Travel back in time- Bagore ki Haveli

Your trip to Udaipur isn’t complete without visiting the historic Bagore ki Haveli. This is where you travel back in time.

Bagore ki Haveli, an offbeat place has slowly gained popularity among the places to visit in Udaipur. The Haveli was built in the 18th century by Amir Chand Badwa, the Prime Minister of Mewar. The haveli is located on the waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangaur Ghat. Laid out across a double story structure, the spacious courtyard is surrounded by 138 rooms. After lying in neglect till 1986, the haveli was restored and converted into a museum.

It was already 3:30 pm when we entered the haveli. The closing time was 5:30 pm. Hence We hurried through, ensuring not to miss anything.  

The weapons collection

We started with the first section of the haveli and Hubby’s favorite- Armory.

Wedding section

Our next tour was to the royal wedding section where all aspects of Hindu Rajput weddings were on display through dolls/puppets. Reminded us of Shankar’s Doll Museum in Delhi. 

Right from fixing the mahurat of wedding to Bidaai and post wedding rituals, the dolls display bring out the details of Indian wedding with the tiniest things used during the ceremonies. The colorful gallery leaves you with a smile on your face. How could I not have taken a selfie here ? 

Puppet room

Our next tour was to the first floor where the evening show is organized. Prior to the entrance of evening show, you get to visit one room with Rajasthani puppets on display. As the puppet art is slowly fading, the management is trying to keep it alive. A rich heritage of old times should not disappear like this. As you tour the whole room full of puppets in different sizes and costumes, there are little items on sale as well. You certainly feel like buying the cute stuff immediately. Though the room smells of dust, the puppets take away your attention from it.

Turban house

The haveli houses a section on the types of pagdi or turbans that were donned those days and continue to be worn by many at present.

The power of music

Music was a source of entertainment for kings back then. Not only music was performed for the king’s court but was also a skill that individuals harbored. Here are few musical instruments preserved from that era.

The chamber of ladies

The Chambers of the Royal Ladies or Zenana Mahal is worth visiting for its exceptionally colored glass windows. Additionally, it has two peacocks made of beautifully crafted coloured glass mosaic which are the center of attraction.

Balconies wearing the old rugged look, the worn out carvings on the walls, the traditional embroidery work, everything in the haveli spoke of an ancient royal era.

The terrace balcony

For us the most beautiful spot in the haveli was the balcony overlooking Lake Pichola. It is the most peaceful place where the king/queen spent their evenings watching sunsets against the glittering water of the lake.

How to get there?

Easy road connectivity. Hire an auto-rickshaw or taxi for an affordable ride. Its a walking distance from Jagdish Temple.

Entry fee

For Indians– Rs 60 for adults , Rs 30 for children of 5 to 12 years,

For International visitors– Rs 100 for adults, Rs 50 for children

Evening cultural show– Rs 60, Camera fee- Rs 50  

Timing

9:30 am to 5:30 pm daily. Evening dharohar show- 7 to 8 pm

Dress code– None

Time to spend– One and a half to two hours

P.S- This trip was in October 2016, the starting of the tourist season in Rajasthan.