Bagore Ki Haveli Udaipur: Where the Legacy and Culture Never Died
Settled on the banks of Lake Pichola at Gagori Ghat, Bagore Ki Haveli is one the Udaipur’s most visited tourist attractions in the Rajasthan Trip Package. This haveli was constructed in the 18th century by Amar Chand Badwa, who was the Prime Minister of Mewar. The Haveli has been transformed into a museum after many restorations over the years.
Explore Bagore Ki Haveli which has over a hundred rooms, decorated with displays of costumes, modern art, and intricate glass and mirror work. Walk through the aisles of different sections of the Haveli which includes the Puppet Museum, Turban Museum, Weapon Museum, and more. In the evenings, witness the courtyard coming alive with traditional Rajasthani dance and music performances.
In this blog, we will discover everything that Bagore ki Haveli Udaipur has to offer in detail to understand why this place makes it one of the top places to visit in Udaipur.
Overview and History
Let’s start by getting an overview of Bagore Ki Haveli through the following points:
- History of Bagore Ki Haveli
- Architecture of Bagore Ki Haveli
- Sections in Bagore Ki Haveli Museum
- Bagore Ki Haveli Dance Show
History of Bagore Ki Haveli
Bagore Ki Haveli Udaipur was constructed between 1751 and 1778 by Shri Amarchand Badwa. He served as the Prime Minister of the Mewar Raaj when Maharana Pratap Singh II, Raj Singh II, Ari Singh, and Hamir Singh used to be the rulers. After Amarchand Badwa passed away, the haveli came under the domain of the Mewar royal family and was occupied by Nath Singh, who was related to the Maharana at that time.
In 1878, Maharaj Shakti Singh of Bagore, who was the father of Maharana Sajjan Singh, expanded the haveli by adding a unique triple-arched gateway. This addition marked the haveli’s identity as Bagore Ki Haveli. The property stayed under the ownership of the Mewar State until India gained independence in 1947.
After independence, the Rajasthan government used the haveli to accommodate government employees. Unfortunately, this led to almost forty years of neglect and decay of the Haveli because it didn’t receive the necessary upkeep and attention.
Upon realizing the historical and cultural significance of Bagore Ki Haveli, the government transferred the property to the West Zone Cultural Centre in 1986 for restoration. Since then, many great efforts have been undertaken to make this architectural treasure alive to secure its legacy for generations to come.
Architecture of Bagore Ki Haveli
Bagore Ki Haveli, located near Gangaur Ghat Udaipur with its breathtaking architectural design, is a dream destination for art enthusiasts which also describes the aristocratic culture of Mewar. The haveli includes spacious courtyards, detailed jharokhas (enclosed balconies), decorated archways, cupolas, balconies, and a beautiful fountain, all highlighting the best of best craftsmanship of its time.
With approximately 138 rooms, the interiors of the Haveli are illuminated with exceptional mirror work. The walls are adorned with intricate glasswork and mural paintings. Each room used by the royal family provides a glimpse into their lavish lifestyle.
One of the unique features of Bagore Ki Haveli is the Chambers of the Royal Ladies. This section is renowned for its artistic colored glass windows. Additionally, the Queen’s chamber in the Haveli stores a pair of peacocks, crafted from small pieces of colored glass (mosaic) that speak volumes of refined craftsmanship.
Sections in Bagore Ki Haveli Museum
The museum within the haveli is divided into five different sections: the Puppet Museum, the Main Haveli, the Turban Museum, the Weapon Museum, and the Wedding Depiction Section. Each of these sections provides a special perspective of the past which, to this day, is carefully preserved and showcased.
The Puppet Museum
The Puppet Museum is an entertaining spot, especially for children, which features a variety of handmade puppets. As you enter, you are welcomed by many of the miniature puppets and decorative items. The king’s courtroom scene with puppets of the king, queen, and various ministers is a key highlight here. The museum also displays puppets of animals like horses and elephants.
The museum also sells puppets at reasonable prices. So, if you’re looking for a souvenir, you know now what to get! Or, if you’re looking to explore other items or gift options to buy, you can find everything in the top places to shop in Udaipur.
The Main Haveli
The Main Haveli section will take you back in time where the rooms and lobbies will tell the tales of the royal era. Inside the Haveli, you’ll find rooms such as private quarters for royal ladies, bathrooms, dressing rooms, bedrooms, living rooms, and worship rooms, all decorated in period style.
While the bedrooms have old-fashioned beds, the living rooms feature rugs, cushions, and dolls or puppets, and the kitchen is equipped with traditional earthenware pots. You will also find a staircase that leads to a terrace that offers beautiful views of Lake Pichola and landmarks like the Oberoi Udaivilas Palace Hotel, Taj Hotel, and City Palace.
The walls are decorated with beautiful paintings showing scenes from royal life, such as women doing household chores and kings preparing for battle. The museum also displays Rajput-era artifacts, including royal costumes, jewelry boxes, dice games, hookahs, and rosewater sprinklers.
The basement in the Haveli has an impressive collection of fine art and historical items, like the Indra Viman or Elephant Chariot. A recent addition includes a thermocol model of Bagore Ki Haveli and various other models of famous structures like the Eiffel Tower and the Taj Mahal.
The Turban Museum
Located on the ground floor, the Turban Museum displays a variety of turbans from different Indian states like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Each turban shows the unique culture of its region. Rajasthani turbans are colorful and often made of tie-dye fabric, while Punjabi turbans are usually plain cloth in solid colors. The museum also defines the similarities and differences between Rajasthani and Gujarati turbans in terms of colors and sizes.
The Weapon Museum
Situated near the entrance, the Weapon Museum is a smaller yet fascinating section that displays various weapons used by kings and their armies in battle. This collection provides insight into the combative heritage of the region and the craftsmanship of the weapons used.
The Wedding Section Museum
The Wedding Section is another fascinating part of Bagore Ki Haveli. It uses dolls and puppets to show traditional Indian wedding ceremonies. This section educates visitors about the various customs and rituals like at the beginning when “muhurat” is fixed, the ceremonies, and post-wedding traditions. It’s a visually engaging and informative section that enhances the cultural experience of the haveli.
Bagore Ki Haveli Dharohar Dance Show
The Dharohar Dance Show at Bagore ki Haveli is one of the top things to do in Udaipur. It takes place in the Neem Chowk courtyard, where balconies are beautifully lit for the performances of traditional Rajasthani folk dance and music. Before joining, be mindful of the Bagore Ki Haveli dance show timings and ticket booking to experience the true talent of the performers with their incredible balancing skills.
The audience sits on large mattresses around the stage, getting a good view from all sides. The show begins with an introduction by a woman dressed in traditional attire, followed by the blowing of a conch shell, the beating of a drum, and a religious song. The dancers wear colorful ghagra-cholis with glass work and embroidery, performing on music that has harmonium and table put to use.
The first dance, Chari Dance, has dancers balancing lit brass pots on their heads. Next is the Terha Taal Dance, where performers play 13 bells tied to their hands and legs while balancing knives and brass pots. The Gorbandh Dance features dancers wearing camel ornaments and twirling in high-speed circles.
After these graceful dance routines, a puppet show for children is presented to provide a break from the dance performances. The show continues with the graceful Ghumar Dance, where dancers move in rhythmic circles. The final act, Bhavani Dance is presented where a performer balances up to 13 earthen pots on her head while dancing on broken glass.
Information for Visiting
Get all the essential details you need to plan your visit to Bagore Ki Haveli through the following headers:
- How to Reach Bagore Ki Haveli
- Bagore ki Haveli Timings
- Bagore ki Haveli Dance Show Timings
- Bagore Ki Haveli Ticket Price
- Best Time to Visit Bagore ki Haveli
How to Reach Bagore Ki Haveli
Bagore Ki Haveli is located near Gangaur Ghat on Lake Pichola in Udaipur. This city is easily accessible by road, train, and air. The closest airport, Maharana Pratap Airport, is about 24 kilometers away, with flights from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and many more. The Udaipur Railway Station is approximately 4 kilometers from the haveli and has decent train connections to various cities.
Once you reach Udaipur, you can take local buses or auto-rickshaws to get to Bagore Ki Haveli. Cabs and private taxis are also readily available for a comfortable and direct trip to this historic place.
Bagore Ki Haveli Timings
The Bagore ki Haveli Museum welcomes guests daily from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. It gives you sufficient time to explore its rich heritage.
If you are interested in cultural performances, Bagore ki Haveli Dance Show Timings are specific—the Dharohar Dance Show entertains guests in the evening from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day.
However, the ticket window for the dance show opens at 6:15 p.m. only. Make sure to grab your seat early!
Bagore Ki Haveli Ticket Prices
The ticket price for visiting Bagore ki Haveli Museum is Rs. 60 for Indian residents and Rs. 30 for children aged between 5 to 12 years. Foreign visitors are charged Rs. 100 if an adult and Rs. 50 for children. There is also a camera fee of Rs. 50 for everyone.
Tickets for the Dharohar Dance Show are priced at Rs. 90 for Indian adult residents and Rs. 45 for children. Foreign tourists pay Rs. 150 for an adult and Rs. 75 for children to attend the show. Additional charges for a camera would be Rs. 150.
Best Time to Visit Bagore ki Haveli
The best time to visit Bagore Ki Haveli Udaipur is from October to March, during the autumn and winter seasons. The daytime temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) to 25°C (77°F), making it comfortable for exploring the haveli and enjoying its attractions.
The cooler weather also makes it more enjoyable to attend the Dharohar Dance Show in the evenings which is held in the open courtyard of the Haveli. It will enhance their overall experience when visitors will be able to enjoy without the discomfort of intense heat.
Nearby Amenities
Now to make your visit complete, more relaxed, and fulfilling, let’s look into the options for the amenities available nearby:
- Best Hotel to stay near Bagore Ki Haveli
- Best Restaurant near Bagore Ki Haveli
Best Hotel to stay near Bagore Ki Haveli
There are many options to compare for the best hotel to stay near Bagore Ki Haveli:
1 . Hotel Jagat Niwas Palace
Distance: approximately 320 meters
Price: 7000 INR to 21,500 INR (exclusive taxes)
2 . Moustache Udaipur Verandah
Distance: approximately 490 meters
Price: 3500 INR to 15,200 (exclusive taxes)
3 . Kotra Haveli by Lake Pichola
Distance: approximately 350 meters
Price: 1600 INR to 2500 INR (exclusive taxes)
Best Restaurant near Bagore Ki Haveli
The best restaurant near Bagore Ki Haveli offers you a packed delight of ambiance and good food. Try authentic Rajasthani Dal-Baati or something light in continental:
1 . Marwadi Bhojnalaya—The Taste of Marwad
Distance: approximately 190 meters
Cuisine: Authentic Rajasthani
2 . Namaste Café & Restaurant
Distance: approximately 55 meters
Cuisine: Indian and Continental
3 . Savage Garden Restaurant
Distance: approximately 33 meters
Cuisine: Indian, Italian, and Mediterranean
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Bagore Ki Haveli famous?
Bagore Ki Haveli Udaipur is famous for its rich cultural heritage that showcases Rajasthani architecture, artifacts, and traditional performances like the Dharohar Dance Show.
How much time is required in Bagore Ki Haveli?
Visiting Bagore Ki Haveli typically takes about a couple of hours to explore its various sections and museums. Take an additional hour if you attend the Bagore Ki Haveli Dharohar Dance Show.
What is the old name of Udaipur?
The old name of Udaipur is Mewar.