GULAB BAGH

Sprawling over 100 acres of land, Gulab Bagh was built in 1881 during the reign of Maharaja Sajjan Singh. Initially known as Sajjan Niwas Garden, it is the largest garden in the state of Rajasthan. It was named ‘Gulab Bagh’ due to the abundance of roses that enhance the beauty of this garden. 

It is also renowned for having a large number of medicinal plants such as bel, kalmegh, babul, neem, palas, salar, anwal and bathua. Some other stunning flora that you can find in the garden include rose, jasmine, lotus, mango, mulberry, guava, jackfruit, wood apple, litchi, grapes, sapota and tamarind. A fun way of exploring the garden is by a toy train ride which not only is an enjoyable experience but also helps you cover the entire attraction on wheels.

Gulab Bagh is divided into several sections, out of which the Gulab Bagh Zoo is the most popular one. It is one of the oldest zoos in India where you can spot rare species of animals like black leopards, rhinos, zebras and ostriches. Additionally, there is a beautiful lotus pond where you can enjoy a peaceful time with your loved ones. You can also visit the museum which displays several antiques, manuscripts, royal household items and paintings. The museum also houses a huge library named Saraswati Library which stores 32000 books related to archeology, history and indology. There are also a few temples and mosques inside the garden which you can visit to seek blessings and offer your prayers. 

Highlights

• Admire the stunning collection of flora at Gulab Bagh ranging from flower plants like roses, jasmine and lotus to fruit plants like guava, mango and grapes.
• Explore the Udaipur Zoo and spot rare animal species like black leopards, hoolock gibbons, zebras and rhinos.
• Learn about the qualities of medicinal plants and acupressure therapy at Miraj Jyotish Upvan. 
• Read ancient manuscripts, antiques, and artworks about history and archaeology at the museum/library.
• Admire the architecture of Navlakha Mahal, a religious site which once used to be a guest house for the royal family. 

How To Reach

By Road: Gulab Bagh is located around 4 km from the city centre of Udaipur. You can reach the garden in approximately 12 minutes via the Sardar Patel Marg route. You can either drive yourself or take a cab that will directly drop you off at Gulab Bagh. Another budget-friendly option is to take an auto rickshaw to the garden which will be easily available from any corner of the city. 

Best Time To Visit

Gulab Bagh is a popular tourist attraction in Udaipur which can be visited throughout the year.

Best Season: You can visit Gulab Bagh between October and March to witness fully bloomed flowers and experience pleasant weather conditions.

Best Day of the Week: Plan your visit to Gulab Bagh during weekdays instead of the weekends if you wish to avoid the crowds.

Best Time of the Day: You can plan your visit to Gulab Bagh during the early hours so that you can peacefully explore the garden at your own pace without the crowd.

Other Essential Information

Visitor Tips :

• Wear light breathable clothes and comfortable shoes as you will walk a lot to explore the place.
• Make sure to wear modest clothes that cover your knees and shoulders if you are planning to visit the temple or the mosque in the garden.
• Apply sunscreen in a good quantity and carry a hat to protect yourself from skin burns as it is an open area. 
• Maintain the cleanliness of your environment and throw garbage properly in the dustbins. 
• Make sure not to pluck any flowers or leaves in the garden as well as restrict your children from doing so.