Quick answer: Saheliyon ki Bari, the “Garden of the Maidens”, is an 18th-century royal garden in north Udaipur, about 1 km from Fateh Sagar Lake. It’s known for fountains that run on water pressure from the lake, without pumps. It’s open daily from about 9 AM to 7 PM, entry is around ₹20 for Indians and ₹100 for foreigners, and 45 minutes is enough.
It’s a small place. You can walk around it in half an hour. But step out of Udaipur’s traffic into a courtyard full of falling water, marble elephants and lotus pools, and you’ll understand why the queens of Mewar were sent here to cool off.
Saheliyon ki Bari at a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Built | Early 18th century, Maharana Sangram Singh II |
| Location | North Udaipur, near Fateh Sagar Lake |
| Timings | Approx. 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, daily |
| Entry fee | Approx. ₹20 (Indians), ₹100 (foreign nationals) |
| Time needed | 45 minutes – 1 hour |
| Best time | Morning, or late afternoon before Fateh Sagar |
Fees are recent published rates and may change. Confirm at the gate.
The Story Behind the Garden
Maharana Sangram Singh II laid out the garden in the early 18th century for the royal women of the court. The best-known story says it was a gift for his queen, who brought a large group of maids, the saheliyan, with her when she married. The garden became their retreat, away from the formality of the palace, with games, music and water to cool the summer heat.
Some versions of the story say the Maharana designed it himself. Whatever the exact history, it’s one of the few spaces in Udaipur built purely for pleasure, not power.
The Fountains That Need No Pumps
This is what makes the garden special.
The fountains are fed by water channelled from Fateh Sagar Lake, which sits at a higher level. Gravity and pressure push the water up through the fountains. There are no electric pumps, which was remarkable engineering for the 1700s.
The fountain courtyards each have a different character:
- The Sawan Bhado fountain imitates the sound of monsoon rain, so the queens could enjoy the rainy season any time of year. Stand under the pavilion’s edge and the water falls around you like a downpour.
- The lotus pool has a central fountain surrounded by marble elephants spouting water from their trunks.
- The rain fountain courtyard has a kiosk where water falls from the roof in sheets.
- The ladies’ pool has a canopy of water around a central chhatri.
The fountains run during opening hours. In years when the lake level is low, some may be switched off or run at lower pressure.
What Else to See
- The small museum near the entrance, with old photographs, costumes and items from the royal household.
- Marble elephants, carved and placed around the pools.
- The lawns and flower beds, full of colour in winter.
- The black marble kiosks around the fountains, popular with photographers.
A Walk Through the Garden
The entrance brings you into a lawned courtyard with the museum to one side. From there, follow the sound of water.
The first fountain courtyard has a long pool lined with small jets that arc into the water. It’s the classic photograph of the garden, especially framed through the arches on either side.
Next, the Sawan Bhado pavilion. Stand at the edge and listen. With your eyes closed, it really does sound like rain on a roof. On a hot April afternoon, the spray is the coolest spot in Udaipur.
The lotus pool comes next, with four marble elephants at the corners, each spouting water towards the centre, and a chhatri in the middle. Look closely at the carving on the elephants. It’s finer than it seems from a distance.
Beyond that are quieter lawns with flowering trees, roses and seasonal beds. These are the best places to sit for ten minutes before you move on.
Photography Tips
- Shoot early. Before 10 AM, the light is soft and the courtyards are almost empty.
- Use the arches as frames. The colonnades around the main pool give natural framing.
- Try a slow shutter speed on the fountains, if your camera allows, for silky water.
- Watch for rainbows in the Sawan Bhado spray when the sun is behind you.
Best Time to Visit
Morning (9–11 AM) is calm and cool, with soft light for photos. Late afternoon works well too, ending with sunset at Fateh Sagar a kilometre away.
Seasonally, October to March is the most comfortable. The garden is at its greenest just after the monsoon, in August and September.
Weekends and holidays bring local families and school groups, so weekday mornings are the quietest.
Is Saheliyon ki Bari Worth Visiting?
Yes, if you have a full day or more in Udaipur. It’s restful, photogenic and different from the palaces. It’s especially good with children, who love the fountains and elephants, and with older travellers who’ve had enough of steep fort staircases.
If you only have half a day in Udaipur, prioritise the City Palace and a Lake Pichola boat ride instead.
A Half-Day Plan for North Udaipur
- 3:00 PM: Saheliyon ki Bari (45 minutes)
- 4:00 PM: Moti Magri and the Maharana Pratap Memorial (45 minutes)
- 5:00 PM: Fateh Sagar Lake, with a short boat ride if time allows
- 5:30 PM onwards: Either stay on the Fateh Sagar promenade for sunset, or drive up to Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace for the view from the hill
This route keeps the driving short and ends the day at the best sunset spot of your choice.
Tips for Your Visit
- Pair it with Fateh Sagar Lake. They’re five minutes apart.
- Watch your step. The marble around the fountains can be slippery.
- Bring a scarf or hat in summer. Shade is limited between the courtyards.
- Photography is allowed. Some photographers pay a small extra fee for professional cameras.
How to Get There
Saheliyon ki Bari is about 4–5 km north of the old city, a 15-minute drive. There’s parking near the entrance. Most visitors include it in a north Udaipur loop with Fateh Sagar Lake, Moti Magri and Sajjangarh at sunset.
Our Udaipur sightseeing day tour includes Saheliyon ki Bari, and our Udaipur tour packages give it time on a slower second day. Want the story told properly as you walk? See our local guides in Udaipur.
Call or WhatsApp +91-8619315547, or book a taxi in Udaipur.
Planning more of Rajasthan? Browse all our guides on the Rajasthan Travel Blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the timings of Saheliyon ki Bari?
Saheliyon ki Bari is generally open every day from about 9 AM to 7 PM. Mornings are quietest, especially on weekdays.
2. What is the entry fee for Saheliyon ki Bari?
Recent entry fees are around ₹20 for Indian visitors and ₹100 for foreign nationals. Confirm current prices at the gate.
3. Who built Saheliyon ki Bari?
Maharana Sangram Singh II built the garden in the early 18th century for the royal women of his court, traditionally said to be his queen and her maids.
4. Why is it called Saheliyon ki Bari?
The name means “Garden of the Maidens”. It refers to the saheliyan, the companions and maids who accompanied the queen and used the garden as their retreat.
5. How do the fountains at Saheliyon ki Bari work?
They’re fed by water from Fateh Sagar Lake, which sits higher than the garden. Gravity and water pressure drive the fountains, without electric pumps.
6. How much time is needed for Saheliyon ki Bari?
About 45 minutes to an hour is enough to see the fountains, pools, gardens and the small museum.
7. What is the Sawan Bhado fountain?
It’s a fountain designed to imitate the sound of monsoon rain, so the royal women could enjoy the feel of the rainy season at any time of year.
8. How far is Saheliyon ki Bari from Fateh Sagar Lake?
About 1 km, or a five-minute drive. The two are easy to visit together, with the garden first and the lake for sunset.
9. Is Saheliyon ki Bari good for children?
Yes. The fountains, pools and marble elephants keep children interested, and the garden is flat and easy to walk.
10. Is photography allowed at Saheliyon ki Bari?
Yes, photography is allowed. Professional camera equipment may need a small extra fee at the entrance.