Is this walking tour Udaipur suitable for families?

Yes, it is very family-friendly. Children especially enjoy the puppet museum at the start and the open spaces and fountains at the end.

What is the best time of day to explore Fateh Sagar Lake?

Late afternoon is ideal as the temperature drops and you can catch the sunset over the Aravalli Hills, though early morning is best for avoiding crowds.

Can I visit Nehru Garden without a boat?

No, Nehru Garden is located on an island in the middle of Fateh Sagar Lake and is only accessible via a ticketed boat ride from the shore.

Is Saheliyon ki bari worth visiting?

Absolutely. It is considered one of the most beautiful gardens in India, famous for its marble art and unique rain-mimicking fountains.

Are there places to eat along the route?

Yes, the Fateh Sagar Lake promenade is lined with street food stalls and small cafes offering local snacks, coffee, and cold drinks.

Is the route accessible for wheelchairs?

The main streets and Saheliyon ki bari are largely accessible, but the climb to Moti Magri and the boat to Nehru Garden are not.

Do I need to book entry for these sites in advance?

No advance booking is usually required. You can purchase entry tickets at the gates of the museum, the memorial, and the garden upon arrival.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Udaipur, often called the City of Lakes, holds a quieter, greener secret beyond the bustling corridors of the Old City. This neighborhood stroll through the Saheli Marg area offers a refreshing perspective on the Mewar kingdom's legacy, focusing on the intersection of royal leisure and natural beauty. This self-guided walk invites you to explore a side of the city where the desert landscape gives way to lush botanical wonders and expansive artificial lakes. The route begins at the Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal, a cultural institution dedicated to the preservation of Rajasthani folk art, before leading you toward the shores of Fateh Sagar Lake. Along this walking route, you will encounter the legendary history of Maharana Pratap at the Moti Magri memorial, where the stories of Rajput bravery are etched into the hillside. The journey continues along the lakeside, offering sweeping views of the Aravalli Hills reflecting in the water. One of the highlights is the opportunity to see the island gardens that float like emeralds in the lake. The route concludes at the majestic Saheliyon ki bari, or the Garden of the Maidens. Built in the 18th century, this garden is a masterpiece of hydraulic engineering and landscape design, featuring marble elephants and fountains that operate entirely on gravity. This independent exploration allows you to discover these landmarks at your own pace, moving from the rhythmic history of folk puppets to the soothing sounds of cascading water. Whether you are interested in the intricate details of royal architecture or simply seeking a peaceful escape into nature, this walk provides a comprehensive look at Udaipur’s horticultural heritage. This walking tour Udaipur route is designed for those who appreciate the slower side of travel, blending historic monuments with the serene atmosphere of the lakeside.

Highlights

The intricate folk art and puppet museum at Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal

Panoramic views of Udaipur from the historic Moti Magri hill

The legendary bronze statue of Maharana Pratap and his horse Chetak

A scenic stroll along the banks of the expansive Fateh Sagar Lake

The gravity-defying marble fountains of Saheliyon ki bari

Tour Stops (6)

Bhartiya Lok Kala Mandal

Start exploring with Zigway at this premier cultural institution. Founded in 1952, this museum is dedicated to the study and preservation of the folk art, culture, and festivals of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. As you wander through the exhibits, you will find an extensive collection of traditional puppets, masks, dolls, and musical instruments. The museum is particularly famous for its puppet theater, which has played a vital role in keeping the ancient art of 'Kathputli' alive. The stories told here aren't just entertainment; they are the oral histories of the desert people, capturing the myths and legends of the Mewar region in vibrant color and rhythmic movement.

Moti Magri

Known as the Pearl Hill, Moti Magri is a site of deep historical reverence. This hill sits overlooking Fateh Sagar Lake and serves as a memorial to one of Udaipur's greatest heroes. The climb offers a transition from the urban bustle to a more reflective, elevated atmosphere. The site is surrounded by well-maintained gardens and provides one of the best vantage points to see the layout of the city and its surrounding water bodies. It is a place where the strategic geography of Udaipur becomes clear, showing how the rulers used the natural hills and lakes to protect and sustain their kingdom for centuries.

Maharana Pratap Memorial Road

As you continue along this road, you are following in the footsteps of Rajput history. The centerpiece here is the magnificent bronze statue of Maharana Pratap atop his loyal horse, Chetak. Legend says that during the Battle of Haldighati, Chetak saved his master’s life by leaping over a stream despite being mortally wounded. This memorial is not just about a king, but about the bond between man and animal and the spirit of independence that defines the Mewar dynasty. The surrounding parkland offers a quiet space to admire the craftsmanship of the monument and the expansive views of the lake below.

Nehru Garden

Gaze out across the water to see Nehru Garden, an oval-shaped island oasis in the middle of Fateh Sagar Lake. Named after India's first Prime Minister, the garden is famous for its unique lily-shaped fountains and lush greenery that seems to float on the surface of the lake. While the garden is accessible by a short boat ride, its presence defines the horizon of this walk. The architecture of the garden, including its pyramid-shaped structures, reflects a mid-20th-century aesthetic that contrasts beautifully with the traditional Rajput style seen elsewhere in the city. It remains a favorite spot for those looking to experience the lake's tranquility.

Fateh Sagar Lake

Fateh Sagar is the soul of north Udaipur. Originally built in the 1680s and later reconstructed by Maharana Fateh Singh, this artificial lake is more than just a scenic vista; it is a vital part of the city's water management system. As you walk along the promenade, known locally as the 'Mumbai Chowpatty' of Udaipur, you will see three distinct islands. One houses Nehru Garden, another contains a public park with a water-jet fountain, and the third is home to the Udaipur Solar Observatory—one of the best in Asia due to the lake's stable air conditions. The lake is a hub of local life, where residents come to enjoy the breeze and the shimmering sunset.

Saheliyon ki bari

The final stop on this self-guided adventure is the 'Garden of the Maidens.' Built by Maharana Sangram Singh II for his queen and her 48 ladies-in-waiting, this garden was designed as a retreat from the political rigors of the court. The most striking feature is the collection of fountains; they are engineered to work solely on the water pressure from the lake, requiring no electricity. As you walk past the marble elephants and the lotus pools, you can hear the 'rain-like' sound of the fountains, which was intended to provide a cooling effect during the hot Rajasthan summers. It is a perfect example of how the royalty of Udaipur harmonized architecture with the natural elements.

Frequently Asked Questions