Nestled amidst the picturesque terrain of Udaipur, the Bahubali Hills are a geological formation which offers breathtaking views of Badi Lake and the Aravali Hills. Situated on the northern tip of the lake, it is approximately 13 km from the city. Here's a look at why the offbeat gem is one of the best places to visit in Udaipur.
Bahubali Hills are part of the Aravalli Range that have a rich history dating back to ancient times. Also known as Badi Hill, it is a beautiful area opposite Badi Lake, which was built in the late 17th century by Maharana Raj Singh I to help with a famine. The lake provides fresh water to the area and is considered to be the cleanest one in Udaipur. The hills are also known as "Kumbhojgiri" and were named after the sage Bahubali, who reportedly meditated there 300 years ago.
Bahubali Hills is also a popular Jain pilgrimage site. It is considered to be an Atishaya Kshetra, which means a place of miracles. The site features a 28-foot-tall idol of Lord Bahubali, located near the foot of the hill and can be seen from kilometres away. To reach the idol, one must climb 50 steps up the hill.
Geographically, Bahubali Hills are characterised by rugged terrain, verdant valleys and rocky outcrops. They are a popular spot for viewing the sunset, with views of the lake and the desert landscape. You can reach the viewpoint by road, motorbike, taxi, or rickshaw driver.
The Bahubali Hills are home to diverse ecosystems, including deciduous forests, scrublands and grasslands. This rich biodiversity is a vital habitat for numerous rare and endangered species of flora and fauna.
The hills are adorned with indigenous plant species such as dhok, khair, tendu, and amla, which provide sustenance to the resident wildlife. Moreover, the hills are a haven for birdwatchers, as they are home to many avian species.
Perched atop the Bansdara Peak of the Aravalli Range, Sajjan Garh, also known as the Monsoon Palace, provides an awe-inspiring view of Udaipur's stunning landscape. The palace was constructed in the late 19th century by Maharana Sajjan Singh of the Mewar dynasty. It was originally intended to be a retreat during the monsoon season, offering relief from the scorching heat of the desert region.
Jag Mandir is a beautiful island palace that Maharana Karan Singh commissioned in the 17th century. It served as a summer retreat for the Mewar royals and a refuge for nobles. The palace's architectural grandeur is exemplified by its ornate domes, intricately carved pillars and marble pavilions adorned with exquisite murals and frescoes. It houses a stunning garden and the iconic Darikhana restaurant, where visitors can savour gourmet delicacies.
The Vintage and Classic Car Museum at the Garden Hotel displays antique automobiles that chronicle the evolution of transportation in India. The museum has a diverse array of vintage cars, including Rolls Royce, Cadillac, and Mercedes-Benz models dating back to the early 20th century. Each restored vehicle offers a glimpse into the past era of automotive innovation.
Badi Lake, also known as Badi Ka Talab, is a serene lake built by Maharana Raj Singh to address the water scarcity in the region. Surrounded by verdant hills and gardens, the lake offers visitors a peaceful sanctuary to indulge in leisurely boat rides, picnics, and nature walks. The cascading waterfalls of the Bahubali Hills add to the lake's ethereal beauty.
Air: Udaipur can be reached by the Dabok Airport, also known as Maharana Pratap Airport, a small airport at a distance of around 22 kilometres from the city. Regular flights from Delhi and Mumbai are available. Flights from Jaipur and Kolkata are also available.
Rail: Udaipur has two railway stations, namely, Udaipur City Railway Station and Rana Pratap Nagar Railway Station. You can find frequent trains from Jaipur, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Surat and other places to reach here.
Road: Udaipur is well connected and is easily reachable from Delhi, Jaipur, Indore, Ahmedabad, Kota by road.