Gulab Bagh, Udaipur

Gulab Bagh is the largest garden and a gem of Udaipur, attracting thousands of tourists every year. It is home to over 1,824 plant species and more than 24,387 plants, out of which there are around 100 varieties of roses. Due to the large number of roses in the garden, its name changed from Sajjan Niwas Garden to Gulab Bagh. Apart from roses, there are many other flower plants such as jasmine, lotus, lilies, marigolds, poppies, hydrangea and begonia. Additionally, there are several fruit plants such as litchi, jackfruit, guava, grape, lemon, mango, guava, pomegranate, mulberry, sapota and tamarind. As soon as you enter the garden, you will be welcomed by the sweet fragrance of various flowers and the chirping of the birds, which is truly an extraordinary experience. 

Gulabh Bagh also houses a small zoo which is called the Udaipur Zoo. It is an ideal place for all wildlife enthusiasts and photographers as you get to witness various species of animals as well as capture them. The zoo is home to several rare species of animals such as black leopards, rhinos, zebras, tigers, bears and hoolock gibbons. Additionally, there is a bird park where you can spot several species of birds including ostriches, pelicans, parrots and peacocks. You can even observe and learn how the caretakers feed the animals or take care of them. 

Located in the heart of Gulab Bagh, Navlakha Mahal is a place of worship for the Arya Samaj. The palace was established late in the 19th century and used to be a guest house for the royal family. Maharishi Dayanand, a well-known sage, stayed in this guest house for a long time, during which he wrote his famous manuscript, ‘Satyarth Prakash’. There is a musical fountain in the middle of the palace which dances to the hymns of the Vedic chants. The first floor contains a gallery where you can admire 67 oil paintings dedicated to Maharishi’s life. There is also a separate library which contains religious books and all 23 translations of Satyarth Prakash.