Located on the northern fringes of the city, Saheliyon ki Bari or Garden or Courtyard of Maidens was the handiwork of Maharana Sangram Singh II of Udaipur in the year 1710. The garden with its lush greenery is spread across a huge expanse with cubicles, elephants carved out of marble stone, fountains and a beautiful lotus pool with a miniature museum in the garden premises. This majestic garden was established for 48 youthful maidens who accompanied a princess to Udaipur as a gift of dowry. The gardens are masterpieces with lovely lotus pools, fountains spraying water in the form of elephants, marble marquees or pavilions which were positioned underneath the mound or confines of Fateh Sagar Lake. This helped in the free suction of water from the lake through channels to run the fountains.
History of Saheliyon ki Bari
The water flowing from Fateh Sagar Lake flowing through the canals produces such unique auditory sensation that reverberates through the entire Courtyard of Maidens and resonates across Burhani Masjid and Seva Mandir Marg. Saheliyon ki Bari in Udaipur is an oasis amidst the arid, desert region of Rajasthan and offers a retrograde for tourists, especially nature lovers and photographers who will find ample objects to click. Saheliyon ki Bari was built by Maharana Sangram Singh in order to please his royal queen along with 48 maidens who accompanied the princess to Udaipur as a gift. The garden provided a paradise and respite for the queen along with her maidens from the political turmoil of the court and also offered gratifying moments for the king and queen in the solitude of the garden. The modelled garden used to be a breather and recreational spot for the queen and her maidens and they used to wander aimlessly in the garden premises.The atmosphere in the garden is heavenly with blooming flowerbeds, lush greenery, bird fountains, intricate architecture and sculptures made out of marble and of course the four pools adds to the enigmatic charm. In later period, Maharana Bhopal Singh added to the glory of the garden by creating rain fountains to create a delusion rain dance like theme for the maidens and provided a leisure spot for the kings as well. The crafted fountains are an amazing artwork which were imported from England and still exist till this day. The man made reservoir sit at the centre with marble pavilions on 4 sides along with a black marble cubicle at the centre from which the fountain shaped like a bird spewing water creating the rain dance effect.
Courtyard of Maidens or Saheliyon ki Bari in Udaipur draws innumerable visitors worldwide to witness and marvel in the architectural beauty created centuries ago. Besides the museum in the garden premises also provide a lot of opportunities for the viewers to view items and collectibles, paintings and a room with glass mosaic from ancient era. The shadowed lawns in the garden provides soothing effect to tired travellers and the blossoming flowers with their aroma fill the garden with heavenly aura. Saheliyon ki Bari is a wonder which no tourist shall miss while visiting Udaipur in Rajasthan.
Visitor Timings
Saheliyon ki Bari remains open throughout the week from 8:00 AM in the morning to 6:30 PM in the evening. The entry fee is Rs.5 per person.