The Origins of Gulab Bagh: From Sajjan Niwas Garden to Rajasthan's Largest Park
Long before it became a favourite stop on Udaipur itineraries, Gulab Bagh was conceived as a royal recreational space. The project was initiated in the 1880s by Maharana Sajjan Singh of Mewar, who allocated land on the city’s outskirts and hired a horticulturist to stock it with ornamental and medicinal plants. Over time, it grew into one of the largest parks in Rajasthan, still known locally as 'Sajjan Niwas Garden'.
Maharana Sajjan Singh's Royal Vision
The Maharana wanted more than a decorative garden. He hired T.H. Story, a horticulturist from Madras, in 1882 to stock the grounds with trees and shrubs valued for their medicinal properties, including mango, guava, pomegranate, and citrus varieties. Many of the original plants carried nameplates in Hindi, English, and botanical Latin, reflecting the garden's dual purpose as both a recreational ground and a study space for plant lovers.
The Victoria Museum and Saraswati Bhawan Library
The foundation stone of the garden's Victoria Museum was laid by Maharana Sajjan Singh in 1890, with Lord Lansdowne later performing the official inauguration. The building now houses the Saraswati Bhawan Library, home to manuscripts on history, archaeology, and Indology dating back centuries. A statue of Queen Victoria once stood at its entrance and has since been replaced by one of Mahatma Gandhi, marking its shift from colonial landmark to public heritage space.
The Rose Garden: The feature that gives the park its name, with dozens of rose varieties planted along neatly kept beds
The Zoo: A small, long-established zoological section housing birds and animals, popular with children and first-time visitors.
Saraswati Bhawan Library: A working library inside the former Victoria Museum, stocked with rare manuscripts and historical records
Wide walking pathways: Shaded, well-maintained trails that loop through the garden, ideal for a slow, unhurried walk
Kamal Talai: An artificial lotus pond near the garden's north-eastern edge, worth a stop for its calm, still water
Take an early morning or evening walk along the shaded pathways when the garden is coolest and quietest.
Bring a camera for the rose beds, Kamal Talai, and the garden's older stone structures, which photograph well in soft morning or evening light.
Let children explore the zoo and the toy train that circles part of the grounds.
Spend an hour at Saraswati Bhawan Library if regional history or old manuscripts interest you.
Plants, Shade, and the Eco-friendly Character of Sajjan Niwas Garden
Part of what keeps Sajjan Niwas Garden cool, even in warmer months, is its sheer variety of plant life. Originally planted for both their beauty and medicinal properties, many of the mature trees continue to cast deep, natural shade over the walking paths. Add the open lawns, the lotus pond, and the absence of traffic noise, and the garden functions as something close to a green lung for this part of the city, with regular upkeep keeping it genuinely eco-friendly.
Gulab Bagh Timings, Entry Fees, and Visiting Tips
Before heading out, it helps to know the basics so you can plan your visit around the cooler parts of the day.
Garden Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
Entry Fees: INR 25 for garden entry, INR 5 for zoo entry, and INR 15 for a camera (inside the zoo)
Best Visiting Hours: Early morning or early evening, when temperatures are lower and the light suits photography
What to Carry: Comfortable walking shoes for the long pathways, plus a bottle of water, particularly outside the winter months
Getting There: The garden sits close to Udaipur's railway station, an easy stop by auto-rickshaw or taxi from most parts of the city
Nearby Attractions to Pair with Gulab Bagh
Its location makes Gulab Bagh easy to combine with some of Udaipur's best-known landmarks (all within walking distance), so it rarely needs to be a standalone stop.
City Palace: Just to the northwest, this sprawling complex pairs naturally with a morning visit, before the heat sets in
Lake Pichola: A short ride away, it offers boat rides and views of the Lake Palace, a fitting way to close the day
Bapu Bazaar: A nearby market worth a stroll for local handicrafts and street food
Where to Stay near Gulab Bagh: Essentia Luxury Resort & Spa, Udaipur
A day spent walking through gardens and palaces is best followed by a comfortable place to rest, and Essentia Luxury Resort & Spa, Udaipur, offers exactly that. Set against the Aravalli Hills and within easy reach of Gulab Bagh, the City Palace, and Lake Pichola, the resort gives visitors a calm base to return to after a day exploring Sajjan Niwas Garden.
Rooms: Standard, Superior, Deluxe, and Premium Rooms, a Studio Quad for groups, and Executive and Presidential Suites for a more indulgent stay
Dining: Blue Salt & Coffee serves globally inspired all-day dining, with an al fresco option, while Splash Bar & Grill offers relaxed poolside dining.
Facilities: A swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, a playroom for younger guests, and versatile event venues
Location: Set in Umarda, the resort is approximately 12 km from Sajjan Niwas Garden, whilst Udaipur Railway Station and Maharana Pratap Airport are around 11 km and 24 km away, respectively
Offers: Discounts of up to 35% off on stays
