Saheliyon-ki-Bari (Courtyard or Garden of the Maidens) is a major garden and a popular tourist space in Udaipur in Indian state of Rajasthan. It lies in northern part of the city and has fountains and kiosks, a lotus pool and marble elephants. It was built by Rana Sangram Singh. There is also a small museum here.
As per the legends, the garden was designed by the king himself and he presented this garden to his queen. Actually, the Queen was accompanied by 48 maids in her marriage. To offer all of them, pleasurable moments away from the political intrigues of the court, this garden was made. This patterned garden used to be the popular relaxing spot of the royal ladies. The queen with her maids and female companions used to come here for a stroll and spend their time in leisure.
Due to this fact, the garden got its name. The superb architecture of the garden provides a breath-taking view to any observer. The garden is embellished with numerous fountains in its four water pools, chiseled kiosks and marble elephants. It is also celebrated for its lotus pool and bird-fountains. The lush green lawns, flowerbeds, and marble pavilions further enhance the romantic ambience of this magnificent garden.
Saheliyon Ki Bari, one of the most beautiful and popular destinations of Udaipur is located on the banks of Fateh Sagar Lake. Apart from scenic beauty the garden also possesses a museum, of which the main attraction are some stuffed cobras. After few years, Maharana Bhopal Singh imported some fountains from England and built a pavilion of rain fountains in 1889. One can also see some of the cenotaphs made of marbles inside the garden. The terraces of these cenotaphs have water fountains shaped like birds from whose beaks water gushes out in thin sprays like the singing rain – producing a wonderful sight. All these things make Sahelion ki Bari an interesting place to visit. During the reign of Maharana Fateh Singh, the flood occurred in Fateh Sagar lake and damaged some part of the Sahelion ki Bari but king reconstructed it to give the present form.
