Tired of being cooped up at home with nowhere to go in this sweltering heat? Do you want to go to a place with a lush green campus, hundreds of trees, various bird and plant species, a toy train, and other amenities, all in the middle of the city? If you answered yes to all of these questions, then Gulab Bagh is a must-see in Udaipur.
Gulab Bagh (Sajjan Niwas Garden) is a 100-acre family attraction with over 5 Sub-gardens, Saraswati Bhawan Library, Children’s Park, Open gymnasium, Toy Train (under renovation), a museum, a big pond (under restoration), bird park, two temples, and one dargah.
The construction of this garden began in 1882 and was completed in 1887 by Maharana Fateh Singh. The abundance of rose blooms gives Gulab Bagh its name. It has two entrances that are active (North and West Gates).
Caption: A mesmerizing view of Gulab Bagh with hills at backdrop.
Caption: A collage showing trees with botanical and common names.
Caption: Best place to begin your day
Caption: A collage showing Saraswati Library
Statue of Mahatma Gandhi just opposite to Saraswati Library
Who wants to join me for a train ride?
After toy train let’s take a ride.
Open Gym and Dargah (opposite to each other)
A gif showing different areas of the garden
Three boards with Herbal Garden, Mango Garden, and Rose Garden written on it with distance.
Caption: One of favourite place between Mango Garden and Herbal Garden
Navlakha Mahal, Arya Samaj Temple (₹10/person)
Hanuman Temple located just opposite to Navlakha Mahal Musuem
Caption: Sitting arrangement with social distancing, and me trying to look cool?
Here are some fascinating facts:
-
Gulab Bagh used to have an animal zoo, which was closed in 2015 and the animals were relocated to Sajjangarh Biological Park.
-
The trees have name plates with botanical names as well as common names in English and Hindi, as well as uses.
-
There used to be a statue of Queen Victoria, but after independence, it was replaced with a statue of Mahatma Gandhi.
-
The Saraswati Bhawan Library was inaugurated by the then Viceroy and Governor General of India Lord Landsdown.
-
On May 11th, 2022, Inside Gulab Bagh, a bird park was established. This is the first bird park in Rajasthan. It is home to 28 different bird species, both native and foreign. Some of the species include the Green Munia, Emu, Graylag Goose, and Macau. Currently, 12 cages have been finished, 5 of which are operational, with many more in the planning.
Amenities:
-
It is fairly accessible to people with disabilities. The washrooms are completely accessible friendly.
-
There is a water fountain inside the premises.
-
Most of the places are free of cost, except a few like Navlakha Mahal and Luv Kush Railway.
-
Visitor shelters for those who have walked a long distance and want some rest.
-
Multiple Indian and western eateries located just outside the gates of Gulab Bagh
Key notes and tips for visitors:
- Nearest Airport - Maharana Pratap Airport - 22km
Nearest Railway station - Udaipur City Railway Station - 1.3km
Nearest Bus Station - Udaipur Bus Station - 650-700 m only
-
Entry Fee - Free for both Indians and Foreigners.
-
Timings - 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
-
It takes half a day to tour the garden, so plan accordingly.
-
Stay hydrated.
-
Mobile phones and cameras are allowed with no extra charges.
I hope you enjoyed the virtual tour of the tour Gulab Bagh (Sajjan Niwas Garden); keep tuned for more in-depth blogs in near future.
Stay home, stay safe.
Anshuk.
.
.
