Bagore Ki Haveli Udaipur: Evening Folk Dance Show, Ticket Price, Museum & Visiting Timings
Perched directly on the tranquil waterfront of Lake Pichola at Gangaur Ghat (Gangori Ghat), Bagore Ki Haveli stands as one of the most expressive symbols of Mewar's aristocratic legacy. With its ornate balconies (jharokhas), sunlit stone courtyards, and 138 intricately restored rooms, this 18th-century mansion offers an unfiltered look into the lives of Rajput nobility.
Beyond functioning as an architectural museum, Bagore Ki Haveli transforms every evening into a pulsating open-air amphitheatre. Its nightly Dharohar Folk Dance Show is widely regarded as Udaipur's finest cultural showcase. Whether you are visiting for its royal artifacts or the spectacle of fire-pot balancing dancers, this comprehensive guide covers everything from history and museum highlights to show timings, ticket counters, and travel logistics.
Quick Facts: Bagore Ki Haveli at a Glance
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Gangori Ghat (Gangaur Ghat) Marg, Lake Pichola, Old City, Udaipur |
| Built Between | 1751 – 1778 AD |
| Built By | Thakur Amar Chand Badwa (Prime Minister of Mewar) |
| Gateway Extension (1878) | Triple-arched gateway commissioned by Maharaj Shakti Singh |
| Architecture | 138 Rooms, central courtyards (Neem Chowk), lakeside terraces |
| Museum Timings | 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Daily) |
| Dharohar Folk Dance Timings | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Entry starts at 6:30 PM) |
| Museum Entry Fee | ₹60 (Indian Adults) | ₹30 (Children) | ₹100 (Foreign Nationals) |
| Dance Show Tickets | ₹90 – ₹125 (Indians) | ₹150 – ₹250 (Foreigners) |
The History of Bagore Ki Haveli: Rise, Decline & Revival
The roots of Bagore Ki Haveli date back to the mid-18th century. It was commissioned by Thakur Amar Chand Badwa, who served as the Prime Minister of Mewar from 1751 to 1778 across the reigns of four consecutive rulers: Maharana Pratap Singh II, Raj Singh II, Ari Singh, and Hamir Singh. Badwa chose a prime waterfront plot on Lake Pichola, building a multi-storied mansion crafted from local stone, mud, wood, and lime mortar.
Royal Succession & Architectural Expansion
Following Amar Chand Badwa's demise, the haveli returned to the Mewar crown. It was subsequently occupied by Nath Singh, a royal relative. In 1878, Maharaj Shakti Singh of Bagore (the biological father of Maharana Sajjan Singh) undertook substantial renovations. He extended the living quarters and erected the iconic triple-arched gateway, which gave the mansion its enduring name: Bagore Ki Haveli.
Four Decades of Neglect (1947–1986)
After India's independence in 1947, ownership transferred to the Government of Rajasthan, which repurposed the estate into residential quarters for government employees. Without dedicated architectural maintenance, the historic structure deteriorated over four decades. Walls suffered decay, delicate plaster peeled off, and courtyards were obscured.
Meticulous Restoration by WZCC
Recognizing its irreplaceable cultural worth, authorities transferred the haveli in 1986 to the West Zone Cultural Centre (WZCC). Rather than altering its historic fabric with modern concrete, conservationists consulted Mewari royal elders and local craftspeople. Using traditional Lakhori bricks, lime mortar, and authentic araish plaster techniques, they painstakingly uncovered historic murals and revived 138 rooms into a world-class living museum.
Exploring the Museum: Royal Rooms & Unique Antiques
Wandering through the corridors of Bagore Ki Haveli provides an intimate perspective on royal domestic life. The residential chambers showcase rare furnishings, Mewari miniature art, and personal effects of the Rajput court:
1. The Queen's Chamber & The Two Glass Peacocks
The Zanana (women's wing) features exquisite frescos rendered in classic Mewari style alongside antique Belgian mirrors. The highlight of this section is a pair of brilliantly crafted peacocks fashioned entirely out of minute colored glass mosaics—a masterclass in traditional Rajasthani glass craftsmanship.
2. The World's Largest Turban (Pagdi)
Among the most celebrated curiosities inside the museum is the World's Largest Turban, custom-tied to preserve the heritage of Mewari headgear. Weighing over 30 kg and stretching across several meters of vibrant cloth, it serves as a favorite photo point for heritage buffs.
3. Royal Relics & Everyday Elegance
Several wings display heirloom household items:
- Shahi Paandaan (ornate betel leaf boxes) and silver Sarota (nutcrackers)
- Gulabpash: traditional rose-water sprinklers used to greet dignitaries
- Antique Hukkas, ivory dice-games (Chaupar), and handcrafted hand fans
- Puppet Gallery: handmade marionettes displayed alongside regional folk musical instruments such as the Ravanhatta and Kamaicha
The Dharohar Folk Dance Show: Evening Magic at Neem Chowk
As daylight fades, the haveli's central courtyard—known as Neem Chowk—converts into an evocative open-air amphitheatre under the night sky. The Dharohar Cultural Dance Show offers an hour of non-stop, high-energy Rajasthani folk performance:
- Chari Dance: Dancers effortlessly balance flaming brass pots (chari) atop their heads while keeping seamless rhythm.
- Terah Taali Dance: Female performers tie thirteen brass cymbals (manjeeras) across their limbs, striking them with handheld discs in complex, seated postures.
- Gorbandh & Ghoomar: Festive group dances celebrating desert ballads, twirling in multicolored embroidered ghagras.
- Rajasthani Puppet Show: A lively interlude of comedic and expressive puppetry that captivates children and adults alike.
- Bhavai Dance (The Climax): The showstopper of the evening. A solo dancer balances up to seven to ten earthen or brass pitchers on her head, stepping gracefully onto the edge of a naked sword or over broken glass shards.
Timings, Tickets & Booking Practicalities
Because the museum and the evening performance operate under separate schedules and admission rules, planning ahead is essential.
1. Daytime Museum
- Hours: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Open every day)
- Tickets: Available directly at the outer entrance counter throughout the day.
- Fees: ₹60 for Indian adults, ₹30 for children, ₹100 for foreign visitors.
2. Evening Dharohar Dance Show
- Show Timings: 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM (A second show from 8:15 PM to 9:15 PM is occasionally added during peak festive seasons like Diwali and Christmas).
- Ticket Counter: Opens around 6:15 PM at the haveli entrance.
- Pricing: ₹90 – ₹125 for Indian citizens; ₹150 – ₹250 for foreign nationals.
- Camera / Mobile Recording Pass: A nominal fee of ₹100 – ₹150 applies if you intend to shoot video or photos during the performance.
Seating Strategy: Seating on the floor cushions and surrounding chairs is strictly First-Come, First-Served. To secure unobstructed front-row view cushions close to the stage, join the queue by 5:45 PM.
Festivals & Lakeside Atmosphere
Visiting Bagore Ki Haveli during traditional festivals elevates the experience. Because the mansion opens directly onto Gangaur Ghat, it acts as the centerpiece for the Mewar Festival and Gangaur celebrations, when colorfully attired women carry deities down to the water for royal boat processions. During Diwali, oil lamps illuminate the haveli's terraces, while Navratri brings lively Garba and Dandiya rhythms to the courtyard.
How to Reach Bagore Ki Haveli
Bagore Ki Haveli is situated inside Udaipur's old city at Gangaur Ghat, roughly 3.5 km from the Udaipur City Railway Station. Because the approach roads—such as Jagdish Chowk and Lal Ghat—are narrow pedestrian-heavy lanes, large tourist buses cannot access the gate directly. Taking an auto-rickshaw, e-rickshaw, or walking from the main road is the most practical method.
For travelers starting from Delhi, Gurgaon, or Noida, Udaipur is a long but scenic highway journey of roughly 650 km through the heart of Rajasthan. Driving gives you the flexibility to break the trip at heritage stops en route, such as Jaipur, Ajmer, Pushkar, or the grand hill fort of Chittorgarh, and to plan side trips around Udaipur to places like Nathdwara, Eklingji, and Kumbhalgarh. To travel comfortably and skip the fatigue of long highway driving, you can reserve a Delhi to Udaipur Car Rental with Driver and explore the lakeside city and its surrounding heritage circuit at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who built Bagore Ki Haveli and in which century?
It was constructed between 1751 and 1778 by Thakur Amar Chand Badwa, Prime Minister of Mewar, and later expanded in 1878 by Maharaj Shakti Singh of Bagore.
Q2. Are the museum ticket and Dharohar dance show ticket the same?
No. The daytime museum (9:30 AM – 5:30 PM) and the evening cultural show (7:00 PM – 8:00 PM) require separate entry tickets.
Q3. Is Bagore Ki Haveli haunted?
No. While centuries-old abandoned corridors often fuel local rumors, Bagore Ki Haveli is a well-lit, fully restored, and bustling cultural heritage landmark visited by thousands daily.
Q4. Can you reserve seats in advance for the dance show?
Advance seat reservations are not available. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving at the ticket counter by 5:45 PM to 6:00 PM is strongly recommended.
Comments
Post a Comment