of Udaipur’s old city is alike wandering in an art gallery. Whitewashed house walls make canvases for local and foreign artists, who draw cows and elephants, or princely men and women with beautiful clothes or something totally different like some graffiti or abstract art. Most often, the traditional paintings adorn the entrances of houses. They are believed to create a harmonious ambiance, to seek spiritual guidance and cut off evil. Many are decorated with tiny mirrors or mosaic.
Embellishing the Walls of Udaipur: The Modern Street Art
While there are plenty of traditional arts on the streets of Udaipur, the old city is also decorated by modern arts like graffiti by foreign travelers who come here from various parts of the world and leave a mark on the City. Some of them are quotations written on the walls of restaurants while some are typical abstract art that is very alluring to watch.
The Painted Peacock Project
One of the wall mural, somewhere near the Chandpol Bridge is the most famous in the city. It was made by 4-5 women artist from New Zealand. The women came here under a special task ‘The Painted Peacock Project‘, a trip that aimed at sharing knowledge with local children in need and teaching them the art of stenciling, painting and jewelry making.
A lot of people do not know this fact that the painting was initially made by a stencil and then faired out. Interesting!!!
For people who are missing out on what Graffiti is, these are writings or drawings that have been scribbled, scratched, or painted on a wall or other surface, often within public view.
Another quite famous wall painting is at Ambrai Ghat, made by Action Udaipur under the beautification process, making the worn out walls of Udaipur beautiful and worth staring! No doubt the mural at Ambrai is remarkable; the use of bright colors on a pale peach wall embosses the painting. The grandness of the Action Udaipur wall mural is mesmeric and entices a lot of people to click.
Action Udaipur Wall Art at Ambrai Ghat
A huge art at the Zostel is one that can mesmerize any onlooker. These murals are timeless marks on the walls that represent diverse culture and inhabitance on the globe. These have also become a spot for unmatched photos and selfies for the localities and tourists.
The streets of Udaipur are ornamented with unparalleled art that is admired by many residents and tourists as well. Indeed all such arts and elements of beauty attract a lot of tourism to our city.
I have listed down some of them, which I loved the most. Try to guess the locations of these by seeing the pictures, if you can. Also, tell me if I have missed any significant wall art anywhere in the city by mentioning the location in the comments below.
Sprouted about 20 years back, Apni Dhani- Swad Rajasthan Ro (a unit of Lalbagh Hotels) is a Rajasthani Retreat for the people of Udaipur. The royal grandeur of the Dhani extends its majesty on a peaceful hillock. The place offers the generic taste of the core Rajasthani dishes as the menu is unique to Rajasthan. One can easily experience the feel of a ‘Dhani’ here, which is a small accumulation of huts.
Rajasthan village culture is revived at Apni Dhani. Apni Dhani houses a lot of fun and entertainment for its guests. The recreational activities for the visitors include games, shopping, magic show and camel ride. A fully fledged Rajasthani diet is served to the guests; the meal consists of the famous ‘Dal Baati’ with an eclectic vegetarian cuisine and desserts. Accompanying the traditional Rajasthani Kalbeliya and Ghoomar dance is quite a captivating sight for the guests.
The guests are welcomed by garlanding them and putting a ‘Tilak’ on their foreheads. The food and beverages are distinctive of the Mewari touch and are served in silver lined ‘Thaalis’ which are peculiar to the state. The place is also available for private parties and weddings. The beautiful Aravali ranges are an add-on to the exquisiteness of Apni Dhani.
The entire menu consists of:
Sangri
Sag-gatta ro
Sag-dal pachhmelri
Sag-kadi besanri
Roti-gahuyari
Roti-makkari
Roti-bajarari
Dal-Bati
Chawal
Achar kair sangri ro
Chatni lasna ri
Chatni Dhana RI
Bura
Chat-Choulari
Malpuaa
Jalebi
Salad-Mix
Dal-Chawal
Makkhan-Dhani ro
Ghee-Dhaniro
Chhachh
Lassi
Papad
Rajasthani Meethai
Rajasthani Namkeen
Khichada Chhadiya motth
The ‘Apni Dhani’ carries the essence of the Rajasthani culture and heritage and is a pleasant place to hang out with your family and friends amidst the beautiful Hills.
Visit the Dhani with your loved ones:
Address: Sukher Bypass Main Road, Near Rock Wood Restaurant, Pratap Nagar 313001 Udaipur
Nagda is a sonorous place bestowed with its isolated parameter and synergies. This place imparts its own temptation and unfolds the nature’s senses. It is a petty village sprinkled with the beautifully carved temples. 20 km away from the Lakecity – Udaipur and located next to the Bagela Lake rests a small segment of the ancient Mewar -Nagda found by Nagaditya in the 6th century was once the capital of eternal mewar. Nagda was plundered by Altamash between 1222 and 1229 A.D., it is dotted with scenic spots and is in the lap of the Aravallis, are a group of 108 temples.The most important temples that have survived the test of time are the Saas-Bahu temples of the 10th century.
Sas-Bahu Temple – An Architectural Marvel
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Saas Bahu Temples are intricately carved, ornamented and decorated with attractive figures and sculptures. This complex is situated near agriculture field and a small water body making the whole place very atmospheric. Built in the late 10th century, the larger temple, Sas, is surrounded by ten subsidiary shrines and has a torana (archway) in the front and it is more profusely decorated than the smaller Bahu temple which has four shrines and has an octagonal ceiling. They have been raised on a common terrace to face east, towards the tank. The entrance to the temples is through a pancharatha sanctum, hall with lateral transepts and porch, enclosed by a decorated balustrade. The exterior is plain have a resplendent seated icons on the cardinal offsets of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesha surmounted respectively by Rama, Balarama and Parasurama which appears to be a real stumble upon with God. These sculptures are intelligently molded in two steps, one encircling the other. The relief figures include male and female deities, damsels, regents, ardent panels and scenes from the holy Ramayana. Among the remaining ruins, one on the north-east is intact with its beautiful stone spire. The niches on its walls harbor images of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva on the east, north and west faces respectively. Statistically, these are assignable to the last quarter of the tenth century A.D.
Consequently, in the fifteenth century, the Guhila king Mokala, constructed a large lake after the name of his brother Bagh Singh, at this place.
Adbhutji – Strange temple
The Jain temple of Adbhutji was built during Rana Kumbha’s rule houses a nine-foot high black marble image of the Jain saint Tirthankar Shanti Nath, which enshrines inside, built by Oswal Jain ‘Sarang’ in 1437. The idol is in sitting posture and has created a great deal of awe amongst the locals. It is a strange idol and was destroyed by the foreign invaders.
Both these temples were built on the edge of the lake, fringed with hills. Submerged within the lake are several later structures, like Baghela tank, the ruins of Nagda town, the Indersarower, the Cave of Bhara Hari, the temple of Harit and the Samadhi of Bappa Rawal. This place is ASI protected and reconstruction work is painstakingly carried out.
It is a place of exceptionally well laid carvings and cuttings, one above the other, they are so mesmerizing that one can just loose himself into the flamboyant bequest of our land. It is reached down a rough country road, about 1 km. from the hill on which stands the famous Ekling ji temple.
Today, Nagda remains famous for the ruins of Vishnu, Shiva and Jain temples all that are left of this ancient city. But one can still marvel at their original splendor, the artisan and the perfect geometry that must have been the hallmark of that bygone period. Made of Granite, the carvings and deep inlaid work are remarkable and even today have withstood the passage of time and the vagaries of weather.
Rajsamand Lake is an epitome of didactic work done by the princely states for the well concern and revampment of society and economy, which could be easily traced by its sun gold essence of gleaming ethics and serenity. This is a massive lake with well built Ghats. It is one of the largest artificial lakes of medieval period. It is a place of small gust of pleasure, where sun shades the waters the lake, precisely pedestrianized and stuffed with beautiful arrays of silver linings is bestowed to the town Rajsamand. The lake contours about 1.75miles wide, 4 miles long and 60 feet deep, having coordinates 25°4’14″N 73°53’15″E.
The fabulous site of this tarn was the result of a dam constructed across the river Gomati, Kelwa and Tali was debuted by Maharana Raj Singh I in the years 1662-1676 with elaborated structures of Jharokas and jettings. The catchment area of the lake is approximately 508 square kilometers.
Why was it Constructed?
The major reason for construction of Lake Rajsamand was to overcome the problem of drought and to render employment for victims of a widespread drought and famine in the year 1661, and to provide canal irrigation to local farmers. It is among the oldest relief works done in Rajasthan. The digging of this foundation began on January 1, 1662. Construction of the actual dam began on January 14, 1676. Mukund Jaggatnath was one of the main architects. It was built in Indo –Persian style and materials used for the construction were stone, rubble and masonry. RiverGomti is the main supplier of water to Rajsamand Lake.
Architecture & Design:
On the bank of the Dam three mandaps were constructed out of white marble, each mandap has three chokies. The first mandap has very interesting scenes where a newly wed girl is departing from her husband’s house. The villagers are seen in sad postures. It is shown that the husband is dragging the wife; the camel of the camel cart is also seen in a sad posture. The second mandap has a scene of animal fighting. The fight of Elephant with Horse is depicted.
On the southern end of this lake their lies a large embankment 183 m. long and 12 m. high, known as Nauchowki or the nine pavilions. It is believed that the dam measures nine hundred ninety nine feet in length and ninety-nine feet in breadth. Every step measures nine inches and there are nine white marble cenotaphs build on the dam. Each of these cenotaphs is nine feet in height and is at nine degree angle from each other. This embankment has marble terraces and stone steps touching the lake and is dotted with five toranas or weighing arches and chhatris (cenotaphs). The colonnaded pavilions are decorated with depictions of the sun, chariots, gods, birds and dancing girls, exquisite carvings that are claimed to be unique in India. It is overviewed by the Dwarikadhish temple and from the Kumbhalgarh Fort the vista it glitters with gushing water is as captivative as scarlet is. This place is also considered to be the one where Maharana Raj Singh and his descendents organized the event of Tuladan: they were weighed in jewels and gold, the cash value of which was distributed among Brahmans for the construction of temples and tanks for the welfare of the people. The history of Mewar is also inscribed here in 107 stanzas, on its 21 marble stones known as ‘Raj Prasasti‘ an epic by Ranchhor Bhatt. It has also been acclaimed as one of the longest etchings in India. The epigraph has given lot of historical, commercial, civil, educational, weighing system etc. to carve out the history and to bring the different shores of historical facts together. The Rajsamand was also the scene of a desperate battle in the late 17th century between Mewar and the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The Mugals destroyed the torans and ruined all the carvings on the mandap. During World War II, Rajsamand Lake was used as a seaplane base by Imperial Airways for about six years.
There was no provision for sluice gates, at the time of construction of the lake. Irrigation water was supplied by means of a lift irrigation system. The first sluice gate canal was built by the British people, it is 8 km long, and after independence in the 1960s, an ambitious second one was added, which was 35 km long.
Preposterously, in the year 2000, the lake came into the verge of its existence it was just a barren land of rocks and weeds and residents used the Nand Sagar Lake located about 15 km upstream as a substitute then fortunately on the passage of time the monsoon refilled it. Now the Lake Rajsamand has been used for irrigation and its canal network services are used to provide water to 42 villages covering an area of 7,284 hectares. The villages viz.: Peepli, Mohi, Kuwariya, Bhava, Rupakheda etc. are the regular connectors of this water.
The charm exuded by the unparalleled beauty of the Rajsamand Lake is infectious and the tourists are attracted to this place. It has genuine beauty of its own, especially when women clad in hues of yellow, green, purple accommodate the lake on the festive of Gangaur and Teej. The provocative thing of this place is its purity of water, the shimmering and dancing rays of sunbeams of the settling god and the colour changing water beckons the tourists to its charm by over whelming their hearts.
Away from the noisy din of city, Saheliyon Ki Bari is a spick and span verdency where waving sprawling dazzling moments of nature spell bounds to its romantic ambience. It is a garden of maids of honor which brings to the fore the unique life style of royal ladies who once lived in the glorious palaces of the city. It is located on the northern part of Udaipur city, adjoining the east of the embankment of dainty Fatehsagar Lake.
Saheliyon Ki Bari was constructed by Maharana Sangram Singh II in 18th century for the recreation of royal ladies who came here for a stroll and to provide them with pleasurable moments away from the political intrigues of the court. The garden was designed for Maharana’s queen and her forty eight women attendants, who had accompanied her after her marriage as the part of the dowry. This is a spectacularly well-maintained garden with fountains, flower, herbs, trees, lawns and almost everything which could be found in an enthralling utopian world of fairy-land.
The garden has four pools ornate with delicately chiseled kiosks, elephants in marble (each elephant sculptured out of a single piece of stone) and lions carved out in marble serving the purpose of fountain which create the royal picture of the bygone era. Fountains surround a lotus pool, a marble throne and a settling room which has been adorned with enchanting paintings and glass mosaics. The garden boasts of almost 2000 fountains, small and big, and that too built at the time when there were no water pumps. These fountains are fed by the waters of Fateh Sagar Lake gushing through purpose-built ducts.
Each water channel was designed to create a distinct sound so that the mingling of these sounds would create music. There are five beautiful fountains which are viz. Swagat fountain, Savan Bhodo fountain, Kamal Talai fountain, Rasaleela fountain and Bin-Badal barasat fountain. In the old time the queens used to come with their friends so it is called Saheliyon-Ki-bari.
Maharana Bhopal Singh in the later years was fascinated by this place and built the rain cascading fountain in order to form an illusion of rain falling to the rhythm of dancing maids. These fountains were imported from England in 1889 and can be traced along with the main reservoir that has four black marble kiosks at corners and one white marble kiosk in the center. The ‘Savan-Bhado’ fountain is on the left of the central square and there is yet another one on the right. The pond on the west features daintily sculpture pavilions of soft black stone, which are surrounded on all sides by more fountains.This ornamental garden was constructed in its present form by Maharana Fateh Singh in late nineteenth century, after the original garden had been washed away on account of the breach of its old embankment.
Museum @Saheliyon Ki Bari :
Saheliyon ki Bari also houses a small museum which displays the royal objects of Maharana with large collection of pictures and antiques of royal households. This museum also domiciles stuffed animals, such as cobras and ancient pictures, thus promoting rich heritage of Rajasthan. The garden’s lotus pools and fountains have been placed at a lower level than the water of Fateh Sagar. This also ensures that they are gravity-fed. As one strolls through the shady lawns and the rose garden comprising over 100 varieties, the profusion of flowers feasts the eyes of visitors and the bunch of bougainvillea bends down to offer greetings. Flowers of deep blue, rosy red, enticing purple and marvelous orange facilitates visitors and especially the children.
The beauty of this alluring state intoxicates one to its tranquillizing effect and resuscitates our minds from the hectic schedule of our mechanical life.It is loved for its elegance which fills leisure intelligently and is the favorite picnic spots in Udaipur and visited by both locals and tourists in large numbers. It is a sprawling garden with carved pavilions and fountains whose grandeur serves as icing on cake. The picturesque serenity of the place has been showcased in several romantic film sequences ‘such is the mesmerizing appeal of this garden’. The best time to visit the place is winter season when the temperature is ideal as one will mostly be under the sky. Visiting time is from 9 am to 6:30 pm daily. It is good for experience seekers, photo fanatics, nature lovers. Entry fee is Rs. 5 per person. Today, Saheliyon ki Bari has become a dauntless amusing destiny and the pleasure park for the recreation of Udaipur dwellers.
Nestled in the fertile valley of Udaipur, beneath the banks of lush Lake of Pichhola stands the shinning, the enchanting pleasure park baptism as Gulab Bagh. It is spread over 100 acres of land at an elevation of 593 meters and having coordinates 24°34′17″N 73°41′34″E. It brings a sense of history and an aura of class which this masterpiece engulfs within itself. As the name suggests it also brings that fragrance and feathery touch of a rose leaf to those who truly appreciates its beauty. Though portraying the scenic imagination of then ruler Maharana Sajjan Singh Ji, it also preserves a sense of history within its cold frames. Gulab Bagh not only represents the traditions of Udaipur but of whole India, an act which can be justified as it is being the fourth oldest zoos in Indian subcontinent.
Gulab Bagh In Its Earlier Years :
Gulab Bagh is one of the most famous and the biggest of all gardens of Udaipur. The garden was built by the then Maharaja of Udaipur Maharana Sajjan Singh ji in the year 1878 and hence precisely known as Sajjan Niwas Garden but due to the avaiability of numerous varieties of roses, this garden is also known as Gulab Bagh or Rose Garden. The garden consists of a wide variety of flora such as Lotus Pond, and many prominent trees that included many species of mangoes, guava, grapes, lemon, berry, mulbury, rayan, pomegranate, bananas, sapota, tamarind, bullock’s heart , lichi, arjun trees, wood apple, karonda, campher, citron, jamun, pummelo, meetha neem, kargi lime, ficus species, anola, jack fruit, dhanverjia, grandi flora, jasmin, dawood etc. After making the garden prominent amongst the locals, T.H. Story imported variety of flora from various regions of India, their enchanting beauty can be only witnessed here with natural quaintness. Not only this, he also imported from other British colonies, resulting in huge and wide variety of trees and shrubs for the garden. In 1882, a name plate was placed on all the trees which included a Hindi name of the tree, English name of the tree and the botanical name. The boundary of the garden was constructed in the year 1885-86 and the garden was divided into 45 parts according to different flowers, trees, zoo complex and so on.
Photo Courtesy : IndiaTourismPortal.com
Gulab Bagh also encompasses a museum, originally known as Victoria Hall Museum, laid by Maharana Sajjan Singh on 2nd November 1890. The inauguration was done by Lord Lansdown. Mr. Gauri Shankar Ojha was the first curator of this museum in the year 1890. This museum proved to be encampment of flimsy collection which comprised of things and many stone manuscripts dating from 3rd Centaury B.C. to 17thCentaury A.D. A library was constructed in the premises of the garden by Maharana Fateh Singh which is now known as Saraswati Bhawan Library. This public library has large volumes and illustrated manuscripts on history, archaeology, Ideology. The museum, reading room and the library are inside the Victoria Hall. The library is replete with Queen Victoria’s displaced statue.
The enclosure has a two way entrance for its visitors and the main gate was exclusively made in the eye of Maharana, on the top of it is the sign of Raj Gharana and a lion on either side of it depicts the paradigm of Mewar culture. As entered one can have leisure walk in the tree lined landscape to relax amid the greenery. The location of Gulab Bagh Zoo is unique in the sense of its proximity to the main city and other tourist places as well as the natural environment of dense vegetation of the garden. The garden consists of large ponds covered with lilies and several varieties of trees that provide ample shade to the visitors .The well trimmed shrubs in the shape of animals and the cemented portray of animals ads an enhancement to the garden and urges the passer-by to have snap with them. Municipality has introduced various fun rides for the children and even adults. To enjoy the cherishment of this beautiful scenery there is a famous mini train for kids to have a ride all across the garden.
The Zoo :
The garden also comprises of a small yet pleasant zoo, showcasing a number of animals. The zoo initially was used as an entertainment for the royal people as organized fights between wild boars, Lions, and Tigers. After independence many animals were shifted to this zoo. The Gulab Bagh zoo is now threatened by plans of the Forest Department to shift it to the biological park being built in Sajjangarh and to convert the zoo into an aviary. The team of Gulab Bagh zoo manages the zoo with tenacious dedication and provides them a temporary home in Gulab Bagh thus it is well maintained and protected. CCTV cameras are also installed inside the zoo to keep a keen eye on the activities of the animals. This small zoo has an array of wildlife including tigers, leopards, Chinkara, gazelle, birds, and many others and has welcomed a variety of new animals including a female leopard and various species of birds. Entry fee to visit the zoo is Rs.5 and camera fee is Rs.15. This is an intact place to visit providing knowledge, fun and pleasure.
