Introduction

Saheliyon ki Bari (meaning Garden of the Maidens of Honor) is located in the northern part of Udaipur city. Built in the middle of 18th century by Maharana Sangram Singh, Saheliyon ki Bari is an ornamental garden below the embankment of Fateh Sagar Lake, complete with lotus ponds, bougainvillea creepers, marble pavilions, kiosks and elephant-shaped fountains. This historic garden was constructed for the 48 women attendants who accompanied a princess as a part of dowry to Udaipur. Interestingly, these fountains are fed by the waters of Fateh Sagar Lake gushing through purpose-built ducts. Since the fountains purely run by water pressure and do not use modern pumps, in times of water shortage the fountains may not work. To add to the ambience of the garden, each water channel was designed to create a distinct sound so that the mingling of these sounds would create music.

Take a stroll in this traditional garden, appreciate the ornamental pools dotted with lotus blossoms, flowerbeds, carved marble elephants, bird fountains and kiosks surmounted by a dome in the centre of the pool. In the days of yore, the queen with her maids would visit the place for a stroll and spend time relaxing in the cool shade. Many years later, Maharana Bhopal Singh built a pavilion of rain fountains. The thought was to form an illusion of rain falling to the rhythm of the dancing maids. These fountains are believed to have been imported from England. You can trace them along the main reservoir of the garden that has four black marble kiosks in its corners and one white marble kiosk in the centre. These fountains are chiseled in the shape of birds spurting water, in turn producing a rain effect.

Also visit the small museum within the garden premises and pan through its interesting collection of old pictures, antiques from the royal household, besides some oddball exhibits such as stuffed cobras and other animals. Saheliyon ki Bari is a pleasant green retreat in Udaipur, and can be visited for its ambience and garden landscaping.

Special Attributes

To add to the ambience of the garden, each water channel was designed to create a distinct sound so that the mingling of these sounds would create music.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

You can easily reach Saheliyon Ki Bari from the city by taking a local buses, tonga, auto-rickshaw or taxi.

Enjoyed by

Families, Backpackers, Senior Citizens

Exposure

You will mostly be under the open sky, so don’t forget to carry your sunshades, sunscreen lotion and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

April, May, June, July, August, September

Facilities

The place also has a small museum housing objects of daily use in the royal household, in addition to stuffed cobras.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

You will be under the open sky, so choose to visit on an overcast day or early in the evening. You can walk barefeet on the grass and enjoy the fountains better.

Type of site

A sprawling garden with carved pavilions and fountains.